The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
THERE was once a time when Prince Masvaure weighed over 100 kilogrammes and was known more for his weight rather than prowess on the cricket field.
Now, he has shed off over 20kg, shifted to be an opening batsman and now wants to be known for the weight of runs, not body fat.
Balubha’s intention is clear — to prove his fitness to the national selectors.
His chubbiness and hunger for more international cricket caps edges him on.
“I have been told that I am overweight and the only way to solve that is through scoring runs,” said Masvaure, who used to bat at number three.
“I believe if you are not fit, you cannot score runs, and when you score runs consistently, it shows something.
“I still have to work on my fitness, I won’t stop,” he said.
Inasfar as his fitness levels go, Masvaure has joined some athletes for 4am jogs. He now eats healthy and his wife Chido is praying for him.
Masvaure wants to add more to his two Test caps and as many ODIs.
The 31-year-old Rhinos left hander started the Logan Cup season on a bright note, carrying his bat with a second innings 67 against Eagles, albeit on a losing cause last week.
“I think I have played first-class cricket for quite some time now. I see this as an opportunity to go forward,” said Masvaure on his move to open the batting.
“It is an opportunity to make runs and God willing, I could get picked and play for the national side.
“Our legend Hamilton Masakadza recenly retired. There is space for an opener and it needs to be filled.
“I’m taking that as a challenge and an opportunity,” he said.
Masvaure made his class debut in 2007 and has 85 First Class caps, 76 List A and 35 T20s to date. It’s now three years since he made 42 on his Test debut against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club.
He also made an ODI debut in July 2018 when his team was playing against Pakistan, also at Queens.
“I have had so many ups and downs and I look forward to getting selected,” said Masvaure, who scored 324 runs at 40.50 during last season’s Logan Cup.
“The positivity around me has helped me gain more confidence. No matter what, I will keep trying. I can fall 10 or 20 times but with belief and hope, I will keep trying.
“My biggest motivator is my family, specifically my two-year-old daughter Anashe.
“You create a big bond by just looking and playing with your child.
“My wife, Chido, has always been there for me as well.
“Times have been challenging but we have managed to stay positive as a family.
“Waking up every morning, I’m told ‘Daddy you can do it, just do your best, ” said the Rhinos opener.
Masvaure’s wife says it has become a family goal to get Prince fit so that he performs well.
“I made it a policy, we pray as a family,” she said.
“I pray and fast for my husband to do well and realise his dream of playing for Zimbabwe again. He has seen some tough times. To be honest, he has been working hard to become fit and ready to play for Zimbabwe again.
“I wake him up at 4am. I cook healthy food for him as well,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s next assignment is a Test series against Sri Lanka next month. With two more rounds of Logan Cup matches before the squad is announced, we could be set for some interesting performances in the domestic season.
“I wouldn’t want to put myself under pressure. If I perform it’s for the better, but if I don’t life goes on,” said Masvaure.
“I am glad I have a good relationship with fitness trainer Walter (Karimanzira). When he feels I am slacking he pushes me to work harder. He motivates me,” he said.
LogAn Cup results
Mountaineers: 230 & 352 (Kasuza 86, Gumbie 63) Mavuta 5/124.
Rhinos: 269 & 308 (79 overs, target 314) (Masvaure 89, Madziva 77), Kaia 5/105, Tiripano 2/39.
Mountaineers won by 5 runs
Rangers: 221 and 214 (66.3 overs) (Clive Imbayago 67, Kyle Jarvis 36, Patrick Mambo 4/41, Faraz Akram 2/32).
Eagles: 106 and 330-9 (89 overs) (Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 73, Regis Chakabva 63, Tony Munyonga 49*; (Kyle Jarvis 6/76, Clive Chitumba 1/45, Charlton Tshuma 1/61).
Eagles won by one wicket
