Back in the day, when I was a presenter with ZBC/TV I was frequently engaged to officiate at various functions, judge competitions, present awards, but my very favourite engagement so far has been to present 'Man of the Match' to a young cricketer at CUBS THE 100 Cricket Tournament in Gaborone this weekend.
Our Little Family was stationed in Botswana for three years and during this time in their lives, they thrived happily under the Gaborone umbrella. Apart from the incredible hospitality of the folk at Gabs, Gaborone undoubtedly has one of the most effective and nurturing cricket clubs for young players.
CUBS Cricket Academy under the awesome leadership of Trymore Taruvinga, his dedicated wife and scorer Sylvia, and coaches Joe, Denias, Coach T, Clyde and Alex amongst others, has far reaching excellent cricket coverage over almost the entire country, even as far as Francistown, Maun and Hansie. They offer professional coaching for kids as young as 4yrs to 13yrs at Junior level and 14yrs to club Cricket at senior level plus Tours, Tournaments and Clinics.
A weekend's cricketing in Gabs is a function that is wholeheartedly encompassed and enjoyed by the whole community. The braais and braai masters arrive in full, deck chairs, gazebos, rugs and braziers, Moms, (beautiful Moms in Gabs!!) Dads and all the kiddies come too to watch a fun filled cricket match where the emphasis is on enthusiastic sport, contagious energy, unwavering support and a fundamental spirit of competition and sportsmanship.
The uplifting music plays, the vors sizzles, there is food a plenty, and sixty young people playing their hearts out, batting, bowling, fielding and absolutely loving the most perfect three days under the gentle winter sun.
Cubs Coaches are the first to teach that courage isn't about hitting the biggest six, it's about walking back to the crease after getting out for a duck. Under Coach Try and the team, humility is drilled into the youngsters with every practice - win or lose, you shake hands, you thank the umpire, you pack the kit.
Sportsmanship isn't just a speech they give, it is also celebrating the other team's good shot, owning a bad decision, and never letting talent turn into arrogance. Beyond batting techniques and bowling lines, they teach discipline, respect, and most importantly, how to show up for each other.
Years later the kids might forget their batting average, but they'll never forget the lessons CUBS has given them about character. That's the mark of a brilliant leader and committed coaches - Zimbabwe's loss - Botswana's gain!!
Tomorrow's Champions are in Safe Hands!!
tktaruvinga@gmail.com
Zimbabweans caring for Zimbabweans arriving home from South Africa.
Miracle Missions has collection points where we can donate goods and clothing for our Countrymen.
Jabula New Life Covenant Church 138 Fife Street Between 14th and 15th Ave and New Creation The Oasis 19 Falcon Street.
Lets stand together and show the Love Of Home.