Andrew
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Reporter
FROM a young boy who disliked cricket, Christopher Mpofu has transformed into a man addicted to the gentleman’s game.
His passion, fun on the field and longevity has left him needing seven ODI wickets to become the sixth Zimbabwean bowler to reach the 100 mark. But one wonders how he has been living during this period where staying indoors is the order of the day due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Is he shaking like many addicts do when separated from things they love?
“I have kept myself busy at home with my fitness, push-ups, pull-ups and watching some old clips of cricket . . . it has been hard, but there is a lot to do. Cricket is part of my life, I love playing, watching it, giving advice (to young players). It is actually a sport that is addictive and I am missing it so badly,” he said.
It has been 16 years since Mpofu became an international cricketer, something he calls his “best birthday gift ever”.
Mpofu was born on November 27 1985.
He bowled his first international over in an ODI against England at Harare Sports Club on November 28 2004. “It was memorable. I was too young, things were just happening, everything I touched that day was going my way,” said Mpofu.
“Shockingly, I did not get any wicket against England during that series in three games, but bowled amazingly.
“I, however, got my first wicket, Habibul Bashar, in the Test against Bangladesh.”
Mpofu has gone on to pick up more wickets, hence he is on the verge of a rare feat by an ODI player. “It will be a really amazing mark and achievement for me, but I take each day as it comes, so I will do my best as long I am keeping myself fit and getting the job done,” said Mpofu, who has earned 15 Test caps, 84 ODIs and 32 T20 internationals. Over the years, he has become a shrewd white ball bowler and he is loving it.
“Test cricket is the real game, but I have grown to be so much in love with white ball cricket, especially T20; it just tests your character and skill.” Mpofu has stopped drinking and is in his sixth year as a born-again Christian.
He might be 34, but still feels strong to bowl many overs for Zimbabwe.
“I have kept my routine of working hard, doing my running, press-ups and you know I have been blessed to get programmes to work with from our fitness trainer.
“I guess my lifestyle (has helped me stay fit), I gave up lots of things like drinking and a few other things, so that has helped lots . . . and of course I guess God has helped in lots of things; I feel blessed.
“I will put it in this way, I am not religious, but I am a follower of Christ. I try not to be religious by all means but believe in my Lord and saviour . . . but I have been born again for the past six years, and it has been an amazing lovely journey and I have no regrets about the path I took.”
Mpofu also shared his hate-then-love cricket story. “I was born in Plumtree, but did my Form One in Bulawayo in Magwegwe.
“I didn’t know anything about cricket and when I got to know about it in 1998 on TV, I hated it with a passion.
“I would even switch the TV off as I used to be a person of athletics at (Matjinge) primary school. But in 1999, I said let me try watch a bit of it — that was during the World Cup in England — and I got to like and know the rules on my own.
“I started to use lemons and planks to play in the streets with my friend called Mdu. Sadly, he passed on about eight years ago . . . and from there, in 2000, I was in Form Three (at Magwegwe High), I joined the school team and played my first game as a keeper and batted number 11. I had no choice because the position available was the keeper and I loved the game, so I just did it.
“I started cricket very late and learnt through TV most of the bowling around 1999 . . . so I watched few bowlers that I enjoyed, and Streaky and Curtly Ambrose were those people I really loved and enjoyed.”
Mpofu recalls his cap presentation by then Zimbabwe coach Phil Simmons.
“He said wear this cap with pride, more kids in Zimbabwe would have wanted this opportunity but it has been given to you.”
In the past 16 years, Mpofu has done his best.
Online Reporter