Dwadwa's divine drive: From Mbare streets to rugby...

Dwadwa's divine drive: From Mbare streets to rugby's hallowed grounds

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

Tonderai "Dwadwa" Chiwambutsa, a name whispered with respect on Zimbabwe's rugby fields, is a testament to the transformative power of passion and faith. Born on a crisp May morning in 1995, he emerged from the heart of Mbare, a vibrant and bustling township, as the fifth child in a family of six.

His journey from the streets to the hallowed grounds of national rugby is a story etched in resilience, dedication, and an unwavering belief in divine purpose.

His rugby odyssey began, almost serendipitously, in 2012 at Kwekwe High School. "Honestly, it was all about the singing of war cries, doing the haka, and the gym sessions that inspired me to play the sport! I loved every second of it, and the respect and swag we got at school for being rugby players also motivated me," Chiwambutsa recalls, a smile lighting up his face.

Initially drawn to other sports, his towering physique caught the eye of a senior student, who nudged him towards the rugby pitch. Little did he know, his science teacher, Mr. Mahlen’we, was also the school's rugby coach, and under his guidance, Dwadwa discovered a love for the sport that would shape his life.

Representing Zimbabwe at the national level is a sacred honour for Chiwambutsa. "Honestly, to me, it means a lot in so many different ways.

First of all, I'm really grateful to God and the coaches for such a great opportunity to represent my nation! It means that I get to represent the country at the highest stage the game has, which allows me to showcase what God has blessed me with," he says, his voice brimming with gratitude. His faith is his anchor, his patriotism his driving force.

Preparing for the intense crucible of high-level competition requires a symphony of mental and physical fortitude.

"Mentally, I listen to different genres of music based on the time of day as I approach the game—mostly gospel in the morning when I wake up. I have a morning meditation on how I’m going to play, my roles and responsibilities in the game, what kind of pressure the game brings, and how best I can get my mind to work perfectly under that pressure," he reveals, his routine a blend of spiritual grounding and strategic focus. Physically, he ensures his body is a finely tuned instrument. "I make sure I go for a morning gym session (activation).

This helps me get my muscles ready for the task ahead and also get my heart rate up a bit before the game. I believe in a saying that says, ‘WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THE GAME, YOU DON'T PANIC!’ For me, I never have game pressure because I always remind myself that it’s the same rugby game I have always played—just a different day and different competition."

A pivotal moment arrived in 2016 during Craven Week in Durban, South Africa. "This was the first time I got to wear the Rugby National Team colours. It was the first time I had been selected to represent the nation playing rugby. I believe that the moment I got selected by the SA academies to go and play there, for me, that was the turning point because it had been the one thing I was working really hard for—getting exposure and the chance to play in a different country.

Personally, this was a proud achievement because it was the first time a foreign team had approached me on that level," he shares, his voice tinged with pride.

Through the ebb and flow of tough seasons, Chiwambutsa's motivation remains steadfast, rooted in discipline and unwavering faith.

"Physically, I make sure I try my best to eat healthy foods and the right amounts, attend my gym sessions whether I have an upcoming game or not, and ensure my spiritual well-being is in the right state. I have my favourite Bible verse from Romans 8:28: 'For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.' I believe that whatever I’m going through at a certain point in time, everything is happening for my good because I love the Lord and the Lord loves me. I do my best to surrender everything into God’s hands. That, in itself, releases the pressure from my shoulders and allows God to make things happen in His own time."

His teammates are his brothers in arms, a support system that fuels his success. "On the field, they encourage and support me to be the best version of myself.

Off the field, they help me maintain the discipline I need—eating the correct diet, staying fit by working out together, and always encouraging me to work hard. The team dynamics automatically maintain themselves as I blend in with the squad. Leading by example and being a good example to others also helps in that."

Chiwambutsa has witnessed the blossoming of Zimbabwean rugby. "When I started playing, it was mostly the A schools that had rugby, but now it is being played almost in every province—from preschools to primary and secondary schools. Even universities now have a league of their own," he observes, a testament to the sport's growing popularity.

Balancing the demands of professional rugby with personal life is a delicate dance.

"Honestly, it’s a tough thing to do. In season, most of my time is taken up by rugby and work. Now, with me having my own family, it’s even more hectic to try and balance everything. My wife plays a very crucial role in making sure my day-to-day schedule is in check in terms of what I need to do and where I’m supposed to be. I also make sure we spare enough time for us as a family. Mostly, when I’m not on the field, I spend as much time as I can with my family and friends. If not that, then I’m probably working."

Remarkably, Chiwambutsa is his own mentor. "Not because there aren’t better players around Zimbabwe or the globe, but I honestly don’t have any. I am my own influencer and mentor," he declares, a testament to his self-driven nature.

Looking to the future, his aspirations have shifted. "Due to the injuries I’ve been having lately, honestly, I’ve shifted my focus from being a player to becoming a coach," he reveals, his passion now directed towards shaping the next generation of Zimbabwean rugby stars.