THE Zimbabwe Sables are on the cusp of making history as they prepare to defend their title at the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup 2025 in Uganda.
With the sole automatic qualification ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the line, the Sables are determined to end their 34-year World Cup drought, having last appeared in the global showpiece in 1993.
The eight-nation tournament, organised by Rugby Africa in partnership with the Uganda Rugby Union, will be held at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala from July 8 to July 19.
As defending champions, Zimbabwe enter the competition as one of the favourites, having lifted the trophy at the same venue last year.
Sables coach Piet Benade announced the formidable squad on Tuesday, retaining the core of the 2024 championship-winning team, while welcoming back influential players like speedster Matthew McNab, gritty Jason Fraser and kicking stalwart Lenience Tambwera.
The team, sponsored by Nedbank Zimbabwe and Alliance Health Zimbabwe, is set to depart Harare tomorrow morning for Kampala.
Australia-based halfback Ian Prior, one of the key figures in the squad, expressed his excitement and the team’s dedication.
“I am excited, the boys have been putting work, they have been working really hard and there is a good vibe around here,” Prior said.
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“The first game is always full of excitement so I am looking forward to a good week of preparation before heading to face Morocco in Game 1 of the tournament.”
Prior emphasised the importance of a game-by-game approach.
“You know you have to take it game by game. If you look too far ahead you lose focus on the moment,” he said.
“We can always take confidence in the work that we did last year and in the tour of UAE [United Arab Emirates] and South Korea as well.
“We just need to keep performing game on game, that’s the big goal.”
The Sables’ preparation has been meticulous, starting immediately after their 2024 triumph in Kampala.
They closed out last year with an impressive tour of the Middle East and Asia, securing wins over the UAE and South Korea, which further bolstered their confidence and cohesion.
Captain Hilton Mudariki echoed Prior’s sentiments, highlighting the magnitude of the opportunity while emphasising the need for focus.
“This is a golden ticket opportunity for Zimbabwean rugby, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. Due to the nature of the Africa Cup, every game is a final,” Mudariki said.
“The only way to reach the top is by staying grounded, sticking to our systems, and respecting every opponent.”
Zimbabwe will kick off their campaign with a quarterfinal clash against Morocco on July 8.
Should they progress, they will face the winner of the match between hosts Uganda and Kenya in the semifinals on July 13.
Other participating nations in this high-stakes tournament include Algeria, Namibia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The ultimate prize for the champions of this tournament is direct qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, which will be held from October 1 to November 13.
The runner-up will still have a lifeline, entering a global repechage tournament against other nations for a final qualification spot.
However, Benade and his men have their sights set firmly on that coveted automatic qualification ticket.
Zimbabwe Sables squad for Rugby Africa Cup 2025
Forwards: Aiden Burnett, Bryan Chiang, Brian Makamure, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Victor Mupunga, Tyran Fagan, Jason Fraser, Bornwell Gwinji, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Cleopas Kundiona, Liam Larkan, Simba Mandioma, Tino Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simbarashe Siraha, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude
Backs: Hilton Mudariki (captain), Trevor Gurwe, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Tapiwa Mafura, Matt McNab, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Taku Musingwini, Ed Sigauke, Ian Prior, Lenience Tambwera, Tyrone Gombe
