The Sunday Mail
AFTER all the anxiety, confusion and tension surrounding Zimbabwe’s tour to Pakistan, all history will remember is the camaraderie, mutual respect and top level cricket both nations exhibited in the two weeks.
The team returned home last week amid reports that each player received a smart US$12 500 for their efforts.
Our Sports Reporter, Brighton Zhawi, caught up with some of the lads who took time to share experiences.
“It was a different tour compared to others we have had; we were always in our rooms, no shopping time. It was practice then back to our rooms and same routine after matches. But I enjoyed the security; it was something I had never seen before. Having such a big number of security guys with us was very good and we felt special. The hospitality was warming”. — Prosper Utseya.
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“I enjoyed the tour, might have been a bit worried before leaving, but when I got there and saw the effort they made, I became comfortable and relaxed. The security was just unbelievable, the people were nice to us, the crowd supported cricket, both teams.” — Tawanda Mpariwa
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“It was an opportunity not to miss despite having two minds prior to departure. First, I was a bit reluctant to go to Pakistan because some recommended against going because of the dangers . . . but most guys said yes; so, I decided to go with them. Security was insane, never got to do much, but spend time in the hotel and at the ground training. So there was lots of time to sit around with teammates. I learnt a lot from this tour and I am happy the team is moving forward . . . time for the team to become one unit and we will have more success.” — Sean Williams.
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“It was a great experience. Nervous at first, but I really enjoyed. Being amongst a supportive group was a great experience. Would have loved to come out with a good result, a win, but we were just happy to show the world what we are capable of doing. Life-changing tour it was.” — Roy Kaia.
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“The tour was good, I had a good experience though the conditions were tough a bit. As a team, I am sure we performed well; we just need to start winning, otherwise we are on the right track.” — Richmond Mutumbami.
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“The Pakistan tour for me was really awesome, especially after all the things that were said about safety. God was with me. I was not worried because all I wanted to do was to play the game and enjoy, which is what we did as a team. We lost, but there is a lot that we did right.” — Christopher Mpofu
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“The hospitality was amazing and the food was outstanding, especially for me. I didn’t play the first couple of games, but what I was happy with was the way I took my opportunity when I was finally given a game. Despite missing out on a 100, I was happy to contribute.” — Chamu Chibhabha.
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“It was interesting, really extraordinary. It was a good experience as well for me since I had not been there in years and to be honest I was not sure what it was going to be like.” — Vusi Sibanda.
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“The food was great. I enjoyed some spicy food, especially the chicken. My best moment was scoring my first hundred . . . that’s a special memory.” — Elton Chigumbura.
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“The whole experience was great not just for me, but I reckon for most of us, if not all. What excited me initially was that we as a nation will be playing more games so more opportunities to get better, but then as the tour went on and the support and love from people of Pakistan was just great. So many memories, mate.” — Sikandar Raza.
