adminTonderai Chavhanga, once the fastest man in South African rugby, this week yielded to his injuries and retired. He is just 31.
“I lived on painkillers almost everyday,” said the Zimbabwe-born winger.
“I knew this day was coming. As hard as the decision was, it is something I simply had to do.”
His sprinting background left him susceptible to orthopaedic upheaval. He had three operations on his left knee and one on his right.
“The problem is that I almost had no cartilage left,” he said.
He said that considering all his injuries, he had been blessed to play professional rugby.
“I tried to stay positive but it was difficult. Every time I got going, an injury would hit me.”
Chavhanga made his Super Rugby debut in 2004 but played his 50th game only last year.
“There are guys who started playing after me who have reached 100 caps,” he said.
His Rugby highlight remains his test debut against Uruguay in 2005 when he prayed for a good game, “and if possible a try.” He scored a record six.
Had he stayed fit, he would have earned more caps under Bok coach Jake white, whom he credits with the biggest impact on his career.
“He backed me throughout. He paid some of my medical bills at some point. Other coaches also played an incredible part. Rassy (Erasmus) paid out of his own pocket for me to have a salary at Cheetahs.” — Sunday Times
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