The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international rugby player, loose forward Blithe Mavesere is in line to win a brand-new car, a Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5Xi should he win South Africa’s FNB Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament award tomorrow.
Mavesere was in brilliant form for the University of Western Cape in this year’s Varsity Cup where he started in seven of his team’s nine matches in the Varsity Cup. He scored seven tries in total in this year’s Varsity Cup as UWC, who are coached by former Springboks Sevens coach Paul Treu finished sixth in the 10-team competition.
The 22-year old Mavesere is up for the top gong together with Cohen Jasper (FNB CUT Ixias) and James Tedder (FNB UCT Ikeys). He is also nominated for the “Forward That Rocks” award together with Ben-Jason Dixon (FNB Maties) and Niel Otto (FNB UCT Ikeys).
Mavesere, who is in Zimbabwe in camp with the senior national men’s team said he was honored to get nominated for such an award.
Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere with FNB Player that Rocks award
“I’m really humbled, something I didn’t expect, I’m really hornoured and I thank God for this and my team mates and staff. To be honest, that’s up to supporters to decided, but I’m just grateful that I’m part of the nominees,’’ Mavesere said.
Award winners will be announced tomorrow after the final between the University of Pretoria’s Tuks and the University of Cape Town Ikeys. Voting for the awards is through the FNB Varsity Cup Facebook page and FNB Varsity Cup App.
Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere in Varsity Cup action for FNB University of Western Cape
The youngster feels that playing in the Varsity Cup has greatly improved his game since he has been mentored by some of the best coaches in a professional environment.
“Varsity Cup is competitive and that has improved me and most of my mates as well. I have been consistently exposed to great coaches and a professional environment, and great team mates who have been pushing me through,’’ he said.
Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere scoring one of the three tries against the Madibaz
At UWC, Mavesere, who went to Churchill High School has another Zimbabwean, former Prince Edward captain Godfrey Muzanargwo as one of his teammates, something he says has helped him settle down in a foreign country.
Mavesere did not get a chance to play for any of the national teams in South Africa’s Youth Weeks, with his only opportunity coming at Under-20. The flank made his Sables debut in the Victoria Cup against Zambia in 2019.
At UWC, Mavesere is on a rugby bursary and is also undertaking studies while representing the institution in sport. — @Mdawini_29
