Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
EVERY athlete dreams of representing their nation on the biggest stages. For a young sportsperson, a national team call-up is the ultimate honour, even sweeter when it leads to contributing to the team’s success.
This honour became a reality for 19-year-old rising rugby star, Thabani Ndlovu. Recently he proudly donned the iconic green and white of Zimbabwean rugby.
The Falcon College student was part of the Zimbabwe men’s under-20 national rugby team that competed in the Barthes Trophy in Harare. They finished an impressive second, narrowly losing the final to Kenya.
This was Ndlovu’s maiden call-up, and the feeling of walking onto the Harare Sports Club turf in Junior Sables colours was indescribable.
To make it even more special, Ndlovu scored a try in the Junior Sables’ 35-23 victory over Namibia on April 24, playing a crucial role in propelling his team to the final.
Living the dream, Ndlovu’s hard work is finally paying off.
“The feeling of playing for the Junior Sables, I couldn’t sum it up into words but if I were to explain, it felt like a privilege to stand there and wear the green and white after the hours of work which were put in. It felt amazing; nothing really comes close to the feeling of playing for the country at home.
“The major highlight would be playing for the Junior Sables and scoring a try. During that time it felt unreal putting points on the board,” said Ndlovu.
Destined for greatness, Ndlovu’s rugby journey began at Christian Brothers College (CBC) and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Even the Covid-19 pandemic, a threat to many athletes’ progress, couldn’t derail him. Ndlovu kept his eyes on the prize, pushing through the challenges.
The 198cm powerhouse almost abandoned rugby going into A-levels, but former Sables head coach Brendon Dawson’s intervention rekindled his passion. Ndlovu is also a key player for the Falcons’ first XV and showcases his athleticism by playing basketball as well. While the Covid-19 break did impact his progress, it couldn’t extinguish his burning desire for the sport.
“The biggest challenge I faced was the setback that Covid-19 gave us. It felt like the development had stopped for a couple of years and to get back to the potential you once saw was difficult.
“I started playing rugby when I was in Form One at CBC then Covid-19 started and it stopped my rugby career until lower six where I picked it up again. Originally, I was planning on playing soccer during the rugby season until my coach at that time, Brendon Dawson asked me to try out for the Falcons’ first team which started my rugby passion again,” he said.
Like many young players, Ndlovu dreams of gracing the biggest stage — the Rugby World Cup. The versatile Junior Sables’ number eight, who can also play lock, also aspires to inspire the next generation, including his younger brother.
Rugby demands both physical and mental strength, along with unwavering dedication and hard work. For aspiring players following in his footsteps, Ndlovu emphasises the importance of giving their all with the right mindset.
“To the upcoming rugby players, my advice to you would be to take it upon yourself to get the work done. It’s not an easy sport and it needs you to be mentally and physically prepared. Come in with the right mindset and attitude and you are sure to go far,” said Ndlovu. — @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter