Brandon Moyo [email protected]
Ernest Masuku’s journey to international cricket has been one of patience, perseverance and unwavering belief, and on Tuesday, the fast bowler had another reason to celebrate as his long wait for regular national team opportunities continued to bear fruit.
Having waited patiently for his chance to represent Zimbabwe, Masuku made his One-Day International (ODI) debut in August last year before earning his maiden Twenty20 International (T20I) cap on Tuesday in the series opener against Afghanistan in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The milestone marked another significant step in a career built on hard work and determination, but amid the excitement of receiving his T20I cap, it was an emotional message from his close friend, Tawanda Mhora, back home in Bulawayo that made the occasion particularly special.
As Masuku prepared to take another important step in his cricketing journey, the Chevrons’ fielding coach, Stuart Matsikenyeri, played him a surprise message from Mhora during the cap presentation.
Masuku had initially asked Matsikenyeri to present him with his cap before the coach surprised him with the heartfelt message from home.
It was a touching tribute from a friend who has stood by him throughout his journey, celebrating not only the achievement but also the sacrifices, frustrations and determination that had brought him to that moment.
“Congratulations, the day that you prayed and waited for has arrived. Today we can say, ‘Inkosi Ivumile’. Remember the journey, the highs, the lows, the frustrations, and everything that happened along the journey amounts to this and we encourage you to go out there and enjoy it because you earned it.
“You have worked so hard my friend over the last couple of years and you deserve everything happening now, tenfold. You are an example of hard work, determination and most importantly, persistence. You have worked so hard my friend, I can’t stop saying that and I want you to go out and enjoy today (Tuesday),” said Mhora.
He assured Masuku that the support of family, friends and the wider Bulawayo community would remain unwavering as he continued representing the country.
“This is not the end, a lot more will come and always remember, we will back you up. Umasalu (mother), umdala (father), Grootman (big brother), Sanele back at home, omalume ekasi, amaGalathiya, Amakhosi, and the province (will always back you up). Amandla, nguwe osinika amandla tshomi yami, lamhla ngawethu, asambe siyebatopola Galathiya (let’s go and get them),” he said.
Beyond the congratulatory words, Mhora’s message captured the personal significance of the breakthrough, recognising the persistence required to keep pursuing an international career despite the lengthy wait for opportunities.
It was also a reminder that sporting milestones are rarely individual achievements, with the encouragement and sacrifices of family, friends and communities often forming an important part of an athlete’s journey.
For Masuku, the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at the highest level has been built on years of hard work, with the fast bowler allowing his performances to do the talking while waiting for his chance.
He made an encouraging start to his T20I career, taking two wickets for 41 runs in his four overs during Tuesday’s opening encounter against Afghanistan.
Masuku followed that performance with another wicket in Thursday’s second match, finishing with figures of one for 42 in four overs.
However, the Chevrons have already lost the three-match T20I series, with Afghanistan taking an unassailable 2-0 lead after securing a 19-run victory on Thursday, having won the opening match by 37 runs.
The third and final T20I is scheduled for tomorrow, with the match set to start at 4.30 PM.
– @brandon_malvin.
