Zambia’s Grizzly-sponsored Emerald Queens have announced themselves as a formidable force in African women’s rugby, producing a breathtaking display of pace, power and precision to storm into the next round of the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens tournament in Nairobi.

The Zambian women delivered a statement of intent on the opening day, sweeping aside three opponents, including continental heavyweights South Africa, whose remarkable 50-match unbeaten streak in the Africa Sevens competition was brought to a stunning end.

The Emerald Queens began their campaign with a ruthless 50-0 demolition of Rwanda before overpowering regional rivals Zimbabwe 36-5.

But it was their pulsating 19-14 victory over South Africa that sent shockwaves through the tournament, underlining Zambia’s growing continental ambitions.

The triumph was particularly significant, marking the first time Zambia had beaten the South Africans at the tournament and signalling the arrival of a team increasingly comfortable challenging the traditional powerhouses of African rugby.

Zambia Rugby Union President Louis Bweupe hailed the achievement as a historic milestone, announcing that the Emerald Queens had climbed to fifth in Africa from sixth position last year.

In a further endorsement of their growing stature, Bweupe revealed that Zambia went on to defeat South Africa twice during the tournament, describing the achievement as evidence of the team’s exceptional potential.

He singled out captain Lushomo Liwena for her leadership, determination and work ethic, while crediting head coach Sydney Mwansapa and assistants Michello Sheleni and Joshua Lungu, alongside team manager Chipala Kasono, for transforming the team’s competitive outlook in a relatively short period.

The President said sustained training camps, consistent preparation and greater international exposure would be essential to unlocking the squad’s full potential.

Grizzly Mining Ltd, alongside Country Choice, Freddy Hirsch, Kofeta Industries, Loleski Investments, Trinity Haulage, Forefront Industrial Solutions and the Government of Zambia, was recognised for supporting the team’s continental campaign.

With qualification for SVNS 3 firmly in sight, the Emerald Queens are carrying more than national colours into the next stage.

They are carrying the growing belief that Zambia can compete with Africa’s best and rewrite the hierarchy of women’s sevens rugby.