daniel chigunwe
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Hilton Mudariki is yet to come to terms with the reality of the day!
It is that after 34 long years, the Sables will finally make their grand return to the Rugby World Cup.
Part of that reality began to sank in for Mudariki and his troops last night as they received a heroes’ welcome from the Government, friends, family and drum-beating fans on their return from a triumphant Rugby Africa Cup tour of duty in Uganda.
The Sables successfully defended their Rugby Africa Cup title, beating regional neighbours Namibia 30-28 in the final and in the process booked their ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya led the government delegation that was on hand at the airport to welcome the Sables.
“Honestly, I am so proud because of the discipline and the teamwork that was executed by the players.
“I am also proud of the fact that we do have Zimbabweans who are playing sports out of the country and they responded positively to a call of duty.
“For me, that is a show of great patriotism.
“As a government official, our mandate as the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is to create an enabling environment for sport to thrive,’’ Jesaya said.
She said preparations for the World Cup needed to start early and noted the Government’s commitment to uplift sport as shown by the support availed by President Mnangagwa.
“I am sure you saw His Excellency the President, which is the highest office in the country, coming also to support Zimbabwe.
“And it is not only rugby that he has extended his appreciation to and support for athletes; he has also done that with other sport codes as well.
“The fact that he is also coming in to support means that as a government we are also committed to ensuring that we support our teams at any level that they want to achieve.
“As we are looking forward to Australia 2027 World Cup, as a Ministry we are going to sit down with the rugby administrators, see the paths that they want to take in terms of training and areas that they need support and we will see how best we can assist them.
“But as a Government, we are very committed to supporting our sports,’’ Jesaya said.
For Mudariki, their success and the reception they got was overwhelming.
“Honestly, it hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” said Mudariki.
“To say we are going to the World Cup still feels and sounds surreal.
“It’s a dream so many of us have chased for years, and now it’s real.
“The feedback since the game has been overwhelming.
“Messages from back home, from the diaspora, from other players, coaches, and legends of the game have been coming in droves.
“One that stood out was a message from a young player back here, who said we have given him belief that Zimbabwean rugby has a future and that he wants to be part of it.
“That hit deep because that’s what this is really about.
“It’s was humbling,” he said.
His statements were echoed by his coach Piet Benade.
“I’m not sure we have fully grasped the magnitude of what we did over the weekend but, slowly, it is sinking in,” said Benade.
“Just the support online has been insane, seeing the videos and stuff.
“We are now looking forward to go and see what we have done and map the next steps,” he said.
Mudariki, also took time to reflect and open up on where his mind is at after the event of the weekend.
“Finishing the match on the bench was tough emotionally,” he said.
“You want to be out there helping your brothers, especially when the game is that close.
“Those last 10 minutes felt like an hour, honestly.
“I was praying, pacing, just urging the boys on.
“But I had full faith in the team and the work we have put in together,” he said.
“The relief at the final whistle was massive.
“It was a mix of joy, disbelief, and pure gratitude.
“It was emotional, knowing what this means for us, for Zimbabwe, and for everyone who’s supported us through the highs and lows,” he said.
With Zimbabwe’s place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup confirmed, the question is will Mudariki lead the Sables out the tunnel in Australia.
It is a question, the skipper himself does not know the answer to yet.
“As for 2027, God willing, I would love to be there and lead this team in Australia,” he said.
“However, that is a question for another day.
“For now, I’m just staying grounded, focused on recovery and the next steps.
“It’s a journey, and I’m committed to it.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for what we have achieved here.
“We showed real character, unity, and belief — not just in that final game, but throughout the whole tournament.
“Everyone played for each other, and I think that spirit really carried us through the tough moments.
“To the nation and rugby community, I want to say thank you.
“This is your victory too.
“You stood by us through the tough years, and this is proof that Zimbabwean rugby is alive and has a bright future.
“We will keep working, keep building, and we hope to make you even prouder in the years to come,” he said.
Online Reporter