Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Rugby have stepped up their preparations for the Sables build-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia by partnering with CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, a leading automotive distributor, to support the senior team’s campaign Down Under.
CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe yesterday donated vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux, two Suzuki Jimnys, and a team bus for use by the Sables .
The cars were gifted to Sables coach Piet Benade, his assistant Ricky Chirengende and team manager TJ Chifokoyo.
Benade got a Toyota Hilux, while the duo of Chirengende and Chifokoyo received two Suzuki Jimnys with the package set to run until the World Cup.
The company also availed a bus to the team which they will use during their preparations and home games.
As part of the sponsorship, the company will provide transportation assistance for preparations and home games, with potential international support being lined up through CFAO’s global network.
“Sports is a very mobile environment, and we’re proud to support the Sables,” said Carl Varga, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe managing director.
“They are on the move, very proudly so, and they are going places.
“In particular, they are going to the World Cup so I think I join every Zimbabwean in saying how proud we are of this team and what Zimbabwe Rugby is doing.
“They have put us on the spotlight, and we wish them well during their preparations for the World Cup.
“We will be partnering with them right up to and through the World Cup in a variety of ways,” he said.
Varga added that talks were in place for the team to receive transport assistance, not just at home but also while abroad.
“We have an agreement and it’s all around transportation, the use of vehicles, buses and things like that,” said Varga.
“It’s the provision of transport for the team at the local games.
“We are also quite lucky that we are part of an international group, and we have said that, if it’s possible, they will also get assistance where we have representation when abroad.
“We will approach the dealerships or the distributorship there and see if they can assist.
“It’s obviously up to each individual company, but we are part of an international group, so we might be able to assist there,” he said.
The partnership was received with cheer by the ZRU’s interim management committee, who were represented by Chifokoyo.
“We want to just take a moment to thank CFAO, for the initiative to reach out across the aisle and say we’re here and we’re ready to support,” he said.
“I think it’s telling that it is the type of partnership or relationship that we look for.
“After all, this is the journey that we have to go on for the next couple of years, and we really appreciate having and finding partners that are looking to work with us throughout this campaign and beyond.
“Organised chaos is what we are all about, and we intend to show the world what Zimbabwe rugby is all about.
“The Nations Cup provides us a good opportunity, so starting this July, we will be on the international stage, and afterwards it is the World Cup,” said Chifokoyo.
The Sables will participate in the Nations Cup in July, marking their return to international competition
