Rugby ace Whata frustrated

HARARE Sports Club utility backline player and reigning Lion Lager National Rugby League Players’ Player of the Year Taddy “Boxer” Whata is a frustrated man. The 21-year-old believes his talent, which has seen him bag several awards and attract rave reviews, is not being recognised by the national XV’s and Sevens coaches.

“I have always dreamt of playing for the national team, but it seems like my dreams will continue to be just dreams,” said Whata, who was last season’s NRL top scorer with 230 points.

“I work hard and have not let the awards I have won affect my focus, but recognition from the national team coaches has not been coming my way.

“It really pains me a lot to be left out of the national team for both the Sables and Cheetahs. Is it fair for me to be overlooked for national assignments despite being the top points scorer, player’s player of the year and backline player of the year?” asked Whata
Whata was part of the provisional squad that was called into camp ahead of the IRB World Cup qualifiers in Madagascar a fortnight ago, but was dropped in favour of Philemon Machisa.

“All I want is a fair crack at the national team jersey. Ahead of the trip to Madagascar, I did all I could but coach (Brendon) Dawson told me that they will travel with Shottie (Machisa), although they knew I was the better player.

“He argued that Shottie played well the last time the team was in Madagascar. That was tough to take. The coach told me to continue working hard and that is what I intend to do,” Whata said.

The Sportivo utility man disclosed that the pain of being overlooked by the national team coaches is making him hungrier for success.
“I have to continue showing my worth. Being overlooked for the national team has become one of my biggest motivational factors. You cannot keep a good man down and I intend to prove that I am good, good enough for the national team,” he said.

Sables coach Brendon Dawson says Whata is among several “promising” players who are pushing for national team jerseys.
“He has to continue believing that his time will come. It’s frustrating being dropped, but the fact that the boy is usually named in the provisional squads is a sign that he has the talent,” he said.

Meanwhile, Whata is confident that Sportivo, who ended the first half of the season on top of the standings and unbeaten, will maintain their fine start when the league resumes on July 26.

“We are the only side who are yet to lose a match and everyone is hungry for success,” he said.
“The first half was excellent; it went well for us, but we know that we haven’t achieved anything as yet and will need to continue working hard.
“We have a great coach (Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda), who is very encouraging and we would like to win the league title for him,” he said.
Sports Club — who have 36 points, five more than second-placed Old Georgians — last won the league in 2012.