By Daniel Nhakaniso
Zimbabwe made a winning start to their Safari Sevens campaign with a 22-14 victory over French side Wonder 7s at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday.
The newly crowned Africa Men’s Sevens champions crossed for four tries, with Takudzwa Kuchaneta scoring twice while Carlos Matematema and Gamuchirai Nekati also touched down.
Ryan Musumhi added a conversion as the Cheetahs secured an encouraging opening result in Pool C.
Zimbabwe will look to maintain their winning momentum when they face Kenya Morans and GEL Squad 7s in their remaining pool matches on Saturday.
The Morans are Kenya’s men’s sevens feeder side, while GEL Squad 7s are a South African team that draws players from the Boland region and surrounding areas.
The Safari Sevens tournament is an important part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for the HSBC SVNS 3 competition early next year and ultimately possible qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Cheetahs secured their place in World Rugby’s third-tier annual sevens series after winning the Africa Men’s Sevens title in Uganda, earning a chance to compete on the international circuit as they seek to build on their continental success.
