Former Stormers and Bok wing, Tonderai Chavhanga, is taking flight on a bold new mission to teach rugby to kids. We chatted with him as part of our new series, Coaches R Us.
If you’re surprised to hear that former Bok wing, Tonderai Chavhanga, now has his own animation production company, you’re in good company – so is he! “It’s not something I ever thought I would end up doing, but sometimes life is like that,” he says.
His animation series, Super Impi, arose out of work he was doing with Stormers and Bok mate, Eddie Andrews and their Joshua Foundation, which aimed to bring rugby to children in Mitchell’s Plain.
“We realised we could only do so much, and reach so many kids,” says Tonderai. “Also, as a parent who likes to be as involved with my kids as I possibly can, I realised there was very little African programming in the animation field, and I also saw that there wasn’t much in the way of educational programming either. So I thought, why not make a programme about a rugby player who’s a superhero? And the concept really developed from there.”
Also, he points out that rugby isn’t accessible to the general public via the free-to-air television channels, so this is one way of exposing more kids to rugby.
What life lesson did you learn from rugby?
I think the most important thing I learnt, is that it doesn’t matter how big the challenge is – nothing is too big to tackle. I was smaller than most of the guys on the field – but you still have to tackle them. And when you get knocked down, you have to pick yourself up and keep on fighting.
What was the biggest game-changing moment of your life?
On a personal level, getting married. I’m very blessed with an amazing wife who has been an incredible support to me – my rock through good and bad. And then professionally, probably the Super Rugby match when the Stormers played the Blues in 2004. That was really the match that announced me to the rugby world.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
As a youngster, I wish I had concentrated more on my studies. Rugby gives you incredible opportunities and networking; talent opens the door, but character and knowledge keep that door open. So I do wish I had put more effort into my studies.
What do you love about change?
You can only love change if you embrace it. Then the love for the change begins.
What do you hate about change?
I’m a creature of habit. I tend to go to the same restaurants and order the same few things over and over again. I like things done in a predictable way – and change messes with that.
If you could change one thing about professional rugby, what would it be?
As amazing as professional rugby is, at times I think players are treated as commodities. Maybe it’s better now, but I feel not enough is done to prepare players for life after rugby, especially given than many of them turn pro almost straight out of high school. Injuries, playing form and change of coaches are just some of the things that can change the course of your career and your life overnight. If you have a contract you have a degree of security, but it’s not like you can just sit back and retire from your career earnings.
When you need to change something about yourself, how do you go about it?
As a professional rugby player I had to be very disciplined, so I try to continue with that. Whatever you decide to do, you have to pin your ears back and go for it, without fear. Don’t spend time debating, just give it your everything. And if you get knocked down, get up and try again.
What is the scariest change you ever made in your life?
Being in the real world. Perhaps it wasn’t so much scary as tough, because for a good 12 years, all I knew was putting my boots on and playing. Now I was on a totally different field and I wasn’t quite as prepared as I could have been. There were a lot of unforeseen variables.
Who is your personal role model?
I don’t really have one. I try to learn as much as I can from every person and situation I am exposed to.
Have you ever read a book that changed your life?
Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life. It reassures you, as a Christian, that there’s a plan and purpose that you were made to fulfil. And you find it by connecting to the Creator.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I’d like to see our animation series and company as an international success, and our community clubs – where we run rugby, mentorship and entrepreneurial programmes – being a success. And on a personal level I’d like to see myself growing more and more in love with my wife as we raise our beautiful kids together.
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