PROPHETIC Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder and Yadah FC owner Walter Magaya has invited the victorious national senior men’s rugby team to a reception ceremony at his Yadah Hotel to celebrate the squad for winning the Rugby Africa Cup at the weekend.
The Sables won their first Rugby Africa Cup in 12 years on Sunday after outclassing Algeria 29-3 in the final in Kampala, Uganda.
Magaya, who has previously provided financial support, said he wants to throw a party for the team as a reward for “their brilliant performance that will live forever in the country’s sporting history”.
The cleric is unhappy with the low-key reception that the team received on their arrival back home from Kampala.
“I am inviting the team to a victory party. I can host them at the Yadah Hotel or at any place of their choice,” Magaya said.
“They deserve to be honoured because winning that trophy was not easy. This is something that we have to celebrate. I feel that the team did not get the reception that befits their newfound title as the champions of Africa. It is huge.”
He added: “I can only imagine what could have happened if it were the Warriors, for example, who had brought home the Africa Cup of Nations.
“There was going to be chaos at the [Robert Gabriel Mugabe International] airport and the celebrations would have gone for weeks, if not months. We need to do more as a nation to honour these rugby guys and all our sporting heroes.”
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No government officials or the drum-beating ensemble were at the airport to receive the Sables on their arrival.
The team was welcomed by family members, friends and officials from the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU).
“It is disappointing that not even a deputy minister from the Sports ministry or any other ministry came to the airport to welcome us back home. I just wish they [government] could do more in terms of showing support and appreciating the players,” a ZRU official complained.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Sports and Recreation Commission congratulated the Sables in messages on X (formerly Twitter) on their historic achievement.
“Congratulations to the Zimbabwe Sables for winning the Rugby Africa Cup 2024. We are all proud of you!” posted Mnangagwa soon after the team’s win.
Zimbabwe had reached the final on the back of impressive wins over hosts Uganda and bogey side Namibia, while Algeria were chasing their first title ever.
Zimbabwe rose to their task and were deserved winners on the day, scoring four tries without conceding any in reply.
Right wing Trevor Gurwe set them on their way with a couple of first-half tries, but it was not until late in the match that the Sables could relax, with tries from replacement front-row Liam Larkan and openside Godfrey Muzanargwo sealing the deal in the last seven minutes.
“This is a dream come true for every player and staff member. We dedicate this victory to the millions of Zimbabweans who have supported us throughout our journey,” Sables captain Hilton Mudariki said.
“This is just the beginning and we are committed to building on this success. This win is not just for the team, it is for the 16 million Zimbabweans dotted around the world.”
Following the victory, Zimbabwe rose two places to 28th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, their highest position since in nine years.
The victory also saw Zimbabwe securing the top seed for next year’s competition, which will act as the main qualifiers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
