THE Sables, who were crowned African Champions on Sunday, are set for more Test matches before the end of the year, with potential clashes against European opponents in the pipeline.
Zimbabwe's 15s rugby side triumphed over Algeria with a 29-3 victory in the final held in Uganda, securing continental honours.
Skipper Hilton Mudariki said while the team will briefly savour their victory, their focus will soon shift to the goal of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. To achieve this, they must retain their title next year.
“So, it's a truly exciting couple of months that are ahead, we know that we've got a lot of hard work, we'll definitely enjoy this moment, being African Cup champions,” he said.
“It sounds so good, but we know we need to keep our feet on the ground. There's lots of work to be done with the big one that's next year."
Mudariki hinted at the possibility of fans witnessing the Sables play against European teams on home soil.
"So, we're hoping to get a couple of Tests in November, trying to organise a couple of European teams to either come here or for us to go there, I know that the process has started, but the key thing for us is to continue playing,” he said.
“I think that's the most important thing, we've seen what game time can do, and we need a lot of that before next year."
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Mudariki also expressed joy at how their victory has uplifted the nation.
“We play to represent the 16 million. We play to represent the badge, but then to come back home and to see people so happy is truly amazing and we're very happy,” he said.
“We have a quality team, I think we saw that we had a great coaching staff, quality guys that have come in and that's all the senior guys and young guys that have stepped up to the plate."
The Sables' path to the title included a thrilling 22-20 win over hosts Uganda Cranes in the opening match, followed by a decisive 32-10 victory against six-time champions Namibia Welwitschias in the semi-final.
“It was special, so special, 23 years, a very long time. A couple of the guys in our team hadn't even been born yet, so we knew that we had a tough party that was going to come up against Namibia,” Mudariki said.
“We know that they're a quality team, but I'm just so proud of the way the guys fought, the way that we prepared throughout the week, the hunger that we showed to want to take the game, and I can't be more pleased with my boys.”
The skipper also praised Ian Prior and Tapiwa Mafura, both who were instrumental in the demolition of Namibia in the semi-final.
“Yeah brilliant, they both come from professional set-ups, so having those kind of guys with the calibre that they have within our squad is so good, for the young guys that are coming through to learn from people that have been there and done that,” he said.
“Ian has played over 100 Super Rugby games for Western Force, so the amount of experience that he brings into the team, the calmness that he brought into the team, as well as Taps.
“I mean Taps is a magic man. I think we saw how good he is as a player, but a lot of things that he brought off the field as well...talking to the younger guys like Trevor Gurwe; he's taking them under the wing. So, to have those guys in our set-up is awesome for us.”
