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In the intense realm of top-level global football, the line between winning and losing frequently depends not just on the star striker’s goal, but also on the precise, largely unnoticed efforts of the medical staff.

Steve Hungwe, a physiotherapist and lecturer from Zimbabwe affiliated with the University of Zimbabwe, works specifically within this demanding environment.

Born in Gweru, Hungwe has a distinctive background that includes involvement with the Zimbabwean national soccer team, the Warriors, and Scotland FC, giving him a unique dual viewpoint on athlete support, resource allocation, and national identity.

From the high-stakes, nationwide pressure of a World Cup qualifier to the structured, long-term strategies of a local top-tier club, Hungwe’s path is a strong example of the quality of homegrown talent.

His journey, shaped by the perseverance gained from thriving local teams such as FC Platinum, has become a means to advance sports medicine and motivate future athletes.

In an exclusive interview, our reporter Sindiso Dube (SD) met with Steve Hungwe (SH) to explore the realities of overseeing top athletes, the deep sense of pride in representing his country, and the difficulty of juggling studies with the pressures of international football.

Here are the excerpts from the interview.

SD: Elevated pressure: You are collaborating with both the Zimbabwe National Soccer Team and Scotland FC.

What are the main distinctions and commonalities you have observed in the approach to injury management and player care between national team settings and club-level football?

SH: Having worked with the Zimbabwe national team and Scotland FC, I’ve realized that although resources may vary, the fundamental aspect of injury management remains consistent — each player aims to recover swiftly and reach their peak performance.

At the national level, there is significant pressure as the entire country is observing, and you frequently have less time to get players ready.

At the club level, you interact with the athletes on a daily basis, which allows for greater opportunities for long-term strategy and developing connections. Both environments require rapid decision-making, collaboration, and placing the athlete’s well-being as the top concern.

SD: What significance does it hold for you, as a physiotherapist from Zimbabwe and a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, to be part of the technical team for the Warriors?

What distinct difficulties arise when assisting the national team, particularly in significant competitions or qualification rounds?

SH:Serving on the technical bench for the Warriors is among the most prestigious achievements of my life.

Being from Zimbabwe, it goes beyond mere employment — it’s about embodying the pride of countless individuals each time the team takes to the field.

The difficulty lies in the high-stakes nature of significant tournaments and qualifying rounds, where factors such as travel, limited preparation time, and the need to deliver top performance can put the entire medical team to the test.

Yet the pleasure of watching a healthy athlete carry our flag makes every effort worthwhile.

SD: How did you end up working with Scotland FC, and what has the experience been like?

SH: My position with Scotland FC emerged from my enthusiasm for sports medicine and the relationships I’ve developed with athletes and coaches over time.

The opportunity has been highly beneficial as I have the chance to operate within a professional setting that emphasizes reliability and structure. It has enabled me to utilize my existing knowledge while also gaining exposure to new methods from a different framework. It has proven to be both difficult and motivating.

SD: What does your usual day look like when the teams are gathered?

Could you provide an example of the most frequent or perhaps the most difficult injury you’ve dealt with in high-stress situations, and how you managed to recover quickly?

SH: When the team is in camp, my day usually starts with screening players in the morning, then treatments, rehab sessions, and recovery strategies throughout the day.

I collaborate closely with the coaches to design training regimens and avoid injuries.

One of the most challenging injuries to deal with during high-stakes situations was a hamstring strain just prior to an important qualifying match.

We had only a few days to bring the player back, and with concentrated rehabilitation and adjusted training, he managed to participate in the game. Instances like these highlight the importance of rapid, research-backed treatment.

SD: You have a challenging position as a professor at the University of Zimbabwe while also being involved in high-level sports. How do you successfully handle this dual profession?

SH: Juggling academic studies with top-level athletics is challenging, yet it is a priority that holds great significance for me.

Teaching keeps me connected to reality, as it reminds me that wisdom should be exchanged and handed down.

Being around top-level athletes helps me stay mentally alert and keeps my instruction grounded in real-world applications.

The two positions influence one another — the knowledge I gain on the field, I bring into the classroom, and the lessons I deliver in class, I implement with the athletes.

SD: Your journey began at the local level with thriving clubs such as FC Platinum. How did your time in the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League help you transition to international football and a team like Scotland FC?

SH:My true introduction to elite-level sports came through FC Platinum. It taught me how to manage the pressure from enthusiastic supporters, rigorous timetables, and teammates who strive to perform at their highest level each week.

That setting pushed me to develop rapidly, think creatively, and discover ways to adjust in challenging circumstances.

It provided me with the strength and self-belief that I now bring to international football.

SD: You mention that your career path serves as a means to enhance physiotherapy and sports medicine in Zimbabwe and further afield.

What is the most significant transformation you anticipate in the development of sports medicine in Zimbabwe over the next five years, and what steps are you taking to bring it about?

SH: My greatest aspiration is for sports medicine in Zimbabwe to become more organized and advanced, with increased support for athletes across all levels, rather than solely focusing on elite competition.

Over the next five years, I hope to witness more robust medical teams within clubs, improved rehabilitation centers, and increased awareness among coaches and athletes regarding injury prevention.

I am helping by instructing, guiding, and promoting improved systems that integrate sports science with physiotherapy more effectively.

SD: What key advice would you offer to a young Zimbabwean physiotherapy student attending your lecture, who aspires to work with top athletes, regarding a career that combines clinical practice with elite sports?

SH: To aspiring physiotherapy students, I often emphasize: remain patient, maintain discipline, and never cease to learn.

Engaging with top-level athletes is thrilling, yet it is founded on years of incremental progress, personal sacrifices, and ongoing learning.

Concentrate on developing your clinical abilities, find guidance from mentors, and don’t hesitate to begin with modest steps. If you remain dedicated, chances at the highest level will arise.