Prince Edward student Ashton Mapako, a shining rugby protégé with a promising career
By Auther Chimbgwa
Seventeen-year-old Prince Edward School student, Ashton Kudzwai Mapako dreams big in his rugby career.
Full of talent, the Advanced Level student shuffles his fledgeling academic life with an equally bright rugby career that has seen him become a big part of the Prince Edward School’s Under 18 squad.
Coincidentally, the upmarket Harare school has a rich sporting heritage, with a big chunk of its alumni having featured prominently in some professional rugby and football teams in the country.
Born on 6 January 2009, Ashton is majoring in Arts, namely Sociology, Heritage and Family and Religious Studies.
“Whilst I still think of becoming a Sociologist after my studies, I have plans too to play rugby professionally,” said Ashton.
The star rugby protedge is currently under the radar of top playing clubs in Zimbabwe who hope to snatch him any time soon.
Ashton started playing rugby seriously when he was at Moffat Primary School in Harare while doing his Grade 5 and would later become Prince Edward High School’s Under-14 vice captain when he enrolled for his secondary education.
Then, he was being coached by popular Zimbabwean rugby gaffer Shelton Chiuswa.
During that time, he also represented Harare Province’s Under-14 team.
In Form Two, he continued his role, but this time under the guidance of former Old Hararians star flanker Antonio Sipriano.
Under Sipriano, he had the honour of winning the Under-15 Best Defensive Rugby player in 2023.
Currently, Ashton is being coached by Zimbabwe Under-20 head coach, Shaun De Souza who hailed him as a star who is “absolutely” capable of donning the iconic Sables jersey in the near future.
“Ashton Mapako has certainly blossomed into a fine rugby player, and is currently enjoying his time in the sun,” said De Souza in an interview with Zimstar News. “He has huge potential, and if he can work on improving his fitness, power, speed and endurance, only the sky is the limit for him.”
Ashton hopes to represent the country’s Under 19 and 20 national team before breaking into the Sables.
His parents have supported both his academic and sporting careers and have allowed him freedom to express his talents in both.
“I believe my son will succeed in his education…but I also see Ashton earning a living through playing professional rugby, as well, since he has shown a lot of interest in the sport,” said Goodwell Mapako, Ashton’s father, who is a Civil Engineer by profession.
Whilst echoing his father’s sentiments, Ashton’s mother, Annah Mapako, believes her son would one day feature for clubs in high ranking playing rugby nations such as New Zealand, Australia or South Africa.
“Rugby runs in my son’s blood, and although he started as a footballer as early as his Grade 2, I believe rugby is his cup of tea… Ashton has the potential to play abroad one day, ” said Mrs Mapako.
On 25 April 2026, Ashton starred in the Lord Brighton College BMT Festival in Nyabira during which Prince Edward School walloped Lord Brighton College 40-08.
He scored a try during the match.
Ashton draws inspiration from versatile Fijian international rugby player Josua Tuisova who plays as a centre or winger.
“I admire Tuisova’s strength, mobility and agility despite his muscular stature,” said Ashton.
