The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Correspondent
EDZAI JAURE was so talented and so promising that the cliché “the next big thing’’ became a befitting tag for him.
At 16, he was Zimbabwe’s youngest player at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia in 2008.
In him, Zimbabwe had found an all-rounder who struck fear even in the hearts of parents of players in opposing teams, especially when he bowled.
“I remember taking him to Namibia as an Under-14. Every time he came on to bowl, the Namibian parents would get worried about their boys’ safety, an illustration of how fast he was even at that age,” recalls Jaure’s former coach Shepherd Makunura.
Current Zimbabwe Test opener Prince Masvaure captained Jaure at the Malaysia Under-19 World Cup.
“He was so talented at such a young age and (a) very disciplined young fellow who could bowl and bat very well,” remarked Masvaure.
Jaure’s cricket talent generated excitement in school’s cricket as well as in his suburb, Highfield. However, a twisted ankle also twisted his tale and fate.
“I got injured on tour in 2008 on an Under-19 tour in Namibia during warm-up.”
Sadly, the ankle never really healed. Scans, tests, and physiotherapy sessions could not nurse him and his career to health. But, it is not uncommon for his name to frequently come up in discussions, particularly now that local cricket is searching for “the next Elton Chigumbura”.
“It is really comforting and humbling to hear that there are people who still remember and acknowledge the gift that God had bestowed on me.
“To be honest, it was really difficult for the longest time. If it wasn’t for God, I would have crumbled,’’ Jaure said. Zimbabwe pace bowler Victor Nyauchi played alongside Jaure at Churchill Boys High School.
Nyauchi, however, believes Jaure could have found a way back into cricket.
“I tell him every time I see him that ‘you broke my heart’. He could have played cricket all his life as a batsman because he was good at it, but he had other plans. For that I am still to forgive him . . .” said Nyauchi.
But Jaure is at peace with how his life panned out. Apart from his cricket talent, he is a gifted musician who has developed into a producer. Further, he found the love of his life through music. On December 19 last year, Jaure tied the knot with Chiedza Basvi, much to the delight of former Churchill School cricket coach Reggie Mutare.
“It was a great feeling, but I wasn’t surprised because he showed those great signs when he was at Churchill.
“I knew that EJ is going to wed and his future looks so bright,” said Mutare.
Jaure credits his wife for helping him move on from his cricket heartbreak.
“Friends and family too have been really supportive. My wife practically held my hand through it all. She is my rock. Music definitely saved me from crushing; not just music though, but the church to be precise. I realised my passion for music and music production while serving in the church band and worship team, not knowing that it would later become my ultimate escape from all the pain I was dealing with, and I mean that in the most literal way. I met my wife in music circles. She is quite an amazing musician — really gifted.”
Edzai remains an inspiration to his younger brother Keith, who is an exciting left-arm pace bowler who is tipped to play for the Chevrons.
“I have watched him grow into a more focused, resilient cricketer with an amazing work ethic. There is definitely room for improvement, but so far so good. He is on the right track,” said Edzai of his younger brother, who plays for Eagles.
And Keith acknowledges the brotherly support.
“He played a very important role in my life . . . I looked up to him ever since I was a kid. I am told he introduced me to cricket when I was three-years-old . . .
“He still has a passion for it and he has been involved with coaching kids. He really enjoys coaching.”
Childhood friend and Takashinga opener Baxon Gopito says Edzai still has a “sharp cricket mind”.
“Just talking to him about cricket, you can tell this guy really loves the game and could give anything just to come back and have a go again,” he said.
On January 5 Edzai celebrated his 29th birthday.
“This is my first birthday as a husband. My reflections are totally different now; I appreciated this one more . . . I have so much more to live for now than before. Really grateful to God for these and other blessings.”
