Sinokubonga Nkala
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE rugby player, Thabani “TJ” Maguranyanga, has been selected for an exclusive group of renowned athletes to participate in the National Football League (NFL) International Player Pathway (IPP) programme in the United States.
The IPP programme, which was initiated in 2017, serves to identify exceptional talents worldwide and equip them with the opportunity to develop their American football skills. The ultimate goal is to earn a place in an NFL roster. Maguranyanga is only 21 years old and has been selected alongside 13 others to carry out a 10-week training programme, which involves on-field and classroom education at the elite IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
After their training, they will display their skills in front of NFL club scouts as part of the University of South Florida’s Pro Day in March.
The IPP programme has historically welcomed athletes from a variety of sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, Gaelic football, track and field, and other codes. It is reinforced by esteemed football coaching staff.
“The Class of 2025 is an exciting one and we are delighted to welcome these talented athletes from around the world to the International Player Pathway programme. Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally. The IPP programme offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead,” said NFL executive vice-president of international, events and club business, Peter O’Reilly.
Maguranyanga had been making waves in the world of rugby playing in France.
After earning international recognition for his performances in rugby Sevens at the Africa Men’s Sevens in Mauritius, he had been due to make his Sables debut in the Africa Cup in Uganda. However, an injury prevented him from doing so.
Despite the setback, Maguranyanga refused to be deterred. Instead, he set his sights on a new challenge: securing a spot in the NFL. Should he make it, he would become only the second Zimbabwean to play in the competition, following in the footsteps of Nate Landman.
Landman, whose father had played international rugby for Zimbabwe, was already making a name for himself in the NFL, having joined the Atlanta Falcons after a successful college career at Colorado. Now, Maguranyanga is hoping to follow in his footsteps.
To achieve this dream, Maguranyanga had to overcome several obstacles. Injuries had plagued his time at top French side ASM Clermont Auvergne. But he persevered and, despite a season out of action and a potentially career-ending injury, he had made a remarkable recovery.
His efforts paid off with his international debut earlier this year, paving the way for his selection for the NFL’s IPP programme.
If he can continue to demonstrate the same determination and resilience that brought him this far, there’s no telling where his career might take him next.
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