The Peregrine: Taking Flight

FlightTHE PEREGRINE
MARCH/APRIL

FEATURING
DR KUDZAI KANYEPI
CLEOPAS KUNDIONA

DANNY TANSER



CONT
ENTS

ACROSS THE BOARD
OUR ZIMBABWE
CULTURE
SPORT

LIFE IS A ONE TIME
OFFER...

SO LIVE IT WELL...

MALI RAM CHOUDHARY

The United Nations estimate a global average life
expectancy of 72.6 years for 2019. Which could be
converted to 3785 weeks, or 38,158,560 minutes,

2,289,513,600 seconds. With that said, with
whatever time you have on this earth, make it

significant. Make it count.

PEREGRINE

THE PEREGRINE ACROSS
T H E2nd vol.

BOARD

The Future
In depth w/Harry Streak

New Feathers

Photo by Zoe Cocker

THE FUTUREWhat does

mean for a
Falcon student

As a form one at Falcon, you find yourself easily Personally, one of my most cherished moments
enthralled by the wide variety of opportunities at from my form one year was assembling what is
your fingertips. The first group of young people to called the “Me Project” – this is essentially a project
welcome you into your house and your dormitory given to all form ones at the end of the first term
on your very first day soon become your role where they create a project including various
models; you just cannot wait to become like them. sections to understand themselves better and
This is a factor that makes Falcon students establish that they have begun a new chapter of
standout year in and year out, the house prefects their lives. My inspiration for this article was a
and seniors are selected in such a way that it allows section towards the end of the project called “My
the continuation of a legacy; where juniors are Future” as this is usually the most exciting section
motivated to become like them, or better yet, to revisit when the end of your Falcon career draws
exceed the impeccably high standards they have near. Some people find that they have achieved
set. absolutely everything that they set out to achieve,
As you immerse yourself in the pool of while others find that their character development
opportunities that Falcon has to offer, you quickly lead them onto an even better path. Either way, it
become inclined to a futuristic mindset that enforces one of life’s greatest lessons – “everything
encourages you to exert yourself fully in order to happens for a reason”. We all have and have had
achieve a set goal: Academic Colours, Honours for many hopes, dreams and aspirations and it is
Culture, a citation for participation – your mind important to realise that not all of them will be
begins to imagine all these endless possibilities achieved. It is interesting to see how sometimes the
and what it would be like to achieve them. You journey to an achievement is more impactful than
witness your Head of House or the Head of School the achievement itself.
receiving his/her tie and badge for their In relation to the theme “Taking Flight” I believe it is
achievements and a hint of determination sparks crucial to let our minds take off into the unknown,
inside of you to achieve the same or even better. and to challenge ourselves to pave a future for
This is what Falcon is all about. A brotherhood, a ourselves with enough gusto to resist any
sisterhood, and a family where we celebrate each turbulence that life throws at us.
other’s achievements and in so doing we motivate
ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves
so that one day we could spark the same
determination and motivation in others. As a form
one, you begin to form many relationships with
your seniors and soon enough you find that their
personalities have an even greater impact on you
than their achievements alone. You are blown
away by their generosity or compassion or even
their humour and manners, and this is what
develops a community of respectful young men
and women in the college. The diverse senior body
comes together as one in terms of the highly
acclaimed attributes that each senior possesses.

By Ngaakudzwe Mukuhwa

HARD
DECISIONS

A feature on a student (Interviewing Harry Streak
them on their future)
Falcon College provides an Some quotes that helped Harry push
opportunity for distinction, recognition through the tough times at Falcon are as
and status. A chance to be something follows; “Work hard, play hard”, is how he
greater, develop oneself, or contribute suggests you get through Falcon. He says,
towards something bigger than ‘It teaches you to both enjoy your time at
oneself. I recently interviewed a Falcon school while working hard and doing the
student, Harry Streak, who is best you can in whatever you do.’
seventeen (in Lower Sixth Form), but “Enjoy your time at Falcon, it flies by".
will shortly be leaving the college on a When he was in form 1, being 12/13 years
scholarship for rugby and cricket at old at the time, he thought that when
Brighton College in the UK. people said this they were lying. Well, five
years down the line, now in Lower Sixth
Harry’s future entails going to Form and with his time at Falcon coming
university and getting a degree in to an end, the saying has become a reality
Business, while also pursuing his love to him. He unquestionably has the
for sport; doing either rugby or cricket, thought lurking in the back of his mind
or both. After university he would like and will certainly take no second for
to continue with his career in sport granted.
either playing, coaching or managing. “Sic Itur Ad Astra”, is what Harry said was
Along with playing sport professionally the most influential quote for him
(hopefully), Harry also sees himself throughout his time at Falcon. Whatever
travelling the world as much as he can he did, whether it was in the classroom or
before settling down and having a on the sporting field, he always tried to
family. He enjoys doing thrill-seeking work towards achieving this and reached
activities such as skydiving, which he for the stars.
would like to get his license for, and
do, over and above all his travelling.
‘My goals for the future are to follow in
my dad’s footsteps and play for
England in sport’, the young man
exclaims, further expressing how he
wants to get his Master’s in Business,
which would exceed his career
expectations. He will strive to be
considered one of the top achievers in
whichever University he attends. While
his personal goals are held close to his
heart, Harry also wants to try his best
to stay in touch with his folks and
friends back home.

PEREGRINE

I posed the question of ‘What are your valued ‘Falcon has made me an extremely hard worker’,
memories from Falcon that will stick with you for Harry says. Throughout his time at Falcon, he
the rest of your life?’. has constantly been reminded that, “If you want
He replied, ‘My first day of Falcon will forever live, something, you have to work hard for it”, which
rent-free in the back of my mind. It was a day of has been a key characteristic that Falcon has
ups and downs. I was in a dorm full of strangers, taught him.‘ I have become a very social person
with seniors towering over me; correcting me on because of the lifestyle you live at Falcon.’
how to make my bed correctly, but this is a He described how having that interaction with
memory that I cherish and will never forget, as it your dorm mates round the clock, for about 6
brought about my first feeling of real discipline years with your form really creates a
that I continue to possess in my everyday life,’ brotherhood like no other; in his words - ‘It’s
building your skills to interact with people like
Discipline - a value that is one of the core no other school could’.
characteristics of a Falcon student, that Harry will
take with him wherever he may go in life. I ended by asking what advice he would give to a
Another valued memory of his, as he explained it, new student, with regards to surviving the
is his first game of rugby for Falcon College. ‘The system and he replied, ‘It will definitely be to
PE players were tough, and in the first half of the keep your head down, work hard and try your
game I broke my collarbone, meaning that I best in whatever you do’. Some wise words in my
could not play the rest of the season’. opinion.
He continued to explain that ‘If you respect
A rather unfortunate accident, but it happens to everyone in the school whether they are a top
the best of us. ‘Although, my best memory at academic or the worst sportsman; if you give
Falcon College that I feel like I will never forget everyone the same respect, respect will be given
has not actually happened yet, though it will to you and your time at the school will be the
soon.’ He added that when he leaves this place, best time of your life!’
Falcon College; leaves these people for the last This is something that I can personally say is
time, as a student, it is going to be one of the absolutely true, as we all, as Falcon students,
hardest days he would ever have experienced at learn throughout the years.
the school. ‘Because I know from the moment, I
shake hands with my last dormmate, as I receive Harry has played cricket and rugby all his school
my black tie and as I drive out of these gates one life; four of those years playing cricket for his
last time, I will not be able to come back and be country, and two of which he played rugby for
able to call myself a Falcon student, but instead, his country. He is a very talented athlete and will
an old boy.’ be sorely missed. A takeaway from this interview;
a great deal can happen spontaneously and
WRITTEN BY unexpectedly. Life will throw opportunities at
SHANNON COOKE you. It’s up to you to take them by the horns and
do everything in your power to fully explore
those opportunities, rather than risk the feeling
of regret.

New
feathers

By Shammah Razunguzwa

Embracing new aspects of life often requires us to
embrace our fears, however trivial they may seem.
We deal with fear not by pretending it doesnʼt exist,
but by refusing to give it decision making authority.
Like a feather, strong with purpose, yet light at heart
and able to bend and adapt, the new faces at the
College find their places within the Blue Bloods. From
getting his children on the 6a.m bus to afternoon
tennis, our new Tredgold housemaster, Mr Tanser,
carries on Tredgoldʼs winning legacy. Having moved
countries and jobs quite a few times, he is no
stranger to contrasting cultures and noteable
cuisines.

Even in the battlefield of change, he still makes time
for what he truly values. That being daily runs, a
couple of swings on the tennis court as well as some
good old family time. Only 36 years later, some
familiar faces have returned to the College and have
no doubt that theyʼve made the right decision. Our
not so new, new faces, Mr & Mrs Cunningham, have
been to several countries and they hope to broaden
the view of the world to their students and
encourage a challenger mindset.

Blown away by the manners and respect here at
the College, the Cunninghams hope to reward these
attributes through teaching as they are fueled by
their passion to help others learn.

Now it doesnʼt just end at new faces, thereʼs new
places too. With Kestrelʼs noteable growth, two new
dorms have been constructed to create second homes
to the form 1 and 2 girls. uKhozi lies at the heart of
Kestrel and carries the joy, fatigue, laughter and love
of over 50 vibrant souls. New clubs such as Crafts &
Gardening and Pilates have also allowed the students
to further their skills and step out of their comfort
zones.

In the wise words of Klaus Schwab, “Change can be
frightening, and the temptation is often to resist it.
But change almost always provides opportunities - to
learn new things, to rethink tired processes, and to
improve the way we work.” With all these new
changes, places and faces at the College, may we
aspire to be of great courage and keep making things
new. Let us imagine the future and fill in the gaps
because we cannot discover new oceans unless we
gain the courage to lose sight of the shore.

Our Zimbabwe

MARCH-APRIL 2022 | ISSUE NO.2

DR KANYEPI IMPACTING
AFRICA
iIn person with the first
female cardio-thoracic A lesson shared, frrom an
surgeon in Zimbabwe interview with D. Tanser

PEREGRINE ISSUE No. 2

APRIL

F E A T U R E2022
BY CHRISSY WENHAM

W/ DR KUDZAI KANYEPI
FIRST ZIMBABWEAN FEMALE
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON

interview

On the 31st of March, I had the privilege of “I did these subjects because I loved
speaking to one of few female cardiothoracic them, not with the intention of becoming
surgeons in Africa, Dr. Kudzai Kanyepi. a doctor.” she said. After studying
medicine at the University of Zimbabwe
I began my interview by introducing myself for 5 years, specialisation to become a
and my current situation at school as an AS cardiothoracic surgeon took her another
student and I mentioned my ambition of 5 years. Cardiothoracic surgery involves
studying veterinary medicine. She went on to surgery on the heart, lungs and anything
tell me about her high school experience. I within the chest cavity. Even while I was
learnt that she took four AS subjects, these interviewing her, she was listening in on
included Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology a zoom call where she and some other
and Physics. doctors were discussing a patient that
was to be operated on the following day.
Apparently, this is a daily occurrence for
her.

IN DEPTH W/ DR KANYEPI INTERVIEW

CURRENTLY HER ADVICE:

Dr Kanyepi is currently at the Main Public When speaking about high school and university she
Hospital in Durban perfecting her skills and said, “Pick subjects you enjoy, do them for the love of
learning new things. She plans on going back those subjects not because you want to become a
home (Zimbabwe, Harare) to continue her work doctor after school”. She then stressed the point
there. When asked about the differences in about how important it is not to worry about the time
equipment between the two hospitals, she it will take studying to get the job/career you want,
pointed out that the hospital in Durban is state because time, and I quote, “flies by”. Take the time to
of the art. It is an integrated laboratory system research and explore different career paths and
where everything is digitized; blood options because there are so many, some we may not
tests/results, x-rays, patient records, etc. even be aware of, that might spark an interest. Speak
whereas in Zimbabwe there is no digital to people, do job shadowing for firsthand, get real
interaction. work experience, and visit facilities to see what they
do.
CHALLENGES:
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting
I asked her what challenges she faced or currently interview which shed light on a very relevant and
faces in her career. Her response was that adjusting thought-provoking topic. I found it particularly
to a new environment and the possibility of going helpful due to my interest in the scientific and
home was difficult. There is a perceived gender medical field.
inequality when it comes to this field of work, and Dr
Kanyepi answered my question to that before I asked.
She explained confidently how she faces no problems
as a woman, saying that they are judged on work
ethic and are only questioned from a scientific point
of view, as is everyone else in that field. She spends
her time not only performing operations but also
consulting, supervising and teaching. The fact that
there are very few female surgeons in Zimbabwe
results in a general degree of apprehension towards
her which she finds frustrating.

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us."
Henry David Thoreau

IMPACTING
AFRICA

BY MUDIWA ADAM RABVUKWA

‘Change starts with the man in the mirror.’ A surprisingly
simple yet, at the same time a magically profound saying. And
in Africa there is a desperate need for a generation willing to
dedicate themselves to positively impact Africa, in different
multitudes and magnitudes. So, whether it’s being a plumber, a
farmer, an artist, a teacher, an upcoming sportsperson, a
successful businessperson, or a police officer, we all have the
ability to make this place we call home better.

I recently had an in-depth conversation with Mr. D. Tanser on
this whole ideal of ‘Impacting Africa’, and how you, the reader
and me can learn from the things he got right, and the things
he got wrong. This is all in a bid to share some valuable
perspectives, which can initiate a more purposeful approach to
what we want to achieve with the limited time we have on this
planet.

A LESSON FROM THE
WORKPLACE

Initially I was quite curious or intrigued by his working
experience. He has been involved in the startup of chicken farm
in Mozambique, and a non-profit faith-based organisation
“Family Impact”. He has also been involved in a string of
business and leadership related placements, from the African
Leadership University to McKinsey and Company. This
perplexed me as I had only known about his engineering
qualification, which in my mind seemed like two different
realms that did not intertwine.

But as we conversed the questions in my head were addressed.
When one looks at the situation in Africa it may be difficult to
decide what the way forward is - aid or entrepreneurship? This
made sense why he was involved in a non-profit organisation
and the startup chicken-farm project. There may not be a
dichotomous way of determining the best option, but he did
describe the startup project as “One of the most rewarding
experiences…” This brings to mind the saying “give a man a fish
and he will eat for a day, but if you teach a man to fish you have
fed him for his lifetime”. When you can come back and see the
same people who were struggling to feed their families now
able to purchase bicycles for their children and send them to
school, ‘the word ‘rewarding’ doesn’t do justice to the
magnitude of value of that moment.

His venturing into the string of business appointments
thereafter was a means to; learn, acquire skills, and to expose
himself to new environments. This ultimately allows one’s
contribution to be more impactful.

A LESSON FROM THE CONCLUSION
BATTLE WITHIN
We need to have a picture in mind as we go
The conversation meandered from the workplace about life, and hopefully that being more of
to a struggle with an inner voice that had held him significance than of success. “More of service, and
down. For a very long time he had dealt with a less of selfish”, an intentionally grammatically
stammer, ‘A speech disorder involving frequent incorrect phrase that still delivers the spirit of
problems with the normal fluency and flow of the message. And when we can inspire a great
speech”. But as we went further into this number of Africans to live by this, we can surely
experience, it wasn’t the stammer that was the Impact Africa.
monster under the bed, but rather his self-view
due to it. He had become somewhat his worst
enemy, as he would have rather hidden in the
shadows than ‘raise his hand up’, because he was
crippled by the fear of his stammer being exposed.
This made him turn down offers to captain the
provincial tennis team and avoid other leadership
roles.

We clip our own wings, because we view ourselves
as; inadequate to lead, unable to achieve or just
not the one to be. And just like that, we close
ourselves off to the opportunity to even find out
whether we can actually achieve what we aspired
to do, because, whether in victory or defeat, the
credit goes to the ‘man in the arena’, the one ‘who
dares greatly’, and ‘strives valiantly’.

A VALUABLE LESSON

To conclude our conversation, I asked Mr. Tanser
what the most valuable lesson he had learnt was.
He did find it quite difficult to identify only one,
but he eventually chose to focus on a lesson of
faith. He said, “In times of uncertainty, financial
strain and health concerns, verbalise and express
God’s faithfulness”. He has learnt that it is very
important to practise and improve, because it is a
firm foundation to build life on, belief in the
faithfulness on one greater than yourself.

He also mentioned another lesson in leadership.
The lesson is not to put pressure on yourself to
portray yourself as the perfect leader. This
requires one to be transparent when they are
uncertain or struggling. To be able to humble
yourself at these times and allow for the
opportunity to get help or receive ideas that may
assist in solving an issue is a good leadership
quality. It also allows for a stronger relationship
within your team.

ART IN

Zimbawe

By looking into Zimbabwean culture, you will
find a rich variety of arts dating back over
20,000 years. There are many layers to the arts
found within Zimbabwe, leaving us with a wide
range of arts, such as: masks, rock paintings,
stone carvings, ceramic work, beadwork, and
the person themselves, through tribal tattoos,
body paint and even scarification.
Many of the ancient art forms can still be found
within places such as Matobo Hills or Great
Zimbabwe. Great Zimbabwe is famous for its
complex stone ruins as well as the eight carved
soapstone birds that were found within the
ruins. These carved birds still remain a powerful
symbol of rule in modern day Zimbabwe,
represented on our country’s flag.

Modern day art within Zimbabwe is constantly
inspired from the deeply enriched history there
is behind the arts. With Independence Day
approaching there will be many celebrations
for our forty second year of Independence. The
theme for last year’s Independence Day was
“Together, Growing our Economy for a
Prosperous , Resilient and Inclusive Society.”
Although last year art had to be shared online,
artists such as Hermit Muyambo shared
meaningful artwork in honour of Zimbabwe’s
independence. He made a statement, “We
should tell our own stories. I have witnessed a
lot of successes in the sector and its growth.”
Announcing that his artwork is to be more
personal rather than political, aiming to
capture a great historic event- Covid-19.
This year's theme is “Leaving no one and no
place behind”. We look forward to seeing art
resonating with this year's theme from many
talented artists as the time approaches.

BY MEGAN KENDAL-BALL

CULTURE

Dorm Life
Music under the stars

PEREGRINE

PEREGRINE

DORM LIFE
BY NKOSANA MASUKU

Dorm (short for dormitory) – a large bedroom for a group of people

Dorm-mate – another student who lives in your dorm

If you have learnt at Falcon College between forms 1 and 4, you have undoubtedly lived in a dorm unless
you’re in Chubb and came in form 4 or later. Nobody really gets to choose which dorm they’re in or who
they share it with. One thing is certain, many lessons can be learned from living with a bunch of your
peers with whom you may not get along with at first. This article will focus on the three main aspects
and lessons of ‘dorm life’.

1.Conflict and growth 2.Trust and teamwork

Wherever there is a mix of characters, Trust is important in a dorm. Every time you ask
ethnicities, cultures and beliefs, conflict your dorm-mate for a favour, and it is done, you
between people is bound to occur but this is trust them a little more. By the time you leave,
healthy as in the long run, a unique dynamic is you’ll trust your dorm-mates enough to do
created allowing members of each dorm to personal tasks like sending your laundry. By
cooperate, creating a lifelong bond. By building trust, you are able to work together
addressing issues, they can be solved, or dorm- more because you trust that everyone will do
mates can adapt to living with each other – their part. Building trust is simple, when
building tolerance. When you have a fight with someone asks for a small favour, try your very
your dorm-mates, remember that afterwards, best not to let them down. You can tell that
your emotions will temporarily be unstable, but they trust you once the importance of favours
the bond will only be stronger. they ask for has significantly increased.

 “Conflict is growth trying to happen”
- Helen LaKelly Hunt

PEREGRINE

3.Memories

“Memories are priceless”

Right here in Upper Sixth Form, my dorm-
mates and I look back to the significant
memories that happened as long back as our
very first day together at the college. There is
some sort of magic in reminiscing about the
good old days when things were “really tough”.
The unique memories that we share are what
brought us closer together. These memories
are now treasures to us, rare and worth more
than money could ever buy. The best way to
have memories is to create them of course, so
do things now that you’d like to talk about
later on.

“A good life is a collection of happy
memories”

– Dennis Waitley

MUSIC PEREGRINE
UNDER THE
STARS By Anesu Gwaradzimba

The history of Falcon College stretches back ages. From when the school was founded way back
in 1954, right down the timeline to 2017, when girls were first introduced, to 2022, where we are
today. In all that time the school has had many memorable moments, so it is only fitting to shine
the spotlight on a moment that has been long forgotten.

The magical 'Music Under the Stars'. Once upon a time, Falcon College used to hold a musical
event, under the night sky, towards the end of the year, and musicians from all throughout the
land would come and showcase their amazing talents. One special year was 2016; the very last
year this event took place. And this was the biggest, boldest and brightest event yet.
One cool summer evening in October; Saturday the 1st to be exact, the swimming pool area
opened its gates to a world of music as schoolboys, parents, teachers and friends flowed through
with songs in their hearts and smiles like sweet melodies on their faces.

The venue was all set for the night- the smaller grandstand in front of the pool had been
transformed into a marvellous stage with bright blue and green stage lights to glow up the
platform. Band equipment stood centre-stage, patiently waiting to be brought to life while the
larger grandstands, on the opposite side of the pool, had their top rows lined with schoolboys in
white shirts- from left to right, and their other rows with friends and invited guests. Everyone
was eager to experience the joyous, warm touch of music.

Stars, so many stars- and one by one they came and lit up the stage. Even so, the evening had its
major highlight. Legendary Bud Cockcroft, local singer/songwriter from Victoria Falls and
creator of the school song, came out and performed some of his well-known songs, including 'Sic
Itur Ad Astra'. The singer was joined by the school choir of about thirty boys on stage as he sang
the school song. What made this moment even more special was that this was the first time in
history that Cockcroft ever performed the song at Falcon College, despite having written it in
2003. So, under the dark night sky, lit with hundreds of stars, the schoolboys bonded - stood
shoulder-to-shoulder, four hundred strong, and swayed to the rhythm while they sang, 'Sic Itur
Ad Astra' along with the artist and the choir. Soon after, friends and family joined in chanting the
anthem, and the pool was engulfed in the Falcon Flame.

That night, under the stars, the Falcon Family was united. This was only possible because of the
amount of planning and organising that went into this event. Music is more than just a sound; it's
an experience. Ultimately, that is what 'Music Under the Stars' is all about; it is what Falcon
College is all about. The experience.

SPORT
PEREGRINE

RACQUET
DREAMS

Feature w/Liam Nel

In Depth with
Cleopas Kundiona

The Maddogs Experience

REIGNITING
THE FALCON

FLAME

The Falcon Flame, the Falcon Fire. The passion, the hunger and drive that has been
synonymous with the school for so long. A promise in the school song, ‘’… for all the years
ahead of us, we’ll burn the Falcon Flame.” A promise that has been so hard to keep in recent
times. To many at the college, the Falcon Flame may not mean much, all throughout the
school, it may seem that the Flame is burning low, but that doesn’t mean that all is lost.



We are itching, we are waiting, champing at the bit, one could say. All it needs is a spark.
Where that spark will come from is a question to which I cannot give a simple answer. The
truth is that the spark is glowing everywhere. Throughout the school, waiting to come into
contact with a propellant, to ignite, and blast us off to soar to the great heights that we all
know this place we call home can reach. Now we know where the spark is. Let’s talk about

the propellant.



I recently watched a video of a speech made by the late Mr. Lionel Reynolds. He was the
first team coach of that great rugby side of 1992. The original Falcon Fire. “One game lost in

three seasons of rugby in Zimbabwe.” Those were his words. The magnitude of that is
unbelievable. The greatest side the school has ever seen. Possibly, the greatest schoolboy
side the country has ever seen. And as they bound up for one last “Bushtick” before going
on to win their last game, you could feel the atmosphere. Even 30 years later as I sit in front
of the screen watching that video, having not even been born until 2004, I get goosebumps.

Watch the video, you’ll see what I mean.



Now why did I tell you this story? I told you this because an element of the propellant will
be the rich history behind those words, “The Falcon Fire.” The intangible phenomenon that
unites us all, past and present, staff and students, parents and children, the Falcon Family.



The only other thing we need is time, time to stabilize, time to nurture that flame. Time to
watch that first Maddogs game on Main Field, time to roar that “Bushtick” war cry into the
Mulungwane hills when Mzala win that game on San Field. Time to bond again as a school

after so long apart, and time for the men and women of Falcon to rediscover that spark
within themselves that glows eternally. The school we know and love will be back, the

Flame will burn on. Sic Itur Ad Astra.



PEREGRINE

By Sean Kelly

NATAL SHARKS ACADEMY
(SOUTH AFRICA)

CLEOPAS
"CLOPPY"
KUNDIONA '17

PEREGRINE

PEREGRINE SPORT INTERVIEW

THE STORY OF A
FIGHTER

AN INTERVIEW WITH CLEOPAS KUNDIONA
BY DOMINIC MCKECHNIE

Old boy, Maddog legend and one of the biggest gym We can also get some advice from an experienced
inspirations of Falcon player to any upcoming players. ''Work hard and
Falcon College, Cleopas Kundiona. His hard work and do it consistently, set goals and take small steps daily
dedication have given him an already successful career that take you closer to achieving your goals. It’s also your
and one of massive potential. His raw power and talent life and you only get one life so try to have responsible
in the game of rugby have led him to the Zimbabwean fun.’ And advice to upcoming captains whether it's an
National team as well as being part of the super rugby under 14 captain or the next Maddogs’ captain, ‘The best
squad for the Natal Sharks. He has since gone to captains are those that lead by example, that put their
Chambery, France and recently signed for a 2nd division team first before themselves and make sure everyone is
team, Nevers. At only the age of 23 he has done all this; putting in 100% effort.’ As we know everyone makes
the future seems bright mistakes. He says his mistake was not studying while
for the Falcon superstar, he will continue to be an playing rugby. In sport, your career might end anytime
inspiration to generations of Falcon students. so not having a degree as plan b was not a good idea. His
An over age form one, playing for the under 15C team, greatest struggle was the termination of his contract
Cleopas went from strength to strength as he went into with the Sharks. After giving everything to it, it hadn't
the under 16A team the following been enough and that would hurt a man but it's all
year pushed by his coach’s support and belief. This gave about how you overcome these struggles and get up
him an inner belief in himself that by working hard and stronger than ever. He realised that rugby is a profession
staying persistent he could continue to go far. Inspired and does not define who he is. ‘My joy comes from the
by anyone who wore the Maddog Lord and all that he has done for me. So, in all my
jersey, he went on to eventually play for the Maddogs, darkest hours I will put faith in the Lord.’ He says the
playing with passion and pride. To this day he still uses toughest aspect of being a sportsman has to be the
that same passion in his present games. By form 4 he injuries, but you will come back from them if you don’t
started to think Falcon was amazing allow yourself to just feel sorry for yourself. Another
and really misses the brotherhood and the way people tough aspect is the rejection by coaches, whether it’s in
had each other's backs all the time. a contract or them not picking you to play, you just have
Besides the money motivation, he is driven to, ‘Inspire to stay consistent in your training. I asked him what the
future players from Zim that it is possible and if biggest factor that helped any of his successes was and
someone like me, who he replied, “Faith, having a good foundation with the
they said had no talent, can do it then we can all be Lord. I’m not supposed to be doing what I’m doing or
whatever we put ourselves to be.’ been to the places I’ve been, but the Lord has helped me
a lot. So, all the glory goes to him.”

INTERVIEW

As I was finding out more about him, I noticed
that a famous Springbok rugby player had
commented on his post, and I asked him
about it.
“ I was teammates and friends with a lot of
Springbok and Sharks players because we
trained together. Ox is a good friend who also
helped me with my scrummaging. He is one
guy who wants to see me succeed. He still
messages me to find out how my games go.”
This is a prime example of how far hard work
can take you, it is just a dream for some
people to meet a Springbok player, but his
perseverance took him to the top with them.
To end, I asked what his biggest dream in life
was and he simply said, “To live a well
fulfilled life that is both an inspiration and
blueprint that with God all things are
possible.”

A respected Christian man of great morals,
Cleopas Kundiona, his name still echoes
through the school's corridors, an inspiration
to so many already. He has shown us that
with dedication anything is possible.

The whole of Falcon is backing you as you go
on your journey, Cleopas.

PEREGRINE RACQUET DREAMS

INTERVIEW By Ngonidzashe
Ndadzibaya
Is tennis your favourite sport and
why? Interview with: Liam Nel

Yes, tennis is my favourite sport. Liam Nel is a form 2 Falcon College boy. He has recently
It’s a sport that I really enjoy joined the Falcon College First team tennis; The Aces. Last
playing a lot and to me it’s a sport year in May he played in his first International Tennis
which really takes a lot of Federation (ITF) tournament. This tournament involves
determination and hard work to players from all over the world. These young tennis
play, and it really has taught me players are given opportunities to have their names
how to push myself and fight to known all around the world. This tournament is not only
the end in everything that I do played on hard, clay and grass courts.
whether on the court or outside
the court.

How far do you want to go with
tennis?

I know that there are going to be
some challenges in achieving this
goal, but I would like to be able to
play tennis at an international
level and hopefully also at a
professional level. And maybe if I
achieve this goal, I can be one of
the best players in the world and
meet some of the legendary
tennis players of today.

Which tennis player do you look
up to the most?

I really look up to Rafael Nadal a
lot. He has achieved a lot of
amazing things in tennis. I look up
to him because he always has a
fighting spirit whenever he plays
his matches, and he always works
hard to be the best he can be. I
like his style of tennis because it
makes him look very relaxed and
calm in his matches. He is always
trying to improve, and he always
plays with a very strong mindset.

There are some amazing pro tournaments that Playing in ITF tournaments is one of the first steps PEREGRINE
people enjoy watching e.g., Wimbledon, Rolland taken for a serious tennis player. How have you
Garros, Australian Open and others. If you had the been preparing yourself for your next tournament
chance to play in one of them, which one would it and what are your goals?
be and why?
My goal in my next tournament is obviously to play
I would like to play in Wimbledon because I really better and do better, but to be more specific, I would say
think grass courts are the best courts ever but also my biggest goal is to make it into the main draw and
because Wimbledon has a lot of history about it which win a main draw match to help with my ranking in the
has inspired many great players now and in the past. country and in the world. For me to be able to achieve
To be able to play in such a historic tournament is this goal, I need to make sure that I am focused during
something which people shouldn’t take for granted. my tennis practices. I should work on the things that I
feel are not working for me and play as many practice
I understand that being a tennis player at school matches to help me use the skills that I learn and to be
level means that you have commitments to other able to know if they are working for me or not.
sports. Would you say tennis is your number one
sport or takes priority over your other sports? When are you most likely to play your next
tournament?
Yes, tennis is my number one sport. I personally feel
that I could go far with tennis compared to my other If all goes well, I am hoping to play my next
sports. And tennis has been my favourite sport for a tournament sometime in May. The exact dates are
very long time now and I have started to compete in a still to be confirmed. But if I am not able to play in
very serious tournament at a young age. May, then I will use that time to prepare for other
tournaments and maybe try to find a place with a
I have seen you play in an ITF tournament. How grass court for me to train on and maybe enter a
was it playing this extremely tough tournament tournament which will be played on grass.
for the first time?
What does tennis mean to you?
ITF tournaments are way more competitive than
other school tournaments and matches. Playing in For me tennis is something which is misunderstood
this tournament was very hard for me especially by many people. A lot of people say tennis is easy but
because I was not used to playing in such a tough to be honest, tennis is one of the hardest sports
environment. I never imagined seeing so many young anyone could try play. It takes a lot of commitment
players play amazing, competitive tennis. It was and effort to be able to get it right. Tennis is a sport
almost like playing against a professional player. which can really teach you what it means to work
hard. I feel that tennis can help me grow to be the
best version of myself. It has helped me learn how to
fight through pain and tough times. It has helped me
learn that I can push through any difficult times that
I face on and off the court.

Difficult is real, but impossible is nothing R̴ afael
Nadal

I hope reading this interview with Liam Nel inspires
some of you to start doing things to help you reach
your dreams and goals. And I hope that Liam can
play his tournament in May and hopefully we get to
play each other at this tournament.

MARCH - APRIL 2022

02

Mudiwa Adam Rabvukwa / Nkosana Masuku / Shammah
Razunguzwa Ngaakudzwe Mukuhwa / Shannon Cooke /

Chrissy Wenham / Munashe Chimutanda / Anesu
Gwaradzimba / Sean Kelly / Ngonidzashe Ndadzibaya / Zoe

Cocker/ Megan Kendall-Ball / Palesa Muleya/ Stephanie
Meyer/ Rutendo Katsande/ Dominic Mckechnie

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