Moving to England at 15 from Zimbabwe, Chawatama joined his local club Beckenham RFC where he was mentored by former Wasps player Dan Leek.[4][5]
He joined Bridgwater & Albion after being convinced by his university coach ex-England tighthead Darren Crompton who was also coaching down there. At the time he was playing as a back-rower but he was told his height would prevent him from reaching the highest level of the game and that a move to the front row was the only way to fulfil his aspirations.[6][7]
He joined London Scottish 2014, making his debut against Jersey Reds coming off the bench.
While at London Scottish, he went on loan to Clifton to get more game time.[8]
He joined rival Championship side London Welsh, however after only 10 matches he left mid-season to join London Irish.[8]
Joining London Irish during the 2016-17 season he went on to win promotion with the Sunbury-on-Thames side to the Premiership. During the 2020-21 season, Chawatama reached the 50-appearance milestone for London Irish as he enjoyed a stellar season in the green jersey, making 18 appearances in all competitions.[9]
In 2023 London Irish was suspended from the Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup after failing to prove they have the finances to operate in the 2023/24 campaign.
Chawatama joined Harlequins before the 2023/24 season after being out of contract from London Irish.[10]
On 3 April 2024, Chawatama would sign for Premiership rivals Bristol Bears from the 2024–25 season.[11]