BY PAUL VUTETE
TWO weeks ago, he was hoisting the 2022 Zambezi Sevens Challenge trophy in Harare after captaining Botswana club Spartans RFC to success before being named the Player of the Tournament.
Pride Nyameni, the 23-year-old Mbare-born rugby sensation was simply unstoppable as he guided his Botswana club made up of expatriate Zimbabweans to victory, upstaging a full-strength Zimbabwe Cheetahs along the way.
A product of Zimbabwe’s vibrant schools rugby system, Nyameni certainly has a bright future in the sport.
Although he has been making a name for himself in Botswana’s growing rugby landscape, Nyameni, who has in the past featured for Zimbabwe’s youth teams harbours hopes of representing the country at senior level.
“Playing for your country is every player’s dream but all I can say is, in due time. God always sheds the light and leads the way.
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“When it comes to rugby, I want to play till I empty my tank, till I cannot play anymore,” Nyameni said in an interview with The Sports Hub.
The former Mbare Academy plater spoke of his delight at receiving individual recognition for his spellbinding performances during the Zambezi Sevens Challenge.
“Honestly, the (player of the tournament) award means a lot to me. I mean coming back home to play against fellow brothers who are very good players and who really push you to be the best you can be is a hard thing. It’s an honour and I really appreciate this recognition,” Nyameni said.
“I am very excited, but I give my all credit to God and my fellow teammates because if it was not for them I don’t think I would have the chance to play.
“This recognition has a huge bearing when it comes to my future because it is an addition to my rugby CV and also as a team, we can get a bit of respect, which is a big deal for all of us as Spartans.”
Nyameni, who has been based in Botswana since 2018 is a key member of Gaborone Rugby Football Club’s sevens side, affectionately known as the Spartans and their rugby union side, which is known as the Hogs.
The club has many Zimbabweans based in Botswana within their ranks.
“I grew up with most of the guys playing for Botswana, which made it easier for me as I went on to create new relationships with the new teammates.
“I continue to grow within the team because my family back home, my mother here in Botswana, and my fellow teammates motivate me as I will always play for my family as well as my team, who wear the same kit I do,” revealed Nyameni.
Growing up in Mbare, Nyamani was a keen footballer before he was asked by development coach Victor Pekani to try rugby when the sport was introduced at Gwinyai Primary School.
From Gwinyai, Nyameni received a scholarship to join Churchill Boys School for his secondary education.
He got another scholarship at Vainona High School before Kyle College also came knocking and offered him another scholarship.
At present moment Nyameni is at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology where he is preparing for life outside rugby.
He aspires to pursue a career as a sound engineer while following his other passion for farming.
“I am currently studying sound technology at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, my wish is to be a sound designer and venture into agriculture as well,” he said.