The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
SINCE he was a toddler, Dion Myers has dreamt big — too big, some would say.
As he got older, the Chevrons all-rounder developed a mantra that best matches his big goals and aspirations.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, and not only plan but also believe,” goes the slogan.
It is one that he credits for his promising cricket career.
“My cricket career began when I used to throw cricket balls with my elder brother (Jack) in the backyard at home.
“I think I was three or four-years-old, and I fell in love with the game,” he said.
That love gave birth to big goals and aspirations, top of which was to play for the Chevrons.
Last month, that dream came true.
“It is a dream come to true to play for my national team now, especially at such a young age,” said the Zimbabwe all-rounder.
“Not a lot of people have had such privilege of making their debut at this young age, and I am really grateful.
“I thank God for blessing me and guiding me through my journey.”
However, it did not come without its own challenges.
He had to put in the work first.
“For me to be where I am today, it has been a challenging long journey.
“It (long journey) made my debut that much special, especially getting my cap from the legend that is Brendon Taylor.
“I almost shed a tear in the dressing rooms before the national anthem was played.
“I had butterflies and nerves during the first Test, but felt at home in the ODI and T20 series,” he said.
The nerves and butterflies were to be expected, but luckily the 19-year-old had help.
“The senior guys and my fellow teammates at Under-19 level in Wesley Madhevere, Milton Shumba and Tadiwa Marumani helped me calm the nerves and feel at home.
“Then, you have guys like Brendon Taylor, Timcen Maruma, Tendai Chatara — meeting them was a dream come true.
“I always watched them on television, but finally being with them was truly special,” added the former Zimbabwe U-19 captain.
With one dream realised, Myers is eager to move on to the next one.
And, it’s a big, ambitious one at that.
“When I got the cap, it was more of the realisation that ‘yes, I have ticked one box, but they are still more things I want to accomplish’; Things I want for my career, the national team and Zimbabwe Cricket.
“The focus has moved on to winning games and putting my country in a better place than where it was when I came in.
“As soon I received the cap, my focus switched to what could be the best ways I can perform.”
He contributed 53 runs in his Test debut, before going to post 86 and 84 runs in the six ODI and T20I matches.
But there is still more to come from the young man.
“I have always dreamed of Zimbabwe being one of the best teams in the world.
“I want other countries to come here knowing there is no chance of winning, and I want us climb up the rankings again.
“I think we are on the right track, as our performances are getting better.
“I believe Zim can be the best team across all formats; the talent is there and the experience is there.
“The hunger to win is there, and it’s only a matter of everything clicking together.
“I want us (Zimbabwe) to be the best team across all formats, and, hopefully, by the time I retire we would have won a World Cup,” said Myers.
