In an unfiltered conversation with one of Zimbabwe’s rugby legends, My Afrika Magazine chats with Kuda Chiwanza (KC), who opens up about life after retirement, shares insights on the future of Zimbabwean rugby, and offers advice for aspiring players.

From the thrill of donning the Cheetahs jersey to the challenges of life beyond the pitch, Kuda takes us on a journey through his remarkable career.

TR: Kuda, what’s the game plan for 2025? Any new ventures or projects you’re excited about?
KC: 2025 has been an interesting year work-wise. Yes, I have a couple of things in the pipeline, which I will divulge in due course.

TR: When you hung up your boots in 2023, what kind of messages did you receive from your fans, and what did they mean to you?
KC: Man, I received nothing but love from my fans, and that meant the world to me because I realized how much my love for rugby had an impact on them.

TR: What do you believe it will take for the Zimbabwe national team to reach the top of the world rankings?
KC: We have to start from the bottom with grassroots and commercializing rugby so we can motivate current and upcoming players, as well as play teams that’ll give us more competition and exposure.

TR: It’s been a year since you retired. What do you miss most about the game, and how have you adapted to life off the pitch?
KC: It’s been almost two years. I miss the adrenaline, the commitment to the game, and the brotherhood. The honest truth is, not playing has been difficult, but I’ve been adapting slowly.

TR: You were once handed the captain’s armband by your teammates. What was going through your mind, especially during your final tournament?
KC: I was blessed, and it was truly an honor to have been given that opportunity to captain the team. I just wish my parents could’ve been there to witness it, but I’ve gotten the best support from my siblings. Praise God. The tournament was a whirlwind of emotions, and on top of that, I was just trying to avoid getting injured.

TR: The Zambezi 7s is known for its intensity. Can you share some insights on what makes this series so demanding?
KC: The athleticism is impeccable, and we are always battling it out for bragging rights to the Zambezi.

TR: Mental preparation is crucial in rugby. What strategies did you use to stay focused and composed under pressure?
KC: I was very fortunate to have Grant Mitchell as my coach. Not only was he my mentor but also a friend. He motivated me and impelled me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. My pre-game ritual involved listening to Eminem, praying, and making sure I had a good meal the night before. In addition, and this might sound silly, I had lucky underwear specifically for game day.

TR: Do you have any other sporting interests or hobbies? How do they complement your rugby experience?
KC: I like to think of myself as an all-rounder in sport, put a ball in front of me and I can play it. At the moment, I’ve really been enjoying golf because it teaches patience. It has helped me learn balance as an individual, as it challenges my mental strength and my ability to strategize beyond my physicality.

TR: Should rugby be introduced in all Zimbabwean schools? What potential benefits or challenges do you see?
KC: I strongly believe it should be introduced. However, the main challenge would be improving the coaching and educating the players on how to play a good game of rugby.

TR: What are some of your proudest moments from your time with the Cheetahs, and how did that experience shape you as a player?
KC: The first time I put on the Cheetahs jersey and went on to make the World Cup team, that was so surreal.

TR: How did you prepare for the World Cup Sevens, and what was it like competing on that stage?
KC: Training was intense. We put in a lot of hours, physically and mentally. It was an amazing feeling stepping onto the field with 10,000-plus supporters cheering us on. We did our very best to perform.

TR: What’s next for you in the world of sports? Are you exploring coaching, mentoring, or entrepreneurial opportunities?
KC: I’ve been coaching a local club, and I’m keen to get involved in mentoring younger players.