The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Reporter
SOME Zimbabwean cricketers in Australia “miss” home as lockdowns continue “Down Under”, as in most parts of the world.
Australia closed its borders to non-citizens on March 20 and gatherings of more than two people are banned.
While the Australian cricket season is virtually over due to the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately Zimbabwean players who had gone for club cricket could not return home due to the lockdown.
The Sunday Mail Sport sought to find out from some of them on how life has been.
“I wish l could fly back home, but at the moment we are stuck here,” said former Mountaineers wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga, who is playing for Rovers United Bruck in Wangaratta, Victoria.
“I was asked to contact the Zimbabwe embassy here in Australia and l did so, but they said due to the lockdowns by many countries, there is nothing much they can do and they advised l should extend my visa.
“I tried calling the Australian embassy, but was put on hold for a long time, so my club is still looking for a way to apply.”
The 25-year-old said their season had been affected by the pandemic.
He, however, has no regrets over skipping the Zimbabwe domestic season despite notable performances in his last stint with Mountaineers.
“We were supposed to play the semi-finals but they were called off,” he said.
“As much as l wanted to play in Zimbabwe, l ended up with no option but to come and play in Australia because l was not too sure when Zimbabwe was going to play again after the suspension from ICC.’’
Tsiga still dreams of playing for Zimbabwe.
“I miss my teammates, I miss playing at home. I would love to play for my country as well, so, yeah, it was a big decision for me.”
It is the same story with Innocent Kaia, who is spending most of his time on TV.
“I am always indoors playing FIFA.
“It is a scary time, but by the grace of God, we are safe,” he said.
Kaia was in top form for Albury Cricket Club.
“I played 12 games (and) scored 702 runs — three hundreds and four fifties . . . as a team, we played very well, we qualified for the finals after 12 years, but it couldn’t be played because of the virus.”
Kaia was one of the opening batters with a chance to open for Zimbabwe following the retirement of Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire in 2019.
Why did he choose to go Australia?
“Even up to now it hurts me big time but I am sure I will open for my country soon.
“Our first class season started late, so I had no option, plus growing up it was my dream to play cricket in Australia . . . different conditions.
“My dream is to play for Zimbabwe.”
Tendai Maruma, who was on the books of Marnoo Cricket Club, is glad people are complying with the lockdown.
“The struggle is real and the virus is there. People are much disciplined here, the lockdown is going smoothly, not many cases recorded, no case recorded in my area. NHS department is doing a great job and, of course, the police are also playing a big role. For the past two weeks, places are really quiet, no activity at all.
“Work-wise, we still have people working, like hospitals, pharmacies, food shops, all the services people need on a day-to-day basis.’’
Maruma also revealed that he had a tough start to the season, but later improved.
“It took time to get used to the environment and playing conditions, but I managed to redeem myself last quarter . . . I was explosive in the second half of the season.
“I managed to finish the season with just over 600 runs and 35 wickets. We came short in the finals.
“For the past five years, I have been playing overseas, challenging and developing my game; all just to make myself ready for the next challenge, which is international cricket.
“I am doing well here, I am trying to keep myself clear, anywhere where an opportunity comes out, I will grab it with pleasure.
“But, of course, my options are still open to play for my country,” he said.
National women’s cricket team player Anesu Mushangwe is also in Adelaide, Australia.
She said: “At first, it was hard to practice because all sporting activities were banned. But the good thing is we are allowed to practise, which I am doing.
Social distancing
“The plan is to keep working, practising and correcting my mistakes from last season . . .
“I cannot say I am stuck as such. I am already preparing for next season and also for Zimbabwe’s games in July — that is if we play them.’’
Taurai Muzarabani is similarly marooned in Australia and has been in constant communication with his family back home.
“Nothing to complain about, life is normal here. We can still do our daily routines, making sure we still maintain our social distancing.
“I have been in touch with my brothers and sisters and I have spoken to my kids.
“My season was not affected, but we lost in the semi-finals of the Premiership,” said Muzarabani, who played for OMK.
