Story by Farai Gwaze
SABLES forward Brian Makamure wrote himself into history books after becoming the only Zimbabwean player to have two winners’ medals in the Rugby Africa Cup after lifting the trophy in 2012 and last week in Uganda.
12 years apart, Makamure had to overcome injuries and loss of form to come back and lead Zimbabwe as one of the senior players.
With most of the players he played with in 2012 having moved on, ‘BMack’ reflects on the journey it has been.
“These medals represent Africa Cup titles, so I got the ones from 2012 and these two represent the latest tournament we won in Uganda, 12 years later. Both occasions are pretty special but this time around, we beat Namibia after 23 years of trying. It’s breathtaking, always something special to represent your country and come back with the converted gold.
“The legacy goes way back, there are so many greats who have played for this team and are still to come. To be part of that group is always something special, it’s something to be grateful for. When you have the honour of representing a whole nation, it’s a great legacy to be a part of and it’s only a pleasure that I can still apply my trade for the country and wear the converted hoops,” said Makamure.
Sables’ team manager, Takunda TJ Chifokoyo, who played alongside Makamure in the 2012 squad is optimistic the development of local rugby will be spurred by the Sables victory.
“It was a culmination of a lot of hard work, we had guys coming in from Europe, but it was mainly a local-based team. It was good to have gone out there and fought against strong opposition but with a strong local team and to come through with that win.
“I think what we have tried to do is put the structures in place that allow our pipeline to keep being filled by local players. We need a lot more domestic rugby being played, to be similar to what was happening 12 years ago and that’s what the foundation that is there now is building towards,” he said.
Tichafara Makwanya and Fortunate Chipandu who are also part of the Sables technical structure also played alongside Makamure 12 years ago, but BMack stands tall as the last remaining gold medal winner from 2012.
The Sables are now preparing for next year’s Africa Championship tournament to ensure qualification for the Rugby World Cup set for Australia in 2027.
