2024 in review: Zim’s sporting highs and low
Story by Anashe Murombedzi, Sports Reporter
2024 has been a year of highs and lows for Zimbabwean sport but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
From the rugby pitch to the athletics track, 2024 was a year of triumph and heartbreak for Zimbabwe’s sports stars.
The national rugby team, the Sables stole the show with an unbeaten season, culminating in their Africa Cup victory.
The historic achievement was their best since 2012 and propelled the Sables to a nine-year high of number 28 in the World Rugby rankings.
On the netball front, the Zimbabwe senior women team, the Gems performed well at the Africa Netball Championships.
Their impressive run saw them beating Uganda and Malawi, ultimately claiming bronze with a convincing 48-42 win over Malawi.
The Gems’ fairytale run was almost derailed when they lost to South Africa in the semi-finals, but they regrouped and showed great determination to claim third place.
The Zimbabwe golf team also did well after a third-place finish at the All-Africa Golf Championship, behind Zambia and winners South Africa.
In athletics, Zimbabwean sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarau and Makanakaishe Charamba made history after reaching the 200 metres final at the Paris Olympics.
Although they did not get any medals, their impressive performance marked a milestone for Zimbabwean athletics.
In cricket, the Zimbabwe Chevrons had a tough season in which they faced stiff competition from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
One of the highlights was a thrilling Test match against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club, where the Chevrons posted a record-breaking 586 runs.
They, however ended the year on a poor note after losing the T-20 and One Day international series to Afghanistan.
Their female counterparts, the lady chevrons participated at the Capricorn Eagles Tri-Series, where they notched one win but ultimately fell short.
As the curtain comes down on 2024, Zimbabwe’s sporting community can reflect on a year filled with promise for a better future.
