Zimbabwe: Scrumhalf Jiji’s Star Dazzles

Daniel Nhakaniso

30 June 2011

THE old adage that dynamite comes in small packages might be a cliché but it aptly reflects 20-year-old Sables’ new sensation, Charles Jiji.

Standing at only 1,66m and weighing a mere 61kgs, the former Prince Edward Schoolboy has certainly defied all odds and become a revelation in the two caps he has won for Zimbabwe.

Scrumhalf jiji, a veteran of two consecutive Junior World Rugby Trophy competitions in the last two years in Russia and Georgia, has matured into a key asset in the Sables’ aspirations making the future bright.

The young star emphatically announced his arrival in the Sables team, which won the match 42-24, with a mature performance that made a mockery of both his age and size.

His exceptional vision and calmness in both attack and defence won the hearts of the sellout crowd which chanted his name whenever he was in possession.

To put the icing on the cake, Jiji capped the fine display with a wonder try in which he made a mazy run from the centre line, side stepping three Kenyan players on his way to planting his first try for the Sables.

“The small scrumhalf played extremely well. He has good technique and reads the game pretty well. He used their possession well and was behind almost all of their attacks and capped it all with that wonderful try and I believe he was the difference,” said Kenyan coach Michael Otieno.

Befittingly for Jiji, who would be moving to Hartpury College in the UK later this year on a rugby scholarship, he was named man of the match.

Jiji attributed his good form to the experience he gained from the junior teams in which he played from the Under-18s until his recent graduation into the senior side.

“I guess it’s all because of the understanding I have with most of the players in this team. I have played with Tichafara Makwanya and some of the guys at club level and now we are together in the national team and we are just clicking,” said the Old Hararians halfback.

“The experience that I have gained over the years playing for Zimbabwe junior teams has been incredible. I have definitely learnt a lot from the junior coaches, like Brighton Chivandire and Goodwin Murambiwa, who have moulded me into the type of player I am now. Playing for Zimbabwe from the junior ranks has allowed me to mature more as a player and as a person in general and I am truly grateful to the people who have inspired me and urged me on,” Jiji said.

Jiji first represented the country in the Under-18 team at the annual South African rugby tournament, the Craven Week for two years from 2007.

He then graduated to the Under-20 side, helping the team win two consecutive Junior Africa Cup titles where he established himself as a utility player comfortable at flyhalf, wing or scrumhalf.

He made his full debut for the Sables in the 25-15 victory away to Uganda in the CAR Division 1B.

Having shone in both Victoria cup matches, Jiji will be looking to continue on a purple patch when Zimbabwe hosts Uganda at Hartsfield grounds tomorrow.

Another win for Zimbabwe will thrust them yet closer to winning the tri-nations, having failed so dismally last year when losing both home matches.

A bonus for Zimbabwe is their use of younger players who still have many years ahead of them such as Jiji.

After Harare witnessed one of the epic battles in recent years, Bulawayo gets a chance to see the revived Sables in action.

The team will need to guard against complacency as they play a Uganda side which should otherwise be weaker than Kenya.

Key will be Jiji’s skills as the Sables seek to soar further on the World rankings where they have been on the ascendency since commencing Test action last month.

AllAfrica – All the Time