Shocking pictures have shown the terrible conditions that some members of the Zimbabwe national rugby team, the Sables, are living in while in camp as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The players reportedly refer to the house as the “ghost house.”
Zimbabwean community leader and migrant advocate Shelton Chiyangwa, who is based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, shared the pictures after visiting the players. He said he personally took the photos and was very disappointed by what he saw.
Chiyangwa said he had hosted the same team in Port Elizabeth a few weeks ago when they played against the Springboks, losing 40–0.
He said he provided the players with energy drinks and other goodies and also arranged a massage session for the entire team.
“I took these pictures myself, and I am heartbroken as a patriotic Zimbabwean. I am angry and upset. Until the welfare of these players is addressed, I will use all my platforms to speak about this,” he said.
Chiyangwa also raised concerns about a reported US$15,000 bonus promised to each player for qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. He said the players have not received the money and called on Nedbank Zimbabwe to explain what happened.
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