Tapuwa Chabata
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
It all seemed impossible, but it took resilience and determination as the Guinness World Records for the Longest Rugby Games ever played, were recently shattered in Ireland.
And not only were the matches meant to break records, but also to raise money for charity.
Both men and women’s rugby teams, playing at Mullingar Rugby Club, shattered the previously held records and what an honour it was for former Zimbabwean rugby player, Tapuwa Chabata who featured in one of the men’s teams.
The Guinness World Record for the men’s team stood at 30 hours, 29 minutes, and 41 seconds, before it was shattered to a gruelling 36 hours.
The results are now waiting for official verification by the Guinness World Records.
Speaking from his base in the United Kingdom, Chabata (53), could not hide his joy, as he revealed that he was proud of his personal achievement and also putting Zimbabwe on the world sports map.
“I represented Wooden Spoon which is a rugby charity for children, I feel proud of myself in terms of what I have achieved personally and also have put Zim on the sports map.
“What I have done and achieved goes beyond the final whistle,” said an ecstatic Chabata.
He added: “rugby has taught me many things, how to work as a team, how to lead, how to dig deep.
“But above all, it taught me resilience – the ability to face whatever life throws at me, head-on, with courage, confidence and grit.
“To stand tall and say I have got this.
“These past few days I have realised that in spades full. I acknowledge my family, friends, teammates and support crew how they helped lift me up – but ultimately, I did this.
“I pushed through pain, fatigue the elements and doubt. Forced my body and mind to break through barriers and go beyond anything most people will ever attempt. That’s my definition of the spirit of rugby – and I’ve just redefined it.”
Chabata added that many people were asking if he would consider retiring following this mouth-watering feat, to which he said; “please allow me to take a moment to let this sink in – being a (pending official verification!) Guinness World Record holder.
“I believe more than that, I have become a game changer, fundraiser and a community hero. Not all heroes wear capes and have superpowers.
“Personally I have raised £938 and still need to reach my target of £1 500. So far the charity has raised about £113 000 beating the set target of £100 000.”
He further revealed: “it’s been a wild ride, but the pain will fade and the memories will last forever.
“I can bore my grandchildren about this achievement. Rugby won at the end of the day and I do have a few things in mind of how we can channel sport in Zim to develop community projects.
“I am a true believer that #rugbyislife. I stand a true believer of using sport as a tool for supporting our communities.”
Chabata added further that he did at least 30 hours of play, because they started with 1 hour breaks per person, but with injuries they ended up doing more, as they needed to have 15 players on the pitch throughout the challenge.
And Chabata added that, he will forever cherish the memory of joining 92 men and women who pushed themselves to the limit for a shared cause that goes beyond the game.
Born in Mount Darwin, Chabata fell in love with the sport of rugby at Chaplin High School in Gweru and he later became the first Captain of the Zimbabwe Universities and Colleges.
He served in the Zimbabwe National Army from 1993 to 2000 and relocated to the United Kingdom where has since been based.
