ZEGU Rhinos plot 'Horn of Africa' conquest

ZIMBABWEAN universities rugby champions, the Rhinos - as the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) rugby team is affectionately known - are bound for the 'Horn of Africa' on a quest to conquer the continent at this year's Federation Africaine de Sport Universities (FASU) Games, in Kenya.

The Rhinos who gored their way to clinch the ZTISU Rugby Gold in Bulawayo, recently, are buoyed by the prospects of conquering African continental university rugby's holy grail at a grand stage.

Addressing the Rhinos and staff members at a special luncheon send-off ceremony held at the ZEGU main campus in Bindura, ZEGU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor E. Gudyanga praised the team.

“In 2024, we got a Bronze medal and in the year 2025 the team got silver, but afterwards the team came out tops and won gold at the ZTISU. I salute the coach, Mr Chinyemba. His dedication at his former university and more so to the rugby team, but he has volunteered to do this great work, which I humbly thank him so much on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Council and responsible for taking the team to greater heights. Ahoyi Rhinos, ahoyi!!! Go there (Kenya) to learn, interact with colleagues from Cairo, South African, Togo, among others. I want to urge you to interact, make friends, and network.

ZEGU Alumni and Rhinos coach, Takudzwa Chinyemba applauded the ZEGU executive, his team's efforts and discipline, citing 'hard work' as key to the recent success. “I am proud of this vibrant team. These guys were training day-in-day-out even though there was no competition. They worked really hard. Special mention goes to our university executive for facilitating this opportunity,” said Chinyemba.

ZEGU Minister of Sport Garvey Gandidze described the path to qualifying for the FUSA to Kenya as a result of resilience, commitment and hard work. “This journey wasn't easy. We faced many universities. Some battles were lost and some won. Now we want to be number one, locally and internationally. As the minister of sport, this achievement is not only for the team, but the university and nation at large. I also like to thank the administration of the university for the chance to go and represent the country,” said.

FASU is the governing body for university sports in Africa, founded in 1971. It organises major events like the biennial FASU Games and single-sport Championships, while also hosting educational programmes to develop university sports across the continent.

Rhinos contingent to Kenya: Takudzwa Chinyemba (Coach), Paul Goronga (Sports Coordinator), Garvey Gandidze, Gelean Jaricha, Munyaradzi Ruzvidzo, Liberty Sibanda, Benjamin Phiri, Tapuwanashe Nyangani, Tadiwanashe Nyangani, Owen Musumhi, Takudzwanashe Chiwaridzo, Takudzwa Kamucheta, Tanyaradzwa Nyerenyera and Takudzwa Manyakarara, respectively.