From Court to Classroom: The Story of Malvern Fara...

From Court to Classroom: The Story of Malvern Farai Mukundu, Handball’s Humble Servant

Patience Muchemwa - Senior Reporter

In a country where passion often outpaces resources, Malvern Farai Mukundu stands as a quiet but powerful figure in Zimbabwean handball. A coach, referee, and teacher, Mukundu’s journey reflects a life built on dedication, adaptability, and a deep love for sport.

Malvern’s handball journey began in 1999, when he was just a Grade 5 student at Dangamvura Beithall. He joined Midus Touch, a local club that would later evolve into Legal Lions in 2002. As his talent developed, he moved to Hard Shots in 2008—then one of the biggest clubs in Zimbabwe. A year later, he represented Zimbabwe at the Zone 6 Under-20 Championship in Zambia. Though the team finished last, the tournament left a lasting impression. It was there that he met Innocent Kanosvova, also known as Today Mukunga, an influential figure in regional handball.

His transition from player to coach and referee came naturally. “I would say my first coach Simbarashe Marumisa was the reason I got into coaching,” Mukundu reflects. His involvement in officiating started during school competitions, where his technical knowledge made him a regular choice for refereeing NASH (National Association of Secondary School Heads) games. With each whistle blown and match managed, his confidence and skill as a referee grew.

Mukundu’s background as a Physical Education teacher has strengthened his role in sports. It provides a foundation not only for technical expertise but also for understanding the individual needs of young athletes. “Being a teacher has helped me handle things in a more professional manner and also be able to tolerate the different needs of players,” he explains. This dual role allows him to navigate both the structured environment of the classroom and the dynamic energy of the handball court.

One of his most memorable achievements came in 2017, when he coached the Manicaland Under-17 girls’ team to a silver medal at the youth games. Remarkably, he had only met the players two days before the tournament began. That experience, he says, was a testament to what is possible when passion and commitment meet, even with limited time and resources.

Speaking of challenges, Mukundu does not shy away from the realities facing the sport in Zimbabwe. “Lack of resources has been a major challenge and to date there hasn’t been any way to solve this problem,” he notes. Despite these obstacles, he remains committed. As an assistant coach at Spikers HC, he supports Coach Calvin Banda by offering strategic insights, though his full-time job means he cannot always attend training sessions. Still, his contributions are invaluable to the team’s progress.

To young people who dream of making it in sport, Mukundu offers grounded but powerful advice: “Sport requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice. If you want to see yourself at the top, just endure those two things.”

Looking ahead, Mukundu holds hope for the future of Zimbabwean handball. “Zimbabwe handball can be big in the continent,” he says. “I wish to be part of that growth if God allows it. As of now, I will just keep on contributing where I am asked to, in anticipation that it leads to the growth of Zimbabwe handball.”

Malvern Farai Mukundu may not chase the spotlight, but his steady presence in the handball community—whether coaching, refereeing, or teaching—continues to inspire a generation of young athletes. His story is not just about personal achievement, but about building something greater, one match, one whistle, and one lesson at a time.