Zimbabwe crowned under-19 African rugby champions

By Lance Guma
05 September 2006

Zimbabwe’s under-19 rugby team made headlines on Sunday for all the right reasons. They won the African Cup of Nations after beating Morocco 10-3 in Sundays final played in Casablanca. The country now progresses to the 2007 Under-19 World Rugby Championships, which will be hosted by Ireland. South Africa who have automatic entry into the competition will join Zimbabwe at the finals. Zimbabwe beat Tunisia 41-3 to advance to the finals while Morocco dispatched Namibia 22-5 in the other match.

Ten African countries took part in the tournament, which began on the 25th August. Zambia, Uganda, Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Zimbabwe all took part. Coached by Godwin Murambiwa the Young Sables as they are known have virtually confirmed their status as one of the major powerhouses, after South Africa. The South Africans however sent their reserve side to compete at the tournament. The senior rugby side managed by Rory McWade are meanwhile preparing for the African Cup tournament, which begins with a tie against Zambia two weeks from now.