Calvin ‘Rufus’ Banda: A handball hero inspiring th...

Calvin ‘Rufus’ Banda: A handball hero inspiring the next generation

Patience Muchemwa

Zim Now Reporter

Calvin “Rufus” Banda is a name synonymous with handball in Zimbabwe. His journey, filled with passion, perseverance, and a touch of mentorship, is testament to the power of dedication and the impact one person can have on a sport.

Banda’s love for handball began in his childhood at St Albans’ Mission School. Despite facing initial disapproval from his mother, his talent shone through, leading him to represent Mashonaland Central Province. However, challenges forced him to temporarily put his passion aside.

Undeterred, Banda returned to handball in high school, finding unwavering support from his mother and guidance from coaches like the late Clemence Leonard, Innocent Kanosvova, Tafadzwa Madure, and Malvern Farai Mukundu. These mentors honed his skills and shaped his coaching philosophy.

In 2013, Banda’s vision materialised with the founding of Spikers Handball Academy. This academy not only reignited his own passion but also transformed the handball scene at Sodbury School and beyond. With limited resources, Banda’s investment in equipment and unwavering commitment fuelled the Academy’s success.

Under Banda’s leadership, Spikers Handball Academy achieved remarkable feats. The boys’ team clinched the NASH Under 20 Boys Provincial Championships in 2015, 2017, and 2019, even reaching the national runners-up spot in 2019. Banda’s dedication extended to nurturing girls’ handball, and in 2023, the Academy’s women’s team made history by becoming the first to win the NASH Under 20 Girls Provincial Championship. This cemented Spikers’ legacy and Banda’s reputation as a handball pioneer.

Beyond coaching, Banda is a Humanities Mentor at Sodbury School and a motor spares dealer. His work ethic and dedication to his community inspire all those around him. He encourages aspiring players with his own motto: “handball is a religion” that offers blessings, joy, growth, and peace.

Banda’s influence goes beyond his academy. He tirelessly promotes handball, fostering a winning culture and advocating for grassroots leagues to develop future talent. His ultimate goal? To see handball recognised and flourish in Zimbabwe.

An interesting twist - Banda finds inspiration in Pep Guardiola, a football coach! Though not a football fan himself, Banda admires Guardiola’s innovative coaching strategies, which he incorporates into his own handball approach.