Online Reporter
Today, President Mnangagwa is hosting the Zimbabwe national men’s rugby team, affectionately known as the Sables, at the State House in Harare.
This gathering comes on the heels of an incredible achievement – the Sables’ qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Their journey to this milestone was nothing short of thrilling, culminating in a nail-biting 30-28 victory over Namibia in the final of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, held at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
This victory not only marks Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 but also ends a remarkable 34-year absence from the sport’s premier event.
As Zimbabwe prepares for its third World Cup appearance, we celebrate this historic achievement and the indomitable spirit of our national team.
Our Reporters Eddie Chikamhi and Don Makanyanga, as well as Photographer Believe Nyakudjara are at State House in Harare.
Stay tuned for live updates from this momentous occasion.
President arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the venue.
He is flanked by the Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Nicholas Moyo and Sables captain Hilton Mudariki.
Perm Sec thanks President for his support
Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo is now on the podium.
He begins by acknowledging the President’s support for the Sables during the qualifiers. He chronicles the Sables’ qualification journey in the Africa Cup.
The Perm Sec calls Minister Sanyatwe to deliver his address.
Minister Sanyatwe hails President Mnangagwa’s support for the Sables
The Minister of Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, has stated that the US$100 000 extended to the national rugby team ahead of this year’s Africa Cup was key to Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby
World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s qualification marks Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991.
Minister Sanyatwe said the President’s support was vital in ensuring Zimbabwe’s quest to secure the Africa Cup for the second consecutive time while securing a spot at the 2027 global showcase.
“Your Excellency, allow me to submit that the team’s qualification was not by chance but a result of your unwavering visionary support to sport in general and rugby in particular.
“This was evidenced by the US$100 000 in direct incentives that you extended to the team as a send-off to the tournament and the additional US$100 000 you availed through my ministry.
“This gesture inspired the Sables, created a culture of belief and commitment, and made success inevitable,” said Minister Sanyatwe.
President lauds Sables for historic return to Rugby World Cup
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup for the first time in 34 years as a sign of the national team’s resilience.
Addressing the Sables during a trophy presentation event at State House this morning, President Mnangagwa said the national team’s qualification is a statement to the world about the strength and resilience of Zimbabwean people.
“I am pleased to host you today at State House as we celebrate the triumphant achievement of the gallant Zimbabwe Rugby national team who secured qualification to the Rugby World Cup.
“On my behalf and indeed on behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I congratulate our players, coaches, technical staff and the entire Zimbabwe Rugby family for this historic feat. You have written a golden chapter in our sporting history.
“This qualification is not merely a sporting victory, it is a statement to the world about the strength, resilience, and talent of the Zimbabwean people,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The historic victory over Namibia that had never fallen in a World Cup Qualifier on African soil sealed our thirteenth consecutive international triumph. This subsequently ensured that the Sables secured our long-awaited return to the global stage,” he said.
Players receive tokens of appreciation from President Mnangagwa
