Harare, Zimbabwe – 27 March 2025 | Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) hosted its first-ever Women’s Rugby Breakfast Meeting on Thursday at Sabre Business World in Harare.
The event brought together players, business leaders, and sporting officials, including representatives from Zimbabwe Cricket, to highlight the national women’s team’s preparations for the upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Division Tournament in Ivory Coast.
Men’s national team Sables captains Hilton Mudariki, Aiden Bennet and Kudzai Mashawi along with the Sables trust members also attended and supported the breakfast.
Chairperson of Women’s Rugby, Regina Mwanandiwa, described the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and build support for the women’s game.
“Our aim is not just participation in the Africa Cup but building a long-term programme that gives young women the opportunity to grow in the sport, represent their country, and develop skills on and off the pitch,” she said.
Mwanandiwa, who will represent Zimbabwe in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Impact programme later this year, said rugby could be a powerful tool for social progress. “Women still face challenges such as inequality and limited opportunities. Rugby offers a chance to change that—through leadership, economic empowerment, and visibility.”
National players Chiwoniso Mabika and Nokutenda Shoriwa shared their personal journeys in the sport.
Mabika, a former captain of both the Lady Cheetahs and Lady Sables, said rugby gave her purpose and direction.
“It all started during my high school years when I discovered rugby through a school requirement,” she said. “Since then, I’ve been fortunate to represent Zimbabwe at junior and senior levels. I’ve grown not only as a player but as a person.”
Mabika expressed gratitude for the support system behind women’s rugby, highlighting the contributions of sponsors and technical teams.
“Their backing gives us the chance to compete, to grow, and to dream. It’s not just about money—it’s about belief. We see it, we feel it, and we are driven by it.”
Shoriwa, who began playing rugby in primary school, echoed similar sentiments.
“Rugby helped me become more confident, more resilient. I was a quiet person, but being part of teams like Pitbulls Ladies, Girls High, and the national U18 and U20 squads helped me develop both on and off the field,” she said.
“Sponsorship means more than financial aid. It’s about having someone in your corner, believing you can make it.”
Lauren York, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby Trust, spoke on the need for strategic partnerships to unlock the sport’s potential.
“Women’s rugby is uncharted territory with several branding opportunities for corporations willing to go the distance with a group of people whose social capital stretches beyond the field,” she said. “We have great, ambitious plans for the women that play in Zimbabwe, but we need the resources to realise the potential that our ladies have at all levels.”
Newly appointed women’s head coach Nsikelelo Sibanda addressed the meeting, reflecting on the team’s short preparation window and the importance of the upcoming tournament.
“How we perform will determine the amount of support we get,” he said. “We’ve achieved great results even when we had almost nothing. We have the makings of a strong team. This tournament is important, and I’m confident these ladies will rise to the occasion—they just need to believe in themselves.”
ZRU President Losson Mtongwiza praised the progress of Zimbabwean women in sport and called for deeper corporate involvement.
“We are proud that our women will represent us in Ivory Coast. Athletes like Precious Pazani, who made history as a referee at the Six Nations, are proof that we have the talent. Now we need support,” he said. “I urge every company here to step up and help take someone to the next level.”
The event concluded with a shared understanding that developing women’s rugby requires both belief and backing.
Business Leadership Programme Developer and motivational speaker Sally Palmer inspired investors and players to have a maverick mindset as they approach the Ivory Coast tour and the rest of the planned fixtures for women’s rugby in 2025.
With continued effort and investment, the ZRU aims to build a future where young women across Zimbabwe can thrive in rugby and beyond.
