Sables soar to rugby Africa cup glory

Philemon Jambaya

Assistant Editor

In a dominant display of rugby prowess, the Zimbabwe Sables stormed to a convincing 29-3 victory over Algeria to clinch the Rugby Africa Cup title yesterday.

This triumph marks the second time the Sables have hoisted the continental trophy, having previously reigned supreme in 2012.

The Sables entered the final brimming with confidence after a remarkable tournament run that saw them overcome formidable opponents. Their journey to the championship began with a thrilling 22-20 victory over hosts Uganda in the quarterfinals. This was followed by a resounding 32-10 demolition of six-time defending champions Namibia in the semifinals, setting the stage for a grand showdown with Algeria.

Zimbabwe’s dominance was evident from the outset, as they raced to a 12-3 lead at halftime thanks to two tries from the electric Trevor Gurwe. The winger's first try was a testament to his skill, as he capitalized on a clever offload from Takudzwa Musingwini to touch down. His second try showcased his pace and agility, as he outmaneuvered the Algerian defense to extend Zimbabwe's advantage.

Algeria managed to register a penalty through Serge Caminati, but the Sables' defensive resilience kept the North Africans at bay. The second half saw a more cautious approach from both sides, with Zimbabwe patiently waiting for opportunities to strike. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty and two additional tries, sealing a comprehensive victory and confirming their status as the kings of African rugby.

This championship triumph is a significant milestone for Zimbabwean rugby, and the Sables' performance throughout the tournament has captured the nation’s imagination. Their journey to the top has been marked by resilience, determination, and exceptional skill. As they celebrate this historic victory, the Sables have undoubtedly inspired a new generation of rugby players in Zimbabwe and solidified their place among the continent's rugby elite.