The Sunday Mail
SHINGIRAI KATSVERE plays rugby with such freedom and grace, it’s easy to see why he is rated among the cream of the country’s emerging talent.
His marauding full-course runs and tough tackling make the Young Sables full-back an asset to any team.
Katsvere’s full repertoire was on show during Zimbabwe’s 34-32 extra-time loss to Namibia in the Junior Africa Cup Group 1A final at St George’s College, Harare a fortnight ago.
The 18- year-old played the game of his life, though his four tries were not enough to lead Zimbabwe to victory and hand the country a ticket to the next edition of the Junior World Rugby Under-20s.
“I think we played very well as a team. It’s unfortunate that complacency crept in, we lost concentration and allowed them to come back to force a draw. The yellow cards hurt in extra-time. It still hurts but that’s sport for you,” said Katsvere.
Katsvere’s story is an inspiring tale.
Born on May 10, 1997 in the gritty suburb of Mbare, Katsvere has refused to let stereotypes hold him down.
“I have never done drugs or been mischievous like what people expect from kids in Mbare. I would rather listen to Frank Edwards or Michael W Smith than any of the local Zim dancehall artists. In fact I can’t even dance, let alone perform the famous clucks – I am different.”
It didn’t help matters that Katsvere hailed from a football clan, a grandson of Dynamos legends Edward and Lloyd Katsvere.
Everyone expected him to play football.
“I tried out football in primary school and was an average goalkeeper. I remember my parents really wanted me to play football and were very supportive.
“There would come to all my games and help me out at every opportunity but I just didn’t feel at home on the soccer pitch,” said the rugby player.
His fork in the road moment came in 2008 when he accompanied a friend to rugby practice.
“I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up and at the time my only friend Munashe Kamunda had just joined Mbare Academy. One day I decided to tag along as he was going for practice.
“What I found there was something I had never experienced. The team welcomed me, the people were friendly and urged me to try my hand … it turned out I was pretty good at the sport.
“The coaches, Victor Pekani and Milton Laken, took me under their wings and taught me everything I know about rugby today. I owe a lot to them as they not only taught me about the sport, but life in general.
“After training sessions, they would sit us down and teach us a lot of life lessons, the importance of discipline and how to live a healthy and good life,” he said.
His strong performances for Mbare Academy earned him a scholarship at schools’ rugby powerhouse Prince Edward High, where he is an integral member of the Tigers.
“I have no regrets about choosing rugby over football. The sport saved my life and has also given me the opportunity to travel around the country and even outside, places I would never have ever dreamt of visiting,” said Katsvere.
With the disappointments of this year’s Craven Week and Africa Cup defeats behind, Katsvere’s eyes are on the future.
“I want to finish my education first, and then play rugby professionally. I want to be the best in the world and one day play for the senior national team. I just want live up to my potential and help provide for my family.”
