The Zimbabwe Sables have bolstered their technical team with the addition of a retired former Sables captain, who will take on a specialised role focusing on scrummaging.

Based locally, the former skipper brings invaluable experience and leadership to the forward unit as the Sables sharpen their set-piece dominance ahead of this year’s Rugby Africa Cup.

He joins Fortune Chipendo, who continues his work with the squad on line-out execution, forming a duo of seasoned specialists tasked with fine-tuning Zimbabwe’s forward play.

The strategic addition comes as the Sables aim to build on the momentum from their most successful year in recent history, which saw them secure five victories out of six and climb up the World Rugby rankings.

With the Africa Cup doubling as a key qualifier for the next Rugby World Cup cycle, Zimbabwe’s technical preparations have taken on added intensity.

The restructured backroom team is part of a wider plan to ensure the Sables enter the tournament with a clinical edge in all areas of play.

The squad is currently in the early stages of its preparations, with a clear focus on building cohesion and physicality ahead of the continental showdown in July.

Zimbabwe won their first Rugby Africa Men’s Cup in 12 years on Sunday as they beat the Algeria 29-3 in the Ugandan capital Kampala.

Algeria had reached their first final on the back of impressive wins over Ivory Coast and Kenya, while the Sables were chasing their second title having last won the competition in 2012.

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 wasn’t 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,” said Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki.

“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.”

Zimbabwe will be ranked 28th when the World Rugby Men’s Rankings are officially updated at 12 noon on Monday, their highest position since they were 26th in November 2015.

Algeria’s run to their first final will see them placed at a record high of 58th, having started the month in 69th.

Namibia’s 10-year reign as African champions, which included six titles, was ended by Zimbabwe in the semi-finals.

But the Welwitchias bounced back on Sunday to beat Kenya 38-27, with inside-centre Denzo Bruwer’s boot contributing 18 points to a win that prevents them sliding any more than one place down the rankings to 25th.

Two defeats in a week for Kenya, who lost to Algeria in the semi-finals, have resulted in the Simbas falling three places to 37th.

Tournament hosts Uganda took fifth place after a thrilling 34-31 win over Senegal. 104 minutes of rugby had been played before Joseph Aredo’s penalty split the uprights to settle the contest.

Uganda will move above Kenya in 36th, having a climbed a place over the course of a week, when the rankings are updated.

Ivory Coast beat Burkina Faso 23-10 to win the seventh place play-off but they will still be six places worse off in the rankings in 62nd.

Photo: Rugby Africa

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has announced the Sables squad for the Rugby Africa Cup, which will be held in Uganda from the 18th to the 30th of July.

The squad includes experienced and up-and-coming players, with head coach Pieter Benade confident that the team has the talent and depth to challenge for the title.

“We are excited to be heading to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup,” said Benade.

“We have selected a strong squad that is capable of winning the tournament. We know it will be a tough challenge, but we are confident that we can cause an upset.”

The full Sables squad is as follows:

Forwards

Backs

The Sables will begin their Rugby Africa Cup campaign against the hosts Uganda on July 20th.