Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Sables are on fire. After a thrilling 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final on Saturday, the Sables have soared to position 24 in the latest World Rugby rankings.
Now second only to South Africa on the continent, Zimbabwe’s rise has been nothing short of heroic. With a rating of 58.80 points, the team leapfrogged both Namibia and Canada, who dropped to positions 27 and 25 respectively.
The victory was a statement. The Sables are unbeaten in 13 straight matches, with their last loss coming way back in 2022. Since then, they’ve steamrolled their way through every opponent, clinching back-to-back Africa Cup titles and defeating old rivals Namibia twice in a row for the first time in history.
Led by head coach Pieter Benade, Zimbabwe’s rugby renaissance has also seen them qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. That will be their first appearance on the global stage since 1991.
Saturday’s nail-biting final proved their grit and growing class, as they held off a late charge from the Namibians to seal a 30-28 win. With momentum, belief and form on their side, the Sables are no longer underdogs — they are a team reborn.
And now the world is taking notice.
