Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ZIMBABWE’S Cheetahs may have fallen just short of the Safari Sevens final, but their spirited showing earned them widespread respect and highlighted the nation’s growing rugby pedigree after finishing fourth at the tournament held at Nyayo Stadium this Sunday.
Facing tournament favourites and defending champions Kenya Shujaa in the semi-finals, Zimbabwe put up a valiant fight, eventually going down 29–19, but showcasing their mettle.
Despite an early Kenyan surge, the Cheetahs responded with three well-worked tries that reminded everyone why Zimbabwe remains a competitive force in African rugby.
Earlier, the Cheetahs had booked their spot in the semis after a clinical 19–10 victory over KCB Rugby Club, one of East Africa’s top teams, underlining Zimbabwe’s depth and growing tactical sharpness.
In the third-place playoff, Zimbabwe faced Kenya Morans in another tightly contested match.
The Morans won 19–10, but Zimbabwe once again showed flashes of brilliance.
With a younger core and a dynamic game style, the team is laying a strong foundation for future regional and international competitions.
While hosts Kenya completed a clean sweep in both men’s and women’s categories, the Zimbabwe Cheetahs’ fourth-place finish sends a clear signal that Zimbabwean rugby is on the rise, and the gap is narrowing.
Provinces.
