Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs secured the 2026 African men’s Sevens title after defeating hosts Uganda 26–19 in the final of the World Rugby SVNS 3 Africa Qualifiers at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala on Sunday.
The result also earned Zimbabwe Africa’s qualification place for the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition, providing the side with a pathway into the international Sevens structure. Rugby Africa had revised the 2026 competition format following the postponement of the tournament originally scheduled for Mauritius, with the Kampala event designated as the continental qualification tournament.
Zimbabwe’s route to the final was closely contested. The Cheetahs defeated Zambia 25–19 in the semi-final after Zambia recovered from a substantial deficit to level the match before Trevor Gurwe scored late to secure Zimbabwe’s passage. Uganda reached the final with a 10–0 victory over Morocco.
The final initially favoured the hosts. Uganda moved into a 12–0 lead before Zimbabwe responded through Patrick Kanyaka, reducing the deficit to 12–5 at half-time. Zimbabwe then drew level after the interval and moved ahead, although Uganda restored parity when Nobert Okeny capitalised on a loose pass.
The decisive moment came late in the contest when Tavonga Ablant finished a coordinated Zimbabwe attack in the corner, securing the 26–19 victory.
Zimbabwe captain Tapiwa Malenga described the achievement as the product of sustained work, while Uganda coach Allan Otim acknowledged that his side had struggled to maintain its first-half momentum and was affected by a sin-binning.
The tournament brought together eight African sides: Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal. Its outcome underlines the increasingly competitive nature of men’s Sevens rugby across the continent, while giving Zimbabwe an opportunity to test itself against international opposition through the 2027 SVNS 3 pathway.
