Carl Mumba: a fitness fanatic

In The Oval this week, Brighton Zhawi speaks to Carl Mumba, a fitness fanatic, there is a story that he once started pushing up during dinner when they were in a national team camp – a story he doesn’t deny.

The lad was out of action for 13 months after a knee surgery suffered in an ODI in Sri Lanka in 2017, and he feared his fledgling cricket career had ended prematurely, him being only 22 years old at the time with only two Tests and as many ODIs to his name.

But Mumba recovered and marked his return to national colours in the second Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club this past January. He went on to add three ODI caps as well as making his T20 international debut in Bangladesh in March.

BZ: You recently made a comeback after a knee surgery. How was it like playing pain-free?

CM: It was an amazing feeling as I had been working really hard to be able to, knee injuries are not easy to overcome.

BZ: Nine months away from the game … did you have fears your career could have ended or you had comfort from being young?

CM: It was 13 months actually. Well, injuries always come with fears and so many questions. Even with age on your side, you start asking yourself so many questions like, “am I going to make it back on the field? Am I going to be the same player once I get back? Will I make it back into the team?” So, yes, I had my fears but knowing there are a couple of players who made it back after an injury helped me overcome the fear.

BZ: You are a fitness fanatic, something that is well known. Have heard of stories that Mumba can start push-ups even during dinner. You love being fit, isn’t?

CM: (laughs) It comes with its benefits. It is part of the job requirements as a fast bowler. It’s not a secret that you need to stay fit as it is so demanding and drains you.

BZ: How many push-ups do you when you are at your peak?

CM: I can hit 75 to 80 in a minute but when I’m doing it in sets, it is nothing less than 200.

BZ: During this lockdown, one wonders how much fitness you are doing?

CM: It’s all we can do, isn’t it? (laughs)

BZ: And on the bench press, how much do you lift?

CM: It has been a while, but last time I think I was between 80 and 100kgs.

BZ: You love push-ups so much that in the middle of the second Test against Sri Lanka recently, I saw you doing some. How is that?

CM: (laughs) To loosen up the shoulders most probably.

BZ: I remember you saying “growing up, you wanted to be Christopher Mpofu”, now you are Carl Mumba, playing in the same team with Mpofu. How cool is that?

CM: It is very cool actually … getting a chance to play with your childhood heroes. I grew up watching most of the guys in the team on TV and now I have an opportunity to share a changing room with them and learn from them.

BZ: Test cap number 100. What comes to your mind when you hear this?

CM: Playing for my country and getting a Test cap is something I have always wanted. It was one of my goals to play Test cricket and knowing that no-one can ever take that away from me now. I feel proud when I hear Test cap number 100.

BZ: You once shared a story of going into that Test from a heartbreak if not a break-up?

CM: I’ll pass on that one

BZ: Okay, we go to the next one, let me stop there, but let’s talk speed. You love bowling quick. How fast have you been bowling since your injury recovery?

CM: Not quick but, I feel it coming back

BZ: If you would pick your best Zimbabwe XI. Who will be in there?

CM: Not planning to be a selector anytime soon (laughs).

BZ: But each player has his best team, past and present players?

CM: There are actually a lot of factors you focus on when selecting a team.

BZ: You really not planning to be a selector soon . . .

CM: Yes mate.

BZ: You will soon be 25. I am sure you would want that to come with more international caps. For someone who has experienced frustrations early in your career. What does playing for Zimbabwe mean now?

CM: Yeah, the clock is ticking. It was unfortunate that I had a severe injury at the start of my career but you know what they say “life is what happens when you are busy making other plans”. Representing my country is not just for sporting glory. Sport brings people together. Being part of a team means you are now creating a bond and a lifetime brotherhood with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This is will not just help you as a player but as a person as well. Nothing beats the pride that you get when you put your jersey on and walk onto the field to represent millions of people.

BZ: How much did being part of the Rising Stars help your cricket?

CM: It is a pity that I only played a few games, but the Rising Stars’ programme had a huge impact on my cricket as I had the chance to milk some knowledge from two of Zimbabwe’s finest, Tatenda Taibu and Stuart Matsikenyeri.

BZ: Is it a challenge being a cricketer from outside Harare or Bulawayo?

CM: It’s always a challenge for everyone as you have to make a lot of sacrifices to make it to the top.

BZ: What sacrifices did you make, because you were already a name during school days?

CM: I had to put in extra hours of training even when I didn’t feel like it and sacrificing a part of my social life to focus on my goals. Having a name in schools’ cricket doesn’t guarantee you a spot at the top as you have to turn your potential into match-winning performances.

BZ: Kadoma has traditionally produced stars, Ed Rainsford, Solo Mire, amongst others. What sort of impact did that have on you as a young player growing up?

CM: It was inspiring! You got someone to look up to from the neighbourhood. Proof that it’s not about where you come from, but what you have in you and what you can offer and as a youngster that pushes you.

BZ: At some point you played with your hommies, Brandon Mavhuta, Neville Madziva, Tary Musakanda – how was that?

CM: I still play with them (laughs). Well, it’s quite good to be honest as we are always pushing and supporting each other. Having mates that understand you, not just as a player but as a person is a really good thing.

BZ: Finally, your batting potential at international level is coming up. What took you so long, we saw that 50 in a warm-up in Bangladesh.

CM: A few chats with the batting coach really helped.

BZ: And you love smacking the ball. Do you see yourself turning into a finisher?

CM: I want to be a great finisher and I’m going to be one.

BZ: Now it’s the off-cutter time, where we ask random questions. Which player would you spend the lockdown with. Just one?

CM: Tary Musakanda,

BZ: Why?

CM: He is a funny guy and always positive. We are good friends.

CM: Cardio or weights … and why?

CM: Weights, because weight training keeps you strong and healthy. It improves strength and endurance.

BZ: Dream holiday place …

CM: Bali