Vusumuzi Dube
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Gifford High School rugby player Ryan Imani Sibanda is making waves on the British island of Jersey after earning a place in the Jersey Saltgate Colts Under-17/18 squad, which competes in England’s Sussex County League.
The team currently sits top of the standings.
The young winger has impressed his coaches with both skill and attitude.
“Ryan has made steady progress at the club. He’s polite, committed and a great teammate. He’s keen to learn, asks questions and loves rugby,” the club said in a statement.
“The coaching team will continue to develop his all round game, with particular emphasis on his work as a winger.”
The club’s technical team praised his drive and work ethic.
“Ryan is undoubtedly a talented athlete with an excellent can-do attitude. To progress, he needs to develop his core skills, but with his positive mind-set we’re confident he’ll grow and play a key role in the Colts,” read another statement from the club.
Formed in 1989, the Saltgate Colts are part of the Jersey Rugby Football Club, one of the biggest junior systems under the English Rugby Football Union. With over 500 players aged between five and 18, and supported by 80 volunteer coaches and managers, the programme has become a vital nursery for young talent on the island.
As the only junior rugby club on Jersey, the Colts travel regularly to the UK mainland for league games and festivals.
“Our Under 12s and older teams play in the Sussex leagues, while the younger ones feature in friendly fixtures and French tournaments,” the club said.
Each year, they also compete in the Siam Cup Festival against Guernsey, marking the close of the season.
Sibanda is currently under the guidance of coach Ewan Davies and manager Don Gardener. From his new base, the 17-year-old reflected on how far his passion for rugby has taken him.
He credits his inspiration to Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira and Cheslin Kolbe, two southern African stars whose flair and fearlessness shaped his playing style.
“Kolbe won two Rugby World Cups, and I try to emulate him whenever I’m on the pitch, side stepping and running with speed,” he said.
Before moving to Jersey, Sibanda was part of the Gifford High School’s team that finished second in a national schools tournament earlier this year, a moment that lit a fire in him.
“It was a massive achievement for my school. When we returned, everyone was celebrating. We had the Gifford War Cry at assembly and were presented with our silver medals,” he recalled.
“That day I told myself I wanted to take rugby seriously and see how far I could go.”
Now living with his family in Jersey, Sibanda says the facilities and coaching standards have given him even more motivation.
“I have all the support I need to excel. I’m working hard on my game because I want to be a Sables player one day. I’m using Jersey as a stepping stone. The opportunities here, from training to matches, are huge,” he said.
The youngster, who once dreamed of playing soccer during his days at Baines Primary School in Bulawayo, has found his true calling. He knows the road ahead will demand hard work and patience.
“For now, I’m focused on building my skills and mental strength. My goal is to break into professional rugby by the time I turn 21,” said Sibanda, who celebrated his 17th birthday on 18 October.
Online Reporter