Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
THE Zimbabwe Cheetahs remain hopeful of securing the services of England-based winger Edward Sigauke and South Africa-based Tapiwa Mafura as preparations for this month’s Africa Cup Sevens tournament in Kampala, Uganda, gather pace.
Sigauke recently signed for English Premiership side Harlequins and is keen to represent Zimbabwe at the continental tournament, subject to his club granting him permission to travel.
The same applies to Mafura, with the Cheetahs awaiting feedback from his club regarding his availability.
“Of course, given the choice, we would love to have both Tapiwa Mafura and Eddy (Sigauke) with us in Uganda. Edward has already expressed his willingness to come through and play, but he has just signed a new contract and we are waiting to hear from his club on his availability.
“Besides being hugely talented individuals, the two bring a lot of experience, and having them with us would be a huge boost. However, should they fail to get clearance from their clubs, I am confident we have enough in our arsenal to go to Uganda and get the win,” said Cheetahs head coach Fortunate Chipendu.
Rugby Africa has announced a revised format for the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series following the postponement of the continental event that was originally scheduled for Mauritius in June.
Approved by the Rugby Africa Executive Committee, the restructured competition will comprise two complementary events, the SVNS 3 2026/2027 Africa Qualifiers in Uganda and the Mauritius Sevens Tournament 2026 in Mauritius.
The new format is designed to enhance the competitiveness of men’s sevens rugby on the continent, provide more opportunities for national teams to compete at a high level and strengthen the pathway to the international sevens circuit.
The SVNS 3 2026/2027 Africa Qualifiers will begin with the Africa Cup, set for September 26 and 27 in Kampala.
Eight nations will battle for a place in next year’s World Rugby SVNS 3 competition. They are Zimbabwe, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal and hosts Uganda.
The teams have been drawn into two pools. Pool A features Zimbabwe, Morocco, Ghana and Nigeria, while Pool B comprises Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal.
Rugby Africa has also released the tournament fixtures, with Zimbabwe set to open its campaign against Morocco before facing Ghana and Nigeria later on the first day.
The knockout stages will be played on day two.
The Cheetahs are entering the final phase of their preparations, with Chipendu expressing satisfaction with the team’s progress.
“We have been in camp for a little over two months now, training twice a week at Old Georgians Sports Club. We have a good squad of about 27 players and the boys have been putting in the work.
Preparations have been good and we have already started high-intensity training, which is good.
“For now, the training squad is mostly made up of Harare-based players, but we expect more to come in, especially when we assemble for a two-week camp just before departure. The guys from South Africa, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Gweru should have joined us by then,” he said.
Pressure is expected to be high, with Zimbabwe and hosts Uganda heading into the tournament as the highest-ranked teams in the field.
However, Chipendu has downplayed the significance of rankings, insisting that thorough preparation remains his side’s primary focus.
“I have been involved in sevens rugby for over 15 years, playing at the highest level, and it is never wise to underestimate any team or nation. Any team can beat any team, so it is always best to prepare to the best of your abilities and never underestimate your opponent.
“In terms of pressure, that comes with the territory. Each time you put on national colours to represent your country, there is always pressure to perform. So, going into this tournament, we will concentrate on what we can control and prepare to the best of our abilities,” said the Cheetahs gaffer.
