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Wales may have been crowned the 2009 Rugby Sevens World Cup Champions, but for minnows Zimbabwe beating Ireland to win the Bowl was every bit at as fulfilling as hoisting the Melrose Cup. The result meant that the Cheetahs were the only African team from either the Men or Women’s competition to return home with silverware.

And Danny Hondo, one of the major protagonists of the famous 17-14 win at The Sevens said the result would undoubtedly help portray a brighter picture of the troubled African nation. Zimbabwe’s win came 24 hours after the tragic death of Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s wife.

“It was a good thing for us,” said Hondo, whose brother Dougie has also represented Zimbabwe at Test cricket level.

“It gives us a positive image because all the time it’s always negative, negative. So being here and actually coming out as winners will give a positive picture to our country,” he added.

A hard fought 28-24 win over Uruguay helped Zimbabwe secure third spot in Pool F which also comprised eventual finalists Wales and Argentina.

But that result was only good enough to send them into the Bowl competition where they pummelled Georgia in the last eight and cruised into the final after another successful showing against the always dangerous Los Teros of Uruguay in the semi-finals.

There was no shortage of support for the unfancied Cheetahs and Hondo thanked the crowd for their role in the victory. “It’s been a good atmosphere. The atmosphere created by the people gives you a buzz which is great because over three days it can get pretty tiring,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s amateurs will only be able to rest on their laurels for a week before beginning preparations for the Hong Kong Sevens at the end of the month. Placed in Pool C they once again will have their work cut out squaring up to Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.

Similarly to many of the teams in Dubai full-time jobs do not stand in the way of Hondo and his teammates. “The boys are committed, so I wouldn’t say it’s difficult as the boys know what they want. Every time we want to train, we always come up with something positive,” he added.

His comments are also echoed by coach Liam Middleton.

"Zimbabwe is a country which is really passionate about its rugby. These guys are hugely enthusiastic about the way they play. When we're in tournaments we just try and play our way and try and do well for Zimbabwe”