Sikandar Raza, a Pakistan-born cricketer, has become a celebrated figure in Zimbabwe, earning accolades for his exceptional performance in international cricket since 2022. With significant achievements including multiple nominations for the ICC Twenty20 International Player of the Year award and impressive statistics, Raza has rekindled Zimbabwe's interest in cricket. His journey from a software engineering student to a leading cricketer is marked by dedication and passion. Beyond his cricketing prowess, Raza is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts, contributing to cancer foundations and orphanages. Despite the physical toll of a demanding cricket schedule, Raza continues to inspire both on and off the field, embodying the spirit of Zimbabwean cricket.

South Africa began its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Benin, taking an early lead in Group C. Goals from Percy Tau and Khuliso Mudau secured the win, while Benin's Steve Mounié scored a consolation goal. South Africa aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, benefiting from the tournament's expansion to 48 teams. In other matches, Senegal defeated South Sudan 4-0 with Sadio Mané scoring twice, and Tanzania edged Niger 1-0.

Africa is home to the Rugby World Cup champion, with the Springboks winning back-to-back titles. However, the success of South Africa's team, led by Siya Kolisi, does not reflect the overall state of African rugby, which struggles with competitiveness and investment. Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah highlights the need for more funding and support to make African teams competitive. Namibia, despite qualifying for every World Cup since 1999, has yet to win a match and faces significant challenges. The article calls for structural changes and better support to help African rugby grow and compete on the world stage.

Africa, home to the Rugby World Cup champion Springboks, does not truly represent African rugby, which faces competitiveness struggles and untapped talent, according to Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah. Mensah sees the expansion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup to 24 teams as a positive step that could grant Africa an additional qualifying berth but emphasizes the need for proper support to foster the growth and competitiveness of the sport across the continent.

African rugby is facing challenges due to a lack of governance and infrastructure, which are necessary for the sport's growth and to provide participants with a quality experience. World Rugby is not expected to provide financial support without these elements in place.

Africa is home to the Rugby World Cup champion again, but the Springboks do not truly represent African rugby. Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah highlights the struggles of African rugby to be competitive and the untapped talent in the region. He welcomes the expansion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia from 20 to 24 teams, which could mean an additional qualifying berth for Africa. However, Mensah warns that without the right support, this extra berth will not help grow the game or make African countries competitive.

The article discusses the challenges faced by African rugby, highlighting that while South Africa's Springboks have achieved success, the rest of the continent struggles due to lack of investment and infrastructure. Rugby Africa's president, Herbert Mensah, emphasizes the need for funding and support to make African teams competitive. Namibia, despite consistently qualifying for the World Cup, lacks the resources to win matches. The article suggests that World Cup expansion should include structural changes to offer tier two teams more competitive opportunities. Former Zimbabwe captain Kennedy Tsimba advocates for a format that allows all teams to compete meaningfully.

The Springboks' victory in the Rugby World Cup does not reflect the state of African rugby as a whole, with the sport struggling outside of South Africa due to lack of investment and support. Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah calls for more funding to make African nations competitive. Namibia, despite qualifying for every World Cup since 1999, lacks support systems and is yet to win a match. World Rugby Hall of Famer Kennedy Tsimba suggests a tournament overhaul to give tier two teams more competitive matches.

Africa, despite being home to the Rugby World Cup champion South Africa, struggles to be competitive in rugby outside of South Africa. Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah emphasizes the need for investment and support to make African countries competitive. Namibia, despite qualifying for every World Cup since 1999, has yet to win a match and lacks the necessary support systems. The expansion of the Rugby World Cup to 24 teams in 2027 is welcomed but seen as insufficient without proper support. Former Zimbabwe captain Kennedy Tsimba suggests a tournament overhaul to give tier two teams more competitive matches.

Africa is home to the Rugby World Cup champion again, but the Springboks do not truly represent African rugby. Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah highlights the struggles of African rugby to be competitive and the untapped talent in the region. He welcomes the expansion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia from 20 to 24 teams, which could provide Africa with an additional qualifying berth. However, he cautions that without the right support, this expansion will not help grow the game or make African countries more competitive.