BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Herbert Mensah, the Rugby Africa president, is hoping that Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup glory in Uganda last week can mark a return of the good old days for the Southern African nation.
The Sables were crowned African champions in Kampala last week after defeating Algeria 29-3 in the final, having earlier got the better of hosts Uganda and rivals Namibia in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
Beating Namibia 32-10 was Zimbabwe’s first win over the Namibians in 23 years, and then the title being the Sables’ first since their maiden championship in 2012.
“Rugby Africa extends its congratulations to you on winning the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala,” Mensah wrote to Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) president Losson Mtongwiza.
“It was a case of ‘changing of the guard’. The way Zimbabwe played and behaved captured the desired imagery Rugby Africa is looking to portray and I hope this marks the beginning of a return to greater glory! It was quite refreshing to see a proud rugby nation living up to its potential again, clinching your first title after a 12-year wait. Kindly extend our respects to the team of coaches, management, players and supporters who helped you realise your dream.”
Mensah once again spoke of his great affinity to Zimbabwe, a country where he played club rugby in the mid-80s in the course of his frequent travels there.
During Italy’s tour of Zimbabwe in 1985, Mensah was the only black player selected for Zimbabwean provincial side Mashonaland in one of the warm-up matches for the two Tests. The speedy Ghanaian wing scored a try in Mashonaland’s win over a powerful Gli Azzurri side.
“For me, personally, it (Uganda tournament) was a nostalgic moment because I have always known the kind of stuff that Zimbabwe can produce on a rugby field,” added Mensah.
“In my younger days I played club rugby in Zimbabwe in the mid-80s with and against a wide range of top-class players from your country such as the late World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Richard Tsimba and former Sables captain Andy Ferreira – to mention but a few.
“I must say, without exaggeration, that I saw qualities of these yesteryear greats in some of your current Sables players who starred in Uganda.
“To my good friends at the ZRU – under the able leadership of your new president Losson Mtongwiza – well done for your exceptional work! You overcame so many obstacles to achieve this win.
“The new ZRU executive committee is barely three months in office, but you have accomplished this amazing feat in this short period of time.
“I’m not surprised though, because on that Ex-Co and on the Sables Trust led by Lindsay Earle, is a wonderful team of people of exceptional experience with an undying love for their sport and their country.”
Rugby Africa boss Herbert Mensah hands over the Africa Cup to Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki.
Mensah, who also played for Saracens during his university days in England, was left greatly impressed by the array of talents in Zimbabwe’s triumphant Africa Cup team.
“I’m particularly impressed by your ability to bring quality players to the Sables fold,” remarked Mensah.
“Players like the Western Force legend Ian Prior, the flank Tinotenda Mavesere who plays alongside World Cup winners at the Sharks in South Africa, a two-time Currie Cup-winning player in Tapiwa Mafura, the France-based prop Cleopas Kundiona, and so on!
“You worked hard and pushed your ability to the limit to make sure this happened.
“As Rugby Africa, you are assured of our outmost support in your endeavour to grow rugby in your country and ensure that Zimbabwean rugby is in its healthiest state.
“This is just the beginning of your success. Cheers to you for a job well done!”
The Ghanaian entrepreneur, however, warned that the Sables’ victory in Kampala has made them a “target” when the Africa Cup returns to the Ugandan capital next year.
Next year’s tournament will be even bigger as it will also serve as the final qualification event for the 2027 World Cup finals in Australia.
Zimbabwe was the only African team at the first two editions of the World Cup in 1987 and 1991, but haven’t returned to the sport’s greatest showpiece ever since.
The Zimbabweans will be aiming to end that decades-long absence, at the make-or-break tournament in Kampala in 2025, but the African rugby supremo wants the Sables to know: “Remember though that next year, you’re the target!”
