Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN one of the standout moments of the year for Zimbabwe cricket, Luke Jongwe took one of his boots, placed it on his ear and unleashed what is sure to be a celebration destined for the rest of his career.
Jongwe pulled off one of the unique boot-call celebrations after taking the wicket of Indian batter Dhruv Jurel during the first of five T20 Internationals between the two sides.
It took place during the 10th over, and on the fifth ball of India’s innings, as the 29-year-old made a deceptive delivery to Jurel, who attempted to drive it through extra cover.
The Chevrons won that match by 13 runs, breaking the recently crowned T20 world champions’ 24-match unbeaten record.
India went on to win the series 4-1, but the job had already been done for Jongwe, who managed to introduce himself to the world. A few months later, while perusing the internet, Jongwe came across a clip of three Indian kids playing backyard cricket and one, in particular, was using the boot-call celebration after taking a wicket.
“It’s always nice when you see young kids emulating you,” he said.
“It really warmed my heart and pushes me now to play harder and do more.”
Jongwe is not only influencing children from faraway lands. At home, David Museka is one example of a young kid keeping an eye on Jongwe and drawing inspiration from his exploits. In fact, it is the 13-year-old bowler’s dream to one day play alongside his idol.
“Yeah, people sometimes say that I tend to dream a little too much and too big, but I have made it my mission to prove them wrong,” said Museka.
“My main goal right now is to not only one day put on that Chevrons jersey, but also to play alongside my idol Luke Jongwe.”
Museka is in his final year at John Cowie Primary School, one of the top educational institutions in Makoni district, Manicaland.
While predominately known for its academic achievements, the school has been on the rise on the cricket pitch, and Museka has been at the heart of that fame over the last couple of years.
For the 13-year-old, collecting accolades appears to have become a pastime.
His notable accolades include two Player of the Match awards during the Battle of the Hornets’ Nest tournament and best bowler gong at the same event.
The youngster has been turning everyone into believers, especially during the soon-to-end primary schools cricket season.
One of those believers happens to be his mother, Felistus Dhlomo.
“When my son first started playing cricket, I thought ‘mwana wangu ari kungoita gundamusaira’ or just jumping on the bandwagon,” she said.
“Every time he left home to play cricket, I would ask how it was when he came back and he would say, ‘it was OK.’ It was not easy for him at first but he persevered and soon developed a knack for the sport, thanks to the help of his coach Farai Chari.
“I remember then meeting the coach for the first time and he said to me, ‘Your son is a game-changer.’ After that endorsement, I decided to back him in any way I could,” she said.
Born on September 13, 2011, Museka is in Grade Seven and resides in Rusape.
While he dabbles in a little of basketball and football, the boy says he lives and breathes cricket. He describes himself as ambitious and a future Zimbabwe international.
Museka started cricket a few years ago.
“I started playing cricket largely due to my friends’ influence as we used to spend our lunchtime breaks and free time hitting the ball around,” he said.
“I think it was in 2022, when I was in Grade Five, that I started taking the sport seriously. I play a little football and basketball on the sidelines, but it is cricket that is nearest to my heart.
“No other sport gives me the adrenaline rush like cricket does.”
The impressionable Museka is not short of idols. Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Jongwe, in particular, are the ones he looks up to the most.
“I love their competitive nature, skill and never-say-die attitude,” he said.
“Like I said earlier, I see myself one day representing Zimbabwe and playing alongside Luke.”
The resilience of his idols has served the young Museka well and it has helped him through the trials and tribulations of failing to win, not making a team and, most importantly, injuries.
Hopefully, that will help him make it into the Zimbabwe national team in future. That dream begins now where the youngster seems to be angling for a big move to Harare and, in particular, Prince Edward School.
“I will be enrolling for my secondary education next year, and Prince Edward School is a big part of my ultimate dream,” said Museka.
“It is one of the top schools in the country when it comes to sport, with cricket and rugby the main ones. Enrolling there will be a big step in the right direction, after which I hope to start playing club cricket very soon.”
