The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
GILBERT NYAMUTSAMBA refuses to see his new provincial role as a downgrade from his old Zimbabwe Sevens coaching gig.
In fact, the former Zimbabwe Cheetahs coach insists he can now contribute more to the national cause than ever before.
The Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) recently appointed him as director of rugby, overseeing technical development matters in the province.
This came months after the seasoned gaffer’s on-and-off relationship with the Cheetahs came to an end when his contract expired and was not renewed at the end of last year.
Daniel Hondo, another Sevens veteran, then took over, overseeing the Cheetahs’ failed 2020 Olympics bid, before departing for a seat on the Sables technical bench.
“As the provincial director of rugby, my main objective, simply put, is to produce as many national team and coachable athletes in the province and be a feeder into all rugby national teams,” said Nyamutsamba.
“To do this, we have to set up structures and training programmes in the province.
“We have to look at three key areas: development (talent identification and getting coaches and players going back to teaching basics), infrastructure and equipment (identifying three training centres and equipping them) and high performance training groups.
“I believe that our junior coaches need help and have to be equipped.
“We should start running programmes with these coaches to an extent that all juniors are coached a Zimbabwean style of play.”
Nyamutsamba is no stranger to such a role and backs himself to succeed.
“My driving force is simply my background.
“The sport brought me stability at a youthful age and opened several doors of opportunities for me.
“It taught me discipline, commitment and “Ubuntu”, and all I can do is my best to also pass the same to as many upcoming sportsmen and women as possible.
“Also, rugby development is not new to me.
“I was part of the Midlands revival and, in particular, Gweru and Shabanie sports clubs.
“I was also part of Highlanders and, more recently, among founding fathers in the formation of Bulawayo Warriors,” he said.
The former Cheetahs’ mentor is arguably one of the country’s most distinguished coaches, with three Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) Coach of the Year gongs (2012,2017,2018) and two Africa Cup winner’s medals achieved in 2012 and 2018.
He also has three Sevens’ World Cup qualifications to his name, going as assistant coach in 2009 and then as the head coach in 2012 and 2017.
Nyamutsamba is the only Zimbabwean coach across all disciplines to be honoured at the Africa region level.
He was Coach of the Year at the 2019 RASA awards.
While fully content with his new post, he has not completely closed the door on a return to his beloved Cheetahs.
“For me, rugby has become more than just a sport: It is more of a lifestyle, and one cannot retire from a lifestyle.
“The Cheetahs remain close to my heart and I will continue to give and take part should my services be required in any capacity,” he said.
