Zimbabwe rugby took center stage on the home front, sweeping a historic triple triumph at the Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) 2025 held in Harare on Friday night.
In a landmark evening that signals a new era for local sport, rugby claimed Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Sports Official of the Year. It was a clean sweep of honours that validates the enormous strides the game has made domestically, painting a picture of a programme firing on all cylinders from the boardroom to the field of play.
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) took to Facebook to congratulate the winners, celebrating the immense dedication behind the historic night.
Sables head coach Pieter Benade walked away with the prestigious Coach of the Year award, a richly deserved recognition of the structure, discipline, and winning philosophy he has brought to the team which helped them qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Celebrating his masterclass, the ZRU posted:
"Congratulations to Pieter Benade on being awarded Coach of the Year at the ANSA Awards 2025.
Thank you for your leadership, commitment, and the incredible work you continue to put into developing and elevating Zimbabwe Rugby. Your passion and dedication to the game continue to inspire both players and supporters alike.
A well deserved honour for an outstanding season."
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Completing the off-field recognition, Precious Pazani was honoured as the Sports Official of the Year (Technical or Administrative), shining a light on the exceptional work that happens behind the scenes.
The ZRU paid tribute to her invaluable contribution:
"A huge congratulations to Precious Pazani on being named Sports Official of the Year (Technical or Administrative) at the ANSA Awards 2025.
Your professionalism, dedication, and contribution to the growth of rugby continue to inspire the game on and off the field.
Thank you for the hard work, commitment, and passion you bring to Zimbabwe Rugby.
Well deserved, Precious!"
The crowning achievement of the evening belonged to the national senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, who were named Team of the Year—after they qualified the country for the World Cup for the first time since 1991.
The ZRU celebrated the milestone achievement, posting:
"Congratulations to the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s Rugby Team, the Sables, on being crowned Team of the Year at the ANSA Awards 2025.
This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, resilience, unity, and passion shown by the players, coaches, management, and supporters throughout the journey. Thank you to everyone who continues to stand behind the Sables and support Zimbabwe Rugby.
The journey continues."
The timing of the recognition could not be more significant. The Sables are preparing for one of the most high-profile fixtures in their recent history, with a clash against South Africa A at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The fixture represents a monumental test of exactly how far the Sables have come under Benade's leadership and South Africa A, a team drawn from the fringes of one of the world's premier rugby nations, will provide the sternest of examinations.
