Online Reporter
Online Reporter
As a wide-eyed 12-year-old, he stood in awe on the sidelines, watching the greats of Zimbabwean rugby lace up their boots — legends like Victor Olonga, Gilbert Nyamutsamba, and his late uncle, Arnold “Tuks” Takawira.
Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa is today known for his role as a lock for the Sables, Zimbabwe’s national rugby team. He’s also played for Budowlani Lublin RUFC in Poland. The huge lock is recognised for his powerful presence at the breakdown and his jumping ability.
But back in the day, he was just a skinny kid with a grin too big for his face. They called him ‘Goofy’.
Just over two decades later, that same boy — now a fully capped Zimbabwe international and star of the Polish Premier League’s top rugby club — helped write a new chapter in Zimbabwean rugby history. Last Saturday, he played a key role in the Sables’ dramatic triumph in the Rugby Africa Cup, a victory that booked Zimbabwe’s place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
It’s the country’s first qualification in over 30 years.
“If my uncle Tuks were alive, he’d probably be the loudest in the stands,” Goofy says, his voice thick with emotion.
Arnold Takawira, his late uncle, was a Sables stalwart — tough, selfless, and fiercely proud. It was Takawira who introduced Goofy to the sport, bringing him to training sessions where he rubbed shoulders with his rugby heroes. Among them was Gilbert Nyamutsamba, Takawira’s close friend and fellow Zimbabwe international, who would go on to coach the national sevens team.
“Meeting Gilbert and Victor [Olonga] at that age felt like touching the sky,” Goofy recalls.
“They made the jersey feel sacred. They made it look like a dream worth chasing.”
And chase it he did.
After years of development through local clubs and South African rugby, Goofy made the jump to Europe — eventually signing with a top-tier side in Poland. His speed, work ethic and relentless defence earned him praise in a league not known for Zimbabwean exports.
But he never forgot home.
When the call came to represent Zimbabwe, he answered — bringing not just his boots, but a sense of legacy.
This year’s Rugby Africa Cup final against Namibia was tight, brutal, and historic. Goofy missed the tie due to an ankle injury but would have central to Zimbabwe’s 30-28 win — a performance etched into national memory.
The Sables’ qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup is more than a sporting achievement. It’s a story of generations — of those who paved the way, and those who dared to follow.
“This isn’t just for me,” he says.
“It’s for Uncle Tuks. For Victor. For Gilbert. For every kid watching from the sidelines, dreaming like I did.”
Goofy isn’t so goofy anymore. But he’s still grinning — only this time, it’s for Zimbabwe.
