Sables move into top 30

The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, hailed the Sables and challenged them to qualify for the next World Cup in 2015.
“Congratulations Sables. Well done to Brendan Dawson and his merry men,” said Coltart on Facebook.
“Next stop . . . World Cup.”

Two-time world champions, South Africa, are not considered in the battles for the African crown because of the vast gulf in class between the Springboks and the rest of the continent.
Zimbabwe beat Uganda 22-18 to be crowned African champions in Tunis on Saturday.

The Sables, whose stock continues to rise, were promoted to Africa Group 1A after an impressive unbeaten run last year and they beat the hosts and Uganda for the crown.
Zimbabwe have now won eight consecutive international matches during a purple patch for the Sables who continues to improve under the guidance of coach Dawson.

Their grand mission is to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and, given the way they have been improving, it’s highly likely that they will get there.
The Sables, awarded the ‘Team of the Year’ gong at Zimbabwe’s premier sporting awards ceremony, moved two places up the IRB World Rankings ladder into 29th place following their win in Tunisia.
“Entering the top 30 in the world is a significant achievement for the teams as it is a move closer to reclaiming the position of the second highest ranked team in

Africa after South Africa,” said a statement from the Sables’ media marketing agents, Dominus Sport.
“This result ensured that the Sables remain on course to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015, as well as retaining a place in the Africa Group 1A tournament next year.

“If the Sables can win the tournament in 2013 they will qualify for the biggest event in World Rugby in 2015.
“The team are currently supported by Delta Beverages through their brand Lion Lager, who are principle sponsors of home internationals in 2012.
“The team are currently on a campaign to attract further corporate support in an effort to challenge themselves against both Portugal and Russia in 2012.

“Both Portugal and Russia were Rugby World Cup teams in 2011, fixtures against these teams will provide vital preparations for the Sables in an effort to play in the 2015 World Cup.”

Zimbabwe swimming icon, Kirsty Coventry, watched the Sables in their hour of triumph in Tunisia and then presented the winners’ medals.
“I was so excited to be able to go and support the Zimbabwe Sables Rugby Team,” she said on her Facebook page.
“When we got there, the organisers asked me to present the team with medals at the victory ceremony.
“These guys did well, especially up against a team that looked twice their size – this shows the heart Zimbabweans have.”

Her coach, Kim Bracklin, was also in Tunis for the big match.
“Attended my second rugby game ever – BOTH were Zimbabwe games and BOTH we awesome,” she said on Sunday.
“The first was when I recruited Kirsty and visited her in Harare. The second was yesterday when we watched the Sables beat Uganda for the Africa Cup.
“It was inspiring for Kirsty to watch her fellow Zim sportsmen compete, hanging touch in the last five minutes as Uganda roared back to come within inches of a win,

and raise the flag in victory just weeks before she attempts to do the same.

“It was inspiring for me to see the outpouring of love and respect they have for Kirsty.
“After receiving the Cup and singing a victory song they chanted ‘Kirsty, Kirsty, Kirsty’ asking her to join them in celebration. Later she sat with the team, quickly becoming one of them, donned in a team jersey, for pictures.”
Bracklin said athletes had a huge role to play in their countries.

“Every athlete can be impactful and inspiring to someone, even if just one young up-and-comer, but Kirsty has made such a profound impact to her nation — bringing people together in celebration when many felt like there was not much to cheer,” she said.
“She is committed to shining a positive and bright spotlight on Zimbabwe and only wants others to share in it.

“Her goals are not only for her own individual success but also for the success of future athletes of Zimbabwe. This commitment often comes with immense pressure and lofty expectations; as her coach I continually remind her that she is heading to London for the love she has of racing and the desire to compete amongst the best, making others proud will always happen if she remains focused on the true reasons she is there.