African Sports Insights

South Africa's Tristan Stubbs and George Linde walk off the field after their cricket win despite the heroics of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (centre) [Manish Swarup/AP] DELHI – South Africa survived a brilliant all-round show by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza to record a five-wicket win over their neighbours and set up a T20 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.   South Africa survived an early wobble to overcome the spirited Zimbabwe, who scored 153-7, in their last Su

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER HARARE – Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) interim committee chairman Paddy Zhanda Jr and the association’s new General Manager TJ Chifokoyo (pictured) are representing Zimbabwe at a landmark Rugby Africa AGM in Uganda on Friday, the first following the Southern African nation’s historic return to the World Cup since 1991.  It is Rugby Africa’s biggest meeting in the history of the confederation, which is undergoing marked transformation under the leadership of

CHENNAI – Brian Bennett (pictured) vs Jasprit Bumrah. Pressure? What pressure?   Bennett sends the white ball flying over the wide long-on boundary. More than 27,000 spectators at Chepauk are stunned into silence. India are not used to seeing their bowling spearhead being treated this way.   Bennett raises his third fifty-plus score in his last four innings in this T20 World Cup across varied conditions in Sri Lanka and India. His team-mates in the dugout are up on their feet

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has announced a major two-year partnership with CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, which will see the leading automotive company become the official transport partner of the Sables.   The partnership comes as Zimbabwe intensifies preparations for its return to the global stage at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.   With focus now shifting firmly towards building a competitive squad for 2027, the partnership provides critical logistical suppor

MUMBAI – Shimron Hetmyer made a stunning 85 off 34 balls as West Indies began their T20 World Cup Super 8 stage with an emphatic 107-run victory over Zimbabwe.   Hetmyer hit seven sixes and seven fours as he mixed finesse with power - at a strike rate of 250 - to help West Indies post a mammoth 254-6.   The left-handed Guyanese was dropped twice by Tashinga Musekiwa - on nine and 70 - before he was eventually caught at deep mid-wicket by Brian Bennett off experienced spinner

KANDY – By late evening on Tuesday, Zimbabwe were officially through to the Super Eights of the Men's T20 World Cup 2026. It was a historic moment for a side that was expected to be also-rans in a group that involved Australia and Sri Lanka. But they overcame the format in emphatic fashion and earned their place in the next round. The mood in the Zimbabwe dressing room must have understandably been joyous but captain Sikandar Raza stressed that there was more for his team to

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER HARARE – With the schedule for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia now out, Zimbabwe have been given further assurance that their return to the sport’s biggest stage will be well supported by both the continental governing body and World Rugby. Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah, a member of the Executive Board of global ruling body World Rugby, reaffirmed that the Sables’ first World Cup appearance since 1991 will be of great priority to the two bo

BULAWAYO – Vihaan Malhotra’s sublime century backed by an all-round bowling effort sealed a 204 run victory for India over Zimbabwe in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.   Set daunting 353, Zimbabwe innings folded for mere 148 run total in 37.4 overs.   Pacers RS Ambrish and Henil Patel made early inroads, removing Nathaniel Hlabangana and Dhruv Patel  inside first three overs.   The third wicket fell in th

According to reports, Ulster Rugby are set to strengthen their second-row resources with the signing of Zimbabwean lock Eli Snyman, it understood the deal is expected to be confirmed in the coming days if it materialises.   South African outlet Rapport has reported that Snyman has agreed a two-year contract with the Irish province and will arrive ahead of next season.   While Ulster have yet to formally announce the move, all indications are that the 29-year-old is poised to

HARARE – Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has appointed left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava as the national team’s new Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain, with Brian Bennett named as vice-captain.       The appointments were confirmed at the ZC Board’s fourth-quarter meeting held in Harare on Friday.       Ngarava replaces veteran batter Craig Ervine, who steps down after leading the side through a key rebuilding phase.       ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani congratulated the n

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER   JOHANNESBURG – A raft of measures, to turn around the finances of rugby on the continent, are well underway under the stewardship of Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah.   Delivering a message last week as the year comes to an end, Ghanaian entrepreneur Mensah emphasised the need for a mindset change on the continent for rugby to attract major investment and achieve financial independence.   “Anybody who knows me well enough will understand that I hav

BY TINO MOMBESHORA   HARARE – The raging debate over the selection of Zimbabwe’s team for the forthcoming Under-19 Cricket World Cup has highlighted yet another rot in the game in our country.   The bias and nepotism in the team’s selection is shockingly obvious and blatant.   Clearly, coach Elton Chigumbura has ignored any other players outside his close circles and his own Elton Chigumbura Academy. It’s scandalous, and I not proud to call that squad my national team.   If y

Alex Nicholls is one of four legendary Zimbabwean rugby players (alongside Craig Brown, Andy Ferreira and the late Richard Tsimba) to feature in both previous World Cup tournaments for the Sables in 1987 and 1991. The former prop and later national team coach has expressed his elation following Zimbabwe’s historic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, 34 years after their class of 1991 last took the nation to the sport’s biggest showpiece.   Below is a verbatim t

BY ENOCK MUCHINJO A young Piet Benade (sitting on the ground, extreme right) with the Bryden Country School Colts team in 1992. HARARE – Early 90s ushered in a glorious era for sport in Zimbabwe, a period full of hope and promise.   In 1992, the Southern African nation was celebrating being granted Test status by the International Cricket Council (ICC), after much waiting, following years of being turned down.   The same year, the national football team had given South Africa

BY ENOCK MUCHINJO Zimbabwe edged continental rivals Namibia 30-28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final in Uganda in July to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. HARARE – Former Zimbabwe rugby captain Kennedy Tsimba says the Sables’ resurgence over the past few years has given them a fighting chance of challenging their more fancied opponents at the World Cup in 2027. Returnees Zimbabwe were placed in a tough Group F alongside England, Wales and Tonga in a draw held in host c

BY HERBERT MENSAH ACCRA, Ghana – As 2025 comes to an end, and following the successful hosting of major rugby tournaments across the continent, Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah has reflected on what has been a fruitful year for the game under his stewardship.   Below is the text version of a recorded speech delivered by Mensah:   My mantra, since I became president, before I became president, is that sport is big business.   For those who have worked with me over the las