Morks Chats Sports ⚽️🏏🏉🐘🇿🇼: Recent Episodes
Richard Morkel
A set of athlete interviews brought to you from London / Harare!
Interviews are driven by my passion for sport and a desire for Zimbabwe's athletes to succeed, wherever they may be around the world. I wanted this to be more than something I do to fulfil a passion or chewing the ears off various sporting icons. I approached the Malilangwe Trust and my aim is to promote their work and hopefully help them to raise some funds after what has been a turbulent time for everyone.
For any donations or further info, visit:
🐘 - http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Eddo Brandes, one of Zimbabwe’s most famous and greatest ever cricketers. He played in Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test in ‘92 and played in 4 Cricket World Cups (87, 92, 96 & 99). We start with his involvement in a Zimbabwean cricket charity (Grassroots Cricket) which is based in Australia. He walks us though his early days trying to juggle cricket, farming and the battles to qualify for each World Cup. And it wouldn’t be complete without asking crickets most famous chicken farmer about that Hatrick against England. A huge thank you to Tawanda Karasa for giving me the opportunity to sit down with Eddo and share some information about their project.
Tawanda is the founder of Grassroots Cricket, an Australian-based Zimbabwean charity. Along with president Adrian Oosthuizen and some amazing patrons (including Eddo), they aim to use the power of cricket to educate, inspire and mobilize communities. They hope to use cricket as a medium for community development. The charity aims to provide cricket coaching, cricket equipment as well as community/health education and laptops to the youth in less privileged commuties in within Zimbabwe.
If you want to learn more, if you have any cricket kit lying around, or if can contribute, please visit:
🏏 https://grassrootscricket.com.au/ 🇿🇼
A chat with Wayne Black, one of Zimbabwe's greatest ever sports stars. During his career, he won all 4 tennis Grand Slam titles including the US Open & the Australian Open Men's Doubles titles both with fellow Zimbabwean Kevin Ullyett as well as the French Open & Wimbledon Mixed Doubles titles both with sister Cara Black. He chats about growing up in a Grand Slam winning Tennis mad family, with brother Byron and sister Cara (winning 14 Grand Slam Doubles titles between them) as well as his journey. He went on to represent Zimbabwe in 3 Olympic games and made Zimbabwe dream in the 1998, 1999 & 2000 Davis Cup World Group, which included beating Australia & taking the fight to the mighty USA.
Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit:
http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Thabani Maguranyanga. He learnt his sporting education whilst at St. John’s Prep, before he made the big leap to boarding school in Esigodini. Falcon College gave him all the tools he needed, which then set him up for a move to South Africa after impressing at the U13 Craven Week with Zimbabwe. Having represented the Golden Lions at youth level, we discuss his love for all things sport, his time at St Stithians as well as his huge move to France, where he has signed his first contract with Top 14 giants ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit:
http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Shane Snater. A talented Zimbabwe age-group cricketer and rugby player who left St. John’s College for Australia where he begun his development as a professional cricketer. He chats about how he started playing club cricket in the Netherlands, making his debut for his new national side and he also looks forward to playing for the Dutch in the ODI Super League. Having signed for county side Essex CCC in 2018, he aims to finish off what has been a very impressive season in county cricket!
Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Brian Dzingai, a double Olympic track & field athlete. He was educated at St. George’s College in Harare, before attending both Truman State and Florida State University in the United States. He won a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the All Africa games representing Zimbabwe and has a 200m personal best of 20.12, a national record. He was the Zimbabwe team flag-bearer at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and finished 4th in the men’s 200m final, taking on Usain Bolt. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Ray Mordt. A story-tellers dream as he guides us through his Springbok journey, from flying winger and into coaching. After leaving Churchill School, he begun playing rugby for what was then Rhodesia, in the Currie Cup, where he gained attention. He talks us through his rise as a young player in Zimbabwe, where he was nurtured by Ian Roberston. He went onto be selected for Springbok trials and the rest is history. He played 18 Tests (1980-84) and scored 12 tries for the Springboks, including a Hattrick against the All Blacks. He talks us through the 'infamous' 1981 tour of New Zealand as well as an insight into the ongoing British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa, where he was once a part of a victorious Test Series triumph over the Lions in 1980. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Brendan Taylor, one of Zimbabwe's greatest ever cricketers, who has formed the backbone of the Zimbabwe Cricket team and has given joy to many with his performances at the crease. He hails from Harare and made his international debut in 2004 as an 18 year old. After a string of impressive performances in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, he then went on to have a very successful, trophy laden stint in County Cricket with Notts CCC. He was picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL in 2014 and has played franchise cricket right around the world. He then returned to Zimbabwe Cricket and continues to lead the way. We chat about his career highlights and what lies ahead. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Seb Negri. A back-row forward who went from Springvale to the Six Nations. He discusses his rugby journey, from Zimbabwe to Durban and from Cape Town to the UK. Currently plying his trade at Benetton Treviso, he has been Italy's standout player in the Six Nations over the last few years and has fulfilled his dream of playing at a Rugby World Cup. Only a test series against the All Blacks in the Mid-Year Internationals this year stands between him a possible trip to Spurwing Island. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Nick Price. He talks us through his youth, time spent at Warren Hills Golf Club and how he fell in love with the game of golf. After leaving Prince Edward School, he begun his professional golfing journey. He headed to South Africa, before a successful stint on the European Tour lead him on to playing regularly on the PGA Tour. A three-time Major winner, he won his first, the PGA Championship in 1992… and in 1994, he won back-to-back Majors, including The Open Championship and his second PGA Championship. He has starred as both a player and non-playing captain of the International Team in the Presidents Cup. He has beaten the best of the best including Jack Nicklaus & Tiger Woods and was ranked as the world’s number one golfer for a total of 44 weeks before being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. Regarded as a true gentleman of the game, he is the arguably the greatest sportsman that Zimbabwe has ever produced. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Eli Snyman, a second-row forward from Harare, Zimbabwe. He guides us through his young rugby career and all the sacrifices he made to get to where he is today. After enrolling into the Bulls Academy, his journey takes him from the Monday-Night-Lights of Varsity Cup rugby in South Africa, to the U20 World Championships in Manchester with the 'Baby Boks'. After a Super Rugby campaign with the Bulls, he tells all about his move to Treviso in Italy, where he currently plays for Benetton in the Pro14. After the 2020/2021 season, he will join the most successful side in the English Premiership, Leicester Tigers! Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Don Armand. We chat about his rise through the rugby ranks in South Africa after leaving Zimbabwe. After lifting the Currie Cup with Western Provence, he headed for England in 2013, where he has been adding more silverware to his trophy cabinet at Exeter Chiefs. Fresh off winning ‘The Double’ with the Chiefs in 2020, he looks ahead to the second half of the new season and perhaps an elusive Kariba House-Boat trip. [www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/players/don-armand] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Lovejoy Chawatama, tight-head prop for Premiership side London Irish. His rugby journey takes us from Marondera to London, where he touches on his time in Zimbabwe, his involvement at Beckhenham RFC and early morning sacrifices to make it to the top. When he's not representing 'The Exiles' on the pitch, you'll find him around the 'Braai', reprising his role as 'The Backyard Chef' creating flavoursome grilled food that remind him of home. Instagram - [@thebackyardcheflj] [www.london-irish.com/players/lovejoy-chawatama/s272371/] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Kyle Godwin, an Australian rugby player who moved from Harare to Perth and has represented the Wallabies, Western Force, Brumbies & Connacht along the way. He discusses his return to his home-town team; the Western Force, Guinness in Galway, growing up in Zimbabwe as well as his hopes for 2021! [www.westernforce.com.au/teams/kyle-godwin] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Benji Lock, a professional Tennis player who has plied his trade on the ITF men’s circuit and more recently, he has been a winner on the ATP Challengers circuit. He is also crucial part of the Zimbabwe Davis Cup tennis team, where he plays alongside brother his Courtney. [www.atptour.com/en/players/benjamin-lock/lc54/overview] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Rob Wotton, who has been a leading presenter at Sky Sports News since they opened their doors in 1998. He has famously hosted 'Ref Watch' with his pal Dermot Gallagher and more recently, ''The Football Show', bringing us our daily fix of football throughout the pandemic. He talks us through some of the stand-outs of his career, his love for Chelsea FC and how Sky Sports News was formed. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Eddie Byrom, who talks about his journey from Zimbabwe to becoming a professional Cricketer for Somerset CCC. He tells us about his explosive-hitting exploits in the T20 Blast, his stint at the Rising Stars in the Logan Cup as well as his century in the Bob Willis Trophy Final at Lords, the 'Home of Cricket' in 2020. [www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/players/eddie-byrom/] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Scott Vincent, a Professional Golfer on the Asian Tour & European Tour. He talks about his journey from school in Zimbabwe, his stint at Virginia Tech University and his rise to winning his first Pro Tournament. Along the way, he won the Players Amateur in 2014 (one of the biggest & most prestigious amateur tournaments in the world) and after turning Pro in 2015, he began playing on the Asian Tour & Sunshine Tour. He won his first Professional tournament, the Landic Challenge in Japan and ended 2019 ranked 129th in the world. He is now plying his trade on the European Tour and aiming to qualify for the 2021 Olympics. World Ranking [http://www.owgr.com/en/Ranking/PlayerProfile.aspx?playerID=14559] For a day in the life of Scott Vincent - 'Behind Mhondoro' Part 1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGFCj1JlLdI] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Tonderai Chavhanga, a former Springbok speedster who famously scored 6 tries on his international debut. He is regarded as one of the fastest rugby players to have ever played the game, having enjoyed stints at the Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks & Newport Gwent Dragons. He chats about his career and his contribution to the Sables in a coaching capacity back home in Zimbabwe. Highlights of his 6 tries on debut - [www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2057V9khCg] Help the Sables qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and sign up to the Sables Rugby Network as a player or a sponsor:[http://sablesrugbynetwork.com/] Visit [www.zimbabwerugbyunion.co.zw]. Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A lengthy chat with Aaron Jani, the current ZRU (Zimbabwe Rugby Union) President, who shares with us his story on the current state of rugby in Zimbabwe amidst the pandemic. He also discusses his own journey from running down the wing to running the game at the highest level! He sheds some light on Zimbabwe's Rugby World Cup 2023 Qualifying campaign. Help the Sables qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and sign up to the Sables Rugby Network as a player and as a sponsor: [http://sablesrugbynetwork.com/] Visit [www.zimbabwerugbyunion.co.zw] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/
A chat with Hilton Mudariki, Zimbabwe Cheetahs (7's) legend and Sables (XV's) Skipper. We discuss his rugby journey from the daily grind behind the scenes at the Western Province Academy, lessons learnt from close-come things on the field, to lifting the Victoria Cup in 2019 with the Sables. We also look ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2023 Qualifiers as he continues to be driven to succeed and achieve great things both on and off the field.
Help the Sables qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and sign up to the Sables Rugby Network as a player or a sponsor:[http://sablesrugbynetwork.com/] Visit [www.zimbabwerugbyunion.co.zw] Morks Chats Sports is a partner of the Malilangwe Trust, which is a Zimbabwean leading non-profit conservancy that concentrates their efforts on environmental conservation and uplifting communities. They aim to restore and maintain the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s ecosystem, make meaningful contributions to conservation science, and improve the livelihoods of its neighbouring communities. Any donations or assistance to this organisation would be greatly and thankfully received. For a more information please visit: http://www.malilangwe.org/donate/