Sinokubonga Nkala
Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the Zimbabwe senior men’s rugby team, saying their Africa Cup conquest, earlier this year, exemplifies the Government’s National Development Strategy 1’s call for the development of high-performance sports programmes and elite athletes.
President Mnangagwa hosted the Zimbabwe Sables at State House in Harare yesterday during which he distributed cash rewards of US$6 500 per player for winning the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda back in July.
More importantly, he spoke with pride of the team’s success during the 2024 calendar year where the Sables finished unbeaten in 24 matches, won their first Africa Cup in 12 years and beat regional powerhouses Namibia for the first time in 23 years en route to the African title.
“I am pleased to host you, our national rugby team as we celebrate your remarkable victory at the Rugby Africa Cup held in Uganda.
“The nation honours the teamwork and patriotism that you demonstrated throughout the championship which brought the team this success of being crowned champions,” said President Mnangagwa.
“This historic achievement further reflects your dedication and perseverance as players, coaches and support staff.
“I am aware that the journey that led to this momentous occasion was not an easy one. As a team, you endured rigorous training sessions, and extraordinary pressure on and off the field as you faced competitive as well as aggressive opponents.
“However, through every scrum, tackle and ultimately try, you embodied the true meaning of sportsmanship, passion and zeal,” he said.
President Mnangagwa then drew focus to the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which he said is symbolised by the Sables’ incredible feat.
“At Government level, the National Development Strategy calls for the development of high-performance sporting disciplines and nurturing of elite athletes.
“The success story of you, our Sables, dovetails with these aspirations. Additionally, 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 levels of continental and global sport.
“I acknowledge and express my profound gratitude to the various stakeholders, particularly families of players whose unwavering support and sacrifices have been instrumental to this success”.
The President called upon the Sports Ministry and other relevant stakeholders to take a page out of the Sables’ success and come together to further develop Zimbabwe sport.
“May the spirit of this victory inspire many more young people as they strive for greatness,” said the President.
“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, industry and business stakeholders are called upon to scale up support for the sport sub-sector towards both quality infrastructure and ensuring that athletes can take sport as a viable career,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s rugby team captain Hilton Mudariki described meeting with the President as the highlight of his career.
He said the meeting now puts the team in good stead as they prepare for the all-important 2025 edition of the Rugby Africa Cup which will double as qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“It is a truly special moment for me and the team, you can’t describe it. It is a day that each of us will remember for the rest of our lives, an opportunity to be hosted by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“It will definitely act as motivation for us to keep working hard as we prepare for the all-important Africa Cup next year. We have a target on our back as every team will be gunning for us, but we will surely be up for the challenge,” Mudariki said.
