Sables Bring Africa Cup Glory to BYO—Saturday Derby Showdown Set to Ignite Hartsfield
BULAWAYO – The Sables will arrive in Bulawayo this Saturday at midday for a fan celebration at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, marking their Africa Cup victory and Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup—just hours before the city’s fiercest rugby derby kicks off.
The national team’s visit comes after their historic triumph in July, when they ended a 30-year drought by clinching the coveted Africa Cup.
Their victory not only reignited national pride but also secured Zimbabwe a long-awaited spot on the global stage.
Fans and stakeholders will gather from 12p.m to meet the players, celebrate the win, and soak in the atmosphere ahead of the Archer Clothing Rugby League final, which kicks off at 3p.m.
The final pits defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) against bitter rivals Matabeleland Warriors in a clash that has dominated the local rugby scene all season.
OMs stormed into the final with a commanding 27–13 win over Mahogany Bulls, while Warriors bulldozed past Western Suburbs Panthers 36–5.
OMs remain unbeaten this season and are determined to defend their crown.
Warriors, meanwhile, are equally hungry to reclaim the title they narrowly lost in last year’s nail-biting final.
The rivalry has been fierce. OMs edged the first leg 39–35, while the second ended in a dramatic 28–28 stalemate—setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown.
Rugby fans can expect fireworks as pride, bragging rights, and silverware collide.
The final kicks off at 3pm but the party starts at 12p.m when the Sables command the spotlight.
B-Metro
