Balancing Code and Courts: Lucky Mangweka's Rise i...

Balancing Code and Courts: Lucky Mangweka's Rise in Handball and Software Engineering

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Writer

At just 23 years old, Lucky Mangweka is a dynamic force in both the world of sports and academia.

As a final-year software engineering student at the University of Zimbabwe, Lucky manages to balance his rigorous studies with a deep passion for handball, a sport that has shaped his life since his early high school days.

His journey into handball began in 2015 when he was in Form 2. Inspired by the triumph of his peers, who became the Manicaland Under 15 champions with an unbeaten record, he decided to switch from volleyball to handball.

“Watching my friends succeed ignited a fire in me. I wanted to be part of that winning team,” he recalls.

His early experiences were bittersweet. Although enthusiastic and fit enough to compete, Lucky found himself serving as a ball boy during the Under 17 nationals hosted by his school. Despite the disappointment of his team losing in the group stages, he remained resilient.

“It was tough, but I learned a lot about teamwork and perseverance,” he reflects.

His commitment to handball only grew stronger as he progressed through high school and eventually enrolled at UZ. Finding a few familiar faces at university, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, helped him transition smoothly.

“It made things easier, especially during the pandemic,” he shares.

In 2021, Lucky joined the Hawks Handball Club, where he honed his skills further and found a supportive community. Under the guidance of his coach, Mr. B. Mhlanga, he thrived both on and off the court. “Discipline comes first,” Lucky emphasizes. “There’s a phrase I like: ‘Try in time.’ It means you have unlimited trials, but you must do it on a schedule.”

His hard work and discipline paid off. In 2022 and 2023, he was part of the UZ team that won silver medals at the ZUSA and ZTISU tournaments. More recently, he celebrated one of his proudest moments by winning the ZITS Handball Tournament in Bulawayo. “Winning with UZ felt incredible,” he shares. “It was the culmination of hard work and dedication.”

Lucky is not just a player; he is also an advocate for handball’s future. He envisions a future where the sport can be digitized, allowing coaches to scout talent and review matches remotely. “I want to promote handball, especially in disadvantaged areas. This is just the first step,” he asserts.

He believes that by harnessing technology, he can help elevate the sport, making it more accessible and visible in communities that have limited resources.

“It’s part of me; it’s more like a gospel,” he explains. “I want to ensure that young players have the tools they need to succeed.”

Amidst his sporting achievements, Lucky is acutely aware of the importance of education. “This modern era needs people with qualifications, not just basic knowledge,” he says. With strong support from his family, particularly his father, Lucky has managed to excel both in sports and his studies. “I’m grateful for the freedom to pursue both without quitting either,” he adds.

When he’s not on the court or immersed in his studies, Lucky enjoys playing FIFA and helping with irrigation farming back home, staying grounded in his roots. “Family and farming are important to me,” he shares. “They remind me of where I come from.”

With dreams of venturing into business and continuing to promote handball, Lucky is a testament to the power of resilience and passion. As he looks ahead, he remains committed to making a positive impact both in his community and in the sport he loves.

“Getting the best out of everything is the sweetest. Starting something means I can handle it, and finishing school will make my parents happy. That’s what drives me,” he concludes.

Lucky's journey is just beginning, and the future holds endless possibilities for this young athlete and scholar. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in the business world, Lucky is poised to leave a lasting mark.