adminBlessing Gondokondo
MUTARE’S budding rugby ace, Martin Mangongo, will be part of the Under-20 rugby squad which will take part of the U-20 World Rugby Trophy qualifiers to be hosted by Zimbabwe later this month. The U-20 World Rugby Trophy will take place from April 19 to May 1. The matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, while the finals have been set for the National Sports Stadium on May 1.Eight countries are set to battle it out, with a spot at the U-20 Championship 2017 on offer for the winner.
The eight countries include hosts, Zimbabwe, Uruguay, Namibia, Samoa, Fiji, Hong Kong, Spain and United States of America.
Mangongo (17) who plays as a full back, said considering his passion for the sport, he always wanted to be part of the national team.
“I want to thank my family who contributed to my success. I was born and bred in Chikanga. I did my primary education at Baring Primary School before I was transferred to Hillcrest Preparatory School after they saw my passion for rugby. I got a scholarship to enrol at St George’s College. I was part of the U-14 rugby team. I made it into the national U-16 in 2013, but was rated under age.
“I went to Peterhouse where the coaches gave me a chance to showcase my talents.
“They allowed us to tour South Africa, Argentina and Uruguay where we learned a lot about rugby. Last year I was selected to play as a full back for the Young Sables (Zim-U19 national team),” said Mangongo.
Mangongo also has Ngoni Chibuwe (centre player for the Zimbabwe rugby team) to thank for his success.
“In future, I see myself being a regular member of the national team and the Toulouse Club in France. To those still fighting to be in the national team, I want to say that they should not give up on their talent,” said Mangongo.
Online Reporter