His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa hosted a congratulatory ceremony for the Zimbabwe National Rugby Team ” The Zimbabwe Sables” at the State house. The Sables lifted the Africa Cup in Uganda this year after winning 29-3 against Algeria.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Mnangagwa said, “The victory of our National Rugby team is timely, occurring when our nation is re-asserting its place among sporting countries within the International arena. This milestone is therefore another testimony that Zimbabwe is ready to compete and excel at the highest level of the continental and global sport.”
He also added that the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, industry and business stakeholders are called upon to scale up support for the sport subsector towards both quality infrastructure and ensuring that athletes can undertake sport as a viable career.
The sables also presented the Africa trophy they won and a framed Sables Jersey signed by the entire team as a gift to President Mnangagwa. 600 pairs of stockings branded Vana Vevhu were also presented to His Excellency. President will present these stockings to any sports academy of his choice.
In recognition of the team’s achievements, President Mnangagwa gifted the technical team with cash awards of $6500 to the players.
The Rugby Africa Cup is the major and only ranking tournament for all African countries vying for a spot for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.The Sables last won the Cup in 2012 after defeating Uganda in the finals and thereafter the top spot has mostly been dominated by Namibia.
