The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
WHILE most sportspersons were busy enjoying the festive season, Zimbabwe national rugby team player Jafet Ndebele decided it was time to formalise his marriage to his partner of almost a decade, Varaidzo Mamire at a small ceremony held in Bulawayo on 23 December.
The 31-year-old Ndebele, a trained motor mechanic has since 2009 represented the country at international level in both the fifteens and sevens versions of the game. The Plumtree High School product made his international debut on the wing at the then Confederation of African Rugby Southern Trophy held in Botswana where the Sables were the champions.
Ndebele said he met his wife at the Bulawayo Polytechnic in 2008 when he was studying motor mechanics while she was a management in hospitality student.
The 28-year-old Mamire is a front office manager at a leading hotel in the city. Both are from Chivhu in Mashonaland East.
The couple has been living together since 2008 and have been blessed with two children, five-year-old Ryan and Rumbidzaishe who is aged three. The wedding was sanctified at the Apostolic Faith Mission North End Assembly while the reception took place at Impala Events Centre and was attended by 170 guests. They have not yet decided on the honeymoon.
Ndebele, despite still being an active rugby player was recently appointed as Sables fitness coach since he is trained in that field.
Jafet is the younger brother of former Sables backline player Vusumuzi, who is now based in the United States of America.
His plan is to give at least 2017 to playing the game then turn to coaching. He was this year the coach of the Matabeleland Warriors sevens rugby team as he prepares himself for life after playing the sport.
The wedding was attended by his father Yezi who is based in the United Kingdom. Ndebele’s mother died in 2000. Mamire’s parents are both late.
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