THE DREAM IS ALIVE
.....Super Sables set for final showdown against Namibia
The dream lives on.
Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, have stormed into the Rugby Africa Cup final, now just 80 minutes away from ending a 34-year absence from the Rugby World Cup stage.
A disciplined and determined 29-23 victory over long-time rivals Kenya in Kampala on Sunday has set up a mouth-watering, winner-takes-all clash against African giants Namibia this Saturday. At stake? A coveted ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“This is it,” declared Sables captain Hilton Mudariki. “This is the moment we’ve worked for, sacrificed for. It’s our time.”
Namibia, who cruised past Algeria in their semi-final, have been Africa’s dominant force outside South Africa, qualifying for every Rugby World Cup since 1999. But the Sables believe that era of Namibian supremacy is nearing its end.
Head coach Piet Benade , who lauded his squad’s discipline and composure against Kenya — has already turned his attention to the final.
“We were focused and clinical,” Benade said. “But now comes the biggest challenge. Namibia are a quality side — no question — but we believe. We believe it’s our time.”
Zimbabwe’s forward pack was immense, dominating set-pieces and laying a powerful platform that allowed their backline to strike with precision. The cohesion and aggression in the second half were decisive — a clear statement of intent.
Namibia, while favourites, looked vulnerable at times against Algeria, and the Sables will be keen to exploit those cracks. With a World Cup berth on the line, the final is expected to be a high-octane contest, drenched in history and bursting with emotion.
Saturday’s showdown rekindles one of African rugby’s fiercest rivalries — one marked by blood, sweat, heartbreak and hope.
Rugby Africa has confirmed the match will be broadcast live, bringing the battle to fans across the continent and the global rugby community.
“The message to the boys is simple,” Mudariki said. “Leave it all out there. Play for the jersey. Play for your brothers. Play for Zimbabwe.”
Victory on Saturday would not only punch Zimbabwe’s ticket to Australia 2027 but would mark a defining turning point , a return to the global stage for a proud rugby nation, and a new chapter for a team that has refused to give up.
With support swelling at home and abroad, the Sables are not just playing for qualification, they’re playing to make history.
