NOT many people can live their dream, many people are doing jobs that they do not even like but for Edward Sigauke, whose dream was to one day don the green and white hoops jersey for the Sables, is living his dream.
Sigauke is part of the Zimbabwe Senior Men's rugby team 28-man squad that left for Uganda yesterday to play in the Africa Cup which also serve as the World Cup Qualifiers.
"A major goal of mine since leaving high school was always to play for my country and anyone who knows me really well, will tell you how I am somewhat of a patriot so it’s definitely an honor playing for the Sables," Sigauke told The Sports Hub.
Qualifying for the Rugby World Cup with the Sables means everything to him.
"What an honour that would be. If I’m correct, we haven’t been in the World Cup since the game went professional so this would be massive for me and my family. It’s always an insane feeling to be part of history and we’re very close to it this year," he said.
Sigauke first picked up the oval ball in the third grade at Hippo Valley Estates Primary School. Those that coached him at the time and saw how quick he was and always told him to back his ability.
"But I guess I was the only one who didn’t quite believe it," quips Sigauke.
As his rugby continued to grow he found himself at Hillcrest but going to Lomagundi under Bob Mahari was the turning point of his growth and career.
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"Going to Lomagundi was a defining moment in my rugby career-a serious turning point. It’s where I developed the work ethic that has carried me to this point in my journey. The environment, the culture, and the people around me really accelerated my growth," he added.
"Coach Bob was a major catalyst in that process. He’s the epitome of a thoughtful, selfless human being-always putting the development of his players first, both on and off the field. He took the time to work on my weaknesses, pushed me to grow, and constantly reminded me to back myself.
"He was more than just a coach, he believed in me at a time when it really mattered, and I will always be grateful for that. I could write a book about that man."
Working in the Under-20 set up under Shaun de Souza and winning the Barthes Trophy inculcated the winning mentality for the utility back and prepared him for the Senior men's national team call up.
"There’s a couple of lessons I have drawn from my junior rugby setups but one particular one has to be handling big game pressure," Sigauke said.
"Playing in Kenya in front of a massive hostile crowd and coming out victors against a strong Kenyan side teaches you a thing or two about staying calm under pressure and realizing that despite the crowd and all outside noise, it’s all still just a game."
He heaped praises on de Souza.
"Coach Shaun never made anything come easy, and he wasn’t one to buy into any of the hype that followed me from schoolboy rugby. That really helped keep me grounded and reminded me that I still had to earn my place and prove myself through hard work," he added.
"What sets him apart as a coach is his ability to manage players in a way that brings out their best, he gives you the space to make decisions, learn through experience, and take ownership of your game, all while holding you to a high standard. That kind of trust and accountability has helped me grow a lot as a player."
The 21-year-old made his Test rugby debut the Sables in the Africa Cup last year in Uganda and scoring a try was the cherry on top.
"My rugby Test debut had some insane scenes, a lively crowd in Uganda against the home team. You can’t ask for a better debut," Sigauke said.
"Don’t remember being too nervous but more so excited to show what I can do. Massive backing from coach Piet and the brothers around me so the stage was basically set for me. The try was the cherry on top."
Sigauke who now plays wing for his Varsity side has been used as a utility back by different coaches giving them many other options.
He enjoyed playing in the midfield but now even enjoys more playing at wing.
"Over the years I enjoyed playing at center because of the battle in the midfield and the pressure that came with it but now I love it out on the wing," he said.
"Playing at wing suits my abilities really well. With enough space I get to isolate defenders and go at them which I love doing."
He is enjoying playing under the Sables coach Piet Bernade.
"He is a great human being above everything. He looks out for his players which I think is important for a coach to treat humans like humans," he added.
Everyone playing sport has player that they fashion their game after and Sigauke in no different. At every level he has played he has been inspired by different people.
"I have been very lucky to play against and with some of my local rugby heroes from when I was a little younger. The likes of Ryan Musumhi and Rian O’Neill. Can’t not mention my schoolboy rugby heroes. Hombiro, Tadiwa Muchemwa and Lameck Vheriwa."
Internationally he has been inspired by players who have deft skills and pace to burn such as Darcy Graham, Cheslin Kolbe and Mateo Carreras. I think you know why.
Sigauke's rugby journey is not complete without the mention of his family who have been his pillar of strength.
"They have been an immense part of my support system. They never get bored and always make the effort to be as immersed in the process as they can be so I’ll forever be indebted to them" he said.
Sigauke has been an instant hit in the Varsity Shield in South Africa where he turns out for the Durban based Varsity College.
He believes that tough competition in the Varsity Shield and the season he has had, has helped him prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup in Uganda starting on Tuesday, which also serves as the World Cup Qualifiers .
" I am truly grateful for the season I have had and that is largely thanks to my teammates here in Durban. The rugby out here is tough because every week is a real battle but that’s part of what makes it so special. It has helped me grow a lot both on and off the field. The high level of competition has been a great preparation ahead of the Africa Cup selections, and I’m just thankful for every opportunity to keep learning and improving."
The Bachelor of Commerce first year student, is one of the best entertainers in local rugby with his exceptional skills and pace to burn. But does he deliberately go out to entertain or is it something that comes natural to him"
"As athletes, part of our role is to entertain, and it is always encouraging to know that people appreciate the “performance.” Over time, delivering on the field starts to feel natural. But for me, that’s not the main focus. I play because I genuinely love the game. The entertainment aspect is secondary. When I’m enjoying myself and playing for the glory of God, that’s when I’m truly fulfilled."
In his short career, Sigauke has already had memorable moments in the Sables colours and finds it hard to pick his most memorable match playing for the senior men's side.
"If I had to choose, it would have to be the UAE game. To score my first hat trick for the Sables was and will always be special for me" said Sigauke.
Sigauke has got a very small circle of friends, he played against Muchemwa in primary school and now they are best mates and he was to walk away today, he knows that the gave didn't only give him but also gave him a brother in Muchemwa.
