Sables Qualify For Rugby Africa Cup Final

Sports Reporter

Zimbabwe’s Sables rugby team etched their name in the history books yesterday by clinching the coveted Rugby Men’s Africa Cup title in Kampala, Uganda. The Sables’ resounding 29-3 victory over Algeria in the final marked their second continental triumph, following their inaugural win in 2012 when they edged out Uganda 22-18 in Tunisia.

The Sables’ journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. They kicked off their campaign with a nail-biting 22-20 win over hosts Uganda in the quarterfinals, setting the tone for their dominant run. Next, they dismantled six-time defending champions Namibia 32-10 in the semifinals, a testament to their skill and determination.

In the final, the Sables faced off against Algeria, seeking redemption for their previous loss in the third-place playoff. Trevor Gurwe stole the show with two tries in the first half, showcasing his lightning-fast speed and agility. His first try came courtesy of a clever chicken-wing offload from Takudzwa Musingwini, while his second was set up by a pinpoint pass from captain Hilton Mudariki on the blind side.

Algeria’s Serge Caminati managed to slot a penalty, reducing the deficit to 12-3, but the Sables were unstoppable. In the second half, they adopted a more measured approach, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And strike they did, with a penalty and two converted tries that sealed the win and left Algeria reeling.

The Sables’ victory is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Captain Hilton Mudariki emphasized the need for continued effort, saying, “We won’t rest on our laurels; we have more tournaments ahead and must keep pushing ourselves to achieve our goals.” The team’s sponsors also praised their achievement, highlighting the importance of support in promoting the development of the team.

The Sables’ triumph has secured Zimbabwe a top seed for next year’s competition, which will serve as the main qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. As the team basks in the glory of their continental title, they know that their journey is far from over.