THE moment Victoria Maviza first stepped onto the mat at a Harare dojang in 2019, she had no idea that a casual Saturday outing would change her life forever.
What started as a trip with her father and brothers has transformed into a powerful journey of discipline, resilience, and triumph, one that continues to inspire young athletes across Zimbabwe.
“I started Taekwondo in 2019 when I was 10,” she told NewsDay Sport. It was her father's idea for her to take part in the sport. “He took my three brothers and I to the dojang one Saturday. I wasn't interested at all. I thought it was just going to be another boring weekend.”
It was a turning point for her.
“The moment I stepped onto the mat, something clicked. I felt a rush of excitement: the sharp sounds of kicks, the focus in the air, the rhythm of training. The energy and discipline drew me in,” she said.
Maviza’s potential was quickly spotted by her coach, Sir Vusa Ncube. He saw her natural talent and encouraged her to take the sport seriously, telling her, “You have what it takes to go far.”
Her talent soon became undeniable. At her first local tournament, Maviza impressed.
“I was nervous, but once the match started, I forgot about everything else,” she remembers. Her dazzling performance earned her a fitting nickname among spectators: “the girl with the knockout X-kick.”
- Maviza kicks her way to greatness
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Between 2022 and 2023, Maviza faced one of her biggest challenges. The demanding high school life at Dominican Convent forced her to take a short break from Taekwondo.
“I struggled to balance schoolwork and training, but deep down, I always knew I would come back,” she said.
Maviza returned to the mat in 2024, stronger and more determined than before.
Her renewed dedication paid off, earning her a second-place finish in Harare. The school later honoured her achievements with sports colours, an award she described as “one of the proudest moments of my life.”
The athlete has been inspired by her mother.
“My mother was my biggest supporter. Every time I felt tired or wanted to give up, she reminded me of why I started. Now that she’s gone, she’s still my motivation. I fight for her,” Maviza said.
Her team of coaches — Sir Vusa (3rd Dan), Master Ricky (5th Dan), Sir Mk (2nd Dan), Sir Marvelous (2nd Dan), and Sir Maviza (3rd Dan) — continue to guide her with patience and encouragement, often reminding her that Taekwondo is more than just a sport.
“It’s a way of life, a path that teaches respect, discipline, and perseverance," she said.
“It is tough to balance sports and academics, but I know that if I stay focused, I can manage both.”
Now, Maviza is focused on her next big goal: representing Zimbabwe at a Taekwondo competition in Angola this December.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” she says. “I want to make my family, my coaches, and especially my mother proud.”
Maviza's story is one of courage and conviction. From a shy 10-year-old unsure of her place on the mat to a teenager poised for international competition, her journey embodies the true spirit of perseverance.
With every kick, every challenge, and every victory, continues to prove that champions are not born; they are made through heart, hard work, and hope.
