Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
DANGAMVURA-BORN former Chevrons batter, Kevin Kasuza, who was suspended in January 2024 after testing positive for a banned recreational drug, and later cleared after serving his suspension, has learnt his lessons, and is ready to take up new challenges in his career after signing for Hadfield Cricket Club in the UK.
Hadfield Cricket Club, a member of the Greater Manchester Cricket League located in Newshaw Lane in Hadfield, has signed Kasuza for the 2026 Greater Manchester Cricket League campaign.
The former Zimbabwe Test batter will embark on his maiden UK season, and is set to hit the ground running as Hadfield pushes for a return to the Championship.
Kasuza told Post Sport: “I am so happy, as it is my first time playing in the UK. I am excited and ready for the challenge, new environment, and new conditions. I think it will certainly take my game to the next level.”
Kasuza’s suspension last year followed a routine in-house doping test conducted by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) when he tested positive for a banned recreational drug.
The suspension occurred in January 2024, pending a disciplinary hearing.
His case followed similar suspensions for two other national players, Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, in December 2023 for the same offence.
Kasuza, who has been with the national team since January 2020, appeared before a disciplinary hearing, and on May 9, 2024, ESPNcricinfo reported that Kasuza was cleared to return to action.
He passed all drug tests conducted after the completion of his suspension, and his hearing before a disciplinary committee was concluded.
Kasuza said the suspension period was the worst period of his cricket career. “To be honest, that was the worst moment of my career, and I regret it. It affected my family and my lifestyle, but I guess some things happen for a reason. Now I know what is wrong and what is good, and I respect the game itself. I am looking forward, and I never want to experience that moment again because it was so hard. I lost a lot of things,” said the gusted batsman.
He has McTarvish Dekeya, a colleague turned family member, to thank for companionship during the difficult path of therapy.
“I have to thank God for giving me a friend like McTarvish Dekeya.
He has been a pillar for me. He walked with me, with all the patience and love, throughout this journey. In my heart, he has moved from being just a friend to family,” said Kasuza.
On the UK assignment ahead, Kasuza said: “I spoke with the captain and chairman; the main goal is to get the club back to the championship and succeed in tournaments that come along the way. That is exactly what I want to help the club achieve.”
