Port Louis, Mauritius – 22 June 2025
The Zimbabwe National Senior Men’s Sevens team, the Zambezi Cheetahs, proudly secured 3rd place at the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens 2025 in Port Louis, Mauritius, capping off a spirited campaign with a thrilling last-gasp 21–19 victory over arch-rivals Kenya in the bronze final.
This result unfortunately means Zimbabwe has missed out on Challenger Circuit Qualification. In a dramatic finish, Zimbabwe clawed their way back from behind, scoring a sensational last-minute try to level the game at 19–19, before slotting home the pressure conversion to snatch victory at the death.
The win not only sealed the bronze medal but underlined the Cheetahs’ growing pedigree on the continental stage.
Their journey to the podium was marked by courage, pace, and clinical execution. After an unbeaten run on Day 1, Zimbabwe continued their charge with a 36–0 demolition of Ghana in the quarterfinals, showcasing defensive grit and attacking precision.
In the semifinals, the Cheetahs put up a brave fight but narrowly fell 19–12 to a well-drilled South African side. The encounter was a high-octane affair, with Zimbabwe refusing to go down without a battle, earning plaudits for their tenacity and flair.
Earlier in the tournament, Zimbabwe made a commanding statement with three consecutive wins in the pool stages:
• Game 1: A confident start saw the Cheetahs dispatch Tunisia 31–17, blending structured set-pieces with explosive breakaway runs.
• Game 2: The momentum continued as Zimbabwe crushed hosts Mauritius 42–7, silencing the local crowd with a clinical display.
• Game 3: The day ended on a high with a 21–7 win over Madagascar, sealing top spot in the group and sending a strong message to their continental rivals.
Zimbabwe’s 3rd-place finish not only earns them valuable ranking points but also reaffirms their status as one of Africa’s premier sevens outfits.
With standout performances across the park, the Cheetahs leave Mauritius with pride, a medal, and their sights firmly set on future glory.
