Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FROM Nyausunzi to the world!
This is the catchphrase of the inspiring story of 18-year-old Allana Maramba, a dedicated and accomplished young rugby player from Mutare’s sprawling suburb of Sakubva in the Nyausinzi Section, who is quickly rising through the ranks of Zimbabwean rugby, and setting the bar for her home girls in her thriving rugby career.
Key highlights of Allana’s rugby journey include an early start which saw the gifted player playing rugby at the tender age of 14 at Mutare Girls’ High School, participating in Tag Rugby and playing for Spartans.
It was not long before she started featuring at provincial level where she played for Manicaland Rugby at the age 15.
Maramba’s club career saw her joining Knights Rugby Club at the age 17, and is currently coached by Benice Mugaduwi.
Owing to her amazing leadership capabilities, the youngster this year achieved the significant position of team captain. She is known as the ‘Enforcer’ for Knights Rugby Club.
She has earned national recognition after being roped in the Zimbabwe Under-18 national team and the Lady Cheetahs Zambezi 7s team.
Maramba finished her O-Level studies at Mutare Girls’ High School last year.
Maramba’s influence extends beyond playing, as she became the Manicaland Rugby Referees Society upcoming referee-of-the-year for 2025.
She credits her successful journey to the guidance of coaches, Benice Mugaduwi, Deon Gombakomba, and Patience Tsaphwa.
“It is something that is always encouraging when you become a source of community pride. I feel proud of having come from a disadvantaged community in Sakubva, Mutare, and still managed to go all the way to don national team colours.
“I am really grateful to the guidance I got from my coaches, Benice Mugaduwi, Deon T Gombakomba, and Patience Tsaphwa,” said Maramba.
Maramba is mindful of the role they, as rugby players, have to play in helping improve communities.
“I am really happy that through Knights Rugby Club, we are also involved in crucial social work. We are actively involved in fighting against drugs, substance abuse, and early marriage among youths using rugby as a platform,” she said.
Only last weekend, Maramba was in Harare playing for the national team at The Zambezi 7s Tournament.
