Sports and Recreation Commission Zimbabwe

CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS
Every Thursday, we celebrate the outstanding winners of the 2025 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA).
This week, we spotlight the 2025 ANSA Team of the Year, the Zimbabwe senior men’s rugby national team, the Sables.
The Sables retained the Rugby Africa Championships title and secured qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, returning to the global stage for the first time since 1991.
They produced an unbeaten Rugby Africa Men’s Cup campaign, underlining their status as Africa’s top men’s XVs side outside South Africa.
They also achieved a historic rise in the World Rugby Rankings, climbing to 24th in the world and becoming the second-highest-ranked African team behind the Springboks.
We celebrate you, Sables and wish you a successful year ahead.

SRC CHAIRMAN ATTENDS HARARE SPORTS & BUSINESS EXCHANGE
The Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Commission Dr Nathaniel Madzivanyika attended the Harare Sports & Business Exchange, a high-level engagement that brought together government officials, diplomats, business executives, sports leaders, educators and community changemakers to explore the transformative power of sport.
Led by Zimbabwean NFL player TJ Maguranyanga, in partnership with Maven Strategy Group and the U.S. Embassy, the Exchange showcased how sport can be a catalyst for diplomacy, economic opportunity, youth development and stronger international partnerships between Zimbabwe and the United States.
Discussions focused on harnessing sport to inspire young people, create leadership pathways, stimulate innovation and expand opportunities for the next generation of Zimbabwean athletes and leaders.
The Sports and Recreation Commission welcomes initiatives that strengthen collaboration across sectors and reaffirm the important role of sport in national development, international engagement and youth empowerment.

CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS
Every Thursday, we celebrate the outstanding winners of the 2025 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA).
This week, we spotlight the 2025 ANSA Junior Sportsman of the Year, Zander Botha from Triathlon.
Zander set a gold standard in 2025, winning multiple top honours at local and regional events, topping it off with a gold medal in the junior category at the African Triathlon Championship.
Congratulations, Zander. We wish you continued success as you strive for even greater achievements in the year ahead

IOC, INTERPOL DECLARE WAR ON MATCH FIXING
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and INTERPOL have initiated a two-day workshop in Harare, running from June 30 to July 1, bringing together regional delegates to combat match-fixing and manipulation of sports in Africa.
The event emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement agencies, National Olympic Committees and sports federations to protect the integrity of sporting competitions.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe, Sports and Recreation Commission chairman Dr. Nathaniel Madzivanyika praised the crucial initiative.
The event has drawn delegates from Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.
Source: Zimbabwe Olympic Committee

CHEVRONS IN RECORD TEST WIN
Congratulations to the Zimbabwe senior men's cricket team, the Chevrons, on beating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test, at Harare Sports Club this afternoon. The win is their biggest victory by margin of innings.
Congratulations, Chevrons.
Al the best in the One Day International series that follows.

SABLES OFF ON WORLD RUGBY NATIONS CUP MISSION
The Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation Arts and Culture Hon. Emily Jesaya last night led the send off for the Zimbabwe senior men's rugby team, the Sables as they depart for the World Rugby Nations Cup matches un the United States of America and Canada where they will play against Tonga, USA and Canada as part of their preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
All the best, Sables.

THE ZIMBABWE NATIONAL YOUTH AND PARALYMPIC GAMES ARE BACK.
SAVE THE DATES!

CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS
Every Thursday, we celebrate the outstanding winners of the 2025 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA).

This week, we spotlight the 2025 ANSA People’s Choice Award winner, Wilfred Mashaya.

Selected by sports fans from a shortlist of 15 exceptional athletes, Wilfred emerged as the clear favourite.

In 2025, he earned multiple international accolades for his exceptional skill and artistry in traditional martial arts weapons disciplines. His achievements included induction into the Budo Bushi Hall of Fame in Poland, recognising his global impact and contribution to martial arts, as well as receiving the prestigious Samurai Warrior Award. He was also crowned ICO World Champion in Kobudo Martial Arts.

Congratulations, Wilfred! We wish you continued success as you strive for even greater achievements in the year ahead.

SRC DIRECTOR GENERAL MEETS ZIMBABWEAN NFL PLAYER MAGURANYANGA
The Director-General of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) Mr Allen Mavunga today met with USA-based American football player Thabani Jehiel (TJ) Maguranyanga in the SRC Boardroom.
Maguranyanga is currently on his off-season break and has outlined a series of engagement sessions aimed at inspiring young Zimbabweans to pursue opportunities in global sport and explore pathways into international sporting careers.
During the meeting, the Director-General expressed pride in TJ’s continued growth and achievements on the international stage, noting that the Commission is closely following his progress.
Mr Mavunga reaffirmed the SRC’s readiness to support TJ in advancing the development of sport and recreation in Zimbabwe, particularly initiatives that empower young athletes and broaden exposure to global sporting opportunities.