Chiwanza’s Gold smile

18 Nov, 2018 - 00:11 0 Views
Chiwanza’s Gold smile

The Sunday Mail

THERE were a few quintessential moments that made last month’s Zimbabwe Cheetahs’ Africa Cup conquest a special event.

There was the comeback win over Uganda in the semi-finals, Shingi Hlanguyo’s solo run that sealed the said victory and the Sevens’ coming out party that was Shingirai Katsvere’s entire tournament run.

However, none shone as bright as the beaming smile on Jafnos Kudakwashe Chiwanza’s face, as the 27-year-old clutched onto the trophy soon after the final whistle.

“To be honest, it’s been about a month or so since we won the Gold Cup, but I still feel the same way I did back then,” said Chiwanza.

“It was an unreal moment and no words can describe the feeling we all had at that time,” he said.

That the image was caught on camera was purely coincidental, but it was one that hid a sad and more tragic truth that lay underneath.

Something, or better yet, someone was missing!

For the casual fan, Chiwanza’s rise is pretty rudimentary.

Emerging from Falcon College, the 26-year-old found his footing pretty early in his career, joining Old Georgians Rugby Club soon after school back in 2011.

His arrival showed the first glimpses of what lay in store as Chiwanza was named Rookie of the Year in his debut season.

Calls for the Sables and Cheetahs, his preferred format, soon followed after which he became a semi-permanent member of the latter.

The 2014 and 2015 season are arguably his greatest years as he was amongst the top try-scorers for both, on top of winning the title with OGs.

What most don’t know is that Chiwanza comes from a sport orientated family as his father, Jafnos senior, was an amateur footballer, while his two siblings Irene and Emmanuel have both made waves in their respective sports of basketball and hockey.

“Rugby wasn’t my first choice in sports, most people would be surprised to know that cricket was my first love.

“I made the Manicaland provisional side and even had a short stint with Strugglers cricket club,” he said.

Chiwanza only started playing rugby when he enrolled at Mvurechena Primary School where he was forced to partake in every sport as the school did not have that many pupils.

He credits his late mother, Judith Chiwanza, for playing a pivotal role in his career.

Sadly, Judith Chiwanza succumbed to a bout of pneumonia a few years back and it has been hard not having her around.

“Having her there with me last month would have meant the world to me,” he said. Her calming influence would also have come in handy as the former Falcon College student faces the all-important question.

Club or country?

Old Georgians and the Cheetahs return to action later this month for the all-important Dubai Sevens invitational (OGs) and Sevens Tournament.

Chiwanza has become the mainstay for both sides, and has been in camp with OGs for the past six weeks, while the Cheetahs are expected to assemble later this week.

Chiwanza does not have any preference just as yet.

“I will play for the team I am selected inti,” he said.

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