Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN sport currently presents a tale of two extremes. On one hand, the Sables, the national rugby team, are soaring, bringing immense pride to the nation. On the other hand, the Chevrons, the national cricket side, are in a worrying freefall, steadily eroding what was once a proud cricketing legacy and becoming a source of national ridicule.
The Sables: a masterclass in merit and resilience
Zimbabwe rugby’s remarkable resurgence is the result of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) putting its house in order with professionalism and transparency. Their diligent efforts, backed by various stakeholders, have yielded astonishing results. The Sables have secured back-to-back Africa Cups, defeated Namibia twice, and now stand second on the continent behind the Springboks. Crucially, they’ve qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991.
This success is no fluke. Since their last loss in 2022, the Sables have maintained a perfect record, winning all seven Tests in 2024 and continuing their flawless run in 2025. Their 2024 campaign included wins over Zambia (twice), Uganda, Namibia (their first win over the Welwitschias in 23 years), Algeria, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. This year, they demolished Botswana 80-12, secured two more wins against Zambia, and clinched World Cup qualification with an epic 30-28 final victory over Namibia in the Africa Cup.
This formidable trajectory is a result of strategic planning, ZRU’s clear vision, and a merit-based selection policy. They’ve successfully integrated Zimbabwean diaspora talent, bringing in players like Ian Prior, former Australia U20, who was named MVP at the Africa Cup, proving their worth with honour and pride. Despite limited financial resources, the Sables play with unwavering passion and national pride, a true embodiment of unity and purpose.
The Chevrons: A descent into disgrace
Conversely, Zimbabwe cricket is in freefall. The Chevrons have become a national embarrassment, a side routinely beaten rather than competitive. While the Sables surge forward with clear selection based on merit, the Chevrons appear to be in reverse, plagued by questionable selection policies often sidelining players on regional or racial grounds.
Their results speak volumes about deep-rooted issues. Since the start of the year, the Chevrons have managed only four wins from 17 matches across all formats: two ODIs and one T20I against Ireland in February, and a solitary Test against Bangladesh in April. Most recently, they suffered a humiliating four-match T20I whitewash in the Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) stands accused of a narrow focus in talent identification, in stark contrast to ZRU’s global net. The persistent sidelining of high-performing players, both domestically and abroad, is baffling. Why are talents like Ryan Higgins, Eddie Byrom, Jayden Goodwin (son of Murray Goodwin), and Stephen Eskinazi, all excelling in top cricketing nations, continuously overlooked? Why are promising Bulawayo-based players such as Ainsley Ndlovu, Brian Chari (the 2023/24 Logan Cup’s leading run-scorer), and consistent seamer Ernest Masuku ignored? What about Bradley Evans and the one-Test wonder Jonathan Campbell?
Despite an undeniable abundance of cricketing talent, selection often appears to be based on loyalty over performance. While ZRU operates with unity and purpose, ZC appears disjointed, with blame-shifting seemingly prioritised over problem-solving.
The Sables have unequivocally proven that with the right systems, success is not just possible, but inevitable. ZC would do well to take a leaf out of rugby’s book: let merit and integrity guide decisions, and results, along with national pride, will surely follow. For now, the Sables are winning hearts, while the Chevrons, sadly, are bringing only shame.
