dyton mupawaenda
Sports Reporter
AFTER 13 seasons playing at the top level, veteran Zimbabwe rugby sevens player Kuda Chiwanza has decided he will hang his boots at the end of the Zambezi 7s Challenger Series at Old Georgians Sports Club today.
The 32-year-old, who has represented Zimbabwe, both in the sevens and 15s rugby, announced the development on ZTN Prime’s Morning Rush yesterday.
He will feature for the last time in the Cheetahs colours when Zimbabwe host regional teams from Botswana and Zambia in the third edition of the Zambezi 7s Challenger Series. “Unfortunately, this will be my last tournament. I am hanging up my boots end of day tomorrow (today),” said Chiwanza yesterday.
The veteran player however does not regret the decision to retire as he wants to focus on family and securing his future.
“It’s a tough decision but I think 13 seasons of playing national team, both 15s and sevens, has been a really good ride.
“My decision has been influenced by a lot of things with the set up and also building on with my future. Rugby-wise, I don’t see much in Zimbabwe but also building family and creating something different for myself,” said Chiwanza.
Chiwanza, who grew up in Chimanimani, honed his rugby skills at Falcon College before taking up a career with Old Georgians.
He has been a vital cog in the national team set up for the past 13 years and had grown to become a stalwart of the Cheetahs sevens team.
The highlight of his career came in 2018 when he was part of the triumphant Cheetahs squad that was crowned African champions.
The decision to hang up his boots means Chiwanza will miss the bumper Rugby Sevens Olympic Qualifier tournament set for Harare Sports Club on September 16-17. The tournament will bring together 12 nations including giants South Africa, Namibia and Kenya
Online Reporter