Online ReporterTinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT has been a week for South Africa cricket captain Temba Bavuma.
Earlier in the week, Bavuma was officially recognised by the city of Cape Town, receiving the prestigious Civic Honours Award.
The award was in celebration of not only his sporting achievements but also his roots, leadership, and lasting impact beyond the field.
Bavuma then crossed borders to Zimbabwe to watch the two ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup semi-finals, making his commentary debut during the India and Afghanistan match.
Through it all, the 35-year-old has been fighting the itch to get back onto the pitch and play some cricket.
Unfortunately, with South Africa only in action in the One Day International and Test arenas, Bavuma’s preferred formats, during the second half of the year, the South African skipper will have to wait a while.
In the meantime, he has been enjoying the game from the stands and commentary box, all the while spreading a little wisdom and knowledge to the younger generation.
Bavuma will be in attendance once again today when England play India in the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup at Harare Sports Club.
“I have been able to catch the two play-off games at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, namely the England and Australia match, as well as the India-Afghanistan game,” Bavuma told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“There have been some entertaining games, and I think we are all set for a very good final between India and England.
“I am looking forward to that match.
“It’s been a great couple of days, great cricket, and the people here have been very welcoming in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Bavuma has been impressed with the high level of competition during the month-long tournament and expects a very tense and exciting final today.
He couldn’t help but smile with pride as the batting has been a stand-out and some of the captains have stood out, both of which he can relate to.
“Look at that first semi-final, England-Australia, both captains stood out for their teams with James Rew, obviously, being the victorious one.
“I think that was the highlight for me,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the India-Afghanistan game was a bit more of a one-sided game.
“However, both teams again batter very well.
“It feels like the batters have dominated.”
Bavuma even had a few words of advice for the younger generation as the tournament heads for its swansong.
He even had some sage words for the Zimbabwe youngsters who bowed out of the tournament at the Super Sixes stage.
“I watched a couple of the games on TV and then the semi-finals here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“This is a great tournament, an exciting space for them to be in and a proper platform for them to express their talent and test their skills against other properly talented players from other countries.
“There’s the element of exposure to different conditions, where ordinarily other guys from other countries would not be exposed to.
“It gives you a taste of international cricket, playing in different conditions and testing your ability to adapt your game accordingly. “It’s exciting for these young guys and only about the start of their careers.
“My advice to them is to always keep their love and passion for the game alive.
“That is what will get them through all the years.
“What comes with all the achievements, fame and money is all nice, but it’s the love and passion of the game that I feel allows you to get close to your full potential.
“They should follow their dreams and goals,” he said.
With the Under-19 tournament coming to an end today, all the attention will then switch to the senior men’s ICC T20 World Cup that kicks-off tomorrow in India and Sri Lanka. It goes without saying that Bavuma will be rooting for his beloved Proteas.
However, in the spirit of things, he even had some choice words of advice for the Zimbabwe Chevrons.
Zimbabwe find themselves in a rather challenging group alongside giants Australia, co-hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland and Oman.
They kick-off their campaign with a match against Oman on Monday.
They will then play former champions Australia, Ireland and Sri Lanka on February 8, 13 and 17 respectively.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting tournament.
“With all the T20 cricket that we see around the world, guys have really honed their talents.
“Guys are hitting sixers bigger than they used to, bowlers are being a lot smarter and it’s exciting to see all of those guys take each other on at that level and on that platform.
“I’m excited to see South Africa go all the way. “Sri Lanka is at home and Australia has their pedigree so Zimbabwe have their work cut out for them.
“I’m assuming they will play in Sri Lanka, which are obviously tough conditions, so I think it’s a case of how quickly they can adapt to those conditions.
“Zimbabwe have been to ICC tournaments before and I don’t believe they will be overawed by the occasion.
“There is a relative level of experience there, so it’s just a case of adapting to the conditions and believing that they have enough skill to overcome whatever challenge they have.
“Sri Lanka and Australia are not easy teams but every team has their weaknesses and it’s about exploiting those weaknesses.
“Prepare well and try to play what is in front of you.
“Don’t play the name Sri Lanka or Australia but try to play what is in front of you,” Bavuma said.
