Triumph and turmoil: Zimbabwe’s year of sporting drama

PHILLIMON MHLANGA

The whistle blows. The crowd erupts.

The year 2024 will be remembered as a season of triumphs and heartbreak for Zimbabwean sports.

Champions rose, battles were fought, and history was made, etching unforgettable moments in the nation’s sporting legacy.

Warriors’ redemption: AFCON beckons

Zimbabwe’s Warriors secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kenya at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Rising star Tawanda Maswanhise, handed his first start, found the net for the Warriors.

Though the team later fell 1-2 to Cameroon in an academic final qualifier, both teams had already sealed their spots in next year’s tournament in Morocco.

This success came after FIFA lifted Zimbabwe’s suspension, imposed in February 2022, and established a Normalisation Committee led by former Dynamos player and chairman, Lincoln Mutasa. The Warriors’ qualification for AFCON symbolized their resurgence and growth under pressure, marking a fresh chapter for Zimbabwean football.

Sables reclaim rugby glory

On the rugby field, the Sables roared back to prominence, clinching the Africa Cup with a commanding 29-3 victory over Algeria in Kampala, Uganda. This triumph, their first since 2012, propelled them to their highest World Rugby Men’s ranking in nine years.

Led by captain Hilton Mudariki, the Sables delivered an inspiring campaign.

“This victory belongs to every Zimbabwean,” said an emotional Mudariki after the final.

“We’ve shown the world what we’re capable of. This is just the beginning.”

Their success signals a resurgence in Zimbabwean rugby, cementing their position among Africa’s elite and setting ambitious goals for the future.

Olympic Dreams: Zimbabwe’s Track Stars Shine

At the Paris Olympics, sprinters Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu electrified audiences in the men’s 200m at the Stade de France.

Both advanced to the finals, placing sixth and eighth, respectively, after strong showings in their heats and semi-finals.

Their performances captured the hearts of many and showcased Zimbabwe’s growing potential in athletics.

“I ran for my people, for my flag,” Charamba declared.

“This is just the beginning. Zimbabwe is coming.”

A cinderella story: Simba Bhora’s PSL triumph

Back home, Simba Bhora wrote their fairy tale by clinching the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.

The Shamva-based club outpaced traditional heavyweights like FC Platinum, Highlanders, Manica Diamonds, and Dynamos to claim their maiden championship.

Captain Walter Musona, a driving force behind the team’s success, was named the 2024 Soccer Star of the Year, joining the late Stanley “Sinyo” Ndunduma in an exclusive group of players to win the award with two different teams.

Simba Bhora’s coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, was named Coach of the Year, cementing the club’s extraordinary season.

However, the campaign also brought heartbreak. Hwange, Chegutu Pirates, Bulawayo Chiefs, and Arenel were relegated, highlighting persistent issues in Zimbabwean football, including financial instability and inadequate infrastructure.

Cricket: Progress amid challenges

Zimbabwean cricket saw a mix of highs and lows.

The Chevrons thrilled fans with a historic ODI victory over Pakistan at Queens Sports Club, their first since 2015. Sikandar Raza once again led by example.

However, heartbreak followed as Zimbabwe narrowly missed out on ICC T20 World Cup qualification.

On the domestic scene, the Logan Cup and Pro50 Championship showcased emerging talent and competitive matches.

Yet, Chevrons’ inability to close out crucial international games remains a concern.

For many fans, the Chevrons’ journey in 2024 was bittersweet—progress was evident, but ultimate success remained just out of reach.

The bigger picture

From the rugby field to the football pitch and the Olympic track, 2024 highlighted Zimbabwe’s immense sporting talent and unyielding spirit.

The Warriors’ AFCON qualification, the Sables’ Africa Cup triumph, and the Olympic heroics of Charamba and Makarawu point to a promising future for Zimbabwean sports.

Yet, significant challenges persist. Financial instability, inconsistent performances, and infrastructural deficits continue to hamper progress.

As Sables captain Hilton Mudariki aptly said: “We play for our country, for our people. As long as we fight, we win.”

Here’s to another year of triumphs, trials, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

The game is far from over.