Cheetahs head to Kenya with momentum and Morans rivalry in their sights

Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs will take their unbeaten run to Nairobi this weekend when they line up at the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens, with a highly anticipated clash against Kenya Morans set to headline their pool campaign.

The tournament takes place from October 9 to 11 at Nyayo National Stadium, bringing together 12 men’s teams from across Africa and beyond. Zimbabwe have been drawn in Pool C alongside Kenya Morans, South Africa’s Gel Squad 7s and Wonder 7s.

The Cheetahs arrive in Kenya with plenty of confidence after an outstanding campaign at the Africa Men’s Sevens tournament in Uganda last month. Zimbabwe went unbeaten on their way to the continental title, defeating Morocco, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda to secure the championship and a return to the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 circuit.

Now, however, the challenge becomes slightly different.

Rather than another continental qualifier, the Safari Sevens gives Zimbabwe an opportunity to test themselves against a mixture of international, invitational and franchise sides. The Cheetahs will also have to adapt quickly, with the tournament coming shortly after their Africa Cup triumph.

Zimbabwe have made a slight adjustment to their squad for the trip, opting for a more experienced group. Tatenda Kamubvumbi, who featured during the Africa Cup campaign, makes way for Munopa Muneta, who returns to the Cheetahs setup.

The experienced Muneta will add another option to a squad that already includes captain Tapiwa Malenga, Carlos Matematema, Ryan Musumhi, PK Manyakara and Munyaradzi Ngandu. The travelling squad also features Tavonga Ablant, Takudzwa Kamucheta, Tadiwanashe Maradze, Kudakwashe Nyamakura, Joshua Thondhlana and Gamuchirai Nekati.

Zimbabwe will begin their campaign against Wonder 7s on Friday afternoon before facing Gel Squad 7s on Saturday morning. Their final pool match comes later that afternoon against the Kenya Morans.

And that final group match is likely to attract the most attention.

Zimbabwe and Kenya have developed a familiar rivalry in African sevens, and the Cheetahs will now walk into the Morans’ backyard carrying the confidence of their recent continental success.

There is also some unfinished business from last year’s Safari Sevens. The Morans defeated Zimbabwe in the pool stages before beating the Cheetahs again in the bronze-medal match, finishing third in the 2025 tournament.

This time, Zimbabwe arrive with a different level of momentum.

The Cheetahs have just demonstrated that they can handle pressure on the continental stage, but Safari Sevens presents another opportunity to sharpen their game against quality opposition. The tournament will also form part of their preparations for the next stage of their international sevens journey, with Zimbabwe set to return to the World Rugby SVNS 3 circuit.

Head coach Fortunate Chipendu will be looking for his side to carry the confidence from Uganda into Nairobi while continuing to improve the areas that remain a work in progress. Defence, in particular, has been identified as an area where the Cheetahs want to make improvements after conceding too many easy opportunities during the Africa Cup.