Rugby Africa has granted approval for the national men's sevens rugby team to compete in this weekend's Olympic Games qualifiers, waiving the participation fee that had caused uncertainty. Coach Andrew Kaminsa has announced the squad of 12 players, which includes eight who participated in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Zambia's participation had been in doubt after the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) missed the deadline for paying the €3,000 (approximately K67,853.34) participation fee. In a recent interview, ZRU President Chileshe Bweupe confirmed that they had received a lifeline when Rugby Africa accepted their request to postpone the payment of the participation fee until the end of October. In a series of email exchanges between ZRU and Rugby Africa, Bweupe had requested this deferment. "Sir, we are mindful of the need and importance of paying participation fees, but at present we are unable to fulfill this requirement, and I write on behalf of Zambia Rugby Union to be allowed to participate in this weekend's tournament. If allowed, we commit to making good before the end of October 2023. We are a new executive and require all the support and help we can get, and it is our desire that you may look upon our request favorably," read Bweupe's email addressed to the chairman of the finance committee. Bweupe expressed his gratitude to Rugby Africa for their understanding, stating, "Your understanding and support to Zambia are greatly appreciated, and this gesture by the finance committee to offer temporary relief will be communicated to our Ministry of Sports." The women's sevens team will also need to pay a €3,000 participation fee ahead of the final Olympic Games qualifiers in Tunisia next month. Other Commonwealth Games participants joining the team for the outing to Harare include skipper Israel Kalumba, Brian Mbalwa, David Chimbukulu, Elisha Bwalya, Alex Mwewa, Edmond Hamayuwa, and Chisanga Nkhoma, all from Arrows. Green Buffaloes' Mike Masabo, another Commonwealth Games team member, has also made the squad. Zambia finds itself in Group B, alongside Kenya, Namibia, and Nigeria. The tournament will feature three groups in total, with the winners automatically qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. The runners-up and third-placed teams will earn the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Repechage tournament.