Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HILTON Mudariki has always worn the Zimbabwe jersey with heart, grit, and unflinching loyalty. Now, with the finish line of his career slowly coming into view, the Sables captain knows exactly how he wants to sign off, by leading Zimbabwe back to the Rugby World Cup.
While the 33-year-old hasn’t confirmed when he’ll hang up his boots, this weekend’s Rugby Africa Cup final could be a defining moment.
Zimbabwe face regional nemesis Namibia at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A win seals an automatic ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. A loss sends the runners up to the global Repechage tournament, a last chance route that’s notoriously difficult.
“Qualifying for the Rugby World Cup means everything to us,” said Mudariki.
“For us, as players, it’s been years and years of hard work and sacrifice.
“More than that, it means the world to us to do this for everyone at home, the fans, our friends and family, and the young boys and girls watching.
“We want to be part of something that gives hope to the nation, and that would be an incredibly special moment for us.”
But standing in the way is a familiar, often frustrating foe. Namibia have long tormented Zimbabwe on the rugby field, with the two sides meeting 34 times, and the Welwitschias winning 30 of those.
They’ve also qualified for the last seven World Cups, often at Zimbabwe’s expense.
That dominance was finally broken last year when the Sables beat Namibia 32-10, en route to lifting the Rugby Africa Cup.
It was Zimbabwe’s first win over their southern neighbours since 2012, and a mental shift may have been triggered.
This time, it’s Namibia who may be feeling the heat.
“I think it has given us belief more than anything and acts as a reminder that we can indeed compete at this level,” said Mudariki of last year’s win.
“This is a new game and we’re not reading too much into the past.
“We know we’ll have to earn it all over again and we’re under no illusions about how tough it’s going to be.
“There’s obviously pressure on us to get the job done, but we see it more as an opportunity than anything else.
“It’s a chance to represent Zimbabwe with pride and chase something we’ve all dreamed about. We’re going to try to stay grounded, focus on our roles, and not get caught up in the occasion.”
Zimbabwe head into the final after a nervy 29-23 semi-final win over Kenya, a game that served more as a wake up call than a statement.
It wasn’t the sharpest Sables performance, but the group showed resilience when it mattered most.
“I think it was a tough game and a lot of credit goes to Kenya for the way they played and really pushed us,” said Mudariki.
“I’m really happy with the group and how we stuck together, even when the chips were down at halftime and we were trailing. It wasn’t the most polished performance. There’s a lot we can and will improve over the next few days.
“We weren’t as clinical as we’d like to be, our handling and breakdown decisions weren’t up to scratch, and we need to sharpen up in our execution.
“Those are some of the areas we’ve spoken about and will be focusing on.
“We’re taking it one step at a time and we know we’ll have to be better come Saturday.”
For Mudariki and this tight knit group, Saturday isn’t just about a trophy, it’s about redemption, legacy, and rewriting the narrative. The dream is within touching distance. Now, they just have to finish the job.
derick.khumalo