The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
ONE of the more striking images on Ernest Mudzengerere’s Facebook page is one where the 23-year-old scrumhalf — clad in the green and black colours of Old Hararians — takes time to savour the moment of his team’s Super Six rugby title win.
Eyes closed, trophy in hand and a faint grin on his face, this was meant to be a crowning moment, or big icing on the cake after a Sables tour of South Africa for the SuperSport Challenge Cup, including a Victoria Cup success to boot for the Zimbabwe international.
But, alas, 2019 would become the year he rather forgets. Mudzengerere retired from international rugby with a short, heartfelt social media post late last month, which was met with surprise from fans and the media alike. No one imagined the scrumhalf walking away from the game at the tender age of 23.
“There are a lot of things that contributed to me hanging up my boots; it is a decision that was one year in the making, and one that was taken after a lot of contemplation and thought,” said Mudzengerere.
“The year 2019 is arguably the worst year of my entire rugby career. I think I played roughly 70 minutes of the entire Sables campaign all year, and this includes the SuperSport Rugby Challenge Cup in South Africa”.
Lack of game-time comes with the territory, and would be a flimsy excuse for retiring.
The former Tigers’ scrumhalf thinks so too, and his issue runs a little deeper.
Mudzengerere, or Tsongi as he is known in rugby circles, had simply lost his smile.
“The lack of game-time hit me hard, and it got so bad that it forced me to re-evaluate my life and the choices I have made.
“Granted, people will probably say that 23 years is too early a retirement age, and I probably had so many years ahead, but I do not view things that way.
“Sometimes it is good to retire young, especially when you see what you are doing at the time won’t take you where you want to be.
“I have other interests and passions, which have been taking a back seat to rugby and would only be looked at when I get to something like 30-years-old.
“I also have siblings that look up to me for guidance and leadership. I want to be the best version to them,” he said.
Mudzengerere has already started making inroads into his other passions.
Top of the list is accounting, where he has decided to further his studies.
He also has a new-found passion for fitness training. “I have recently developed a crazy, crazy passion for fitness and started my own company, Tsongi Body Blast.
“I like changing people’s lives and take everything I do as ministry, so the change I make in people’s lives gives me a sense of fulfilment. The change I have effected on the few people I have worked with so far has motivated me and given me a renewed sense of purpose. Expect a lot of big things on that front. I am also going to pursue my studies and see where that takes me,” Mudzengerere said. A month into retirement, the scrumhalf has left the door open for a possible return.
“This is not a goodbye, but a see you later.
“I do not regret my decision, but I am still very young and could still return in the not-so-distant future. Right now, it is about me sorting out my life, furthering my studies and getting my company up and running,” he said.
