The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Zimbabwe international cricketer Chipo Mugeri was able to enjoy her time Down Under with Women’s Global Development team with next to no worry.
“Daddy Donnie” was on the job on the home front.
Her husband is Zimbabwe international Donald Tiripano, who apparently is not just a good cricket all-rounder but also a great baby-sitter.
From touring Bangladesh, Donald took on the tougher job of parenting alone as Chipo, also an all-rounder, left for Australia to join the Women’s Global Development squad.
The couple has been married for seven years and has two children, Healy (7) and Anesu (1).
“Donnie is an amazing husband who is supportive, he is very important in my life,” said 26-year-old Chipo last week.
Donald (30) says he enjoys time with kids and is excited that his biggest fans — Healy and Anesu — can now recognise him on TV when he is in action for Zimbabwe.
“We had a lot to catch up on, it has been a while since l was away on tour,” he said. “However, the kids will partly be with their gogo, my mother whom we stay with, so I will be safe for some time from the babysitting demands.
“I am told they now can recognise me on TV; they will be shouting ‘daddy’ when I am playing. They are my number one supporters.”
Chipo, who made her international debut in a World Cup Qualifier in South Africa at the age of 15, was in in Sydney with national team mate, wicket-keeper Modester Mupachikwa.
Mupachikwa, too, says she enjoyed the time in Australia.
“We learnt quite a number of batting skills and also on the, mental approach to the game,” said the 21-year-old.
“Outside play, we did some sight-seeing, boat-cruising, beach and yeah we used the electrical train to go there.”
The Women’s Global Development squad played five matches against Women’s Big Bash League teams Brisbane Heat (1), Hurricane Hobarts (2) and Sydney Thunder (2). The matches were part of a warm-up schedule for the three teams ahead of the start of the WBBL season.
