Squash’s rare gem

This week our Cool sportswriter Netilie Marozva (NM), chats with 19- year-old Blessing Muhwati (BM), who is the national team’s Under-19 squash captain and the Prince Edward School team’s captain:

NM: When did you first realise that you had a talent for squash?

BM: I first realised that I was good at squash in 2009 when I was in Form two. That was when my father had died and had left his squash kit with me since he was also a squash player. I knew I had to carry on the legacy he had left for me.

NM: What is your training schedule like?

BM: Squash requires physical and mental fitness. I practise for four to six hours a day from Monday to Saturday even when I do not have an upcoming match. I always have to be fit. The sport requires a lot of running so I work out in the gym and on the court as well.

NM: As an A-Level student and a squash star, how do you balance the sport and school work?

BM: Honestly, it is really difficult to balance the two since both of them require full attention. I am a dedicated person, so I make sure that I give my full attention to everything that I wish to achieve. I do not usually go out like most guys my age and during holidays like Christmas when most people will be having fun, I will be practising and studying as well.

NM: Tell us about some of your greatest achievements.

BM: In 2011, I was the Under-16 champion. I am the country’s junior top squash player since 2013. I am also the men’s national champion for 2014. My proudest moment was when I was in the All-Africa top 5 in 2013 and when I beat the South African Under-19 at the inter-provisional tournament (IPTs) and I was number one. I can say I have no saddest moments.

NM: Any challenges so far?

BM: There are a lot of challenges that I face in my career, the main one being lack of sponsorship.

For me to travel around the world for major matches, it requires financial support. So far my uncle has been helping me financially but I still need help so that I don’t miss any major opportunity due to lack of money.

Exposure is also another challenge that I am facing. For me to be recognised nationally and internationally as a squash star, I need someone to promote me and expose me to the world. Here in Zimbabwe, squash is not taken seriously like other sports.

In most schools, it is viewed rather as a club than a sport and in other schools, it does not even exist.

There is definitely a lot that needs to be done to support the sport especially in schools where the stars are born. The Government should put aside funds for the sport and support schools so that young people can be educated and trained in the sport.

NM: Who is the sports icon that has influenced you the most and why?

BM: My brother Simbarashe Muhwati who was a squash player in USA. He is now a full-time squash coach.

He really inspires me a lot and he encourages me to work hard.

NM: Do you wish to take squash as a career or you have other plans?

BM: Yes, I want to take squash as my career, but I also want to study business.

NM: What will you be up to during the holiday?

BM: I will be training and travelling.

NM: Describe yourself in one word.

BM: Professional.

NM: Any advice to teenagers who want to play squash or any sport that they are good at?

BM: Well, to all the talented teenagers out there, you are your biggest opponent. Be optimistic, dream big.