The Sunday Mail
Cephas Zhuwao cuts a burly figure, broad-chested with big arms.
He is a “big bully”, a royal guard.
Big bully is what they call him in the cricket fraternity for his powerful hits and fondness for spoiling bowlers’ stats.
And at Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries, he is one of those men who move with the man of God helping out when the prophet delivers the demon possessed.
“I am not his bodyguard; he is my father,” Zhuwao quickly corrects this reporter during an interview.
“I am a servant; I help in the house of God. I am a royal guard, don’t call me a bodyguard.”
Mayor, as Zhuwao is called by his cricketing friends, is a powerful hitter of the ball and those qualities have earned him a berth in the Zimbabwe Cricket ICC 2015 World Squad.
The left-handed batsman is one of the five non-travelling players.
“It is a big achievement; to me it is an improvement and it shows that I am getting somewhere with my cricket.”
Prophet Magaya had prophesied a bright future.
“My sister invited me to church when the prophet used to come to Glen View when they were still a small congregation. I went to church and he gave me a prophecy about my financial life and career.
“I am not going to tell you about my financial life, though” (laughs).
“The prophet called me Big Bully; I was shocked and asked him where that name came from.
“He said a spirit had confessed saying someone was not happy with me advancing in cricket . . . I had a lean period in my game at that time, some two years ago.
“The prophet prayed for me and told me all will be all right,” said the 30-year-old.
Since then, Magaya has become an integral part of Zhuwao’s career.
A PHD wristband would be seen on his left arm during this interview.
“To be honest, Prophet Magaya to me is a father. Even in my cricket he is always there to help me if I need anything, money or kit; he is always there to support me one hundred percent.
“He was quite happy that I made it into the World Cup squad,” Zhuwao said with a smile.
So how did he end up as a royal guard of the popular prophet?
“I started as an usher then he asked me to move with him and help, especially on handling those strong demon-possessed people he will be praying for.
He continued: “Normally before I cross the rope I pray, a small prayer, thanking Jesus for the opportunity to play.”
Zhuwao started his career in the high-density suburb of Glen View and played for a local club Glenshire that gave him an opportunity to become a franchise player with Mashonaland Eagles, then called Northerns.
From there it was the national team’s developmental sides, beginning with the Zimbabwe XI, before graduating into the Zimbabwe A where he is currently playing against Canada, a team that he made his international debut against seven years ago.
A promising career has not fully lived up to its potential, Zhuwao is aware, or is it Big Bully or Royal Guard.
“I still need to work one or two areas in my batting.
“I hope to play in England again in July for more experience in the game.”
