Online Reporter
Takudzwa Gwariro
Correspondent
WHEN Mufaro Rukwata Ndoro took to the field for St. George’s College against Hellenic Academy, he achieved a milestone that reflects years of commitment, perseverance, leadership and sustained excellence.
Mufaro became one of the highest-capped players in the College’s recorded rugby history, reaching the well-deserved milestone of 50 1st XV caps.
His 50th cap for the Dragons is a milestone achieved across a continuous four-season cycle from Form 3 to Form 6. In doing so, he entered a rare cohort of Dragons who have sustained First XV selection throughout their senior school rugby careers. More than simply a numerical achievement, the occasion represented the culmination of a rugby journey that began nearly a decade earlier and has been characterised by continuous progress, representative honours, leadership, and service to every team he has represented.
Mufaro becomes only the third Dragon in the recorded history of the programme to reach 50 caps. Ryan Kennaird (1999–2002) reached 56 caps, captaining the side in 2002 — the highest First XV career total in recorded history.
Julian Tafireyi (2014–2017) followed as the second, reaching 50 caps as captain in 2017.
That was the very same year Mufaro began his rugby journey as a Grade 4 pupil at Borrowdale Primary School. What Julian achieved, as he completed his school career, Mufaro was just beginning his career. Nine years later, he has reached the same landmark — and done so as captain.
If selected on Saturday, Mufaro will become only the second Dragon in history to reach 51 First XV caps — surpassed only by Ryan Kennaird’s 56 caps, the highest First XV career total in recorded history. The significance of the occasion was further enhanced by what almost was.
The previous fixture against Prince Edward School — the alma mater of his elder brother, Rukudzo — would have made for a uniquely profound milestone. Mufaro’s rugby journey began in 2017 when he started playing as a Grade 4 pupil at Borrowdale Primary School in Harare.
Over the next three years, he progressed steadily through the school’s rugby structures, developing his skills, discipline, understanding of the game, and leadership qualities.
His progress culminated when he earned selection to the Borrowdale Primary School First XV while still in Grade 6. During the same season, he was appointed Captain of the Borrowdale Primary School First XV, reflecting the confidence that coaches and teammates had in his leadership abilities. He also earned selection for Harare West Province and represented the province at the prestigious Under-13 Owen Davies Interprovincial Rugby Tournament, one of Zimbabwe’s premier age-group rugby competitions. Upon enrolling at St. George’s College, Mufaro continued his development within one of Zimbabwe’s most respected schoolboy rugby programmes.
In 2022, he was appointed Captain of the St. George’s College Under-16 side, further demonstrating the leadership qualities that had become evident throughout his rugby journey.
In 2023, while still a Form 3 student, he first entered the Dragons First XV environment during the Easter Rugby Tour, where he featured as an impact player while continuing to play regular rugby for the Second XV.
Through hard work, consistency, determination, and performance, he secured a starting position during the regular season and established himself as a permanent member of the First XV squad.
The same year proved to be a breakthrough season. He earned selection to the Zimbabwe Under-17 national age-group team and was appointed Vice-Captain, a significant achievement that recognised both his playing ability and leadership potential at national level.
His development continued in 2024 when he broadened his rugby experience beyond the school environment by representing Harare Sports Club Under-20, competing against older players and gaining valuable exposure to a higher level of rugby.
His upward trajectory continued in 2025 when he earned selection to the Zimbabwe Under-18 national age-group team, an achievement that earned him Full Rugby Colours at St. George’s College in recognition of his representative honours and sustained contribution to school rugby.
During the same year, he continued to represent Harare Sports Club Under-20, where he was appointed Captain of the Harare Sports Club Under-20 First XV. His performances throughout the season were recognised when he received the Harare Sports Club Under-20 Best Backline Player Award for 2025, acknowledging his contribution and excellence within one of Zimbabwe’s most respected club rugby programmes.
Takudzwa Gwariro is the Head of Rugby at St. George’s College
