Sables to the World Cup: Zimbabwe Erupts in Online Celebration After Historic Rugby Victory
- Southerton Business Times
- Jul 21, 2025
- 3 min read
The internet all but exploded Saturday night as Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, clinched a historic 30–28 win over Namibia to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup — their first appearance in the tournament in 34 years. If you were anywhere near a phone or TV screen in Zimbabwe, you probably heard it too: cheers, dancing emojis, hashtags, and enough flag gifs to make you think it was Independence Day all over again. From Twitter to WhatsApp, Facebook to TikTok, Zimbabweans across the world came together in a virtual victory lap, flooding timelines with joy, pride, and — of course — a healthy helping of rugby memes.
The hashtag #SablesToTheWorldCup trended in Zimbabwe within minutes of the final whistle, with one fan tweeting, “I wasn’t even watching, but the way my neighbours screamed, I thought Zimbabwe had qualified for the World Cup in football… turns out it’s rugby. Still proud though!”
Another viral post read: “Rugby? In this economy? These boys made it happen. Sables, you’ve done what ZIFA couldn’t.”
Memes were everywhere. From Leonardo DiCaprio to Wakanda Forever, the Sables got the royal internet treatment. One post showed a group of goats (G.O.A.T.s) in Zimbabwean jerseys with the caption, “The real heroes we needed. Tino shade to Warriors, but facts are facts.”
Even popular pages like @ZimCelebs and 263Chat broke their usual programming to post about the match, sharing highlight clips, celebrations, and player tributes. For a few golden hours, rugby stole the spotlight in a nation more accustomed to football heartbreaks and cricket collapses.
Former Sables captain Denford Mutamangira wrote on Instagram, “To see the boys bring it home after decades is a dream come true. We built the path, and they ran the full mile. Bravo!”Veteran coach Brighton Chivandire added a nostalgic note, posting a throwback photo of the 1991 squad: “From the days of shorts that barely covered thighs to today’s compression gear — Zimbabwean rugby has come far. Sables, you’ve done us proud!”
Even Peter de Villiers, the former Springboks coach who once briefly coached Zimbabwe, chimed in on X: “What heart. What fight. Zimbabwe deserves its place on the world stage.”
On Sunday morning, headlines screamed in all caps: “SABLES STUN NAMIBIA, ROAR INTO WORLD CUP” (The Herald) “WE’RE BACK!” (NewsDay Sport) “ZIM RUGBY HAS RISEN!” (The Standard)
Some newspapers even bumped politics off the front page — a true sign that something massive had happened.
Columnist Larry Kwirirayi summed it up best: “This isn’t just a rugby win. It’s a statement. A defiant one. That despite our struggles, Zimbabweans will always find a way to shine.”
If you’re part of any Zimbabwean family group chat, chances are you woke up to a video of that final try by Kudzai Mashawi — or a crying emoji-filled caption saying “Ndiri kuchema (I’m crying).”
One TikTok of fans in Highfield dancing in rugby jerseys to Winky D’s “Musarova Bigman” went viral. In the background, one uncle shouted, “Makapinda RWC! Nematumbu chaiwo! (You qualified with guts!)”
A WhatsApp status from a young fan read: “First time hearing about the Sables — and now I’m a diehard fan.”
Captain Hilton Mudariki was visibly emotional in his post-match interview, saying: “This win is for every Zimbabwean who’s ever believed in rugby. We’re not just showing up at the World Cup — we’re coming to compete.”
Ian Prior, the flyhalf and Player of the Tournament, shared a locker room photo of the celebration: “One team. One country. Let’s go, Zimbabwe!”
Kudzai Mashawi, who sealed the win with a late try, wrote: “Scoring for the flag 🇿🇼. I can die a happy man.”
In a country often starved of international sporting joy, this wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement of hope. One fan tweeted: “When the Warriors broke our hearts, the Sables lifted them. Thank you, gentlemen.”
The moment also sparked fresh calls for more investment in rugby development: “Let’s not wait another 34 years. Time to take rugby seriously in schools, clubs, everywhere.”
And perhaps the best comment came from a young rugby fan in Borrowdale who tweeted:“If we can make it to the World Cup in rugby, maybe there’s hope for my dreams, too.”
The Sables’ World Cup qualification didn’t just break a drought — it brought together a nation in celebration. In a country used to sporting grief, Zimbabwe found joy in scrums, tries, and well-earned victory. Now, with hearts full and expectations high, all eyes are on 2027. One thing’s for sure: whether in Harare, Joburg, London or Bulawayo — Zimbabweans will be watching, roaring, and believing.
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