EXCLUSIVE: The life of Shingirai Katsvere – Mbare to the world
Shingirai Katsvere is among the country’s best ranked rugby players. He relocated to Europe in France and has not stopped to believe in his dream and that is becoming one of the best players in the world of rugby one day.
He told My Afrika Mag that playing Rugby in Europe is different compared to Africa as it depends on the level that one is in.
“Rugby play in Europe is different, it depends on which team you are playing for, which level you are also playing at and what is your set up as a club.” Said Katsvere
He further said for one to adapt in the rugby environment in France one must invest in knowing the French language and culture. As this will be an added advantage in communicating with your teammates.
He described France as his second home however he assured that he hasn’t forgotten about his roots and where he comes from.
“Just understand the place you are see if you can make an impact in a place which is not home, but I believe you can call it home – Home is made by you not by a building or place and at the same time you need to understand what your mission in that place is,” he said.
Shingirai has toured across the world however his favourite travelling destination stolen his heart has been in Hong Kong.
Katsvere described Hong Kong culture and food as being unique and amazing. Shingirai has represented the nation of Zimbabwe in several international tournaments. He said he favours to conducting solo training as he believes,it allows him to have his on privacy, although training with other people provides him to learn from his counterparts.
As part of Zimbabwe’s national players, Shingirai Katsvere said the rugby, nation is in need of the country’s support.
“We need support from different people, especially sponsorships in different things. Zimbabwe Rugby Union is doing their best in developing the sport,” said Shingirai.
Shingirai ended his conversation with My Afrika mag, by encouraging his counterparts that they should use every defeat as part of motivation, and they should be proud of where they are coming from and expect good news all the time.
Shingirai is prominently known as Shingie or Hot Stepper as he is affectionately known in rugby circles and is a devout Christian having been born into a Christian family.
He has represented the country international under, Zimbabwe Craven Week U18, Zimbabwe U20 Young Sables, Zimbabwe Sables, and Zimbabwe Cheetahs.
Shingirai has been part of the team that won, Africa Cup Champions 2018, Victoria Cup 2019 among other region a and international cups.
Sporting excellence runs in Shingirai Katsvere’s bloodline as he is the grandson of the iconic and legendary Warriors and Dynamos football star Edward ‘Madhobha’ Katsvere.
Shingie went to Ardbennie primary school where he excelled in football taking after his grandfather Eddie Katsvere. While at Ardbennie primary school his best friend was Munashe Kamunda an avid football player.
With Munashe the duo joined the local club Mbare Academy under Coach Victor Pekani and Milton Rankeni. Every training session was lively, and they developed into a strong and solid team that beat some of the well-established rugby playing schools.
“I can never thank Coach Victor and Milton enough for being such great influences in my personal life and to many other young men and ladies who have passed through their coaching hands,” said Shingirai.
From Mbare Academy he moved into playing for the Bulldogs he then relocated to the Tigers. His most memorable game as an U20 young Sable was the game he and his team mates lost by two points to Namibia by then he was 18 years old and during the game he had scored, four trophy.
He further signed up with the Old Georgians, Shingirai then debuted in 2018 with the Sables against Morocco.
His expected to join the Sables in representing the country at the Africa Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifiers in September.
