Zimbabwe and Morocco kick off what is expected to be a tough Rugby Africa Cup, 2025 against Morocco from 10 am at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboolee in Kampala, Uganda on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

This year’s format is similar to the previous competition that was also hosted by Uganda last year where all teams shall start off at the quarter final in a straight knock out with the winners proceeding to the semis and final. At stake is a regional qualification for the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup to be hosted in Australia.

Last year, Zimbabwe edged out surprise finalists Algeria in the final and are keen to repeat the feat. Coach Piet Benade predicted a tough match against the North Africans who included many players who ply their trade in the French league. 

Super Accurate

The plan is to be ‘super accurate’ in their executions. “It will be up to us to match their passion and physical presence in the forwards,” the coach added. Hilton Mudariki, the returning Sables’ captain, echoed the sentiments of his coach. Speaking after the captain’s run on Tuesday, the scrum-half  said the players were ready and in good spirit.

Adil Achahbar, the Morocco captain played it close to his chest and will be relying on what the team learned from their camping stint in France. “Zimbabwe are the champions. It will be a tough match but we are ready,” the captain assured. Morocco are returning to Africa’s top flight right after nearly seven years out.

Opening Match

The opening match will pave the way for the match between last year’s finalists Algeria who face Ivory Coast at 12 pm before Namibia and Senegal match from 2 pm. Marvyn Youcef, the Algeria captain appealed for calm by his charges while his opposite number Elias Coulibaly promised a big fight. Perhaps, the most anticipated clash shall be between rivals and neighbors Kenya and Uganda from 4 pm.

When the two teams met in the Elgon Cup, Kenya emerged winners with a 48-30 aggregate. Both teams went South for their preparations and have South Africans in their technical benches which makes it interesting to see which tactics will be at play on match day one.

George Nyambua, who wore the captain’s band last year when Kenya Simbas had a disastrous outing in Kampala assured that his charges were ready after camping for one month in South Africa and arriving in Kampala one week before the tournament to acclimatize. 

Sevens Players

Byron Oketayot, the Uganda captain has a sprinkle of players from their 7s team besides a thunderous home support. Some of the 7s players are Timothy Kisiga, Aaron Oforwoth, Ian Munyani, Adrian Kasito, Pius Ogena, Philip Wokorach, and Isaac Massanganzira. Another interesting fact is the inclusion of brothers Fred and Timothy Mudoola in the technical bench which could be a first for any team. Fred is one of the assistant coaches while Timothy is a strength and conditioning coach. Their sister Charlotte is also a player for the national women’s team.

John Bosco Muamba, the tournament director who has been in Kampala for a week assured everything had been put in place for a memorable tournament. His confidence is shared by the hosts Uganda who have left nothing to chance. The teams were warmly welcomed on their arrival courtesy of a partnership with the Uganda Tourist Board.

Webb Ellis Cup

Last week saw the arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup that was accompanied by Jonathan Webb (World Rugby vice chairman), David Carrigy (World Rugby chief of international relations), and Herbert Mensah (Rugby Africa President)

These officials and some organizing committee members paid a courtesy call to Uganda president Yoweri Museveli on Monday. 

Fixtures

Match day 1, Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Zimbabwe v Morocco (10 am), Algeria v Ivory Coast (12 pm), Namibia v Senegal (2 pm), Kenya v Uganda (4 pm).

Kenya squad: Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua (captain), Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Sabatia, Bethuel Anami, Samuel Asati, Barry Yopung, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Timothy Omela, Jone Kubu.

Replacements: Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth.Officials: Jerome Paarwater (head coach), Qondani Katywa (assistant coach).