The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
TO say that Chamunorwa Chibhabha’s first crack at the national cricket captaincy has not gone down the way the top-order batsman might have envisioned could very well qualify as the understatement of the year.
Back-to-back drubbings at the hands of fierce rivals Bangladesh is not the ideal start anyone would dream of when they are handed the armband.
That, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the suspension of all sport activities round the world, does not make for pleasant reading. But solace looks to have come in the form of yet another familiar foe — Australia.
Zimbabwe’s three-match ODI tour to Australia seems to be very much on the cards.
And news of Afghanistan’s impending visit next month has left the 33-year-old skipper excited.
“Touring Australia is something everybody, myself included, is excited about. I have been getting a lot of calls from my teammates about this tour and I hope Zimbabwe Cricket and the Australian board do whatever they can to make it happen,” said Chibhabha.
“It is something we do not get a lot, playing against Australia and in Australia, and I don’t remember the last time that happened.”
“The clashes between the two sides have produced some amazing moments for us, chief amongst them the T20 World Cup in Cape Town, and when we beat them at Harare Sports Club as well. Those are some of the amazing encounters and memories I have against Australia. I hope to make more.”
Chibhabha has also rubbished claims that he was under pressure to perform as captain.
“As captain, I am yet to fully get the chance to lead the team proper because of the pandemic (Covid-19). Yes, the Bangladesh tour did not go according to plan, but I don’t feel any pressure as captain, or as a player.”
“I believe my biggest strength is that I am always calm and I believe in myself. These traits will help me with whatever challenge that comes my way. Besides, I am blessed to be surrounded by guys that I have played cricket with for a long time, so I think the job will be easy because I have a good working relationship with everyone,” he said.
There has been no official word on tour dates and the itinerary.
“So far there has been no official word on the tour dates — ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began — but I do know that Australia has put out their schedule for the summer, and we are in their plans.
“We are actually going to play Afghanistan.”
Chibhabha is doing his best to stay fit and safe.
He has also been spending time with the family and partaking in his favourite pastime — cattle ranching.
“It is very frustrating right now, what with everything going on around the world, but we have got cricket groups in which our fitness trainer sends exercises that we can do at home to stay fit . . . I am very passionate about cattle ranching, so I have been spending a lot of time at the farm.
“I go there three times a week to pass time and just enjoy the outdoors.
“I love the outdoors, I love animals, breeding cattle, watching my herd grow and it helps me clear my head,” he said.
In-between family time and the many trips to the farm, Chibhabha has also been using this time to reflect on the road travelled and that ahead.
“This is the perfect time to reflect, revisit your past successes and failures and try to come out with a new and enlightened perspective,” he said.
“For me, I have used it to look at some of my past performances and have been trying to improve myself.”
One of the more enlightened perspectives that have come out of Chibhabha’s meditation is the need to give back, as evidenced by his recent trip, together with a couple of his Chevrons teammates, to Wings of Grace Children’s Home in Mufakose.
“The children’s home trip was inspired from my own experiences and my background. I grew up in the ghetto and I am well aware of the struggle.
“It is my belief that those fortunate enough to make it in life should play their part and help those that might be less fortunate.
“We went there, spent time with the kids and made a few donations we hope will help them out.”
