Eye-catching exploits by a Marlborough High School rugby star has earned him a life-changing opportunity to pursue his career in the United States with all members of his family accompanying him.

Oliver Kwete, who played number 8 for the Marlborough Zebras, caught the attention of an American scout while touring South Africa with a Harare side and so impressed was the official from the state of Arizona that he also facilitated that Kwete's entire family relocates to the US together with him.

His fairy tale reads like that of Argentine mercurial footballer Lionel Messi who was shipped to the FC Barcelona in Spain alongside his parents when he was only 14 but Kwete is treading in the footsteps of Sables legend Richard “Black Diamond” Tsimba, the first Zimbabwean to play rugby in the US during the mid-1980s.

Recently another Zimbabwean flanker Takudzwa Ngwenya has been turning heads in the Major Rugby League although he is now a naturalised Frenchman.

Kwete, 17, set ablaze what was to be his waterloo rugby tournament in South Africa where he was part of the touring Alex XP Horns Club (formerly Alexandra Sports Club) that likewise had signed him on after forceful performances in Marlborough school colours.

Gladys Magure, the teacher-in-charge of rugby at Marlborough, told Suburban that Kwete was part of their all-conquering squad of 2016 which was so far unbeaten after accounting for rivals Allan Wilson, Cranborne, Vainona and suburban rivals Ellis Robbins.

"Oliver Kwete was first spotted at Eaglesvale during a Sevens tournament where our Zebras returned with the trophy. We did not lose any match there. He then went for a tournament in South Africa with his new club where the American scouts signed him and also invited his family to the US. Mind you they are nine in their family and all were flown to the state of Arizona,'' chronicled a proud Magure.

However, in a telephone interview from his base in the city of Camelback in Arizona State, Kwete revealed to Suburban that he was yet to hit the ground running.

'I have not yet settled down because I am still sorting out my papers that is my ID, work or study permit and other things as well as the documents for my family. Hopefully by August when school starts this side I will be done,'' said the Mbare-born loose forward.

He explained that the American scout got him to the US under a special credit facility that will enable him to play for a school, once he secures a place, and then proceed to a professional team which would enable him to repay the scouting company from his earnings.

“'They have done it for other under-privileged rugby kids from developing countries. They pay for everything including your relocation and school fees and then you start paying back an agreed and fixed monthly sum for a period of three years after six months of your professional debut,’’ he said.

As he yearns for a national team recall, Kwete said he misses his ex-schoolmates but has been somewhat consoled by having his whole family by his side.

“From home I mostly miss my rugby teammates, the Zebras squad because it’s a team that has supported me all the way in my life. The guys had become part of my family and friends. When I was with them I always felt free and happy because I was always smiling from all the laughing we shared together.’’

He continued: “At least here I have got all my family and I am actually using my dad’s phone until I get mine soon. Also with me here are my three young brothers, my two big sisters and young sister and my mum.’’

Naturally, Kwete hopes to one day plough back part of his new-found fortune into his country of birth.

“Certainly I hope to impart my experiences into the national teams, like the Young Sables, and also share my success with my former school and Mbare Academy where I started to believe in myself. I am also grateful to Alex XP Horns which turned out to be my stepping stone to a professional career.’’