Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THEY may have already booked their place at the Rugby World Cup, but the Zimbabwe Sables aren’t done celebrating, or giving thanks.
Fresh from clinching back-to-back Africa Cup titles and qualifying for the global stage for the first time in over 30 years, the Sables made two symbolic stops this past weekend. First, at Old Georgians for Match-day 12 of the Paramount Rugby League. Then at Prince Edward School for the CBZ Schools Rugby League derby against old rivals Churchill High.
It was more than a lap of honour. It was a show of gratitude to the institutions and leagues that shaped them.
Many of the current squad cut their teeth in the Paramount League and are alumni of either Churchill or Prince Edward, two of Zimbabwe’s most storied rugby nurseries.
The Sables took the moment to connect with young players, acknowledge their roots, and back those still rising through the ranks.
At Old Georgians, their presence was warmly welcomed by Paramount Garments director Jeremy Youmas, whose company sponsors the league.
“Oh, it is fantastic,” said Youmas, reacting to the Sables’ qualification.
“When we first started with the sponsorship to set up leagues around the country, the aim was to create a structure that allows talent to rise and shine. Since then, the Zimbabwe Under-20s have become African champions, and now the senior team is headed to the World Cup for the first time in over 30 years.
“We are back-to-back Africa Cup champions, and now we’ve even exceeded our dreams.”
Youmas also revealed that Paramount Garments are already exploring ways to grow their investment in the game.
“When you build a house, you start with the foundation,” he said. “The stronger that foundation, the stronger the final product.
“We’re happy with what we’ve achieved, but we’ve still got targets to hit. We want to keep supporting the league. We’re in talks with the regions on what’s needed to get to the next level.
“It’s an ongoing process, but we want to be part of it. There’s even a chance to qualify for the Women’s World Cup as well.”
From OGs, the Sables moved on to Prince Edward for a high profile schools showdown, where Churchill beat their hosts 29-8 in a match that reignited old school loyalties within the national squad.
There were other tightly contested clashes around the country. St John’s edged St George’s 29-27, Kutama beat Wise Owl 50-37, Eaglesvale thumped Hillcrest 39-5, and Falcon held off Peterhouse Boys 29-20.
But it was the Churchill / Prince Edward derby that stole the spotlight, and the Sables were right in the thick of it.
“If we can take time out of our schedules to go support schoolboy rugby and inspire them to want to become Sables, then that’s a good thing for us,” said captain Hilton Mudariki.
“I grew up watching Churchill and PE play whenever I came home from South Africa. It’s still one of the biggest school fixtures in Zimbabwe, and we enjoyed ourselves. Being there today meant a lot.”
Former Prince Edward duo Takudzwa Musingwini and Dion Khumalo were especially sentimental.
“From Form 1 to A Level, it’s always been a big game,” said Khumalo. “When I first got to PE, we were told Churchill was the biggest rivalry, and we looked forward to it every year. It was electric.”
Musingwini smiled as he recalled the banter with his Churchill teammates, even during national duty.
“I remember in Uganda we were always debating with the Churchill guys like Mashawi (Kudzi),” he said.
“We could never agree on who had the better school or team, but it’s always been fun. That rivalry never dies.”
