Zimsportspen

17/06/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭

By Zimsportspen

Ian Prior will not feature for the Sables this weekend, with Zimbabwe Rugby Union confirming a 30-man squad for the South Africa A fixture that does not include the experienced flyhalf due to other commitments.

Prior's absence is a notable one given his standing as one of Zimbabwe's most capped and recognisable players in recent years, but head coach Pieter Benade has named a squad that draws heavily on players already involved in the SAS Training Camp, giving him continuity heading into what remains the Sables' most significant fixture of the year so far.

The squad includes Aiden Burnett, Bornwell Gwinji, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Bruce Houston, Dale Lemon, Daniel Cooke, Dion Khumalo, Dylan Utete, Edward Sigauke, Farai Mudariki, Gary Porter, Hilton Mudariki, Keegan Joubert, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Kudzai Mashawi and Liam Larkan.

They are joined by Michael Kumbirai, Simba Mandioma, Simbarashe Siraha, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Tapiwa Mafura, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Tinotenda Mavesere, Tjide Visser, Trevor Gurwe and Victor Mupunga, rounding out a squad that draws talent from clubs across Zimbabwe, South Africa, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.

With Prior unavailable, the responsibility of directing Zimbabwe's backline falls on the shoulders of the remaining playmakers within the squad, presenting an opportunity for one of them to stake a claim ahead of the Nations Cup in the United States next month.

The South Africa A fixture on 20 June remains the centrepiece of the Sables' domestic preparations before their departure for the Nations Cup on 28 June, and Benade will be eager for his squad to deliver a performance befitting the occasion despite missing one of his most experienced campaigners.

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟗𝟗-𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Lady Sables produced an extraordinary display of attacking rugby to thrash Limpopo Ladies 99-5 in South Africa, a result that will send a powerful statement of intent ahead of the rest of Zimbabwe Rugby's busy international calendar this month.

16/06/2026

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟕𝟓-𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐲-𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐔𝟐𝟏

By Zimsportspen

Tries flowed freely at the venue as the Junior Sables held their nerve in a high-scoring contest to beat Limpopo Blue Bulls U21 44-31 on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe's under-20 side, captained by Takudzwa Matsvimbo, came through a fixture that produced 75 points and ten tries between the two sides, with the young Sables doing enough across the 80 minutes to see off a determined Limpopo Blue Bulls U21 outfit that pushed them all the way to full time.

The result represents another important step in the development pathway for head coach Shaun de Souza's squad, who fielded a strong starting XV featuring vice-captain Andrew Maringa at flyhalf and vice-captain Vimbiso Kasvosve in the second row, with the bench, led by impact players such as Blessed Mukuwiri and Prosper Zimbango, also playing its part in securing the victory.

The high-scoring nature of the contest will have pleased spectators at the ground, with both sides showing attacking intent throughout, though it was Zimbabwe's composure in the closing stages that ultimately proved decisive in sealing the four-point winning margin.

The victory continues a productive period for Zimbabwe Rugby's junior structures, coming on the back of the senior Sables' own preparations for their fixture against South Africa A, and offers further evidence of the depth being built across the country's age-group rugby pathway.

16/06/2026

𝐒𝐑𝐂 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

By Zimsportspen

The Sports and Recreation Commission has expressed concern over an incident that occurred during a schools' rugby fixture between Eaglesvale College and Christian Brothers College at Eaglesvale College in Harare on 13 June 2026.

In a media statement released on 15 June 2026, the SRC noted the statement issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirming that investigations are underway in connection with a firearm-related incident and an assault case arising from events at the match.

As the national regulator of sport in Zimbabwe, the SRC said it firmly upholds the values of sportsmanship, respect, discipline, fair play and the safety and wellbeing of all participants, officials and spectators.

"Sporting venues, particularly those involving children and young people, must remain safe environments where competition is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and where the welfare of the young athletes is paramount," the commission said.

The SRC urged all stakeholders, including parents, guardians, supporters, schools, administrators and members of the public, to remain calm and allow the Zimbabwe Republic Police to complete its investigations without interference or speculation.

The commission also encouraged responsible conduct both on and off the field of play and cautioned against the spread of unverified information that may prejudice ongoing investigations.

Director general Allen Mavunga said the commission stands ready to engage with the relevant sporting and educational authorities, adding that the SRC will continue to support efforts aimed at preserving the integrity, safety and positive values of school sport in Zimbabwe.

16/06/2026

𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐙𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐰𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦

By Zimsportspen

Gladiators and Takashinga have emerged as the early pacesetters across Zimbabwe Cricket's Age Group National Premier League after another weekend of impressive performances in week two of the junior competition.

The Age Group NPL, launched as an extension of the senior men's and women's National Premier League, is designed to provide junior cricketers with regular, high-quality competition and a clear progression route through the age groups.

The current phase features the under-13 boys and under-15 girls competitions, each split into zone 1 and zone 2, with the under-17 boys and under-17 girls competitions to follow once the lower age-group tournaments are complete, creating a feeder system into Zimbabwe's under-19 and academy structures.

In the under-13 boys zone 1, Gladiators made it two wins from two to remain in firm control, beating Rangers by eight wickets at Alex Sports Club. Takashinga 1 responded with a nine-wicket victory over Alex at Harare Sports Club to keep themselves in touch.

Gladiators lead the group on four points, with Takashinga 1 and Alex both on two.

Takashinga 2 maintained their own perfect start in under-13 zone 2, beating Amakhosi by seven wickets at Kwekwe Sports Club, while Rimuka added further pressure on the standings with an eight-wicket win over Queens Sports Club in Kadoma. Takashinga 2 sit top of the zone on four points, with Amakhosi and Rimuka level on two.

The under-15 girls competition produced some of the weekend's standout results. Gladiators delivered a commanding 236-run victory over Rangers at Harare Sports Club in zone 1 to remain unbeaten and move to four points, while Takashinga 1 recorded an important four-wicket win over Alex to sit second on two points, ahead of Alex on net run rate.

In zone 2, Takashinga 2 continued their strong campaign with an eight-wicket win over Amakhosi, while Queens beat Rimuka by 13 runs in Kadoma, leaving Takashinga 2 top on four points and Amakhosi and Queens both on two.

Individual performances continue to highlight the depth of talent emerging through the pathway. Mufudzi Ngirande leads the under-13 boys run charts with 82 runs, ahead of Kyle Batidzirai on 80 and Ryan Munetsi on 74. In the under-15 girls section, Anesu Chawasarira remains the leading scorer with 112 runs, ahead of Nenyasha Chirume and Ruvarashe Maimba, who are both on 90.

With the ball, Tinashe Juma has claimed 10 wickets for Gladiators in the under-13 boys competition, while Sandra Chigaramasimbe leads the under-15 girls standings with 10 wickets for Takashinga 2.

16/06/2026

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐕 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭

By Zimsportspen

The Junior Sables take to the field this afternoon for a stern test of their development against South African opposition.

Zimbabwe's under-20 Junior Sables face Limpopo Blue Bulls U21 at 15:30 on Tuesday 16 June 2026, with captain Takudzwa Matsvimbo leading a starting XV that blends experienced age-group players with promising new talent.

The forward pack features Tavonga Chirisa and Kudzai Sakirai in the front row alongside Matsvimbo, with Mudiwa Mtemererwa and vice-captain Vimbiso Kasvosve forming the second row.

Joshua Mbanefo, Russell Hawkins and Rufaro Shenje complete the back row. Tanaka Masawi starts at scrumhalf, partnering vice-captain Andrew Maringa at flyhalf. The midfield pairing of Connor Lovatt and Michael Chimedza will look to create opportunities for wingers Ethan Chaponda and Joshua Chitehwe, with Philip Chimhaka named at fullback.

A strong bench has been named to provide impact from the replacements, including Blessed Mukuwiri, Prosper Zimbango and Kudakwashe Kachambwa among the forwards, while Sibusiso Sibanda, Tapiwa Zhanda, Zane Sibanda, Denzel Dhave, Nasha Nyakujarah, Brendon Musekiwa, Nyasha Ngwarati, Bongani Msipa, Donnell Muyaka, Iphile Chigiji, Milton Mukurunyorwa and Kudakwashe Jani round out the matchday squad.

The Junior Sables are guided by an extensive technical team headed by head coach Shaun de Souza and assistant coach Marvin Chirume. The support staff includes manager Hugh Vera, physiotherapist Anne Butau, strength and conditioning coach Lucky Sithole, laws consultant Talent Gandiwa, kicking coach Jerry Jarawaza, data analyst Shelton Chiuswa, content creator and video analyst Kudzanai Tembo, and mental coach Shep Wazara.

The fixture forms part of the Junior Sables' ongoing development programme against South African age-group opposition, with the encounter against Limpopo Blue Bulls U21 providing valuable exposure ahead of future international commitments.

12/06/2026

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐙𝐢𝐟𝐚

By Zimsportspen

For too long, the state of football infrastructure in Zimbabwe has been a conversation dominated by what is lacking. Today, ZIFA gave the country's football community something to celebrate.

The Zimbabwe Football Association officially took delivery of two brand-new 66-seater team coaches, marking a significant step forward in the organisation's efforts to improve the logistical and operational support provided to national teams and football development programmes across the country.

The handover ceremony was attended by ZIFA vice president Loveness Mukura and executive committee member Kudzai Kadzombe, signalling the importance the association has placed on the acquisition as part of its broader drive to professionalise Zimbabwean football from the ground up.

The two coaches will directly address one of the most persistent and long-standing challenges in Zimbabwean football, the reliable and comfortable transportation of national teams to training camps, matches and development programmes in all corners of the country.

For players, coaches and officials who have endured difficult travel conditions over the years, the arrival of the new vehicles represents a tangible and meaningful improvement in their working environment.

The investment also sends a broader message about the direction ZIFA is heading under its current leadership, which has spoken consistently about building the infrastructure and systems required to support a stronger national game at every level.

With the Warriors preparing for AFCON qualifying, the Mighty Warriors eyeing LA28 Olympic qualification and development programmes running across the country's provinces, the timing of the acquisition could not be more welcome.

12/06/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝟕𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲

By Zimsportspen


The Africa Men's Sevens Series 2026 has been dealt a significant blow after the Mauritius Rugby Federation announced the postponement of the Mauritius 7s, which had been scheduled for 20 to 21 June at the SPARC complex in Cascavelle.

The federation cited the evolving Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa as the primary reason for the postponement, invoking force majeure circumstances in a decision taken to prioritise the safety of players, officials and the broader Mauritian community.

Importantly, the Mauritius Rugby Federation was clear that the postponement is purely precautionary, confirming that there are no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease among any of the participating teams, tournament staff or within Mauritius itself.

The federation confirmed it is actively working with Rugby Africa, World Rugby and the Mauritius government to evaluate alternative dates for the tournament, stressing that the event has been postponed and not cancelled, a distinction that will offer some relief to teams, sponsors and supporters who had been preparing for the competition.

The announcement will have immediate implications for the Africa Men's Sevens Series standings and the preparation schedules of all participating nations, including Zimbabwe's Cheetahs, who compete regularly in the continental series.

"We share in the deep disappointment this causes for our fans, sponsors, and athletes, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience," the Mauritius Rugby Federation said in its official statement.

Further updates regarding logistics and a revised competition schedule are expected to be communicated in due course by the relevant rugby authorities.

12/06/2026

𝐙𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐰𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐋𝐀𝟐𝟖 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

By Zimsportspen

Zimbabwe's men showed tremendous character and the women continued their flawless form as both national volleyball teams claimed impressive victories on day two of the CAVB Zone VI Senior LA28 Qualifiers at Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Thursday.

The men's team produced one of the most compelling performances of the tournament, coming from behind after dropping the opening set to defeat Malawi 3-1 in a match that showcased exactly the kind of resilience required at this level of competition.

Zimbabwe lost the first set 21-25 but responded with authority, winning the second set 25-19 before a pulsating third set that swung the entire contest. Trailing and under pressure, the men dug deep to win that crucial third set 26-24 in what proved to be the decisive moment of the match.With momentum firmly on their side, they closed out the victory by taking the fourth set 25-19 to secure three vital points in their qualifying campaign.

The women's team, meanwhile, continued their dominant run through the tournament with a ruthless 3-0 sweep over Malawi, winning the sets 25-22, 25-18 and 25-15. The performance was efficient, controlled and increasingly commanding as the match progressed, with the winning margin in each successive set growing wider, a sign of a team building confidence with every point played.

Both teams now head into the final round of the round robin on Friday with their LA28 qualification hopes firmly intact, with the men facing Namibia at 15:00 and the women taking on Zambia at 11:00 in what could be defining matches in determining who reaches Saturday's final.