adminBipini Dani
ZIMBABWE’S cricketers wore black armbands in their Twenty20 International against India yesterday to mourn the death of the mother of team analyst Stanley Chioza.
Chioza’s mother was 60.
“I was in the Zimbabwe team dressing room working during the Indian batting innings after lunch (during the third ODI last week) when the sad news of my mother’s death came to me,” said Chioza.
“Mothers are indeed important. Sad she had to go.
“She had recently turned 60 on the 18th of May. She passed away while recovering from brain tumour surgery because of diabetes.
“Me and my family are very thankful for the gesture shown by the Zimbabwe national team, thanks to the team management for allowing them to do, as a family we are humbled that they have us in their thoughts while carrying out national duty against a team such as India.
“I certainly didn’t expect it, when I turned on the TV to watch the match I was actually wondering why the Zimbabwe batsmen have black armbands on until I heard Neil Manthorp in commentary make mention of it”.
Chioza was not on duty yesterday.
“National team players and management came to my home on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They have been very supportive,” said Chioza.
“She was a big cricket supporter, more so because my three elder brothers played cricket in school, so when I took it up as a full time profession she supported me and always watched and followed the national games home and away.
“I will certainly miss her.”
Online Reporter