Sables shock Namibia to end 33-Year wait for World Cup glory!

Action from the match between the Sables and Kenya in the semifinals of the Rugby Africa Cup

Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE’S Sables have powered their way back onto the world stage — clinching a dramatic 30–28 win over Namibia to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991!

Two second-half tries from Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi lit up the Pearl of Africa as the Sables turned the heat on their southern rivals in a nail-biting Africa Cup final.

Muzanargwo, stepping in for the injured Kudakwashe “Goofy” Nyakufaringwa, bulldozed over the line in the 45th minute.

Ian Prior added the extras, giving the Sables a 23–16 lead after a fiercely contested 16-all first half.

Brandon Mudzekenyedzi added the killer blow in the 58th minute, but the Sables had to dig deep as Namibia launched a late surge — scoring a converted try and nearly snatching it with a long-range penalty that fell short.

But Pieter Benade’s charges stood tall, defended like warriors, and rewrote the script — downing Namibia for only the second time in history and punching their ticket to Australia in 2027.

It’s official: THE SABLES ARE BACK ON THE WORLD MAP!