Harare, Zimbabwe | In a thrilling development for Zimbabwean rugby, national heroes Brendon Mudzekenyedzi and Dylan Utete have secured coveted spots in the match-day squad for Okman Rugby Club, a rising force in the Korea Super Rugby League.
Their inclusion in the fixture against reigning champions Kepcoin, based in Seoul, marks a significant milestone in their careers and underscores the growing recognition of African rugby talent on the global stage.
Mudzekenyedzi is set to make his highly anticipated debut as a winger on Tuesday, March 18th, while Utete will provide crucial support from the back row as a replacement. This exciting opportunity highlights the immense skill and dedication these players demonstrated during their victorious Africa Cup campaign.
Okman Rugby Club, established in 2023, is rapidly gaining prominence in the Korean premiership. The addition of Mudzekenyedzi and Utete, alongside established South Korean national team players like Kim Sang-jin and Yoo Jae-hoon, significantly strengthens their competitive edge. This influx of African talent is a testament to the quality of players produced by the Africa Cup champions.
Zimbabwean team manager Takunda Chifokoyo attributes this remarkable achievement to the Sables’ successful end-of-year tour in South Korea. “Our time in Korea fostered a strong relationship between our two countries,” Chifokoyo explained.
“Our hosts were deeply impressed by our players, leading to the exciting opportunity for Brendon and Dylan to join Okman as overseas professionals. This is a direct result of their outstanding performance in the Africa Cup.”
Chifokoyo further emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “2024 was a landmark year for Zimbabwean rugby, and we anticipate many more international teams offering our players opportunities in competitive professional leagues. This further demonstrates that the Africa cup champions are indeed among the best in the world.”
As preparations intensify for the World Rugby Qualification stages of the Rugby Africa Cup, the Sables, heading to Uganda in July as tournament favorites, can take pride in the success of their teammates in Korea.
This achievement serves as an inspiration and a powerful reminder of the rising prominence of African rugby on the global stage.
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