Reuben Taruwinga’s journey in sport is not just about competition. It is a story of calling, sacrifice, and vision. 

From his early days in Mutare to becoming a player, coach, and club founder in Harare, Taruwinga has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s most committed korfball figures, driven by a deep belief in both the sport and the people who play it.

Born and raised in Mutare, Taruwinga grew up deeply connected to sport. Basketball and athletics were his first loves, and he spent much of his youth active and competitive. His path, however, changed after an unexpected introduction to korfball.

“I grew up loving sports, basketball and athletics, but I started liking korfball when I saw it being played on TV,” he recalls. “I began practising what I was seeing, copying the skills and movements.”

In 2017, he moved to Harare, and by 2019 he was actively searching for opportunities to be involved in korfball at school level. He found a starting point at DZ High 1, a team that was struggling at the time.

“When I arrived, I heard they had a korfball team, but they always lost in tournaments,” he says. “I began teaching them what I had seen from the Netherlands team on TV. I combined those skills with my own ideas, things I believed could work.”

The results were dramatic. From 2019 to 2025, his teams dominated the NASH championships, transforming a losing side into a winning culture. His influence extended beyond school sport. In 2022, he founded his own club, DZ Eagles, which has remained unbeaten since its formation.

“We always win the cup. Until now, we have never been defeated,” he says with pride.

Taruwinga’s rise in korfball was not limited to local success. As early as 2018, he was called into the national setup after an English coach visited Zimbabwe and identified his potential.

“That is when I started practising a lot and became more serious,” he explains. “I became interested not only in playing but also in coaching.”

His international exposure reached a new level when he travelled to the Netherlands as a coach, player, and captain of the Mufakose Blazers. The experience reshaped his understanding of the sport and strengthened his long-term ambitions.

“When I went to the Netherlands, I went as a coach, player, and captain,” he says. “Some people looked down on us, but because of my love for the sport, I told myself it did not matter, as long as I learned. I learned from different teams, new skills, and new rules.”

He believes the trip revealed both the gap and the opportunity for African korfball.

“The difference is that in the Netherlands they shoot from a distance. Here in Africa we focus more on running shots. They understand their positions and keep structure on the court. African teams often crowd around the ball. With proper training and structure, Zimbabwe can become the first African nation to win a World Championship.”

Despite his achievements, Taruwinga speaks openly about the financial realities facing athletes in smaller sporting codes. Many players compete without pay, and talented athletes often miss opportunities because they cannot afford travel or tournament costs.

“If only we could find sponsors, many talented players who cannot afford to compete would get a chance,” he says. “Even the school I coach at has no money. My club often pays for players because the sport is in my heart.”

His personal sacrifices have been significant. At one point, he even left his job to continue pursuing korfball.

“I faced challenges after quitting my job because of korfball,” he says. “But I told myself, whatever happens, I will persevere.”

He credits key mentors for helping him stay the course, particularly Mr Pedzai from Harare Tigers and Mrs Kashangura from Mufakose 1.

“Mr Pedzai always tells me to persevere and corrects me when I fail. Mrs Kashangura has also helped me learn a lot and improve where I make mistakes. They kept my love for korfball strong.”

Looking back, Taruwinga sees korfball as more than a sport. It is his life’s defining purpose.

“When I look at my past and present, I can say korfball is the biggest thing I have achieved in my life,” he says. “I am not just someone who loves sports. This is my gift.”

His message to the next generation is simple and heartfelt.

“Keep persevering. One day it will get better. Stay connected, listen to your teachers and coaches, and continue learning. Let us love korfball.”

Through dedication, leadership, and sacrifice, Reuben Taruwinga is not only building winning teams, but also shaping the future of korfball in Zimbabwe.