BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Wonder why Zimbabwe’s rugby team looked remarkably well-conditioned at the recent Rugby Africa Cup, where the Sables were crowned the continent’s champions after capping off a stellar tournament in Uganda?
Well, it was not due to the training regime of a big brawny man somewhere in the set-up, but in fact the top-notch job of smiley Amanda Zisengwe – all her feminine aura in full display.
Sables physiotherapist Zisengwe is now a vital member of an Africa Cup-winning team – a feather in anyone’s cap – even more satisfying for the 30-year-old that she’s living her dream and doing what she has always wanted to do.
Amanda Zisengwe joins fellow Sables technical staffers for a group photo after Zimbabwe’s historic win over Namibia in the Africa Cup semi-finals.
“My passion for physiotherapy stems from a calling to help people, which I believe I have,” Zisengwe tells SportsCast.
“Helping others regain their functional independence and improving quality of life is incredibly rewarding for me.”
Amanda Zisengwe and Sables team doctor Tapfuma Parirenyatwa with the Africa Cup trophy.
University of Zimbabwe-trained Zisengwe hasn’t had it handed to her on a silver platter. What she has achieved on her way to the top has been well-documented and deserved.
“I’ve been involved in sports – mostly rugby – for the past six years at club, schools and national level,” she says.
“My journey started at Harare Sports Club as a junior team physiotherapist and I’ve got opportunities to work with the national ladies’ teams, the national men’s Sevens teams as well as the men’s Under-20s. My career in rugby has been worthwhile. Through the support systems, I have managed to attain my World Rugby Level Two certificate in 2018 and recently I became a World Rugby Educator.”
Amanda Zisengwe pose with players Edward Sigauke (standing, left) and Dion Khumalo (right) as well as assistant coach Ricky Chirengende.
Born and raised in Mazowe just outside Harare, Zisengwe attended Kriste Mambo Girls High School in Rusape, where her innate interest in sport started to incline towards the medical side of things.
“In all the sports trips I went to in high school, I got onto the bus as a first-aider,” she recalls.
“I guess that is where it all started.”
Zisengwe, the only female in the Sables group, commands the respect of both the players and staff alike for her high-quality work. She too shares a feeling of belonging in every sense of the word.
“Being part of the Sables family has been great, I always enjoy my time there,” says Zisengwe.
“I have been working with most of the boys for a long time now, some from club rugby and some since they were Under-20s. It’s interesting to watch them evolve into African champions. As the only lady on the technical team, I’m overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I receive from my colleagues. Over the six years I have been involved in rugby, there is not a single day I felt uncomfortable or isolated and I’m truly grateful.”
Zisengwe is profoundly grateful for the opportunities in her career, and she has burning desire to give others something to aspire to.
“My message to all aspiring sports physiotherapists out there is embrace diversity and challenge stereotypes,” she remarks.
“There are many opportunities in sport and there is enough space for all of us.”
