Cheetahs Claim Rugby Africa Sevens Title, Qualify for 2027 World Cup
Zimbabwe’s rugby 7s national team, the Cheetahs, beat Uganda 26-19 to win the Rugby Africa Sevens title and qualify for the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3 series. This follows the Sables’ historic 2027 Australia Rugby World Cup qualification.
Delicious Mathuthu 
Kampala — Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs are the new African Sevens champions after a thrilling 26-19 victory over hosts Uganda in the Rugby Africa Sevens final at Kyadondo Rugby Ground on Sunday.
The hard-fought win also secured the Cheetahs promotion to the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 series, ending a long absence from the global circuit.
Zimbabwe entered the final unbeaten, having topped their pool with wins over Morocco (19-12), Ghana (40-17) and Nigeria (26-14) before edging Zambia 24-19 in a tense semi-final.
In the final, Uganda struck first but the Cheetahs fought back through tries from PK Manyakara, Tatenda Kamubvumbi and a decisive late score by Tavonga Ablant, set up by Dion Khumalo in the dying seconds.
Cheetahs Captain, Tapiwa Malenga, hailed the achievement.
“This is a very big achievement, and it has come as a result of hard work,” he said, adding “Trust me, the win feels surreal.”
New head coach, Fortunate Chipendu, taking charge for his first competitive tournament after the departure of Ricky Chirengende, guided the side through an unbeaten Kampala campaign that produced 135 points across five matches.
Uganda coach, Allan Otim, admitted his team lost control after a strong start.
“We started well and took command going into the interval.
But we did not handle the game well in the second half and had a player sin-binned, which affected us,” he said.
The victory marks a significant revival for Zimbabwe Sevens rugby and gives the Cheetahs a platform to compete regularly on the international stage next year.
