Zambia Arrive in Zimbabwe for Two-Match Series

 The Zambia national rugby team has touched down in Zimbabwe ahead of a highly anticipated two-match series against the Sables.

The fixtures are set for 25 April in Harare, followed by a second encounter on 2 May in Bulawayo. Both sides will be looking to bring physicality and structure in what promises to be a competitive series

Head Coach Pieter Benade for Zimbabwe Sables emphasised:

“We are excited for today’s match. The team has prepared well, the players are focused, and we are looking forward to a competitive contest. Our goal is to play with discipline, pride, and commitment for our supporters. We respect our opponents and are ready to give our best performance on the field.”

Zimbabwe and Zambia share a long rugby history, with the Sables traditionally dominating the fixture. Over the years, Zimbabwe has secured the majority of wins, though Zambia has shown steady improvement in recent encounters.

Some notable recent results include:

2024 – Zimbabwe 32–  29 Zambia, In Harare

2025– Zimbabwe 70–  15 Zambia, In Harare

2025 – Zimbabwe 25 – 19 Zambia, In Lusaka

These results reflect Zimbabwe’s consistency, but also highlight Zambia’s growing competitiveness, with margins tightening in more recent clashes.

Captain of Zambia Copper Eagles Ali Bhika added:

“The Zambezi Challenge is a fixture that has helped us grow as a side. The guys are excited; we have a lot of youngsters-some don’t have any caps yet, and others haven’t played against a highly respected side like Zimbabwe. We’re really excited to have a run against them and see what they have to offer.”

The second fixture will see international rugby return to Hartfield Rugby Grounds in Bulawayo an important moment for the city’s rugby community. It has been some time since Bulawayo last hosted a fixture of this level, and the match is expected to draw strong local support.

Beyond the rivalry, the series is a key part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for upcoming international assignments. The matches will help the Sables fine-tune combinations ahead of the South Africa A fixture and the Rugby Africa Cup (Nations Cup), both on the horizon.

For Zambia, the tour presents a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the region’s top sides and continue building momentum.

With pride, preparation and regional rivalry at stake, both matches promise to deliver high-intensity rugby.

Issued By Zimbabwe Rugby Communications