Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was on Wednesday unveiled as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe national team.
De Villiers, the last coach to record a series victory over the British and Irish Lions and three consecutive victories against the All Blacks, will be assisted Brendon Dawson. Their main objective is to qualify the Sables for the 2019 World cup in Japan.
To win their ticket to the showpiece event, The Sables will face Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Tunisia and Morocco during the Rugby Africa Gold Cup which starts in June.
The winner will directly qualify to the World Cup where they will face New Zealand, South Africa and Italy in Pool B. The second-placed team get will access to the repechage tournament.
Zimbabwe took part in the Rugby World Cup twice in their history (1987 and 1991).
Peter de Villiers said during the press conference that he was delighted with his new move. He also pledged allegiance to Zimbabwe, saying that he would know all the words to the national anthem before he leaves. He told the reporters present at the event that it was "the greatest day of his life"'.
Peter de Villiers coached the Springboks from 2007 to 2011, but this is his first major job since then.
The President of Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Mr. Aaron Jani said: "Peter de Villiers brings with him over 20 years of experience in coaching at several levels.
"This is the best move that Zimbabwe Rugby has made in many years". He also pledged his total support to the newly appointed coach: "The entire union will work with him to ensure that Zimbabwe moves forward and up the ranks in the World Rugby rankings".