By Trevor Makonyonga
Fresh after clinching the prestigious South African Varsity Shield player that rocks and back that rocks, Fort Hare University’s Flyhalf, Keith Chiwara has been called up to join the Zimbabwe development side, Goshawks who are currently playing in the Currie Cup in South Africa.
Chiwara could just be the immediate solution to solve the challenges the country has faced in the number 10 position.
Having been capped twice already by the Sables, Chiwara showed what a class act he could develop to become in the Varsity Shield.
He is an intense running Fly half who always carries his kicking boot to the field. His constant and consistent man of the match performances helped Fort Hare to win honours and if he transfers such performances to the Sables partnering returning Scrum half, Ernest Mudzengerere, there might be real a chance at qualifying for the World Cup.
Who is Keith Chiwara?
Born in Harare, Keith moved to Cape Town when he was in Grade 5 to attend Brackenfell Primary School where he started playing rugby. He then went to the same school as Cheslin Kolbe, which is Brackenfell High School.
He was at the Sharks Academy in Durban before going to Fort Hare where he has become a household name. He has already earned six caps for the Sables and the hope will be that he maintains his place in the Sables.
Chiwara told www.varsitycup.co.za that he gained a lot from being called up to represent Zimbabwe.
Chiwara said, “I learned a lot of things in Zimbabwe. I’m still young and there are bigger and older guys who I had to learn from. It made me realise I still have a lot of developing to do.
He also said that if he had remained in Zimbabwe he might have played football instead and credited his older brother with pushing him to be better.
He said, “No, I wouldn’t have. I loved playing football. The only reason I played rugby is that there was no football at the school. I enjoyed rugby from the start because it meant I didn’t have to go home straight after school and could play with friends. I didn’t take rugby seriously at the time and it was only in high school when I realised that I love the sport. No one in my family had played rugby at a high level, so I’m the first. It’s good to have my family behind me. My brother also played a bit of rugby, so he pushes me all the time to do better.”
With him and Shingi Katsvere joining the Goshawks in South Africa, a formidable team could just be realised.
