Ngoni Dapira

STILL basking in glory, the Zimbabwe senior men’s rugby team, the Sables that recently clinched the Rugby Africa Cup 2024 title with a commanding 29-3 victory over Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, have become a beacon of light reviving hopes for brighter days ahead for the Sables, after a long dry spell .

The winning Sables team.

The Sables have only won the Rugby Africa Cup in 2012, to mark this as their second title in 12 years, a feat which sees them rise in the World Rugby men’s rankings becoming ranked 28th, their highest position since 2015 when they were ranked 26th.

The Sables went into the final after two victories against Uganda and archrivals Namibia. This ended Namibia’s 10 year reign as the African champions with six titles. The Namibian Welwitchias however remain on top in the World Rugby men’s rankings on position 25. The Namibia win was also the first for Zimbabwe against the side in 23 years.

An animation to show how the Zimbabwean populace is now calling them the mighty Sables with renewed hope after the recent Africa Cup win.

The captain Hilton Mudariki led side has breathed new life into the Sables rugby misfortunes over the years. Zimbabwe’s ‘sad’ rugby tale has been marred by lack of funding and the exodus of its talented junior players, mostly to South Africa, Australia, England as well as the United States of America. Zimbabwe has participated at the Rugby World Cup twice, during the inaugural RWC in 1987 upon invite and in 1991 after winning the Africa Cup qualifiers.

Easterntimeszim Sport interviewed Tadiwa Gwashu, one of the players who were part of the victorious 28 men squad selected by coach Piet Benade, who is proving to be a visionary in turning around Zimbabwe’s sad rugby tale over the past two decades.

Gwashu receiving his rugby jersey during the jersey presentation ceremony before they left for the tournament.

The 24 year old Gwashu who hails from Mutare played in all the three matches earning him four caps for the national team. This was however his second rodeo for the Sables, the first being against Zambia early this year. Born and bred in Mutare, Gwashu did his primary education at Chirowakamwe in Dangamvura then his high school at Mutare Boys’ High.

“I wasn’t fortunate enough to play for the national side at junior level in High school, but my first big break was for the Goshawks (Zimbabwe select side) in 2023 and it was a big learning experience for me. I was selected whilst playing club rugby for Mutare Sports Club and later Old Crestonians, both vibrant clubs promoting rugby in Mutare. My first cap was against Zambia this year then the three matches we played in Uganda,” said Gwashu.

Gwashu who plays eighthman or flanker said being part of the winning team after 12 years of failed attempts feels surreal. “It was my first tournament and it feels surreal. It’s like a I am in a dream but I won’t lie, it was a  result of blood and tears put in the training ground because we wanted this victory so bad as a team,” said Gwashu.

Gwashu with the Africa Cup.

Gwashu, a former Mutare Boys’ High Shumba’s rugby vice captain back in 2018 when he finished his Advanced Level said this was always his dream of playing for the Sables and being part of a historic rugby moment.

“I just want to be the best player I can be and offer everything I have for the Sables jersey. I have always believed we have what it takes to be the African champions and next to make a mark at the Rugby World Cup. For now I will continue playing my heart out wherever my career takes me. I love rugby,” he said

Adding, “This win means a lot because its my first international trophy and it means a lot to my family because they have been supporting me in this journey and now the dream is alive and I was a part of that dream.”

Born in a family of three Gwashu said he is the last born and the most athletic. His brother had a short stint of playing rugby in High School but stopped playing in Form Two. Hailing from the high density suburb of Dangamvura, Gwashu said he is proud to have donned the Sables jersey following the likes of Ngoni Chibuwe another ex Mutare Boys’ High student who has played for the Sables and is currently based in Romania.

The Information Systems graduate who recently graduated this year said he is now currently based in Harare but he thanked his father, a retired educationist and former headmaster at Mutare Boys’ High, Tendayi Gwashu, for being an open parent that supported both sport and academics.

Rugby Africa Cup results

Final:

Zimbabwe 29, Algeria 3

Third Place:

Kenya 27, Namibia 38

Fifth Place:

Uganda 34, Senegal 31

Seventh Place:

Ivory Coast 25, Burkina Faso 10