Harare, Zimbabwe – 8 April 2025 | The Zimbabwe national senior women’s rugby team, the Lady Sables, departed Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this afternoon, bound for Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 tournament.
The squad is set to arrive tomorrow at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan before settling in San Pedro, the host city for the tournament.
The Lady Sables, led by captain Sikhumbuzo Muchenje and vice-captains Vimbai Dewa and Tarren Munodaani, are ready to represent Zimbabwe on the continental stage with determination and pride.
“We appreciate the support we got in our preparations for the tournament, especially the work put in by our coaches and sponsors,” said Muchenje before departure. “
We have three matches in the next ten days and we believe in ourselves as a team despite having a short time to prepare. We are coming into this tournament rated as the underdogs, but that is not deterring our spirits because we want to come home with something for Zimbabweans to cheer about.”
The tournament kicks off on 11 April 2025, with Zimbabwe facing hosts Côte d’Ivoire in their opening match at 16:00 CAT. They then play Tunisia on 15 April and wrap up their group fixtures with a showdown against Uganda on 19 April.
With a strong squad featuring the likes of Mabel Marungweni, Mercy Runesu, Rutendo Morosi, and Cleopatra Kadimu, the Lady Sables are looking to build momentum and make a lasting impression in San Pedro.
Zimbabwe’s participation marks a renewed push to elevate women’s rugby in the country, and the team is determined to prove that passion, unity, and grit can rival any level of preparation.
Backed by sponsors including Firstlink, Dodhill, Dumile Beef, Sabre Business World, and The Women’s Rugby Trust, the Lady Sables are ready to roar. The whole nation will be behind them as they carry the flag high in Côte d’Ivoire.
Fixtures (San Pedro – Stade Auguste Denise):
• 11 April: Zimbabwe vs Côte d’Ivoire (16:00 CAT)
• 15 April: Zimbabwe vs Tunisia (14:00 CAT)
• 19 April: Zimbabwe vs Uganda (12:00 CAT
Full Squad:
Vimbai Dewa (Vice Captain), Skhumbuzo Muchenje (Captain), Mbalehle Mzizi, Mabel Marungweni, Tariro Nyamudeza, Patience Harubereki, Mercy Runesu, Gabriella Chawatama, Rutendo Morosi, Fadzai Mandizha, Erika Mack, Natalia Nyabinde, Wadzanai Chidawa, Hazel Njaya, Chiwaniso Mabika, Tanaka Mutaramutswa, Simphiwe Gumbo, Ropafadzo Muzanechita, Kudzai Wasili, Tarren Munodaani (Vice Captain), Memory Moyo, Nokutenda Shoriwa, Cleopatra Kadimu, Pauline Sianga, Rufaro Tagarira, Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Lovelight Fusire, Kudzanai Chirinda.
Non-travelling Reserves: Bridget Magaso, Robyn Mhembere.
