Munerenyu’s vision for rugby

Tinashe Kusema

During her teens, Lindiwe Munerenyu had the fortune of meeting former Zimbabwe Sables coach Cyprian Mandenge — then the sports master at Eaglesvale School — by chance.

She credits Mandenge for changing her course, pushing her towards a life on the rugby pitch.

Under the tutelage of the seasoned rugby gaffer, Munerenyu won her first caps for the Zimbabwe Pangolins (now Lady Sables).

She debuted during a landmark Test against Zambia, toured Ireland with the team and on her return founded her club — Lotus Queens.

While still in her teens, she played for both the Zimbabwe Sevens and 15s and went on to simultaneously captain both outfits.

She remains one of the youngest captains for either team.

Her biggest claim to fame occurred a fortnight ago when, at 30, she was appointed the new Harare Rugby chairperson. She did not only became the first female to lead the association, but also the youngest to do so.

“I don’t look at it that way at all,” said Munerenyu, on her historic feat.

“I am simply taking up the role without looking at my gender, age or generational difference. For me, it is an opportunity to become hands-on in the administration of the game and see my vision come to fruition.”

Despite her age, she is no stranger to rugby administration. But her story started at Eaglesvale when she met Mandenge.

She speaks highly of her former sports master and mentor, and credits him for instilling her passion for rugby. Under Mandenge, she earned numerous caps for the national team.

“I started playing rugby while still in high school, under the coaching of Mandenge, and bridged into a rugby academy called Cubs (Old Hararians),” she said.

“My first cap for the national women’s team came while I was still in high school and I played for the Pangolins in a Test game against Zambia for my debut.

“I was selected as one of the juniors to play for the national team that travelled to Ireland and, upon my return, formed my own academy, named Lotus Queens.

“It was later renamed Lady Dragons when I joined Old Georgians RFC to start the rugby women’s section.

“I am still the lady in charge of rugby at the Old Georgians RFC women’s section, while still playing for my club team and administrating.”

After school, she attended the Women’s University in Africa and holds an Honours degree in Entrepreneurial Development and Management, majoring in Marketing and Management.

She did her attachment at the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.

“I was appointed the women’s vice chairperson of the Harare rugby province first, and this was earlier in the year,” said Munerenyu.

“Circumstances arose that saw the former chairperson resign, and I was left to become the acting chairperson, while the board deliberated on a way forward.”

The rugby community welcomed her ascension.

“That has given me a lot of drive and a sense of responsibility to make sure we take our province to the highest level.

“I have been truly humbled by the love and support,” she said.

Munerenyu has since revealed her manifesto and vision for both the sport and the province.

“One of my biggest priorities will be to bring equality (gender), while growing all the sectors within our province and beyond.

“My vision for the province stems from the challenges I have faced during my time in rugby, both from a player and administration point of view.

“Upskilling our rugby community through World Rugby educators and development programmes, whichever suits them best, is also on the agenda.

“More community engagement and more corporate engagement are two other facets of my vision. I want our community to endorse rugby as a culture, and bring direct value to the clubs and schools.”