Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWEAN-born star, who plays in America’s National Football League (NFL), Thabani Maguranyanga is in the country and pushing Zimbabwe’s sports tourism agenda.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry this Wednesday evening hosted NFL’s new signing, Maguranyanga, who is now on the books of Washington Commanders.
The government appreciated Maguranyanga’s achievements and those of other sports personalities plying their trade abroad.
“We want to work with other sports codes, but you are the first and we think you have done a great job. We want sports tourism to bring tourism into the country. What you have done is great and we are in full support. Leaders are not just government and church leaders, you are leaders and have the wisdom to lead,” Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Babra Rwodzi said.
Maguranyanga views his recent transition to the NFL as an opportunity to inspire young Zimbabweans and elevate the Zimbabwe brand on the global stage.
“I am honoured and excited to be here and do this country proud. I want Zimbabwean kids to be up there and have the next generation of our brothers be in EPL Formula One and be the greatest country in the world. I will try to ensure that my teammates get to know about what we have here,” he said.
Prior to his NFL signing, Maguranyanga represented the Zimbabwe Rugby team and was named among the 13 players in the International Pathway Player programme for 2025 before joining the Washington Commanders.
Thabani Maguranyanga was born in Harare and has been a professional rugby player, who most recently played for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14, France’s elite rugby union league.
His rugby career includes representing the Golden Lions at the Under-18 Craven Week from 2015 to 2021, where he was selected as captain of the Golden Knights in 2020.
Earlier in his development, Maguranyanga played for the Under-16 Grant Khomo team and also represented Zimbabwe on the Under-18 Sevens side at the Capricorn Group International Junior Sevens Tournament.
