Sundaymail EditorZimbabwe National Day is fast approaching, with a day of celebration over the end of colonial rule and the establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent country in 1980.
As a nation, Zimbabwe can be proud of a huge amount, with their sporting achievements something that should not be overlooked.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has boasted some truly gifted athletes excelling across a range of sports.
Below, we have brought together five of the greatest sportspeople to ever represent Zimbabwe. With Olympic gold medallists, top league footballs and legendary cricketers, our list is crammed with sporting excellence.
Kirsty Coventry
Kirst Coventry is undoubtedly one of the greatest sports stars to ever come from Zimbabwe. Securing one Olympic medal is impressive, but notching seven is a truly incredible achievement that launches her into the upper-echelons of sport.
The swimmer won medals including gold at Athens in 2004 and in 2008 in Beijing. To add to this, Coventry secured silver and bronze in 2004, and a trio of silvers in 2008.
Alongside her Olympic medals, at competitions including the World Aquatics Champions, World Swimming Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Andy Flower
Andy Flower is arguably Zimbabwe’s greatest ever cricketer. The wicket-keeper/batsman played for his country between 1992 and 2003, representing his side in the Test and 50 over format.
Flower boasts the most Test runs of any Zimbabwean cricketer with 4794. He is also the only male Zimbabwean cricketer to average above 50 (51.54) having played more than 10 Tests.
His ODI record of 6786 runs helps push his combined run scoring total above 10,000, with Flower the best-ever cricketer to represent the country of Zimbabwe.
Liz Chase
Elizabeth Chase was one of the key members of the Zimbabwean field hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.
Chase devoted her life to sport, obtaining a degree in Physical Education while appearing for the university varsity team.
She was invited to play for the South Africa B team, while she also played for the Old Hararians club while she worked as a P.E teacher at the Oriel Girls High School in Salisbury.
Chase was a truly gifted hockey player that proved to be integral in the unforgettable gold medal campaign Zimbabwe’s field hockey team embarked on at the 1980 Olympics.
Bruce Grobbelaar
One of great Liverpool goalkeepers, Bruce Grobbelaar gained cult status in English football after appearing over the course of a decade and more years for the Reds. The ‘keeper was instrumental in Liverpool’s European Cup triumph in 1984.
Grobbelaar was vital in proving that African goalkeepers could compete at the highest level as he inspired a generation of footballers.
His outgoing manner and dynamic style of play made him incredibly entertaining to watch, while he became a mainstay of the Liverpool side, with the goalkeeper proving more than a match for the strikers of the day.
He is still revered significantly in Britain, even having a new racehorse Bruce Gobbler named after him, according to .
Peter Ndlovu
Peter Ndlovu is another of Zimbabwe’s most iconic footballers and a trailblazer for African players in Europe.
He became the first African to play in the English Premier League – following it’s creation – when in 1991.
Known for his speed, skill, and creativity, he thrilled fans with memorable goals during his time in England.
Ndlovu also had a distinguished international career, earning over 100 caps for Zimbabwe and captaining the national team.
After retiring, he moved into coaching and football administration. His legacy continues to inspire young Zimbabwean footballers aiming for international success.
Online Reporter