At just 19 years old, Gabriella Chawatama has already carved out a place for herself in Zimbabwean rugby, with a story that reflects grit, determination, and vision far beyond her years.
Her journey began with grassroots clubs like Pitbulls and Raiders, where the foundation for her competitive spirit and commitment to the sport was laid.
Even in those early years, Gabriella stood out—first for her physicality, and later for the discipline and transformation that would define her career.
Now officially capped as a Lady Sable, Gabriella made her senior debut last year against Zambia at the Mwana Group Tournament.
It was a memorable moment, filled with the raw nerves that come with representing your country for the first time.
“The game went great, but I was showered with anxiety,” she admits. “I stuck to my game plan and played well, even though it was my first time facing a foreign team.” That match didn’t just mark a milestone—it was the beginning of a deeper hunger for excellence.
Her drive is clear: Gabriella dreams of playing rugby beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
The thought of becoming an international player—and someday a coach—is what pushes her to train harder and grow faster. Sharing the field with seasoned senior players has been an education of its own, sharpening her skills and giving her invaluable experience. “It’s helped me develop my rugby in ways I never imagined,” she reflects.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable parts of her journey is her physical transformation. When she first picked up a rugby ball two years ago, Gabriella weighed 109 kilograms.
Today, she stands strong at 82 kg—leaner, quicker, and more powerful. The road to fitness wasn’t easy, but it was consistent.
With the unwavering support of her parents, particularly her father who woke her at 4 a.m. for gym sessions, Gabriella pushed through early mornings and tyre-pulling drills at Churchill.
“Others were sleeping,” her dad would say—words that still echo as motivation in her ears. “I’m 100% grateful to my parents. They’ve always pushed me.”
As she prepares to head to Ivory Coast, Gabriella’s expectations are crystal clear. She wants to play beyond her limits and make the most of every second on the field. “I’ve worked so hard for this opportunity,” she says. “I’m going to give it everything.”
Even with her packed rugby calendar, Gabriella finds a way to balance her passion for league rugby with another love—basketball. It’s a juggling act, but one she handles with the same discipline that has defined every chapter of her journey so far.
With her eyes set firmly on the future, Gabriella Chawatama is more than just a young talent—she’s a blueprint for what’s possible when discipline meets dreams.
