Unlike other sports, rugby is a game that fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie. Even if the player in possession of the ball is brought to the ground, the game continues, ensuring no one gets left out. It’s a close-contact sport where everyone must participate, creating a bond that transcends the game. Players train hard for any possibilities they may face when crossing the field to the opponent’s goalposts, just as students study hard to prepare for a career in IT. This field spans a variety of different areas, offering diverse opportunities.
“I chose my program at Sheridan because I liked the endless opportunities that the IT field has to offer,” said Tafara Muzamhindo, a recent graduate from the IT program, and plays scrum-half as his leading position and fly-half on occasion. “[It’s] very dynamic and isn’t limited to just the years spent in college for someone to be successful.”
When he was a student, Muzamhindo discovered that rugby was more than just a sport. It was a platform for personal growth and learning, teaching him communication as a transferable skill that he could effectively apply in the classroom. It helped him to “not have a shell to have to come out of.” On the field, there is always something to learn when improving one’s skills not only for one's own performance but also to support one's teammates when needed. For Muzamhindo, it’s about coachability and visualization, inspiring him to strive for continuous improvement.
“As a rugby player,” he said, “I think one must have a coachable attitude. There’s always someone that knows better than you do, and the desire to become better. Specifically for my position, you must be able to visualize something before it happens to find yourself in the right position at the right time to gain an advantage over your opposition.”
While in Double Blue, Muzamhindo was named a 2023 OCAA West Division All-Star. When asked about his most memorable moment with the Bruins, he recounted the 2022 season. Despite an undesirable start, the team made it to playoffs and were victorious against two teams they lost to in the regular season, claiming the bronze medal and Sheridan’s Team of the Year Award.
“Team to me means brotherhood,” said Muzamhindo.
His roots in the sport began in Grade 3 when he attended a school where rugby was mandatory for all third graders. Adding cricket and field hockey to his athletic roster, Muzamhindo ultimately pursued rugby. It carried prestige where he’s from, and he enjoyed the sport more overall. Muzamhindo continued playing throughout high school, having opportunities to represent provincial teams in different age groups and the Zimbabwe 7’s national rugby team at the U18 level. Whether it’s on the field nationally or provincially, rugby is the sport where Muzamhindo leaves the field having made new friends.
He is now working in his field of study while playing for a club in the Ontario League. Muzamhindo reflected on the places he reached during his time in Sheridan and credited the value of networking he learned as a student-athlete for helping him get to those places. In IT, networking is not just a buzzword but a crucial skill that can open doors to new opportunities and career growth, emphasizing the importance of building connections.
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