The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
ELTON Chigumbura, this has been one farewell tribute I have struggled to find an entry point.
After all, we have shared so many memories, there is just so much to write about, and so I have decided to start at the end and work my way back.
Your farewell presser — where you showed little emotion, plenty of chill and a relaxed demeanour — was vintage Elton Chigumbura. A man sure of his decision to move on, if you will. You were one of the most criticised Chevrons.
“Haa Chigumbura anogumbura vakomana” (Chigumbura disappoints) became a staple, whether it was failing to deliver or simply missing a mark; but when your retirement news broke, there was a general sense of respect and a tad bit of sadness. Playing an international sport for a decade is outstanding, but you played for 16, and deserve an ovation.
Chamu Chibhabha summed it best when he said: “My generation and those that followed owe Elton, and that bunch that came from Under-19 in 2004, a great debt.
“They filled in the void that had been left by senior players, who had decided that they didn’t want to play for their country, after their dispute with the cricket body.”
He continued: “If Elton and his teammates hadn’t stepped in, that could have been the end of Zim cricket.
“The ripple effect of that is we wouldn’t even be talking about Wesley and I wouldn’t have played international cricket for my country, which has been my greatest privilege and honour.
“Elton is a hero who allowed me and others to fulfil childhood dreams of playing for our country.”
For me, you are the star that made me proud to be Zimbabwean with your match-winning innings when we beat Australia at Harare Sports Club on August 31, 2014. I remember the day so well because it was the first time my mother was at a cricket ground. And for me, that’s Zimbabwe’s greatest win. Thanks for that innings brother. I also had the privilege of sharing the changing room with you at Eagles, and have always been in awe of your competitive spirit, your cricket intelligence and the will to see young players improve.
You had respect for the game and more so respect for the next guy, whether it be the next guy in the changing room, a young budding cricketer, the security personnel right up to the grounds staff. You were friendly to everyone, and this is probably a side many do not know. Often times, I would randomly meet a cricketer chuffed to have received a bat, a helmet, a cricket bat from you. Recalling my interviews with you, the first word on my mind is “obviously”, which you would use in every interview we did together.
“Obviously we want to win and as senior players, we need to play our roles well.”
“Guys, obviously are aware of the challenge ahead.” I remember asking for a “big interview” before Zimbabwe toured Pakistan, and I still wonder to this very day if you were going to tell me you were retiring?
There is already speculation going around that “Chigumbura is the new Mountaineers coach”, and you can bet your house that I am coming again for the “Big interview”.
As for retirement, enjoy your next chapter Elton.
