Sundaymail Editor
Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
AT a time when some of the biggest names in sport look to be buckling under the pressures of life as elite professionals, it could be just a matter of time before these men and women start to look to a higher power for solace.
While the likes of Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles and Ben Stokes have brought the subject of mental health onto the table for discussion, history is littered with many stories of sportsmen and women opening up about their own experiences.
While some run in stressful territories, others will surprise you.
Among these are the likes of retired UFC former champion Ronda Rousey who contemplated suicide at one time, or arguably the greatest Olympian of all-time, Michael Phelps, who fought his own battles with anxiety and depression during his illustrious career.
The one man who appears way ahead of the curve, and a story closer to home, is Zimbabwe rugby Sables’ flanker Tonderai Chiwambutsa who has revealed that he often defers to the Bible in times of strife.
His scripture of choice is Romans 8 verse 28, which reads; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
“It’s my favourite verse, and one of the main lessons I derived from it is that everything that happens or has happened to me does so for a good reason,” said Chiwambutsa.
“I come from humble beginnings in Mbare, one of the scariest places you can ever be in. I look at myself (where I come from) and where I am right now and smile.
“Everything that I have faced, every challenge and every obstacle, has worked to get me to the point where I am right now”.
In a short space of time, Chiwambutsa-or “Dwadwa” as he is fondly called in rugby circles, is fast proving to be one of Sables coach Brendon Dawson’s trusted hands at flank.
His prowess was on display during Zimbabwe’s last run of games, with the flanker scoring three tries during the Zambia friendlies and the Rugby Africa Cup Group D matches against Burkina Faso last month.
The 22-year-old has already started dreaming of a Sables berth at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
But it was not always this way, in fact his Sables debut did not go according to plan, and he has faced many challenges over the last three or four years.
Born May 26, 1999, Chiwambutsa’s story begins much like those of most youths that were born and raised in Mbare and on a diet of football.
Best described as a natural athlete, the flanker had a hand in every cookie jar – athletics, basketball, and volleyball.
However, he had a change of heart when he met childhood friend Munyaradzi Dzwekesu.
Until then he had thought his heart belonged to football only.
The change in heart came when he started his secondary education at Kwekwe High School.
“I was doing my Form Four, and doubled as a first-team rugby player and Under-14 coach, when Dwadwa joined us,” said Dzwekesu, whose rugby career was cut short by injury.
“I took one look at him and realised he had the right size and frame for rugby and football.
“Convincing him to join the rugby team was no easy feat, as he predominately saw himself as a football player.
“Even when he eventually did join, it took some effort to get him to put in the work”.
Once he did, the results came in almost immediately, catching the eye of Prince Edward scouts first and then Sharks and Western Province academies.
These scouting opportunities were sandwiched in between challenges of their own.
First came the 2016 Craven Week trip to South Africa, which saw Chiwambutsa lose all his belongings to theft, days before the trip.
He then fell ill two days before departure, and almost did not make the trip that would put him on Sharks and Western Province’s radar.
“By the time I started attending Prince Edward, I had switched my focus from academics to sport and decided that I was going to give it my all,” said Chiwambutsa.
“While I had made many trips (tours) with the Tigers, the 2016 Craven Week was the first big chance for me to showcase my skills and talent.
“The goal was to impress and maybe get a bursary to a South African academy but that did not come easy.
“I first got all my belongings stolen while in camp, which was funny as we were at Gateway and I didn’t think that could ever happen.
“I decided to stay focused and keep my eye on the ball, but then fell ill (flu) days before traveling to South Africa.
“My mother almost pulled me out of camp, but I refused and sought refuge in my favourite verse.”
Dwadwa did make the trip and managed to catch the eyes of scouts during Zimbabwe’s 78-03 mauling at the hands of Griquas.
It was through sheer tenacity and his never-give-up spirit that made him not only stand out but come back with two offers from Sharks and Western Province Academy.
Upon some soul-searching and deep reflection, Chiwambutsa decided to abandon his stay at Prince Edward midway and make the trek to South Africa.
Unfortunately, he did not did make the best first impression as he suffered a concussion when trying to jump out of a bakkie.
This saw the 22-year-old miss the first two months of his stay in South Africa, before bouncing back to secure a contract with Western Province’s Under-19 Currie Cup side.
This was followed by stints at Belhar, Primrose and Villagers rugby clubs, which in turn led to a Sables call-up for the 2019 SuperSport Challenge.
Dwadwa did not have the best of debuts, playing the one game against Western Province and injuring himself.
He would get a second crack at it and impress during the Victoria Cup, and then everything went up in smoke again.
With the 2020 season on the horizon, Covid-19 struck.
“The pandemic was arguably the toughest time of my life but I retreated to my verse and actually discovered another side to myself,” said Chiwambutsa.
“Prior to the pandemic, I had put all my eggs in one basket (rugby) and now that got taken away.
“I tried surviving in South Africa but things got harder every day.
“I then returned home but couldn’t go back and add to my parents’ problems, so I settled for Bulawayo.
“There, I tried my hand at painting, got a gig putting on a fresh coat of paint to this house and we were only told that it was the wrong paint when the job was done.
“I then got a gig in construction and actually had to pray and prepare my mind before taking it”.
Chiwambutsa spent about a month and a half doing construction work before rugby was given the greenlight to return.
He returned to South Africa, prepared both his body and mind and eventually got the call-up and the rest is what they call history.
Online Reporter