Zimbabwe stun hosts Uganda to claim Rugby Africa 7s title and seal SVNS 3 spot

Zimbabwe claimed the Rugby Africa 7s title with a 26-19 victory over hosts Uganda at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala, earning the Cheetahs a place in the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament later this year.

The win was far from straightforward. Zimbabwe had navigated a demanding pool stage — beating Morocco 19-12, Ghana 40-17, Nigeria 26-14, and Zambia 24-19 — before facing a Uganda side that had entered the final as favourites. The hosts had been in strong form throughout the weekend, dispatching Senegal and Tunisia on day one before overcoming Zambia and Morocco on day two.

Uganda started the final brightly, with tries from Daniels Otim and Malcolm Okello giving them a commanding lead. Zimbabwe’s task was further complicated when Ryan Mushumi was sent to the sin bin, but a try to PK Manyakara reduced the deficit to seven at half-time and shifted the momentum.

Tatenda Kamubvumbi extended Zimbabwe’s revival after the break, and when Nobert Sexton Okeny pulled one back for Uganda to level the scores at 19-19 with two minutes remaining, the final hung in the balance — the Cranes reduced to six men and forced to defend. Zimbabwe made their numerical advantage count, stretching Uganda’s defence in the dying stages before Ablant Tavonga crossed for the decisive try.

The result marks a significant moment for Zimbabwean rugby. With the national XV side also making strides on the international stage, the Cheetahs’ SVNS 3 qualification signals their emergence as one of Africa’s rising sevens nations, joining established continental forces such as Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar.

The weekend also highlighted the rapid development of the continent’s broader sevens landscape. Morocco and Zambia were among the standout performers, both reaching the third-place playoff — which Morocco won 19-17 — and underlining the growing depth of African sevens rugby.

Attention now turns to the remaining major regional tournaments. The second Africa Men’s Sevens series is scheduled for Mauritius on 3-4 October 2026, having been postponed from June due to an Ebola outbreak. The Safari Sevens follow in Kenya from 9-11 October 2026, with Zimbabwe among the nations set to compete.