Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
PLUMTREE High School is vividly remembered for producing some of the country’s greatest sporting personalities in Sables greats, Victor Olonga and Cleopas Makatose among others.
The two rugby greats inspired generations of aspiring athletes who also wished to forge their careers in sport. Today, the celebrated school serves as a home to yet another gem, Spencer Dube who looks to carve his own piece of history as an athlete.
The term “teenage sensation” is thrown around loosely these days, however, Dube is one of those rising stars who rightfully deserve to be termed a teenage sensation.
The 19-year-old has taken the world of rugby and athletics by storm and has already made a mark. While he aspires to forge his own path, and create his own legacy, Dube would be honoured to follow the legendary Olonga’s footsteps in terms of representing Zimbabwe with pride.
The year 2024 has been a dream one for the teenage sensation who achieved a personal best and season best time in 200 and 400m sprints while also captaining “Amabhubesi” as Plumtree High rugby team is fondly known, to victory in the Nash National Rugby Under-20 Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Dube — who plays second centre or wing for Plumtree High in rugby — boasts of impressive personal best times of 21,35 in 200m and 47,45 in 400m. He won a silver medal in the national 200m finals while also captaining the provincial athletics team in the finals. Those rank as some of his best achievements this year.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible moments. One of the highlights of my career was captaining my school, Plumtree, to victory in rugby, winning the Nash National title for Under-20 boys. This win solidified our position as one of Zimbabwe’s rugby powerhouses and validated the hard work and sacrifices made by our team.
“In athletics, I am proud to say that I have also achieved success in track and field, winning the National Silver medallist title in the Under-20 boys 200m category. I also captained the Matabeleland South athletics team,” Dube told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
With the sporting world at his feet, the youngster remains humble and is grateful for the love and support that he has always received from his family.
This is only just the beginning.
“Achieving so much at a young age feels like a dream come true. It’s a testament to my dedication, discipline, hard work and the undying support from my loving parents and sister. It motivates me to push beyond my limits and strive for even greater heights. I am eager to continue pushing myself to achieve even greater heights,” he said.
Dube started playing rugby in primary school, introduced by coach of the current Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) vice- president, Thembelani Ncube and Wonder Mutema.
From there, he instantly fell in love with the sport and has since developed his skills and techniques through club rugby.
He also plays club rugby and the experience gained competing in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League has helped him mature into the game and better understand the competition at the highest level.
The teenage sensation hopes to further develop his sporting career overseas with the best facilities and is inspired by former Plumtree old boys.
“I’m inspired by Plumtree School old boys who have made it to the top, such as Victor Mathuthu and Awakhiwe Ndlovu. My goal is to run college track in the USA, setting records and achieving faster times. With dedication, discipline, and hard work, I’m confident that I can overcome any challenge and achieve my dreams,” he said. This year, Dube earned the Best Athlete Award in Matabeleland South Province with four gold medals and three silver medals. His achievements both on the track and on the rugby field highlight his dedication, and hard work.
His coach at Plumtree High, Francis Nakamu was full of praise for the youngster.
“He is a rare breed, a multi-talented sportsman. He is a very good rugby player and is equally good in athletics and it was evident when he came second in the national 200m finals. He can play handball as well and is a very hard-working sportsman who does a lot of individual training which sets him apart from others,” said Nakamu. For Dube, only the sky is the limit and with the right support, the country’s new-found gem will be at the top. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter