Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani yesterday led the way as the domestic game paid glowing tribute to pioneering cricketer Mohamed Ahmed Meman, who died in England yesterday.
Mukuhlani described Meman as a true student of the game adding that his death is “a true loss for both the country and the sport”.
Affectionately known as Babu, amongst his peers, Meman passed away at his Leicester home after a long battle with illness.
His was 73.
He was a pioneering cricketer, becoming the second after Ali Shah to represent Zimbabwe’s Chevrons.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Meman family during this difficult time,” said Mukuhlani.
“While he was before our time, Meman played a crucial role in shaping the administrative and playing careers of many of us.
“He was a good man, always open to sharing his knowledge and expertise whenever one approached him.
“It is truly a great loss for both the country and sport,” he said.
Meman played one One Day International and five First Class matches for Zimbabwe, making 19 and 68 runs, respectively.
A key figure for local club side Universals, Meman also represented Shropshire in the Minor Counties Championship from 1977 to 1980 and played one match for Shropshire in the 1978 Gillette Cup, scoring 16 and taking 0/22 from ten overs against Surrey.
During those years he appeared in 32 matches for the county, achieving a century in two of them, making 888 runs and taking 55 wickets. At club level he played for Pudsey St Lawrence in Yorkshire and Tonge.
However, his biggest contribution to the Zimbabwean cause was as an administrator, serving as national team manager for the Chevrons for many years during the late Peter Chingoka’s tenure as ZC chairman.
“Babu was manager for the national team for many years, during which many players passed through his hands.
“I interacted with him a couple of times as I was still new and young, and he was very accommodating.
“He was a reservoir of knowledge and expertise, both of which he was always open to share,” added Mukuhlani.
ZC also paid tribute to Meman via a statement.
“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has learnt with great shock and sadness of the death of former Zimbabwe international cricketer and national team manager Mohammed Ahmed Meman, affectionately known as Babu,” read the statement.
“A talented off-spin bowler and right-handed batter, Babu proudly wore Zimbabwe colours, featuring in a single One-Day International for the country against India during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1987 — a match in which he scored 19 runs.
“He also represented Shropshire in England’s Minor Counties Championship between 1977 and 1980.
“During his stint with the county, Babu made 888 runs — including two centuries — and took 55 wickets in 32 matches, underlining his quality as a genuine all-rounder.
“Locally, he played for Universal Cricket Club, where he was widely respected for his skill, leadership and commitment to the game.
“Beyond his playing days, Babu remained devoted to the game.
“He served as Zimbabwe national team manager between 1992 and 2006, guiding the side through its early years as a Test-playing nation.
“He also contributed to the game as a selector, helping to shape the national team with a sharp eye for talent and a deep understanding of the sport.
“ZC is deeply grateful for Babu’s enduring contributions to cricket in our country, both on and off the field.
“His passion, humility and dedication will always be remembered by those who had the privilege of working with him.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha and children — Iqbal, Fazila and Sadiya — as well as to his extended family, friends and all who knew and loved him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
There were tributes too from former Herald Sports Editor Jahoor Omar, who is now based in England and local Islamic leader Moulana Mohammed Ismail.
“The Zimbabwe cricket fraternity is today mourning the sad loss of a beloved player and administrator,” said Omar.
“A shrewd right-arm off-spinner, Babu Meman was an icon of the Universals cricket team in Harare.
“Blessed with a brilliant cricket mind he was also an adept close-in fielder.
“Babu also represented Zimbabwe at the national level and was in the touring party to the 1987 World Cup tournament in India and Pakistan which I covered for Zimbabwe Newspapers.
“Babu played in only one match in Group A largely because the team relied heavily on the wily talents of first-choice off-spinner John Traicos.
“Zimbabwe were in the same group as co-hosts India, Australia and New Zealand but were eliminated early on having lost all six matches. Australia went on to win the competition in the final against England at Eden Gardens.
“Babu also managed several Zimbabwe national teams after he stopped playing and was also in the selection panel. A great cricketer and a true gentleman,” Omar said.
Ismail said they had learnt of Meman’s passing with sorrow.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Haji Mohamed Memam.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him a high place in Jannah, and envelop him in mercy and light.
“Please pray that Allah grants him forgiveness, surrounds him with His mercy, elevates his status in the hereafter, and shields him from the trials of the grave and the day of judgement,” Ismail said.
