The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Reporter
WHEN Trevor Garwe cried, it highlighted what farewells do when even the tough-talking, most experienced players succumb to the emotional pain of goodbyes.
Friday, February 21, at Harare Sports Club, is the day Eagles bowler Garwe played his last First Class match, ending a 15-year career.
Two months on, the 33-year-old reflects on his career, which earned him a solitary One Day International cap against Kenya in 2009.
“It has been good so far, trying to get myself occupied with other things,” he spoke of life in retirement.
“It is still really fresh in my mind to try and believe that I finally walked away from this beautiful game that I have played since I was a little boy.”
Garwe retired in mid-season, yet most farewells are regarded as a perfect capping to a season.
“I felt it was the right time for me to pave way for youngsters coming through. I have been around for a long time, so it will be good to give others the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“I started thinking about my retirement end of last season. When I came back from my UK season, I had made up my mind that the 2019-2020 season would be my last.
“I wouldn’t say it was an easy decision for me to make, but from the support I got from my lovely wife, I knew I was doing the right thing for both of us,” said Garwe.
Coincidentally, Garwe retired against the same team he faced on debut in 2005.
Garwe took 4-89 on debut and in his last innings, he picked 4-17 against the Mountaineers at Harare Sports Club.
“It was awesome come to think of it.
“It was really nice again to perform in my last first class game, claiming four wickets in my final innings and end with a win. I hope the team will go on to win the Logan Cup.”
Walking for the last time as a player, he was given a guard of honour by both teams and even after the match, his teammates took turns to appreciate the veteran.
The emotions were too much for Garwe and he shed tears.
“I would like to thank both captains and match officials for showing me that respect and appreciation of my career.
“It was really special to walk through a guard of honour and it was an emotional moment for me, and seeing my kids running to me at that moment, it was priceless.
“Very emotional, knowing that I am leaving something that I have been doing all my life. I remember crying in my bedroom after receiving messages from friends and family.”
With one ODI, 102 First Class matches, 85 List A games and 38 T20s, Garwe reckons coaching is his next career.
“It is something that I always wanted to do after playing.
“My wish is to give back to the next generation and hopefully my efforts will help Zimbabwe Cricket move forward.”
During his time, Garwe picked one ODI wicket, 238 First Class wickets, as well as scoring 2 610 runs.
What’s his take on playing only one international game? Didn’t he deserve another chance?
“To be honest, I thank God for that opportunity to represent my country.
“I feel hard done sometimes but that was the will of God, maybe I was just supposed to pave way for my brothers from Glen View and I will be happy to see more coming from our small location of Glen View going on to represent Zimbabwe at the highest level.”
Playing for 16 years (Garwe made his List A debut in 2004) is no joke.
Garwe did something right.
“I think all the credit goes to all my coaches who have worked with me to get to the stage where I perfected my bowling action: that really helped me to be safe from injuries, and not forgetting the physiotherapist who always helped me to be on the field.”
If you are a young player dreaming of such career longevity, here is the trick according to Garwe.
“There is no substitute to hard work and being committed and, above all, enjoy the game. Leave no room for excuses; by doing so, you are creating room to improve your game. Like we always say, we learn every game we play. Stay level-headed and focused all the way.”
The country is on a 21-day lockdown as way to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and Garwe is spending time with family.
“It has been really helpful for us to be spending time with the kids, playing games and watching cartoons after cartoons.”
However, his two girls, Anopaishe (8) and Anesuishe (3), think daddy is on off-season and that he will return to work when things get normal.
“I don’t think the kids understand (that I have retired) as yet because they are still young.
“All they talk about is, ‘we saw dad crying at his game’.”
Garwe also appreciated the support from his wife Chiedza.
“I really thank God to have someone who will be besides me through all the ups and downs of being a player.
“She could not believe it was my last game as a player and she got so emotional when she saw the guard of honour.”
