Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORGET the past, this is Zimbabwe’s moment.
The Sables are one win away from a Rugby World Cup return after more than three decades in the wilderness. It’s no longer a dream. It’s within reach. And on Saturday, they face Namibia in a clash that could redefine the nation’s rugby legacy.
Back in 1987, Zimbabwe became the first African nation to play at the Rugby World Cup. They did it again in 1991, but haven’t been back since. Thirty four years of waiting, rebuilding, and heartbreak now come down to 80 minutes.
The class of 2025 has taken that long road and brought the dream alive again. After two gritty wins, the Sables are through to the final of the Rugby Africa Cup, the tournament that doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
On Sunday in Kampala, Zimbabwe staged a spirited second half comeback to edge Kenya 29-23 in the semi-finals. It was tough, physical, and dramatic, but the Sables held their nerve.
“It’s always a tough game against Kenya,” said captain Hilton Mudariki after the match. “Credit to the way the guys fought and I am so happy with the result. Going into half time trailing, there was a sense of calmness in the changing room, no one was panicking so credit to the guys for the way they fought.”
That fightback set up a showdown with familiar foes, Namibia, who beat Algeria 21-7 in the other semi-final. The final won’t just decide a champion, it will punch a direct ticket to France 2027.
The Sables know what’s coming. Namibia is no pushover. But history is on Zimbabwe’s side too. Just last year, they broke a 23 year drought with a 32-10 thumping of the Namibians in the semi-finals.
Coach Pieter Benade’s side has shown resilience, belief, and a hunger to make history. They know what Namibia brings, but they’ve beaten them before, and they believe they can do it again.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner books their place at the World Cup. The loser still has a lifeline via the global repechage, but the Sables don’t want second chances. They want the main stage, and they want it now.
