Harare, Zimbabwe – 20 June 2025 — The Zimbabwe Senior Men’s Sevens Rugby Team, the Zambezi Cheetahs, arrived and settled in Mauritius, ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Cup set for 21st to 22nd June.
Drawn in Pool C, Zimbabwe will face hosts Mauritius, Tunisia, and Madagascar in what is expected to be a tightly contested group. With only the top two sides in each pool advancing to the knockout stages, every match will be pivotal.
Coach Ricky Paul Chirengende, speaking at the airport, expressed optimism about the squad’s potential.
“It has been a long time since we assembled a squad as good as this one. I told the boys in our last training session that what we may have lost in preparation time, we’ve more than made up for in the quality of selection.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what this group can produce. Like any coach, we’re flying out to get the big prize. It’s going to be tough—this is a heavy pool with quality teams.”
Team captain Tapiwa Malenga, an experienced sevens campaigner, echoed his coach’s confidence:
“This is a pretty good-looking squad. The guys are all dialled into the assignment and ready to go. We’re playing with more confidence, knowing there’s depth in the team and that players can be rotated and rested.
This tournament means a lot for us as Zimbabwe—it’s our chance to earn a spot in the Challenger Series and return to consistent international competition.”
The 12-man squad features a mix of seasoned regulars and rising stars, including several African champions from Zimbabwe’s 15s team, The Sables. Coach Chirengende’s selection reflects both experience and form, rewarding players who have shone in domestic and regional build-up matches.
Though Pool C does not include perennial giants like South Africa or Uganda, it remains highly competitive. The host nation will enjoy the home crowd boost, while both Tunisia and Madagascar bring speed and unpredictability that can threaten any side.
The last time Zimbabwe clinched the Africa Sevens title was in 2012, and the hunger to reclaim continental glory has only intensified.
A top finish in Mauritius will pave the way to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, with further implications for Olympic qualification.
The Cheetahs’ Fixtures – 21 June:
• vs Tunisia – Morning
• vs Mauritius – Midday
• vs Madagascar – Afternoon
Team Manager Tafadzwa Mhende commented:
“This is a battle-tested team with a strong mentality. We’re grateful for the support from the union and our partners. The squad is ready, and we’re confident they’ll do the nation proud.”
Zimbabwe Cheetahs – 2025 Traveling Squad
1. Vuyani Dhlomo
2. Munashe Dukuswa
3. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
4. Edward Sigauke
5. Godfrey Magaramombe
6. Ryan Musumhi
7. Tapiwa Malenga (Captain)
8. Dion Khumalo
9. Tapiwa Mafura
10. Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere
11. Carlos Matematema
12. Trevor Gurwe
Management Team:
• Head Coach: Ricky Paul Chirengende
• Team Manager: Tafadzwa Mhende
• Physiotherapist: Thelma Musingwini
