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Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior men’s national rugby team, the Sables’ towering lock Kudakwashe “Goofy” Nyakufaringwa has hinted that he is likely to call time on his professional playing career after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Goofy was part of the back to back Africa Cup winning Sables team, a side that qualified Zimbabwe to the 2027 global showpiece Down Under, their first ever appearance at the World Cup in over three decades.
The Poland based lock, speaking to Rugby Wire, said he is likely to hang his boots after the World Cup, although he will continue playing, not professionally anymore.
The Bulawayo born and bred star said he also has fallen in love with Poland and is enjoying every moment of it, a place where he is also with his family. Apart from that, he said the Polish league is competitive and despite receiving numerous offers elsewhere, he is happy with where he is at the moment.
“It’s a very diverse league, we have people from South Africa, New Zealand, so it’s a competitive league because you have all these people that are there to get money and make a living for themselves. It is more running rugby, the physical guys are very physical… When you meet your Namibians and South Africans, they will leave your ankles bruised. But, it’s very interesting, and I am enjoying it. I had a couple of offers to go to France and Spain now, but I don’t think I want to. I’m in a space where after the World Cup, I am going to call it quits, but I know I am going to play rugby for a very long time but just not professionally.
“I don’t think you can fully retire from rugby even though the body won’t be as agile and fast to heal as it is now. I love it, my family is out there, and I have created something for myself back there, having to think of life after rugby. I am enjoying it,” said Nyakufaringwa.
The Sables star believes that the work towards making the team for the World Cup starts now as there will even be more players vying for a spot to Australia. For him, going to the global showpiece is not a question of “if” but he has to be there and looks forward to being kept on the edges and toes by other players.
He said donning the green and white hoops at the World Cup is a special moment.
“It’s not a lie that probably half of the team that took us to the World Cup is not going to make it, no one has a guaranteed jersey. You have boys that are knocking on the door right now and they will be knocking even harder come 2027 and you will have guys outside the country lift up their hands to say they want in. Just to have that jersey at that time will be a special moment for everyone.
“For myself, I have to be there. I am speaking for myself. I can only control what I can, I can only control the hard work I put in and staying ready and God willing, I am going to be there. I have always told all the boys, you gonna have to come and rip it from my hands, and please do come, I am looking forward to being kept on the edges and on my toes. The boys are knocking, they are coming up with it. So, staying on top of your game is the hardest,” said Goofy. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter