The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
THERE is so much more to female empowerment in sport than the players’ exploits on the field of play.
We are talking of the ladies behind the scenes, the strategists who come up with tactics to ensure supremacy over opponents.
These are the unsung heroes of the sport.
One such woman is Patricia Chakanya, the first female rugby coach in Manicaland.
She is arguably one of the five most qualified female coaches in the country.
Other ladies who holds Level Two coaching certificates in sevens or 15s include Kim Marowa, Lifi Wasarirevu, Abigail Kawanza and Nothando Ndlovu.
While Chakanya never played the sport, her passion saw her taking up coaching.
She has excelled with distinction, obtaining her five certificates in one year.
“I was never a rugby player. I used to watch rugby at Mutare Boys’ High School while I was a student at Mutare Girls’ High School.
“I obtained all my certificates last year. I got the Level One 15s in February. I did Level Two sevens in March. In September, I completed my Level Two sevens.
I also did Strength and Conditioning Level One in September, before doing Level One First Aid. These are world recognised certificates,” she said.
Her focus is now on becoming an internationally acclaimed coach.
“I want to become an international coach who will spread rugby to the grassroots. My desire is to empower the girl child through rugby,” she said.
Her coaching journey started in 2016.
“I chose the sport after realising that there were a lot of talented girls out there whose skills need horning. I also wanted to prove to other people that female rugby can be played, even in rural areas. I need to improve the lives of rural girls through rugby,” she said.
Chakanya is an example of how sport can economically empower individuals as she has guided Sahumani Girls twice to the Dairibord Schools Rugby festival, where a lot of the players made a mark.
“In 2017, four of our girls made it to the Zimbabwe National Youth Games. The following year, we also had five of our girls selected for the Zimbabwe national Under-18. Then two players made it to South Africa for the Craven Tour. The other three only failed due to the fact that they did not have the necessary travelling documents,” she said. But in 2018, two of her products were assisted to secure passports and made the trip to South Africa.
“We received a major boost in 2018 after Agriseeds sponsored a full kit. Last year, three players were drafted in the Zimbabwe Under-18 while the other two made it to the Under-20 squad.
“In November last year, six of our players were selected into the Cheetahs’ squad.
“We also managed to form a club, the Bullets, last year. The club participated at the Dairibord tournament where they won one, lost one and drew one game,” she said. But how does Chakanya juggle being a mother, a teacher and a coach?
“It is not that easy. It means being organised all the time, but l am happy because l have an understanding family. The school administration is equally supportive.”
But working in a male-dominated field comes with its own challenges.
“There are a few female rugby coaches and therefore I am limited when it comes to sharing ideas on how to develop the sport for women. “But it is a great feeling being a female coach. I feel special and I am now a role model to other women,” she said.
As for her hopes for women in rugby, Chakanya revealed that she would love to see more women taking an active role in rugby, both locally and internationally,” she said.
“The game is spreading like veld fire in Manicaland. All districts, except Buhera, are now playing rugby.
Very soon, Manicaland might become the factory for national and international rugby players,” said Chakanya, adding that she needs more exposure outside Zimbabwe.
