The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
ON one’s birthday, the expectation is to be showered with gifts and love from family and friends, but on his 34th birthday last week, Zimbabwe international cricketer Sikandar Raza did the opposite.
He surprised some of his teammates with “gifts” when he visited their homes with groceries on April 24.
It left many wondering what inspired this.
“Faith,” said Raza, who unsuccessfully tried to keep the gesture out of the spotlight.
“Do (your story) without me.
“My faith drives me to do these
things.
“No names please,” he added.
And we obliged but sought reactions from the beneficiaries.
Raza, accompanied by a friend, went around Harare suburbs and also toured Chitungwiza, dropping an assortment of groceries for his buddies.
“He just popped up together with his well-known close friend,” said one beneficiaries.
“My family was overwhelmed and were so grateful for the recognition,” he said.
Another teammate was awestruck.
“I am proud of Raza,” he said.
For this gesture, the Zimbabwe all-rounder received plaudits.
“His humanity and branding always make me say he is more than a superstar,” added another beneficiary.
During the lockdown, Raza has been obsessing about his fitness.
He particularly enjoyed working
out with his two kids — Eessa and
Anaya.
“They are very happy actually.
“They run with me when I do my cardio and count my crunches when am doing them.” However, he has been keeping a low profile.
Raza has also joined the lockdown trend of live Instagram interviews.
His “15 Questions with Sikandar Raza” started last week with racing driver Axcil Jefferies.
“I want to bring athletes from different sports closer to one another and want to bring fans closer to athletes from different departments also,” Raza said of his programme that “features leading Zimbabwean athletes”.
“It is actually not an interview; it is just a chat.”
But it is his philanthropy that is set to further endear Raza with teammates in the Chevrons dressing room.
The country’s flagship cricket team is still waiting to hear whether there will be any games played this year following the damage that has been wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
Most of the major events that had been lined up for this year have either been postponed or are on the brink of being cancelled altogether.
