Zimbabwe have named a youthful squad to represent the nation at this year’s prestigious Safari Sevens Rugby Tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, a competition renowned for unearthing future stars of the global sevens circuit.

The team, known as the Cheetahs Academy, is being guided by experienced campaigners Tapiwa Malenga and Vuyani Dhlomo, both of whom bring a wealth of international exposure to the group. However, the bulk of the squad is made up of promising young players who are still adapting to the intensity of international sevens rugby.

The 27th edition of the Safari Sevens gets underway this Friday afternoon at the RFUEA Grounds, drawing participation from top rugby nations including France, England, and Italy. The Cheetahs Academy find themselves in Pool C, where they will face Kenya Morans (Kenya’s developmental side), Apache, and ReUnion, a challenging group that will test Zimbabwe’s depth and mental strength.

Team officials say the focus is on building experience and exposing emerging players to high-level competition as Zimbabwe look to rebuild their sevens structures ahead of future continental and global tournaments.

“The Safari Sevens has always been a platform for growth and discovery,” said a team insider. “This year, it’s about giving our young players the chance to express themselves and gain valuable exposure against quality opposition.”

The tournament has historically been a breeding ground for African rugby excellence, with several current internationals having cut their teeth at the event. For Zimbabwe, it’s another opportunity to showcase their next generation of talent, and to remind the region that the Cheetahs’ spirit remains as fierce as ever.

Takudzwa Ndoro, the twin brother of the late former Zimbabwe international striker Tendai Ndoro, has made a heartfelt appeal to his late brother’s ex-girlfriends to stop sending him personal videos and photos, saying the messages are hampering his healing process.

In a statement posted on social media, Takudzwa expressed frustration over receiving private material involving his late brother, who passed away on August 18, 2025. The former Chicken Inn and Orlando Pirates star was buried in Bulawayo after a long struggle with illness.

“Dear ex-girlfriends of my twin brother, please, I am kindly asking you to stop sending me your pictures and videos with Tendai,” Takudzwa wrote. “I have a million pictures and videos that I can watch if I miss him. Keep your pictures and videos to yourselves, I don’t want them. You are disturbing my healing process. Let’s respect each other.”

The emotional message comes nearly two months after Tendai’s death, which shocked the football fraternity across southern Africa. Fans, former teammates, and clubs paid tribute to the striker, who made his name in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League before earning a high-profile move to South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.

Since Tendai’s passing, his twin brother has occasionally used social media to share memories and updates as he continues to mourn the loss. However, the recent influx of personal content from some of the late player’s past relationships appears to have taken a toll on him emotionally.

Takudzwa’s plea has sparked widespread sympathy online, with many users urging people to respect his privacy and allow him the space to grieve in peace.

The Ndoro family has largely remained private since Tendai’s death, and Takudzwa’s statement marks one of the few times a close relative has spoken publicly about the personal challenges they have faced in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Riyad Mahrez starred as Algeria became the fourth African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3-0 win over Somalia in Oran on Thursday.

The captain set up Mohamed Amoura’s opener, scored a brilliant half-volley, and assisted Amoura’s second as the Desert Foxes sealed top spot in Group G with a game to spare. Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

The match, nominally a Somalia home game, was played in Algeria due to stadium issues in the Horn of Africa nation.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of France legend Zinedine Zidane, earned his first Algeria call-up after switching allegiance from France but remained on the bench.

In the same group, Uganda boosted their play-off hopes with a 1-0 win over Botswana, while Mozambique lost 2-1 at home to Guinea.

Elsewhere, Liberia kept their hopes alive in Group H after beating Namibia 3-1 in Paynesville. Equatorial Guinea later suspended coach Juan Micha after he refused to travel for their cancelled match against Malawi.

Senegal and Ivory Coast could also confirm qualification when the penultimate round concludes on Friday.