The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
IT might have taken something like two to three years, but it looks like Zimbabwe rugby international Shayne Makombe has finally got the hang of French life, with the 28-year-old establishing himself in northern France.
The language barrier has been the Cheetahs and Sables player’s biggest hurdle, but he has taken up some French lessons.
He is also building a few lasting friendships, embarking on a few off field projects and extending his contract with third tier rugby outfit Compiegne.
“Life here is generally easier when you can communicate in French, and it’s the complete opposite if you can’t speak the language.
“So to say that it has been tough would be a gross understatement,” said Makombe.
He began playing rugby as an eight-year-old at Lomagundi Primary School.
“I have had to learn the hard way; but now I am doing my Business French lessons and currently in the process of getting my level B 2 for the language.
“It has made life easier, and I have already started to enjoy my stay here as a result,” Makombe said.
Aside from the language barrier, the Covid-19 pandemic and a couple of injuries have been some of the challenges the Cheetahs and Sables player has had to overcome since making the jump from the University of KwaZulu-Natal to France in 2017.
“Rugby is a sport that comes with a high probability of injuries, and over my stay here, I have had my fair share.
“I have suffered a few injuries here and there, but the fact that clubs here expect their foreign and contracted players to play as many games as possible, hasn’t helped matters either.
“That comes with a lot of pressure. The lockdown has been difficult for everybody, but for me, living by myself has been tougher. I got a bit sick during the initial lockdown; it wasn’t the virus itself, but I just wasn’t feeling well.
“It was a really difficult period for me as I couldn’t train or do much else due to the strict lockdown rules,” he said.
But that was then, now Makombe has every reason to smile.
He can now speak a little French, is feeling much better and is back to full fitness.
The French government has lifted the lockdown and, most importantly, Compiegne have extended their contract with the Zimbabwean.
“Re-signing with Compiegne was an easy decision; I have built a lot of friendships here, the club did not just offer me more money, but set a personal development plan for me and my life outside of rugby. I am beginning to enjoy my stay here.
“The personal development plan was the biggest drawcard as I am already studying and have a few projects set,” he said.
Makombe has also not forgotten the goals he set for himself upon his arrival in France.
“Coming to France, my main goal was to play at the highest level possible here, Pro14 rugby, and quite frankly, I haven’t achieved that yet.
“I have been working on my game and will need to be patient.
“As a way of giving back, I also want to help my club get promoted and we have missed that goal by a game or two in the last couple of years.
“So yes, there are still many goals I need to achieve here,” he said.
A University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate, Makombe moved to France having represented UKZN in the Varsity Shield.
On the home front, he played for Harare Sports Club after captaining his former school Churchill Boys High.
Makombe has played for both the Sables and the Sevens side, the Cheetahs, making his débuts for the two national teams in 2011 (against Uganda) and in 2014 (at a Sevens tourney in Port Elizabeth), respectively.
