Player Testimony – Pathway to Purpose

Saili Musakanya

Saili Musakanya was introduced to rugby at a very young age through the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club. Under the guidance and mentorship of Coach Lovemore, Saili began his rugby journey in a structured and supportive environment that emphasised discipline, commitment, and personal growth.

At just 13 years old, Saili earned the opportunity to travel on his first international tour, representing the club at an Under-16 tournament in Zimbabwe. This experience exposed him to a higher level of rugby, broadened his confidence, and reinforced the values of responsibility, teamwork, and pride in representing his community.

Through dedication, hard work, and consistent support from the club, Saili progressed through the Rhinos system and eventually grew into a leadership role, captaining and leading his side not only through his performances on the field but also through his attitude and work ethic off it. His journey extended beyond playing, as he ventured into coaching, giving back to younger players coming through the same pathway that shaped him.

Saili’s development opened doors beyond rugby. He secured employment at one of Zambia’s leading private schools, Martin House Prep School, where he continues to contribute to youth development through sport and mentorship. His rugby journey reached another major milestone when he was selected to represent the Zambia National Rugby Sevens team, a testament to the long-term impact of early development, guidance, and opportunity.

Saili’s story reflects what the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club stands for — creating pathways that extend beyond the game, developing leaders, and transforming potential into purpose.

Lameck Kavwanda

Lameck Kavwanda began his rugby journey at a young age through the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club, where he was introduced to the game in a structured, disciplined, and supportive environment. From the early stages of his development, the club provided guidance, mentorship, and access to opportunities that allowed him to grow both as a rugby player and as an individual.

Through consistent coaching and exposure to competitive rugby, Lameck developed strong fundamentals, work ethic, and a deep understanding of the values of teamwork, respect, and commitment. As he progressed through the Rhinos pathway, his dedication and discipline enabled him to continually raise his level and embrace responsibility both on and off the field.

Beyond rugby performance, the club also opened doors for Lameck outside the game. Through opportunities linked to rugby, he earned a chance to pursue vocational training in Germany, an experience that broadened his horizons, exposed him to new skills, and reinforced the club’s belief that rugby can be a gateway to education, personal development, and international opportunity.

The foundation laid at the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club played a key role in Lameck’s continued progression. His journey ultimately led to national recognition, where he earned the honour of representing the Zambia National Rugby Sevens team, a milestone that reflects years of commitment, structured development, and support.

Lameck’s story demonstrates the wider impact of the Rhinos programme — showing how a community-based club can create pathways that extend beyond the field, offering young people access to sport, education, and life-changing opportunities.

Lovemore Maphosa Lungu

My journey with the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club is deeply personal. I came through the ranks of the club as both a player and a coach, learning the game, its values, and the importance of discipline, commitment, and service to others. In the early stages of the club’s development, I was one of the first individuals employed to help grow and structure rugby within the community.

With the support of investors and donors at the time, the club expanded rapidly, developing multiple teams across age groups, introducing structured training, and creating opportunities that many young people had never experienced before. During this period, the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club managed to participate in international tours to Zimbabwe, expose players to higher levels of competition, and produce athletes who would go on to represent Zambia at national level.

Through my work with the club, I gained valuable experience as a coach, mentor, and organiser, which later opened doors beyond the Rhinos. I secured a position as a school rugby coach, where I continued developing young athletes, before progressing into leadership roles within school sport. This journey eventually led me to become a Sports Coordinator, managing and developing multi-sport programmes at a growing institution, and later advancing to Martin House Prep School, one of Zambia’s leading private schools, where I oversaw sports development at a higher and more professional level.

These experiences exposed me to structured systems, long-term athlete development models, safeguarding frameworks, and high-performance environments — knowledge that has shaped how I now view youth development through sport.

Today, I return to the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club with a renewed sense of purpose. I am not coming back to start something new, but to strengthen what already exists. With the exposure, experience, and understanding I have gained, my goal is to help the Rhinos reach their full potential — building a sustainable, structured, and impactful community rugby club that continues to create opportunity for children who need it most.

This is my way of giving back to the programme that once gave me direction, belief, and a future.

Lushomo Liwena

Lushomo Liwena began her rugby journey through the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club, progressing through the same grassroots and development pathway offered to all young players within the programme. Introduced to rugby in a structured, supportive, and inclusive environment, she quickly developed confidence, discipline, and a strong understanding of the values that define the club.

Through consistent coaching, mentorship, and exposure to competitive rugby, Lushomo’s potential was recognised beyond the community level. Her performances and work ethic earned her recognition from one of Zambia’s leading rugby institutions, Red Arrows Rugby Club, which opened the door for her to relocate to Lusaka and continue her development at a higher level.

This transition marked a significant step in her journey. Supported by the foundation built at the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club, Lushomo continued to grow as both a player and a leader, ultimately earning the honour of representing Zambia at national level. Her progression did not stop there — she went on to captain the Zambia National Women’s Rugby Sevens and Fifteens teams, a remarkable achievement that reflects resilience, leadership, and dedication to the game.

Lushomo’s story is a powerful example of what is possible when girls are given equal access to safe sport environments, quality coaching, and clear pathways. Her journey from community rugby in Livingstone to national captaincy demonstrates the club’s commitment to inclusivity, opportunity, and long-term development for all players.

She stands today not only as a national representative, but as a role model for young girls within the Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club — proof that rugby can empower, uplift, and create leaders both on and off the field.

JOIN THE STORY

The Livingstone Rhinos Rugby Club invites partners, sponsors, well-wishers, and community members to be part of the next chapter — one built on integrity, transparency, and shared purpose.