NGONI Chibuwe, the Zimbabwe rugby player, had always prided himself in his many talents.
Some years back he was a Zimbabwe team non-travelling reserve for the Under-19 World Cup of cricket, a sport he thought he was better at.
Chibuwe only came into contact with rugby as a 16-year-old at Mutare Boys High School in his hometown.
The Mutare-born star fancies his gift to make people laugh, too. As a content creator, he has posted humorous videos on YouTube with his Romanian partner. He also has a podcast.
From Mutare Boys High, Chibuwe was fortunate enough to be transferred to Hillcrest College in the city, where his rugby took off like a rocket.
He was then enrolled at Sharks Academy in Durban, South Africa, from where he moved to Spain for his first professional contract.
These days, the robust Sables centre turns out for Romanian top-flight club Steaua București.
The 29-year-old is known to have a big heart. He gets fulfilment from helping other young people realise their dreams and, as they say, charity begins at home.
Chibuwe has set up the aptly named Hearts of Stone Rugby Academy in Mutare, reviving a sport that had long been forgotten in his hometown, especially by young people from non-traditional playing areas of the city.
Stone, or Stoney, is Chibuwe’s nickname because this is what his surname means in the local dialect, chiManyika.
And now, his fashion label, Stonefit, is also blossoming. Chibuwe is also a fitness enthusiast, so Stonefit also includes health and wellness.=STAFF WRITER
