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Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor

ZIMBABWE won the shield at the Dubai Invitational Sevens with 19-14 victory over ASM Clermont Auvergne of France in the final played at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

The Graham Kaulback-coached Cheetahs finished third in their pool after a 7-5 loss to French side 7 Fantastics, 35-14 win over another French team, Equipe De France De Militaire and a 24-14 win over Ireland Invitational. Zimbabwe however, could not progress in the competition on points difference, which saw them move over to the bowl.

In the bowl, Zimbabwe lost the first quarter-final 19-5 to Western Sydney Blues Two Blues before they defeated the Japan Sevens Development Squad 21-7 in the shield semi-finals to book a place in the final where they saw off ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Zimbabwe were using the Dubai Invitational Sevens to prepare for a busy schedule next year which includes the qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Godfrey Magaramombe and Tadius Dzandiwandira were named as co-captains of the Cheetahs following the retirement of Kudzai Mashawi at the end of October.

It was the first time that the Cheetahs were in action since they took part in the Rugby Sevens in Cape Town, South Africa where they finished 23 out of 24 men’s teams at the global showpiece.   — Mdawini_29