It’s good to be home, says Mutamangira

Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
RUGBY star Denford Mutamangira remembers the trip to the Craven Week with the Zimbabwe Under-19 squad in 2002 that proved the turning point of a career that would take him to Europe.

He was still at Churchill Boys High back then.

“I got really inspired at the Craven Week, when I saw how talented most of the players were,” he said.

“I started to imagine myself becoming one of Zimbabwe’s top rugby props.

“When we played at the Craven Week, as the Zimbabwe Under-19 team, our performance was not very good because we really did not understand a lot about the game.

“But I really enjoyed it as it was a good learning curve for me.”

He joined Harare Sports Club in 2005 and played for the club for three years.

In 2008, he left the country for Cape Town where he joined SK Walmers rugby team.

“I love Zimbabwe, it is my home and I am proud to be a Zimbabwean, but I had to leave for new challenges,” he said.

“At SK Walmers, I became one of their best players.

“I remember that most of the guys were fast, in the first days, but I managed to catch up.

“It was really interesting, it was very fast, physical and tough, it was just different.”

He won the Player of the Year and Prop of the Year awards at SK Walmers.

He returned home before moving to Scotland where he really made a big impression.

Mutamangira helped Scottish giants Ayr Rugby Football Club reach the RBS National Scottish Cup final after defeating rivals Boroumough 30-25 in a tense encounter in one of the highlights of his stay in Europe.

He turned himself into one of the stars of the Scottish Premiership and helped his side perform very well.

Last year, he returned home to his beloved Sports Club.

“It was really amazing, it was not easy to excel but I would say that I have had a good journey in rugby,” he said.

“I was very determined and I will forever be determined.

“I am back at Sports Club and will continue to be one of their props.”

National Rugby League Fixtures:

Today:

Men: Harare Sports Club II v Old Georgians, Southern City v Mutare, Harare Sports Club v Old Hararians.

Women: Harare Sports Club v Cubs