Zimbabwe gears up for sevens rugby qualifiers’ hosting

THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) says preparations to host the African Men’s Sevens Rugby Olympics 2024 Qualifying Championships scheduled for Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe, from September 16 to 17 are now at an advanced stage.

ZRU vice-president Martin Shone said the union was gearing to host the prestigious event.
“I can safely say preparations are now at an advanced stage.

“We are confident of hosting a successful meet from the administration side of things. As for our team, the squad should be announced this week.
“We are hopeful the coaches will assemble a strong team that will be able to compete with the best in the continent.

“We will be playing at home, hopefully that spurs the team to excel and make their seven’s debut at the Olympics,” said Shone.

Last time out, the Cheetahs finished third in the Olympic qualifiers and had another opportunity in the Repechage event but they finished fifth.
Zimbabwe was drawn in Pool C of the event along with Uganda, Burkina Faso and Algeria.

Pool A comprises South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia and Ivory Coast while Kenya, Zambia, Namibia and Nigeria occupy Pool B.
Only the champions will gain automatic qualification to the Olympics while the second and third- placed teams will have another chance to qualify through the Olympics Repechage tournament.

Rugby Sevens made its debut at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016. Fiji (men) and Australia (women) became the first Olympic Sevens champions.

Great Britain and South Africa won silver and bronze medals in the men’s competition, New Zealand and Canada won silver and bronze medals in the women’s division.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from 26 July to August 11, 2024. This will be the biggest ever event to be hosted by France. — @innocentskizoe.