Zuze: When dynamite comes in short packages

STANDING at approximately 1,65 metres and weighing just under 64 kilogrammes, Panashe Zuze is not just the dynamite that comes in small packages. In fact, he is the dynamite.

“A breath of fresh air in comparison to other scrum-halves on display, Zuze was all about speed as he moved the ball quickly away from the breakdown and was always close in support to maintain momentum.”

That is how the 19-year-old Junior Sables scrumhalf was described when he made it into the Team of the Tournament at number nine position at the recently held Canada Conference.

However, it is a recognition the former St George’s College student loves to play down. In his own words, the job is not done yet.

“Let me just start off by saying glory to God, for through him everything is possible,” said Zuze.

“While I am happy that they noticed the hard work I put in and my contributions, I play because I love this sport and not necessarily for the awards or things like that.

“Making the team was good, I didn’t expect it, and I don’t really know how to feel to this day.”

Modesty aside, Zuze looks to have all the makings of a future star. Born on January 3, 2003, he started playing rugby at a very tender age.

“Over the years, I have played many different sports like cricket, rugby and even did a little athletics. However, rugby always seemed to be my favourite, and I was introduced to the sport at the age of six, as my father often took me to Mbare Academy,” he said.

It was at Mbare Academy where a young Zuze was first introduced to his first role model, Shingi Katsvere.

“When it comes to rugby influences, I look up and have always looked up to Shingi Katsvere,” added the 19-year-old.

“He is such a hard worker; I have seen him train, and he has such a work ethic.

“I have also admired how much he loves playing rugby, and how much fun he has playing the sport.

“That is what I have tried to emulate.” The work ethic has served him well, as Zuze looks to have gone through the stages from schoolboy rugby, Craven Week and now the Young Sables.

This year has been quite eventful for the rugby player and his teammates, who are now African champions after the Junior Sables’ exploits at the Barthes Trophy in Kenya.

For Zuze and his teammates, the trophy is a career highlight.

“The Barthes Trophy is certainly a career highlight for me and a couple of my teammates,” he said.

“Unlike the recent Canada Conference, we actually won the tournament.

“I also think that a lot of people doubted us, and, as a team, we went to Kenya to prove a point . . .

“We had two really good games against Madagascar and Namibia, and a tricky one in which we survived against Tunisia.

“Still, we managed to bring the trophy home, and that is something that will stay with me for years,” he said.

The Junior Sables then complemented their Barthes Trophy exploits with yet another great showing at the recently held Canada Conference Rugby Tournament. Zuze was among the top performers alongside the likes of Carl Kawodza, Tavonga Ablant and Marlon Guwuriro. They all made it into the team of the tournament. Zuze is, however, hungry for more.

“I would like to take rugby further,” he said.“I want to play professionally and earn a living out of the sport.

“I would also like to play at the highest level possible and have a prosperous rugby career.”