The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Reporter
MUFAKOSE is a high-density suburb that is famed for its rich football talent, having continuously churned out players such as current poster boy Khama Billiat.
Away from the country’s flagship sport, Mufakose has produced its first Test cricketer, Victor Nyauchi, who now has three Test caps. Although a number of fine cricketers, who include Mike Muguda (ex-Zimbabwe Under-19), Tino Mafusire (Rainbow Club) and Tawanda Chikazhe, have emerged from this area, it is Nyauchi who has broken the barrier.
Nyauchi overcame the challenge of growing up in a notorious neighbourhood.
It is no surprise that Nyauchi loves football too, he even plays in the community league for Mufakose Flats whenever he is available.
During his primary school days at Mutiunokura, he used to duel with the diminutive Billiat who was then at Gwinyiro Primary School.
Nyauchi (27) lost his parents when he was 10, but thanks to his elder brothers, he received guidance. In his first training session as Zimbabwe Test captain, Sean Williams called for Nyauchi’s inclusion into the squad ahead of a Test series against Sri Lanka in January.
“Vicky, now that is a man with pride skill and the will to win. His never-give-up-no-matter-what attitude and friendship with everyone is exactly what I was after,” said Williams.
“He may not be fast but he is persistent and our wickets suit him.
“I had played against Vicky many times in the domestic league and for years we had to deal with (Tendai) Chatara, (Donald) Tiripano and Vicky’s all-in-one bowling line-up.
“It was not easy, he was (among) the highest wicket taker(s) for a few seasons running, if I am correct. He always wants to improve and he gives his all. He is a great man, a great teammate, a role model and a great friend to all. He deserved a chance and I am extremely proud of the way he came into the setup and started off.
“I still think he has yet to hit his best at national level as I know there is more in his tank; with more opportunity and hard work, he will stand proud at the top of his run up, he deserves that.”
Nyauchi has 39 First Class caps, 37 List A and five T20s. He is, however, still to take his ODI bow. They call him “Jojo” and he is known for his never-die attitude on the field, an attribute acknowledged by his Mountaineers skipper, Richmond Mutumbami.
“He is a fighter, very intimidating, never backs down.
“He is one man you know will give you 100 percent, be it bowling, fielding or batting, (he is a) wonderful, chilled guy,’’ Mutumbami said.
Nyauchi endured years of non-selection in the national squad despite consistent performances, but he remained steadfast.
“There is no player who likes to be left out, but at the same time they were building my character. I had to earn it,” he said.
The 27-year-old pace bowler married his “crèche” sweetheart, Wadzanayi, and they have two kids — Kendra (4) and Krystal, born when Nyauchi was on Test duty in Bangladesh in March.
“It is funny because we remember everything from pre-school like it was yesterday,” said Nyauchi’s wife.
“He is super amazing and he loves being a dad . . . he always wants to put a smile on Kendra and that makes me happy.
“Victor is a very hardworking person, when he puts his mind into something he loves, he makes sure it’s done,’’ Wadzanayi said.
Nyauchi also has roots in Mutare, where he met close friend and fellow Test debutant Kevin Kasuza.
“We met in Form One at Mutare Boys High.
“He had a bigger frame, so in terms of school fights we were covered. I remember how he loved soccer very much despite his talent in cricket. My favourite story of Vicky was when we won a money game and he disappeared with all the money,’’ Kasuza said.
Nyauchi is the third born in a family of four boys — Marlon, Milton and the last born, Mufaro.
Mufaro describes his brother as humble.
“Jojo is a highly-profiled athlete but humble. He is always working out and training hard each and every time.
“Even his attitude is okay. He only gets aggressive when he steps in the field; that is the only place he turns into an animal.
“Our parents left us at a tender age and we had to do things on our own. Life got difficult for a bit but we never lost hope, we had a simple plan to work hard for a good future.
“Seeing Jojo play for the country with a stable family is a very good thing because we came a long way,” Mufaro said.
Tinashe Matibiri is grateful to Nyauchi’s kindness, especially when he helped during last year’s “Catch them young” programme in Mufakose.
“It was amazing working with Vicky. We got some notes and tips from a first-class cricket player. He helps with training kit and brought wisdom to the kids that no matter where you live you can make your dreams come true through hard work.”
Nyauchi wants his story to inspire other young players just as he was by Khama’s rise to stardom.
“It is very hard to play at the highest level coming from a background like Mufakose.
“We come across a lot of things daily, you know how ghetto life is, but I want to thank God for everything he has done for me.
“Cricket has changed me and made me who I am today. I am thankful and elated that I am the first cricketer to play for the national team from Mufakose, it motivates a lot of youngsters,’’ Victor said.
