adminFarayi Matondo View from Soth Africa
THE exciting 2015 leg of Cricket World Cup kicked off in Christchurch and Melbourne on February 14.
Amidst the fanfare, the tournament’s intense groups showdown indeed relieved real life experience of longtime neighbours, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Though Zimbabwe lost to the Proteas by 62 runs, our performance was excellent and showed the world that we are a really a good cricket playing nation. Zimbos picked up their courage, in a four-wicket triumph over United Arab Emirates, score of 285, claiming victory with 12 balls to spare . On the other hand, l welcomed the news of the Proteas being thrashed a massive 130 runs by defending champions, India. Anyway, this is a ‘genuine’ account how l watched the rebroadcast game with five friends in South Africa!
Taurayi is an independent entrepreneur, Baxolile, a boilermaker, Tafadzwa a primary school teacher, Chengetanai, a driver, Elikulwayo, a chef and Xoliso, a soccer player.
I prepared the popcorns.
Taurayi was sorting ice in cold beverages cooler boxes.Tafadzwa and Baxolile were preparing braai meat and sweet corn. Elikulwayo was making ready sadza and veggies. Chengetanai and Xoliso were relaxed on the sofas. We were all glued on the television, amagents, our minds far away thousands of kilometers in New Zealand.
Fourteen participating teams, divided into groups. Each team plays the other six in its group once.The top four teams from each Pool qualify for the quarterfinals.
Suddenly, our joy soon turns to uncalled dampness and disappointment. Haaaa magetsi aenda futi! Haaa umbane uhambile!
Chenge remarked: “l do not understand why Eskom’s (electricity supply authority in South Africa) has weekend load-shedding. This power cuts is becoming an irritation.” Xoliso enraged by the blackout too challenged Eskom.
“This Eskom has failed us, battling to meet the needs of our country’s demand of power since March 2014.”
‘Why can’t this be dealt with once and for all,” Tafadzwa interjected. He further pointed out that ‘eveything’ is getting old, power plants and a growing population.
Elikwayo joined in the furore.
“Hehehe, Tafadzwa …growing population, okay its right time you guys (Zimbabweans) go and do farming now, look now our generators are failing to support our needs, you my friends as well as all of you are camped over Mzanzi why?”
We all laughed uncontrollably. Baxolile an avid fan of Proteas dejected by unanticipated load shedding lamented too.
Chengetai explained: “2015 looks so promising and an opportunity for Zimbos to sail through to the semifinals.”
Eliskwalyo said: “Eh, what do you have now. Your camp was recently in the media already divided over bonuses disagreements before even the first Pool B match was even played.”
I highlighted this has since been resolved amicably. The team is one united and focused ready for the games.
Baxolile narrated: “Like wine we are getting better with age. Our test status was acquired in I989. Proteas are ready for the challenge, especially in this knockout stages. It is a difficult terrain altogether to Eliskwayo asked Baxolile: “Are our guys prepared, is Hashim Amla and David Millerready to rumble?”
Tafadzwa and Taurayi showed great enthusiasm, listening attentively as Baxolile is drawing his knowledge of the game.
“So how difficult is the game, Baxolile and Chenge, hehehe, isu tinoziva chikweshe, takakura tichibanha chikweshe (plastic balls).
Baxolile frankly poured his heart out.
“Cricket, magents, is a bat and ball game played between two teams of 11 players each. The other team attempts to score runs, while the other bowls and fields the ball attempting to restrict the scoring and dismiss the batsman,” he said.
I further explained how the match is divided into periods called innings. One team fields and the other switch between fielding and batting after each other innings. Baxolile, picking, a newspaper with a back page picture showing a cricketer and three stumps demonstrated how the game is played to the boys.
“These are called wickets and it is important to safeguard it in a match to avoid opposition to hit the wicket,” he said. “Ko team yakamira seyi seyi Chenge,” asked Taurayi.
“It is a balanced youthful team with notable players such as Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and Brendon Taylor with zeal and lots of energies.”
Eliskwalyo changed the subject from excitement to signs of sorrow.
“Did you hear about 2014 cricket pitch tragedies…”
“. . . cricketer Philip Hughes died two days after being hit by ball during a a match…a short pitched delivery from a fast bowler,” he said. Chenge responded: “I hope the helmets will be well covered especially the ear side.”
Xoliso confirmed: “You see magents, cricket is a lovely sport yet with high risks. An Israeli cricket umpire was in 2014 hit by the ball in the neck and died. Umpires in cricket, unlike some players do no wear helmets.” I poured more popcorns in the nearly emptied bowl. Taurayi asked:”Have any African team made it to the finals.”
Baxolile said: “Yes . . . Kenya is only one team who made into the semi-finals. The 2011 ICC championship holder are Indians, West Indies and India twice holders each, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (once each).You cannot rule out Australia, they won the World Cup four times and Zimbabwe . . . ”
We all laughed.
Chengetai remarked:”2015 underdogs Zimbos are going to surprise the world as we are bringing the cup home.This time we are doing it for Africa” Baxolile, Tafadzwa, Chengetanai, Taurayi, Eliskwalyo and Farayi continued eating popcorns, drumsticks and drinking beverages in the dark awaiting for the return of Eskom power (magetsi).
But to no avail! I had totally forgotten about the implemented load shedding stage two from 8am to 10pm. Energy crisis is bedeviling the majority of African states.
Farayi Matondo is a budding writer on current affairs, creative writing and music who was born in Sakubva and grew up in Mutare. He can be contacted on email [email protected]
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