Zimbabwe Sables Receive US$6,500 Each for Rugby Africa Cup Triumph
The Zimbabwe senior rugby team, the Sables, received US$6,500 each from President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a gesture of appreciation for their remarkable achievement in winning the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup. The award ceremony took place on Wednesday at State House in Harare, where the team proudly presented the trophy to the President.
Historic Victory in Uganda
The Sables ended a 12-year trophy drought by securing a dominant 29-3 victory over Algeria in the Rugby Africa Cup final held in July in Uganda. This resounding win not only crowned them champions but also earned Zimbabwe an automatic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the team, which last claimed the prestigious title in 2012.
Recognition from the President
Addressing the team during the event, President Mnangagwa applauded their performance and emphasized the broader significance of their victory.
“The triumph of our National Rugby team is timely, as it reaffirms Zimbabwe’s place among leading sporting nations on the international stage. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our athletes,” Mnangagwa said.
The President also called on the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, alongside industry stakeholders, to intensify their support for sports development. He highlighted the importance of building quality infrastructure and creating pathways for athletes to pursue sports as a viable career.
Parallels with National Football
This gesture follows a similar recognition by the government last week when the senior national football team also received US$6,500 each for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to acknowledging and supporting sporting excellence in the country.
The Rugby Africa Cup win has reinvigorated national pride in rugby and highlighted the potential for the sport’s growth in Zimbabwe. As the Sables prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, their victory serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
