Sinokubonga Nkala
Tinashe Kusema
IT has been quite the year for Zimbabwe Sables’ captain Hilton Mudariki, an industrious 12 months so to speak.
After years of toiling in the trenches, the Sables skipper finally managed to tick off an important item on his bucket list as he led Zimbabwe to their first victory over regional powerhouses Namibia during the Africa Cup tournament held in Kampala, Uganda back in July.
A convincing 32-10 win over Namibia during the Africa Cup semi-finals was Zimbabwe’s first victory over the fellow Southern African nation in 23 years.
It was only eclipsed by the Sables going all the way to the final and winning their first Africa Cup title in 12 years, and second overall.
Mudariki then wrapped off the memorable year by earning his 50th cap during Zimbabwe’s tour of the Middle East and Asia last month.
At least, that was what he thought.
The icing on the cake occurred on Wednesday as Mudariki and his fellow Sables, technical team included, were hosted by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House.
“Yeah, it’s special, very special indeed. Words don’t exist that can fully describe the feeling,” said Mudariki, on the occasion of meeting the President.
“It’s a day that we (the Zimbabwe Sables) will remember for the rest of our lives.
“Just to get the opportunity to be hosted by the President at the State House, and also just to be recognised for the work we did this year, is something we cherish for years to come.
“We are truly grateful to be here, and this will certainly give us motivation to keep working hard in the coming months,” he said.
Asked to choose a favourite among his many achievements this year, Mudariki described meeting the President as a career highlight.
“To be here at the State House is something pretty special, and I don’t think many people can stand and say that they have experienced this.
“For me to be here is truly amazing and the rest come a close second.
“I am part of a truly amazing team and that was only amplified by what we achieved this year.
“Our backs were against the wall at the beginning as no one believed in us.
“Now, to see what the guys have overcome and achieved is truly special and just a testament to what a great bunch of guys we have within the team,” he said.
Mudariki and his charges were gifted US$6 500 each, by President Mnangagwa, as a reward for their truly amazing run this year.
This money was but a small token from a grateful President who said the Sables’ success story exemplifies the Government’s National Development Strategy 1’s call for the development of high-performance sports programmes and elite athletes.
“I am pleased to host you, our national rugby team as we celebrate your remarkable victory at the Rugby Africa Cup held in Uganda.
“The nation honours the teamwork and patriotism that you demonstrated throughout the championship which brought the team this success of being crowned champions,” said President Mnangagwa.
“This historic achievement reflects your dedication and perseverance as players, coaches and support staff.
“I am aware that the journey that led to this momentous occasion was not an easy one. As a team, you endured rigorous training sessions, extraordinary pressure on and off the field as you faced competitive as well as aggressive opponents,” he said.
In turn, Mudariki said that the visit and token will go a long way to motivate the boys as they prepare for the all-important and Africa Cup title defence next year.
Next year’s Africa Cup competition is set to double as qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup with the winner earning an automatic berth into the rugby global showcase in Australia.
The runner-up will have a second bite at qualification at the Repêchage tournament, the dates and venues of which are yet to be announced.
“We are on a break but we will be back sometime in January to begin our preparations for next year’s tournament,” said the Sables’ skipper.
“It is a very important year and preparation is going to be key.
“We have got a target on our backs, going into the Africa Cup tournament, as everyone is now chasing and gunning for us.
“We can’t take the foot off the pedal and we will just have to keep working hard, keep our feet firmly on the ground and just work as hard as we can.
“We have a very well-grounded team that is very focused and knows what we want and what is needed.
“I think we are on the same page, right from the top with the union (Zimbabwe Rugby Union), the Sables Trust, the technical team, players and fans.
“We are all working towards a common goal and that is qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” he said.
mbulelo smpofu
