from MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE is steadily reclaiming its position as a formidable sporting powerhouse, with the nation’s teams making impressive strides on the global stage across multiple disciplines.
In a remarkable show of resurgence, the Sables — Zimbabwe’s national rugby team — have booked their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, a return that marks a new era for the sport in the southern African country.
Simultaneously, the Chevrons, Zimbabwe’s cricket team, have qualified for the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup, while the Warriors, the national football side, are heading to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
These achievements symbolise a nation defying odds and reviving its sporting legacy despite facing significant economic constraints, many of which are attributed to enduring sanctions.
Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe’s athletes continue to display extraordinary resilience, unity, and passion — values that have long defined the country’s sporting spirit.
The resurgence is also a testament to the untapped potential within Zimbabwe’s vast diaspora, spread across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond.
Many Zimbabwean athletes are shining in international leagues, contributing experience, exposure, and inspiration to local talent back home.
Football legend Peter Ndlovu, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated sports icons, lauded the nation’s teams for their determination and excellence.
“Congratulations to all our teams — the Sables, the Chevrons, and the Warriors. You have done us proud. This is a clear sign that Zimbabwe is back where it belongs — among the great sporting nations,” said Ndlovu, who starred in the English Premier League for Coventry City and Birmingham City.
Sports analysts note that these achievements reflect growing investment in grassroots development, better coaching structures, and improved sports administration.
Government initiatives and corporate sponsorships have also begun to bear fruit, helping to nurture young talent and restore Zimbabwe’s competitive edge.
Local sports enthusiast Gift Chisiiwa echoed the national sentiment of pride:
“Zimbabwe has qualified for the Rugby World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and AFCON — that’s something every Zimbabwean should celebrate. It shows what we can achieve when we unite behind our flag.”
As Zimbabwe’s national teams prepare to represent the country on global stages, optimism is running high.
The nation’s athletes are not just competing — they are rekindling hope, national pride, and the belief that Zimbabwe’s golden era in sports is on its way back.
– CAJ News