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ZIMBABWE coach Piet Benade has paid glowing tribute to Churchill High School for pioneering the development of rugby in the country and nurturing a host of players that have featured for various national teams.
Benade has been on a whirlwind tour of the country with his continental champions during, which they also paraded the Rugby Africa Cup which they won in Uganda two months ago.
Yesterday the Sables coach was at Churchill and lauded one of the traditional giants of schools’ rugby for the significant role they have been playing in the growth of the game.
Benade was accompanied by national team players and former Churchill students — Kudzai Mashiwi, Takudzwa Kumadiro, and Tedious Hwata.
He presented the Africa Cup trophy to the school as a token of appreciation for their long-standing support.
Churchill affectionately known as the Bulldogs have been a powerhouse in local schools’ rugby for over three decades, producing such renowned talent like Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, who went on to be a World Cup winner with South Africa’s Springboks.
Ex-Sables internationals including Prayer Chitenderu, Tangai Nemadire, and Denford Mutamangira also came through the school’s production line.
Now under the guidance of coach Jeffrey Madhake, the school has produced numerous talented players who have also gone on to represent the Junior Sables with Churchill’s Under-21 side — Pit-bulls — being the dominant force in Paramount Garment’s league.
Pitbulls have has won five national championships, and their alumni have formed a senior team that currently ranks third in the Harare Provincial League.
Benade emphasised the importance of Churchill in nurturing young rugby talent.
“We’ve seen the massive impact that Churchill has had on the rugby landscape, not only through players but also through journalists.
“The strong structure at the school is supporting and funnelling players into the national set-up, and we’ve witnessed the sheer number of Churchill boys who remain involved in rugby through clubs and the national system,” Benade said.
Churchill head coach Jeffrey Madhake, himself an ex-Bulldog felt humbled by the Sables visit and said it was a testament to the often-unsung work that goes on behind the scenes as the school goes about developing future stars.
“It was a pleasant surprise that I welcomed because there is a lot of work that goes on to keep rugby at this high level,” Madhake said.
“The majority of players in the Sables team come from Churchill and Prince Edward schools.
“Yes, there are a lot of private schools that are playing very good rugby as well, but as soon as they are done, we don’t see as many of them returning to play for the country,” said Madhake.
Acting School Doreen Shoko spoke about the school’s commitment to rugby revealing that it is a cornerstone of Churchill’s culture and values.
“Rugby is a cornerstone of Churchill’s culture.
“We’re committed to maintaining a strong rugby program and ensuring that all our students have the opportunity to participate,” Shoko said.
She also announced plans to lobby for the reinstatement of a compulsory rugby requirement for all Form One students.
Kumadiro, who started representing Zimbabwe at the Under-19 level, says that the impact of such visits revives the interest in young players and inspires them to aspire to play for their country.
“It takes me back to the time when I wondered if I could make it into the Sables side at a global scene.
“It was just a dream and coming back to the school reminds me of how important it is for us to encourage young players and let them know that they are the future Sables,” Kumadiro said.
The Sables’ visit also comes at a time when such schools like Churchill and Prince Edward have been facing increasing pressures, which include underfunding that is threatening to negatively impact their sporting prowess.
Benade’s visit was also part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the importance of supporting these schools and to encourage private sector involvement.
By highlighting the success stories of Churchill and Prince Edward, the Sables hope to inspire other schools and individuals to invest in the future of education and sport in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter