By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s national men’s sevens rugby team, the Cheetahs, will carry the momentum of their recent continental triumph into the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens in Nairobi, Kenya, this week.
The Cheetahs are scheduled to compete at Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11, barely two weeks after being crowned Rugby Africa Sevens champions in Kampala, Uganda.
Zimbabwe enjoyed an unbeaten run in Uganda, defeating Morocco, Ghana and Nigeria in the group stages before overcoming Zambia in the semi-finals and hosts Uganda 26-19 in the final.
The victory not only secured the African title but also earned the Cheetahs promotion to the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition for the 2027 season, marking a significant return to the international sevens pathway.
They now face another demanding test in Nairobi, where they have been drawn in Pool C alongside hosts Kenya’s second-string side, the Kenya Morans, as well as GEL Squad 7s and Wonder 7s.
Defending champions Kenya Shujaa headline Pool A alongside Uganda, SportPesa Fast Forward 7s and Scotland, while Pool B comprises Shogun, French Renegades, Southern California Nomads and Wellington Jaguars.
The tournament is expected to provide Zimbabwe with valuable competition as the team begins preparations for its return to the global sevens circuit.
The Cheetahs will be captained by Tapiwa Malenga, with Tavonga Ablant, Takudzwa Kamuacheta, PK Takudzwa Manyakara, Tadiwanashe Maradze, Carlos MatemaTema, Munopa Muneta, Ryan Musumhi, Gamuchirai Nekati, Munyaradzi Ngandu, Kudakwashe Nyamakura and Joshua Thondhlana completing the travelling squad.
Head coach Fortunate Chipendu will be assisted by TJ Shamu, while Thelma Musingwini travels as the team physiotherapist and Tafadzwa Mhende serves as team manager.
For Chipendu and his charges, the Safari Sevens presents an immediate opportunity to test the depth and adaptability of the newly crowned African champions against a diverse field featuring national, invitational and franchise sides.
The Cheetahs’ appearance also renews their rivalry with the Kenya Morans. Zimbabwe finished among the leading sides at last year’s Safari Sevens and will be hoping for an improved showing this time around.
With the African title secured and promotion to SVNS 3 achieved, the focus now shifts to consistency, squad development and building a team capable of competing at the international level when Zimbabwe returns to the global sevens circuit next year.
The three-day Safari Sevens will therefore provide more than just another tournament for the Cheetahs — it will be an important early examination of the side’s ability to sustain its continental success against a broader international field.
