Source: PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION CHARMS CHEVRONS – herald
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RICHARD NGARAVA has described meeting President Mnangagwa as a surreal experience, and the Zimbabwe cricket Chevrons seamer believes their State House visit yesterday will go a long way in motivating the players to do more.
The Zimbabwe senior cricket team continue to reap the rewards of their fairytale run at the ICC T20 World Cup that was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Skipper Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl and Brian Bennett have since been snapped up in the Pakistan Super League, while Blessing Muzarabani is now on the books of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
The quartet was conspicuous by their absence as back home the rest of the Chevrons team were yesterday received by the President at State House.
“As players, you don’t usually fully comprehend the magnitude of your actions and performances.
“However, it is only later when young kids start recognising you in the streets that it hits,’’ Ngarava said.
“Meeting the President, however, is by far the most important and humbling.
“We are particularly honoured and grateful that the President took the time to host and recognise us, an act that speaks volumes about his commitment to celebrating Zimbabwean excellence.
“It is quite motivating and will likely spur us to do more.
“His continued support for youth development and national unity through sports has created the foundation upon which this success has been built.
“When a nation leads in its systems and invests in the people, success usually follows.
“We remain committed to his vision to use sport as a tool for unity, opportunity and national pride.
“Together we will continue to grow this game and inspire generations to come.
“This is not the end of a T20 World Cup journey but it is the beginning of something greater,” he said.
Zimbabwe had quite the bright start to the year and made international headlines during their run at the World Cup, reaching the Super Eight stage of the competition and beating Australia (23 runs) and co-hosts Sri Lanka (six wickets).
They also made light work of Oman (eight wickets), while their match against Ireland was washed out, to finish the group stages of the competition unbeaten.
That performance, which also guaranteed Zimbabwe automatic qualification at the next tournament in Australia and New Zealand in 2028, appears to have charmed President Mnangagwa, who hailed the Chevrons resilience and fight.
“The Chevrons showcased great sporting prowess and were true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s national character of resilience and an inherent warrior spirit,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Your progression to the Super Eight stage was commendable and a powerful statement of what we are capable of as a sporting nation of Zimbabwe.
“It demonstrated that Zimbabwe is worthy of participating at the global stage across various sporting disciplines.
“You competed with exemplary determination, teamwork and self-belief.
“The chevrons showcased sporting prowess and were true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s national character of resilience and an allied warrior spirit.
“As a team, you brought great honour to our motherland, Zimbabwe.
“Through your actions, on and off the field, you were able to positively profile Zimbabwe in the eyes of the entire world.
“The historic victory over Australia stands out as a defining moment in the Chevrons’ campaign. “It was a victory that captured the imagination of the cricketing world and reignited national pride,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also pledged his Government’s support in the lead-up to the country co-hosting the ICC One Day International World Cup next year.
Alongside South Africa and Namibia, Zimbabwe have already been assigned hosting rights for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup.
President Mnangagwa said the event gives the nation an opportunity to showcase its unique culture and hospitality.
“Looking into the future, my Government stands ready to provide the necessary guarantees and support for hosting the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup next year,” he said. “Zimbabwe, together with South Africa and Namibia, will co-host the tournament.
“This presents a historic opportunity to once again showcase on the global stage the unique hospitality of our people and passion for cricket. “I therefore challenge all Zimbabweans to work considerably with unity of purpose to deliver an event that reflects the highest standards of cricket.
He also commended the Zimbabwe Cricket board and management for the work that they have put in already, first successfully hosting the Under-19 World Cup, earlier this year and preparing for the next 50-over tournament.
“May I take this opportunity, on this occasion, to commend the board, the management and staff at Zimbabwe Cricket for the work being undertaken to develop and promote the game of cricket in the true spirit of leaving no one and no place behind,” said the President.
“The establishment of cricket facilities in Victoria Falls represents a significant step in the right direction.
“These enhance talent and dedication for the grassroots communities and the overall growth of cricket in Zimbabwe.
“I also want to congratulate Zimbabwe Cricket for successfully hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup tournament.
“This was a clear testament of our country’s organisational capacity and professionalism,” he said.
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