admin
Online Reporter
Current Zimbabwe national rugby team player, Kudakwashe ‘Goofy’ Nyakufaringwa has a unique story of family, inspiration, mentorship and legacy.
His mentors extend beyond family for Goofy. He credits retired Sable, former captain Victor Olonga who helped him recover after his knee surgery.
“Victor Olonga helped through a lot during my recovery from surgery. He not conditioned me physically but mentally too. I couldn’t have done this without him,” said Nyakufaringwa who grow up playing rugby at Olonga’s house.
“Olonga walked with me all the way through his post-knee surgery dark moments and rehabilitation.”
“My young daughter Ella was probably the biggest reason for my comeback. She gave me the strength and will to work through the pain towards a complete return to the field. And to come back and then go one to win the Arica Cup is priceless. My teammates, family and friends have given me the best welcome back present one could ever dream of,” he added
This sort of mentorship along with fond but oft painful memories of his late uncle, Arnold Takawira, a former Busters, Cheetahs and Sables player, and his best friend, Gilbert Nyamutsamba, himself a former Busters, Sables and Cheetahs player as well played a significant role in shaping the lock popularly known in the rugby world as ‘Goofy’ and his passion for rugby.
Growing up, Goofy was fascinated by the pair’s stories of their time on the pitch and the camaraderie they shared with their teammates. Takawira’s love for the sport was contagious, and Goofy soon found himself drawn to the game. When his uncle passed away, Nyamutsamba, became a mentor and source of encouragement for the rising superstar, sharing tales of their adventures on and off the pitch.
After Takawira’s passing, Nyamutsamba remained a constant presence in Goofy’s life, providing guidance and support.
“When my uncle passed away, I continued to draw inspiration from the bond between him uncle and Nyamutsamba, striving to make them proud with every game I played,” Goofy told B Metro Online from Kampala, Uganda after the Africa Cup victory.
Now, as whenever he takes to the pitch alongside his Sables teammates, he carries with him the memory of his uncle and the spirit of his kinship with Nyamutsamba.
“Their influence has shaped me into the player I am today, and I hope to honor their legacy with every tackle, scrum, and try.”
In the Africa Cup final victory over Algeria, Goofy played with a fierce determination, inspired by the legacy of his uncle and the friendship between Takawira and Nyamutsamba. As the Sables secured their Africa Cup title to go with the historic victory over Namibia, Goofy knew that his uncle and Nyamutsamba were with him in spirit, cheering him on every step of the way.
As this Sables team prepares for the next stage of their journey towards eventual World Cup qualification, Goofy remains focused on the task at hand, driven by the knowledge that he is part of a larger story – one that begins with the legacy of Victor Olonga, his uncle, Arnold Takawira, Gilbert Nyamutsamba and the willpower his daughter Ella invokes in him.
They’ve done it! Zimbabwe are the new Rugby Africa Cup champions after a dominant 29-3 victory against Algeria in the final in Kampala, Uganda.
Well done Sables!
Online Reporter