Online Reporter
Petros Kausiyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR more than two decades, Zimbabweans have watched their Rugby World Cup dreams crumble, most often at the hands of familiar foes, Namibia. Since 1999, the Welwitschias have booked seven World Cup tickets, often by edging out the Sables.
But last year, something shifted. Skipper Hilton Mudariki and his men silenced their rivals with a stunning 32–10 semi-final win on the way to claiming the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup title in Uganda.
It was Zimbabwe’s first continental crown in 12 years, and a clear signal that the Welwitschias are no longer untouchable.
Now, the Sables stand one game away from breaking a 34-year World Cup drought. And ahead of their crunch tie tomorrow in Kampala, a chorus of rugby legends has thrown its weight behind Piet Benade’s side, urging them to finish what they started.
Legends Believe:
Former Old Miltonians flyer Karl Mudzamba, now based in the United States, says this is the best chance Zimbabwe’s had in a generation.
“Here we go again against the old enemy. We’ll need to do something we’ve never done before, beat Namibia in back to back Tests,” said Mudzamba.
“Namibia have history on their side, and their long stretch of wins has only been interrupted by the odd Sables victory, too few for comfort. But nothing good comes easy. We’ll need to take it from them if we want to reach our goal.
“We’ve got an excellent general in Ian Prior to give us field position, and players like Hilton Mudariki, Tapiwa Mafura, Tinotenda Mavesere, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi and Cleopas Kundiona bring valuable experience. Hopefully, the pain of falling short last time can inspire them to get it done.”
Mudzamba knows the pain of falling to Namibia all too well.
“I faced them twice, first in 1998, and again in 2002. The first time, we were second-best by a mile. But 2002 still haunts me because it was a coin toss. We didn’t make the right calls in the key moments, and we paid the price. That’s what this game will come down to, critical moments.”
‘It’s Our Time’
Brighton Chivandire, a former Sables lock who captained and coached the national side, echoed the same sentiment, and with conviction.
“We’ve been the nearly men for too long. I still hurt when I think of how close we came in 2002,” said Chivandire. “We last played at the World Cup in ’91. That’s far too long for a country with this much rugby talent. It’s time.
“I trust Piet’s leadership. He’s got some of the best rugby minds around him. There are 16 million Zimbos around the world backing this team. Carry the Bird with pride.
“We have the talent. We’ve prepared well. The depth in this group is unmatched. Three words for the team, clinical, ruthless, control. Go Sables! I’ve never been this confident before.”
He credited Benade for the transformation.
“Piet and his staff have taken a different approach. The boys have been well prepared, and I hope they continue on this path. I wish them all the best for their date with destiny.”
‘Let’s Get the Monkey Off Our Back’
Former Old Georgians and Sables forward Dave Kirkman believes this match could change Zimbabwe’s rugby story forever.
“Back in our day, Namibia were always the stumbling block, except in ’95 when Côte d’Ivoire qualified,” said Kirkman.
“After that, we started believing. We beat them in Namibia in the Bankfin night series, and the games got tighter from there.
“For this Zim team, the key is to treat the game like any other, don’t get caught up in the hype. Yes, Namibia are tough, but this time it’s Zimbabwe in the driving seat.
“We haven’t had a chance like this since South Africa and Namibia were allowed into World Cup qualifiers. This team has a genuine shot to rewrite history. Let them be the ones to finally get the monkey off our back.”
‘Believe and Focus’
Jeff Tigere, the former Old Miltonians and Sables flanker now based in Germany, had a simple message for the boys.
“They’ve improved game by game, and if they give it their all, cut out the mistakes from the Kenya match, they’ll be just fine. They need to believe and stay focused. We’re all behind them.”
‘Let This Be the Turning Point’
Ellimon “Bedford” Chimbima, once a gifted fullback for Old Hararians and the Sables, also knows the pain of Namibia all too well.
“I’m happy we’re back in the Africa Cup final, with a shot at World Cup qualification. That takes me back to 1990, when we beat Tunisia in Harare to reach the ’91 World Cup.
“Since then, Namibia’s been our main stumbling block. But watching the progress under Piet Benade over the past few years, I believe we’re finally better prepared.
“If we get past Namibia again, it’ll mark a new chapter. And credit must also go to everyone behind the scenes in the union, those who kept believing in this group.”
All Eyes on Kampala
The battle will unfold at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. But if the energy and belief within the Zimbabwe rugby fraternity are anything to go by, this really could be the moment the Sables step out of Namibia’s shadow, and into rugby history.
