adminThey were the only side who came out tops in the various international tournaments they took part in, the biggest being their pre-qualifier tournament win in the Hong Kong leg of the World Series on Sunday.
The Warriors travelled to Egypt where they took on the Pharaohs under the guidance of new coach Klaus-Dieter Pagels and lost 1-2.
The Zimbabwe cricket side travelled to West Indies where they suffered a series whitewash.
However, it was the Cheetahs who came back home with good results after winning the second tier competition in Hong Kong that effectively saw them qualifying for the final round of core-membership qualifiers set for May in England.
The Cheetahs went into the tournament ranked fourth behind Georgia, Russia, Japan and Tonga, whom they beat 21-19 in the final, while they also beat Russia 19-5 in the semi-final to make it their best outing in four years.
The last time the Cheetahs put up such a good performance was at the 2009 World Cup in Dubai where they came out Bowl winners.
Coach Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamutsamba has made several changes to the side since taking over from England-based Liam Middleton.
The player pool has grown, the selection process is much clearer and it seems the results are beginning to come the Cheetahs way.
Just two weeks before playing in the Hong Kong tournament, the Cheetahs came third in their own Spar Zimbabwe International Sevens tournament at Harare Sports Club after losing to eventual winners South Africa elite developmental side in the semi-final.
After missing on the Cup, they went on to win the Plate and two changes were made to the side that travelled to Hong Kong with the duo of Wes Mbanje and France-based Garth Ziegler coming in for inexperienced Stephan Hunduza and Japhet Ndebele.
With their football and cricket counterparts falling by the wayside, the Cheetahs have every reason to walk with their heads held high.
This because of their magnificent performance in Hong Kong.
No wonder why they can rub shoulders with the best at World Cups.
Online Reporter