Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
PRESIDENT Mangagwa yesterday hosted the Sables at State House and gifted each member of the team with US$6 500 in cash after a very successful year for the team.
The Sables enjoyed one of their best years.
“I am pleased to host you, our national rugby team as we celebrate your remarkable victory at the Rugby Africa Cup held in Uganda,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The nation honours the teamwork and patriotism that you demonstrated throughout the championship which brought the team this success of being crowned champions.
“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.”
It has been quite a special year for the Sables and their captain Hilton Mudariki.
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 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.
“Yeah, it’s special, very special indeed. Words don’t exist that can fully describe the feeling,” said Mudariki, on being hosted by the President.
“It’s a day that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
“Just to get the opportunity to be hosted by the President at 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 added:
“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 comes 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.
