Sables crowned African champs

ZIMBABWE’S Sables won the Rugby Africa Cup for the first time ever following a lopsided 29-3 victory over Algeria in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday.

In what was a surprise final pitting two of the tournament’s unfancied sides, it was the Sables who stamped their authority on proceedings, racing to a 12-3 lead at the break with winger Trevor Gurwe doing some serious damage.

Zimbabwe’s Sables were yesterday crowned Rugby Africa Cup champions after defeating Algeria 29-3 in the final in Kampala, Uganda.

The Sables, who overcame hosts Uganda in the quarter-finals and record six time champions Namibia in the semi-finals, added another 17 unanswered points in the second half to wrap up one of the most one-sided finals in Rugby Africa Cup history.

Victory for the Sables, who were co-captained by Hilton Mudariki and Kudzai Mashawi meant they were crowned African champions for only the second time in their history, their last win in the biennial tournament having come in 2012.

The triumph in Uganda also means the Piet Benade era has got off to a splendid start with the team already high on confidence ahead of the upcoming 2025 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.