By Tapiwa Chawagarira
KAMPALA, Uganda — Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs have stormed into the final of the Africa Men’s Sevens Series after maintaining a perfect record in Kampala, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against hosts Uganda at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
The Cheetahs completed a remarkable 4-0 run to reach the final after overcoming Zambia 24-19 in a thrilling semi-final, with Trevor Gurwe scoring the decisive try to send Zimbabwe through.
Earlier, Zimbabwe swept aside Morocco 19-12, Ghana 40-17, and Nigeria 26-14 in the pool stages before delivering another determined performance against Zambia.
Carlos Matematema was named Player of the Match against Zambia, while captain Tapiwa Malenga has led a Zimbabwean side that has shown both attacking quality and resilience throughout the competition.
Gurwe’s late intervention proved decisive against Zambia, as the Cheetahs held their nerve in a tightly contested encounter to keep their unbeaten record intact.
The final against Uganda now presents Zimbabwe with the biggest challenge of the tournament, as the hosts enjoy home support at Kyadondo and are also chasing continental honors on home soil.
Zimbabwe entered the tournament under new head coach Fortunate Chipendu, who is leading the Cheetahs in a competitive tournament for the first time following the departure of Ricky Chirengende.
Chipendu, a former Zimbabwe Sevens international, has quickly made an impact by guiding a refreshed squad through four consecutive victories and into the championship decider.
The Cheetahs travelled to Kampala with a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. The squad features Vuyani Dhlomo, Tapiwa Malenga, Godfrey Magaramombe, Kudakwashe Nyamakura, Dion Khumalo, Carlos Matematema, Ryan Mushumi, Trevor Gurwe, PK Manyakare, Tatenda Kambvumbi, Tavonga Ablant, and Munyaradzi Ngandu.
The tournament carries added significance as it doubles as the African qualification event for the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3. Rugby Africa confirmed that the team finishing first in the Kampala qualifier will secure Africa’s place in the 2027 SVNS 3 competition.
Eight nations were originally drawn into two pools for the Kampala tournament, with Zimbabwe placed in Pool A alongside Morocco, Ghana and Nigeria, while Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal made up Pool B.
The Cheetahs’ route to the final has been emphatic, with Zimbabwe scoring 109 points across their four matches while conceding 62.
Their campaign has also provided an encouraging start to Chipendu’s tenure, with the former international quickly guiding the side into a continental final.
Zimbabwe will now turn their attention to Uganda, knowing that a victory would not only deliver the Africa Men’s Sevens title but also secure the coveted qualification ticket for the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3.
After four wins from four matches, the Cheetahs are now just one victory away from completing an unbeaten Kampala campaign and claiming the continental title.
