Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Finals in Australia has sent the nation into a frenzy, with the rugby fraternity heaping praise on the team for its resilience and determination.
Former Sables coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba described the 30–28 victory over Namibia at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday as an early Christmas gift for the nation.
The win sees Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1991.
Nyamutsamba, who starred both as a player and coach particularly with the Sevens side credited the team’s consistency over the past three years for their success.
“Our achievement boils down to consistency. The results have been solid, and we’ve remained at the pinnacle of African rugby with a strong, united team,” he said.
He expressed delight at the outcome, which he believes has made the nation proud.
“I’m thrilled for the boys. They’ve done us and the nation proud. It was a great match, and we’re ecstatic to have come out on top. We’re over the moon. This means everything for Zimbabwe. I’m truly lost for words,” said the Bulawayo-based businessman.
Former Highlanders and national team eighth man, Slater Ndlovu, was equally jubilant with the result, which saw Zimbabwe triumph over their long-time rivals, Namibia.
“It’s been such a long time since we last qualified for the World Cup. As a player, I came up short against Namibia. I can’t fully express how I feel right now, I’m incredibly proud.
“All the legends are overjoyed. I had faith in the team going into the final based on their previous performances. The boys played exceptional rugby throughout the tournament, and it’s a massive relief to see them go all the way.
They’ve done Zimbabwe proud. This will redefine Zimbabwean rugby. History has been made,” said Ndlovu.
Renowned development coach George “Rollo” Mukorera also congratulated the Sables and said this success should mark a turning point for local rugby.
“It’s a great day for Zimbabwean rugby. Credit goes to everyone who has contributed to the team’s journey — from Coach Brendan Dawson to Piet Benade, who has led the team for the past three years. We are all proud and excited, and we believe this should spark a new era in our rugby landscape. Young players now have heroes of their own, going to compete at the world’s biggest rugby tournament,” said Mukorera.
The victory not only secured back-to-back continental titles for Zimbabwe, but, more significantly, earned them automatic qualification for rugby’s global showpiece for the first time since 1991. They will now join reigning world champions South Africa as Africa’s two confirmed representatives.
Captain Hilton Mudariki, who led Zimbabwe through a remarkable 13-match unbeaten run to this defining moment, acknowledged the magnitude of the achievement.
“This is for the over 15 million Zimbabweans at home and around the world. It’s a lot to take in, but I’m incredibly proud of the boys for staying focused and treating every match as if it were our last,” said Mudariki.
“Tonight, we celebrate bringing the trophy home without ever losing sight of our greater purpose.”
Going into the final, Namibia had long dominated African rugby, having qualified for seven consecutive World Cups and never having lost a continental qualifier. But the Sables arrived with a mission — to reclaim their place in history.
The match began as a tense kicking duel between Zimbabwe fly-half Ian Prior and Namibian full-back Cliven Loubser, who each slotted two penalties and a conversion, as both sides also managed one try apiece in a bruising first-half.
Zimbabwe’s try came courtesy of Kudzai Mashawi, capitalising after both teams were reduced to 14 men following yellow cards to Namibia’s Jacques Theron and Zimbabwe’s Jason Fraser.
Namibian captain Prince Gaoseb replied with a try of his own, levelling the scores at 16–16 by half-time.
Whatever Coach Benade said during the break clearly had an impact.
Zimbabwe came out with renewed intensity, with tries from Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi swinging momentum in their favour. Prior converted both to extend the lead.
Namibia, however, fought back bravely. Quickfire tries from Jay-Cee Nel and replacement Tiaan Swanepoel brought them within two points, setting up a nail-biting finish.
But the Sables held firm.
With their backs against the wall, Zimbabwe dug deep, showing grit, discipline, and hunger to keep Namibia at bay and seal their return to rugby’s grandest stage.
While the Sables celebrated, Namibia’s World Cup hopes are still alive. As Africa Cup runners-up, they will face the second-best team from Asia in a play-off.
The winner will proceed to the final repêchage tournament in the UAE this November.
Bongani Ndlovu