The 30 man squad for the South Africa national rugby team was announced today and included in that list of 30 were three Zimbabwean born players: Tonderai Chavhanga, Brian Mujati and Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawirira. These three young men are highly talented rugby players and they deserve their chance to play at the highest level. With all the talk currently being about xenophobia in South Africa, it is refreshing to see that there is no xenophobia in selecting the national rugby team.
These three players played their high school rugby in Zimbabwe and then came across to South Africa where they have subsequently had their talents spotted and have proven themselves of being worthy of being ranked amongst some of the best players in South Africa. Rugby opportunities in Zimbabwe are very limited as one can not be a professional rugby player in Zimbabwe. Many talented Zimbabweans come across to South Africa after completing their high school eduction with the view of trying to further their sporting careers. It is a shame that Zimbabwe can not retain theses players as Zimbabwe would most likely be able to field a very competitive rugby team. Looking at these three players, it would not be surprising if all three get the opportunity to be named in the starting 15 for South Africa in their up coming matches. All three have had very good Super 14 campaigns. Chavhanga was in great form for the Stormers until he got injured, Mujati has held his own in the front row of the Stormers and has scrummed very well through out the season and Mtawirira has been a revelation at the Sharks. Who can forget the whole ‘Shark Tank’ chanting the name ‘Beast’ whenever Mtawirira touched the ball? His work rate has also been of the highest order. These three men are still relatively young and baring any injuries they should have pretty good careers ahead of them if they keep their heads on their shoulders and their feet firmly on the ground.
As much as it is a shame that these three players can not play for their home country Zimbabwe, it is good that South Africa can give them a chance. What hurts is that, there are some in South Africa who do not care about giving foreigners a chance as being highlighted by the recent xenophobia attacks.
South Africa take on Wales in Bloemfontein on Saturday 7 June.
