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Brighton Zhawi
ONE only needs to spend a minute in conversation with Taurai Tugwete to realise that there is something special about him.
The term “natural athlete” doesn’t even begin to describe the 18-year-old’s athletic ability. who once attracted the interest of Spanish football giant, Barcelona.
Tugwete captained the Zimbabwe U-17 Hockey team at the Algiers African Youth Olympics, he played Zimbabwe squash from Under-13-19 levels and only recently received a call-up into the Zimbabwe national Under-19 cricket team that will grace the World Cup in South Africa next month.
But over and above all the accolades and notches on his belt, the young man is super humble.
On his most recent call-up, Tugwete said, “It’s a privilege to be part of this squad and I am grateful just to have received the opportunity.
“Lots of people wanted it, and I am grateful to be in the last 15,” said the 18-year-old.
Tugwete was called from the United States of Americ, where he is on a football scholarship at Angelina College in Texas.
However, the most interesting story about his budding football career is that the boy ‘rejected’ Barcelona when scouts came for his signature.
He was nine years old at the time.
“It wasn’t really my decision, but my mother’s decision. She turned down the offer for personal reasons which she said I am not allowed to say, it was her decision.
“She explained to me why she turned it down and I understood.
“I do not regret her decision at all,” he said.
The Sunday Mail Sport caught up with Tugwete’s mom, Vongai, and she opened up on the Barcelona issue.
“I thought it was fake, and I still think so” said Vongai Tugwete.
“He was nine at the time. I am sure not many parents would have allowed that.
“I have no regrets about it, if it’s God’s plan it will still happen.
“I remain proud of Taurai, any mom would be happy with what he has achieved so far,” she said.
The young sports star lost his dad when he was only three. He says his mother is his rock, hence the lack of regret over the Barcelona issue.
“I will be forever grateful for her support.
“She used to wake me up at five in the morning and urge me to work hard, even during holidays when all I wanted to do was enjoy PlayStation games with my friends.”
Tugwete is an inspiration to his elder sister Elizabeth (24).
“He is my mother’s favourite,” she said with a laugh.
“I am not athletic and I’m more on the cultural side. Yet I get so much inspiration from him. I am proud of him,” said Elizabeth.
So with a knack for football, cricket, squash and hockey, where does Taurai’s heart lie?
“Growing up I was told to play a lot of sport as a means to keep myself busy and away from mischief,” said Tugwete.
“As I grew older, I had to drop some sports. The fact that I wanted to come back for cricket made me realize my passion for the sport.
“Whether you like it or not, you have to make some tough decisions in life. I had to drop some sports.
“It is what it is and at the end of the day, I had to make my decision before it was too late.”
The Zimbabwe U19 squad leave for South Africa on the last day of this year.
Tugwete is confident the team will give it their all.
“The boys are getting there mentally. We are working hard, hoping to go out there and play to the best of our abilities” he said.
Tugwete shows maturity beyond his teen age and diminutive figure.
He is a smart thinker with a knack for forming good partnerships when batting down the order.
His mother believes it stems from his life situation.
“After losing his father at such a young age, he had to be quickly become responsible. I am glad he is a funny boy who cracks a lot of jokes. He is very friendly and responsible.
“It’s just the three of us and we are close.
“We support each other and we will be in South Africa for the World Cup.”
“I am glad he has stuck to our agreement that he will always give 120 percent effort in sport.
“As a mother, I have become a fan. I don’t give him too much pressure to perform,” she said.
Tugwete’s former soccer coach Beki Nyoni called him a rare talent, while Falcon College and national U21 men’s hockey coach Fidelis Majuba likes ‘how he is organized as he makes time for all these sports’.
Under-19 cricket coach Prosper Utseya sees him as an intelligent player.
Online Reporter