Famous Zimbabwean Sportspersons

Tendai Mtawarira is a retired professional rugby union player who played for Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby and represented the South Africa national team and the Sharks in Super Rugby. Known as "Beast," he made his debut in 2008 and holds the record for the most capped prop in South African history. With 117 caps, he is one of the most capped international forwards and props. Mtawarira is also a 2019 Rugby World Cup winner and a successful entrepreneur, owning a security company and running The Beast Foundation.

Bruce David Grobbelaar is a Zimbabwean former professional footballer known for his distinguished career as a goalkeeper, notably playing for English team Liverpool from 1981 to 1994. He displayed exceptional athletic ability, confidence, and a unique playing style. Grobbelaar won numerous titles during his time at Liverpool, including six League championships, three FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 1983–84 European Cup. After leaving Liverpool, he played for various English lower-league teams and worked as a goalkeeper coach for Ottawa Fury FC and the Matabeleland football team.

Nick Price, a Zimbabwean former professional golfer, achieved great success in his career by winning three major championships including the PGA Championship twice in 1992 and 1994, as well as The Open Championship in 1994. He reached the number one spot in the Official World Golf Ranking during the mid-1990s, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill on the golf course. Price's remarkable achievements led to his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's elite players.

Cara Black is a former professional tennis player from Zimbabwe who excelled in doubles competition, capturing 60 WTA Tour and 11 ITF doubles titles. She reached the pinnacle of success as a former doubles world No. 1, clinching ten major titles during her career. Notably, Black achieved a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles by winning the 2010 Australian Open title. While predominantly known for her doubles prowess, she also attained a singles title on the WTA Tour and reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 31.

Byron Black had a successful career as a touring professional tennis player representing Zimbabwe. He competed at various international tournaments and also played for the Zimbabwe Davis Cup team. Known for his skill and dedication on the court, Byron made significant contributions to the sport during his time as a professional player. His achievements and performances helped him establish a strong reputation within the tennis community, earning him recognition as a talented and respected athlete.

Mark McNulty is a Zimbabwean-Irish professional golfer known for his successful career on the European Tour. He was a prominent player from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, consistently ranking among the top players worldwide. McNulty's exceptional skills and performance earned him a spot in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking for an impressive 83 weeks, showcasing his talent and competitiveness on the professional golf circuit. His achievements and consistency during this period solidified his reputation as a top golfer.

Vitalis Chikoko is a Zimbabwean professional basketball player who currently competes for SIG Strasbourg in the French LNB Pro A league. Known for his skills on the court, Chikoko has established himself as a valuable asset to his team with his strong defensive presence and scoring abilities. Throughout his professional career, he has consistently showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, earning recognition for his contributions to the team's success. Chikoko's hard work and commitment make him a respected player in the basketball community.

Caesar Barrand Hull was a skilled Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot known for his contributions during the Second World War. He was a flying ace in the Norwegian Campaign and the Battle of Britain. Hull achieved significant success as a pilot, including commanding a flight of Gloster Gladiator biplanes and downing multiple enemy aircraft. With eight confirmed aerial victories, he was the RAF's first Gladiator ace and the most successful pilot of the Norwegian Campaign. Hull's legacy is honored through various memorials dedicated to his memory.

Wayne Black was a former professional tennis player from Zimbabwe. He turned professional in 1994 and reached his highest singles ranking of 69 in 1998. Black struggled with consistency in singles and transitioned to become a doubles specialist, achieving greater success. He won two men's doubles Grand Slam titles and two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles during his career. Black reached a career-high doubles ranking of 4 in 2005 before retiring from professional play in the same year.

Scott Vincent is a Zimbabwean professional golfer competing on the Japan Golf Tour, Asian Tour, and LIV Golf. With three victories on the Japan Golf Tour, he has showcased his skill on international stages. Notable achievements include winning the International Series England on the Asian Tour and securing the International Series Order of Merit in 2022. Vincent proudly represented Zimbabwe in the 2018 World Cup of Golf and the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, establishing himself as a trailblazer for Zimbabwean golf on the global stage.

Julian Mavunga is a professional basketball player with a successful career both in college and at the professional level. He played four seasons of college basketball at Miami University, setting a record for career games played. He has also played professionally, notably being intentionally elbowed by a fellow player during a game. His achievements and skills have made him a recognized figure in the basketball world, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Brendon de Jonge is a Zimbabwean professional golfer known for his career on the PGA Tour. He first gained recognition for his collegiate golf success at Virginia Tech. Over the years, de Jonge has established himself as a consistent player on the professional circuit, showcasing his skills and talent on various golf courses. His dedication and hard work have earned him a solid reputation among fans and fellow competitors, making him a respected figure in the world of golf.

Tony Johnstone is a seasoned Zimbabwean professional golfer known for his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. Throughout his career, he has showcased remarkable talent on the golf course, earning numerous accolades and victories. Johnstone has participated in various prestigious golf tournaments globally, leaving a lasting impact with his performance. His dedication, precision, and strategic approach to the game have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the world of professional golf.

Kevin Ullyett is a former professional tennis player from Zimbabwe known for his success in men's doubles. He won 34 doubles titles, including two Grand Slams. Ullyett also competed in the Summer Olympics and achieved notable results in mixed doubles. Throughout his career, he partnered with various players, including Wayne Black, Paul Hanley, Jonas Björkman, and Bruno Soares. Ullyett made his final tennis appearance in 2010, accumulating over 500 career wins. He aspires to pursue a career in property development post-tennis.

Gary Hocking MBE was a highly skilled Grand Prix motorcycle racer who achieved great success in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Competing in the world championship, he displayed exceptional talent and determination on the track. Hocking's racing career was marked by numerous victories and accolades, establishing him as a prominent figure in the sport. His dedication to racing and exemplary performance earned him a reputation as one of the top racers of his time, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of motorcycle racing.

Ngonidzashe Makusha is a highly accomplished Zimbabwean sprinter and long jumper known for holding national records in both the 100m and long jump. He achieved remarkable performances during the 2011 NCAA Division I Championships, where he secured double gold in the 100m and long jump. Makusha's success at the NCAA championships places him among an elite group of athletes who have achieved the same feat. In 2011, he was honored with The Bowerman award, recognizing him as the top collegiate track & field athlete of the year.

Andy Flower is a legendary figure in the world of cricket, known for his exceptional skills both as a player and coach. He captained the Zimbabwe national cricket team and is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keeper-batters of all time. Flower has achieved numerous milestones during his career, including being the highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe in ODIs and earning the title of the best Test batsman in the world. As a coach, he has led various teams to success in different leagues, showcasing his coaching prowess and cricketing acumen.

Jim Redman is a British-born Rhodesian former professional motorcycle racer known for his impressive career in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1959 to 1966. He is celebrated for winning the Grand Prix road racing world championship six times, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill on the track. In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport, Redman was honored with induction into the MotoGP Hall of Fame by the F.I.M. in 2012, solidifying his legacy as a remarkable figure in motorcycle racing history.

Patricia McKillop, a former field hockey player from Zimbabwe, achieved international recognition for her exceptional talent and leadership on the field. She played a crucial role in the national team's historic gold medal win at the 1980 Summer Olympics, showcasing her skills as a top scorer. McKillop continued to contribute to sports through coaching and representation in basketball, field hockey, and golf. Her coaching career saw success with the Zimbabwe Under-21 women's team, leading them to the Women's Hockey Junior World Cup.

Brian Dzingai is a former Zimbabwean Olympic sprinter known for specializing in the 200 metres event. In June 2004, he achieved his personal best time of 20.12 seconds in Austin, Texas, setting a national record that stood for nearly two decades. Dzingai's impressive sprinting abilities and dedication to his sport earned him recognition as a top athlete in Zimbabwe. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional speed and talent on the track, leaving a lasting impact on the sprinting community.

Timothy David Jones is a former professional road racing cyclist from Zimbabwe who competed in Europe for ten years, riding for several professional cycling teams. He achieved notable victories in races such as the Tour of Slovenia, Giro del Capo, and Giro dell'Etna. Jones made history as the first Zimbabwean to compete in a Grand Tour, finishing 73rd in the Giro d'Italia. Despite facing challenges like testing positive for elevated hematocrit levels in the late 1990s, he had a successful career in professional cycling.

Proud Kilimanjaro, born Proud Chinembriri, was a formidable Zimbabwean heavyweight boxer renowned for his imposing stature and powerful fighting style. He held the Zimbabwean heavyweight and African Boxing Union titles during his career, remaining undefeated for the first four years. Kilimanjaro faced notable opponents like Hughroy Currie and Horace Notice, regaining and defending his African title. Despite a successful boxing career, he was barred from competing after refusing to disclose his HIV test results. Kilimanjaro retired with a record of 32 wins and 6 defeats before passing away at the age of 36.

Benjamin Lock is a successful Zimbabwean tennis player known for his impressive career in both singles and doubles matches. He has represented Zimbabwe in the Davis Cup, boasting a notable win-loss record. With a career high ATP singles ranking and doubles ranking, Lock has proven his skills on the international stage. His impressive 10 ITF singles titles and 35 ITF doubles titles showcase his consistency and talent in the sport. Overall, Lock's professional career is marked by achievements and dedication to the game.

Kirsty Coventry is a prominent Zimbabwean swimmer and politician, currently serving as the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation in the Zimbabwean Cabinet. Known for her outstanding achievements in swimming, she is the most decorated Olympian from Africa, having won multiple Olympic medals and set world records. Coventry is also a member of the International Olympic Committee and was elected as the Chairperson of the IOC Athletes' Commission. Her contributions to both sports and politics have earned her recognition and praise on a national and international level.

Takanyi Garanganga is a professional Zimbabwean tennis player who began playing at the age of 8. He achieved early success by winning the African Junior Championship at 14, attracting the attention of coach Brian de Villiers. Declining college offers, Garanganga pursued a professional career after graduating high school. He has competed in the Davis Cup for Zimbabwe, maintaining a win-loss record of 21-21. Garanganga's dedication to tennis and decision to focus on his professional career have been key aspects of his journey in the sport.

Ann Mary Gwynne Grant is a former field hockey player from Zimbabwe who achieved international recognition when she captained the national team to victory at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Grant's leadership skills and determination were evident as she led a team that was hastily assembled less than a week before the competition, ultimately winning Zimbabwe's only medal in the Games. Grant's success on the field solidified her legacy as a respected and accomplished athlete in the world of field hockey.

Andrew Pattison had a successful career as a tennis player, representing South Africa, Rhodesia, and later Zimbabwe. He achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 24 in September 1974. Throughout his career, Pattison won four singles tournaments and seven doubles tournaments. Known for his skill and competitiveness on the court, he left a mark in the tennis world with his achievements and contributions to the sport.

Wrex Tarr was a versatile Rhodesian entertainer known for his work as a comedian, news presenter, and skilled archer. He gained acclaim for his notable records, "Futi Chilapalapa" and "Cream of Chilapalapa", showcasing his talent and wit to audiences. As a comedian, Tarr brought humor and laughter to many, while his work as a news presenter added a touch of professionalism to his repertoire. Additionally, his skills as an archer highlighted his diverse abilities and interests beyond the realm of entertainment.

Denis Hutchinson is a former South African professional golfer who had a successful career in both amateur and professional golf. He represented South Africa in elite amateur events and achieved significant success, including winning the 1959 South African Open. After turning professional, he continued to excel, winning multiple events in South Africa and Europe, such as the South African Masters and other significant tournaments. Hutchinson later transitioned into a broadcasting role, becoming known as the "Voice of Golf" in South Africa.

Michael Grant McKillop is a Zimbabwean first-class cricketer and field hockey player who has captained the Zimbabwe men's national field hockey team. He has represented the Matabeleland team in nine first-class cricket matches. Known for his skills in both cricket and field hockey, McKillop comes from a family with a strong sporting background, with his step-father and step-brothers also being involved in cricket at various levels. McKillop has made significant contributions to both cricket and field hockey in Zimbabwe throughout his career.

Paula Newby-Fraser is a highly accomplished Ironman triathlete and duathlete, known for her exceptional success in endurance sports. She has won the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii an impressive 8 times and holds the record for the most wins in Ironman races globally. Newby-Fraser has also competed in long-distance duathlons and ultramarathons, showcasing her versatility and dominance in various endurance events. Recognized as an icon in the triathlon world, she has left a lasting legacy as one of the top professional women athletes of her time.

Elizabeth Muriel Chase was a prominent field hockey player from Zimbabwe who achieved success at both national and international levels. She represented South Africa before playing a key role in the Zimbabwe women's national team. Chase had a distinguished career playing for various clubs and teams, including the Old Hararians club. She later transitioned into a successful career in education, serving as the head of the physical education department at the University of the Witwatersrand until her retirement in 2015.

Courtney John Lock is a Zimbabwean tennis player with notable achievements in both singles and doubles. He has reached career high ATP rankings in both categories. Lock represents Zimbabwe in the Davis Cup and has secured victories in important matches. He frequently partners with his brother Benjamin Lock in doubles competitions, winning numerous titles on the ITF professional circuit. Lock's skills and dedication to the sport have earned him recognition on the international tennis scene.

Takudzwa Ngwenya is a former rugby union player known for his time playing on the wing for the United States national rugby union team and Biarritz Olympique in the Top 14 league. He gained recognition for his impressive performances during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where he scored notable tries against South Africa and Samoa. Ngwenya's speed, agility, and scoring abilities made him a valuable asset to his teams, showcasing his talent and contributing to memorable moments in international rugby competitions.

Stansly Maponga Sr. is a Zimbabwean-American professional football player who currently remains a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Maponga played as a defensive lineman during his professional career. Prior to his NFL career, he showcased his skills at TCU where he played college football. Despite being a free agent, Maponga's experience in the NFL and his college background make him a valuable prospect for potential teams looking to bolster their defensive line.

Alfonso Zvenyika Lambarda, also known as "Mosquito," is a Zimbabwean/Australian professional boxer who competed in the fly, super fly, bantam, and super bantamweight divisions during the 1990s and 2000s. He achieved significant success by winning titles such as the Zimbabwe super flyweight title, African Zone 6 Flyweight Title, and Commonwealth light flyweight title. Throughout his career, Lambarda displayed versatility by fluctuating his fighting weight from flyweight to super bantamweight, showcasing his skill and adaptability in the ring.

Tatenda Taibu is a former Zimbabwean cricketer who captained the Zimbabwe national cricket team. He is a wicket-keeper-batsman and previously held the record for being the youngest test captain in history. Taibu currently serves as the Head Coach for Cricket PNG and its national Men’s team. In July 2012, he retired from cricket to focus on his work in the church but later made a return to the sport in December 2018 by playing first-class cricket for Badureliya Sports Club in Sri Lanka.

Charles Manyuchi is a successful Zimbabwean professional boxer known for holding titles such as the ABU welterweight title, WBC International welterweight title, and WBC Silver welterweight title. Throughout his career, Manyuchi has achieved notable victories and defended his titles against tough opponents. He has also faced setbacks, such as his defeat to Kudratillo Abdukakhorov after a string of 17 consecutive victories. Manyuchi has demonstrated versatility by moving into the middleweight division and becoming the WBF Middleweight Champion.

Denis Watson is a professional golfer from Zimbabwe known for his successful career on the golf course. Throughout his professional life, he has showcased exceptional skill and talent in the sport, earning recognition for his achievements. Watson has competed in various tournaments, demonstrating his prowess and dedication to the game. His strategic approach and consistent performance have contributed to his reputation as a respected figure in the golfing community. Watson's career highlights reflect his passion for the sport and his commitment to excellence.

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano is a prominent Zimbabwean cricketer known for her skills as an all-rounder, captaining the Zimbabwean national women's team. She is a left-handed batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler, showcasing versatility on the field. With a strong presence in the cricketing world, Mugeri-Tiripano has proven herself as a valuable asset to her team, demonstrating leadership qualities through her captaincy. Her proficiency in both batting and bowling has earned her recognition and respect among fans and fellow players alike.

Patricia Molly "Pat" Walkden-Pretorius is a former professional tennis player from Rhodesia and South Africa. She achieved notable success in doubles, finishing as a runner-up in the 1967 French Championships. In singles, she reached the fourth round at the 1967 French Championships, 1968 French Open, and 1969 Wimbledon Championships. Walkden-Pretorius represented both Rhodesia and South Africa in the Fed Cup, contributing to her team's victory in 1972. She had a successful career with a record of 17 wins and 11 losses in 15 ties played between 1966 and 1974.

Sandra James is a Zimbabwean former athlete known for her remarkable achievements in the Paralympic Games. Throughout her career, she excelled in four different sports, earning a total of eleven medals. Her dedication and talent were evident as she competed at the highest level of para sports, showcasing her versatility and skill. Sandra's impressive record at the Paralympic Games solidified her reputation as a formidable athlete, inspiring others with her sportsmanship and determination.

Roger Dowdeswell is a former professional tennis player from Zimbabwe who reached the second round of all four Grand Slam tournaments during his career. He played Davis Cup tennis for Rhodesia in 1965. After retiring as a player, Dowdeswell became the Tennis Director of the Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club and coached the American and New Zealand junior Davis Cup teams.

Michael Sean James Nicholson is a Zimbabwean sport shooter known for his success in double trap shooting. He claimed two silver medals at the African Championships in 2003 and 2007. Nicholson represented Zimbabwe at the 2004 Summer Olympics where he finished sixteenth in the men's double trap event. He qualified for the Olympics through an invitational berth from the International Shooting Sport Federation. With consistent performances, Nicholson displayed his skill and dedication to the sport at both national and international levels.

Marc Cayeux is a highly accomplished Zimbabwean professional golfer known for his skilled play and dedication to the sport. With a successful career spanning several years, he has competed in various prestigious tournaments worldwide, showcasing his talent and determination on the golf course. Cayeux has earned recognition for his consistent performance, strategic approach, and strong work ethic, making him a respected figure in the golfing community. His impressive achievements and contributions to the sport have solidified his reputation as a prominent professional golfer.

Julia Chibhabha is a prominent figure in Zimbabwean cricket, having made significant contributions both as a player and a coach. She has represented Zimbabwe at various international competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers and the Women's World Cup Regional Qualifiers. Notably, she was the first captain of the Zimbabwe national women's cricket team and has also served as a scorer in men's domestic cricket. Her expertise and experience led to her being appointed as Zimbabwe's only female accredited coach and later as the convenor of the women's selection panel.

Don Black was a prominent Rhodesian tennis player known for his exceptional skills and sportsmanship on the court. He achieved numerous successes throughout his professional career, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Black's remarkable performances and strategic gameplay earned him recognition among his peers and fans alike. His contributions to the world of tennis left a lasting impact, inspiring aspiring athletes and leaving a legacy of excellence in the sport.