Chiwara ready for new adventure
Deputy Sports Editor
OLD GEORGIANS’ Dereck Chiwara considers himself one of the lucky few, whose Covid-19 nightmare could soon be a thing of the past.
The 42-year-old rugby coach has been accepted by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the University of Delaware for the international coaching enrichment certificate programme, which primarily targets national team coaches from sport codes that compete at the Olympics.
The one-year programme seeks to equip them with skills in sports science, talent identification, athletes’ development, coaching education, coaching management, grassroots sport development and ethical aspects of coaching at all levels.
Chiwara views this opportunity as a huge step from the months he has spent toiling at the mercy of coronavirus.
“Covid-19 has caused disruption in sport and has been devastating around the world.
“And while I pray that the pandemic will be controlled by the time we begin; the programme does indeed come as a consolation and a huge relief, as I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms,” he said.
Chiwara attributed his breakthrough to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.
“The Union (Zimbabwe Rugby Union) asked if I was interested in The Coaching Enrichment Programme, and that if I was to make an application via the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, they would facilitate the whole process.
“I took a chance, but did not fancy myself as I knew competition would be stiff.
“I had all, but given up on checking my emails and moved on when I got a positive response, and have been on cloud nine ever since,” he said.
With a place in the bag, Chiwara is, however, under no illusions that it will be a walk in the park.
“It’s a loaded programme that requires a lot of dedication and time, and will comprise of five modules.
“There will be at least 55 hours of virtual learning, coach education at the USA Olympic Training Centre, apprenticeship with a US national team or high performance centre, theory at the University of Delaware and a project presentation at the home of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“It should take up to a year to complete, from October 2020 to October 2021,” he said.
Afterwards, Chiwara plans to plough back his newly- acquired knowledge in Zimbabwe. “My plans, after the programme, are to see my project through in Zimbabwe and hopefully have a High Performance Centre for Zimbabwe Sevens running.
“I also look forward to running workshops alongside ZOC and ZRU,” he said.
Chiwara hopes that there will be minimal disruptions to his commitments on the home front.
“Well, it should not affect my work with Old Georgians and St Johns’ College, but the two institutions will benefit tremendously from the knowledge I will acquire,” he said.