PICS: Zimbabwe stars put cricketers with disabilities through their paces

Aspiring cricketers at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon on Thursday as they got an opportunity to learn the basics of the game from Zimbabwe national team players who had visited the institution to donate equipment and conduct a coaching clinic.

Ryan Burl keeps wicket as the NRC players demonstrate their batting skills

Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza handed new bats, helmets and balls to the centre before action got underway on the makeshift field that the institution’s recently established cricket team for the disabled is using for practice.

It was indeed a hive of activity at the Ruwa-based centre, situated 30km east of the capital Harare, as the NRC team was split into smaller groups to focus on different aspects of the game.

While one group enjoyed fielding tutelage offered by Hamilton Masakadza, on the other side of the field Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine led the batting drills, teaching the enthusiastic NRC team members how to properly grip the bat, batting stance and shot selection, as Ryan Burl kept wicket.

Kyle Jarvis, John Nyumbu and Wellington Masakadza took charge of the bowlers, imparting expertise on gripping the ball, positioning the fingers, run-ups, delivery stride stability, follow-through and line and length.

Peter Moor, Regis Chakabva, Brandon Mavuta and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe also took part in the coaching clinic, while Zimbabwe bowling coach Douglas Hondo and team analyst Stanley Chioza were also at the event alongside cricket operations and national teams manager Christian Chiketa and media and communications manager Darlington Majonga.

ZC human resources and corporate affairs head Nesta Vaki chats to one of the students as they walk to the NRC’s makeshift cricket field together with analyst Stanley Chioza and bowling coach Douglas Hondo

Zimbabwe Cricket’s human resources and corporate affairs head Nesta Vaki was also in attendance.

NRC sports director Amos Nyamutata said students at the institution had shown immense interest in cricket, which was introduced at the centre early this year.

“The Ruwa Rehab is a government centre set up to oversee that the disabled are empowered both physically and educationally so that they can compete at a professional level,” he said.

“The cricket programme started early this year and we are pleased that the students we have here are competent enough to grasp the concepts of the game.

“Cricket is special in that it is viewed or perceived as a game for the elite but it has now come down to the disabled community, showing that even the disabled can play cricket and it is going to empower them.”

National Rehabilitation Centre students and staff members pose for a group picture with Zimbabwe national cricket players and support staff

Nyamutata said he believed most of his players would make it into the national cricket team for the disabled that will soon be established.

Snydon Soko, the acting director for disability affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, hailed the Zimbabwe national cricket team for their gesture.

“On behalf of the ministry, I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks for this gesture by the national team,” Soko said.

Craig Ervine in action during the coaching clinic at the NRC

“Promoting sport among persons with disabilities means we are including them. When we talk about development, we are talking about inclusive development and this is exactly what the national team has demonstrated and that will encourage others in the sporting fraternity to also come and promote sport among people with disabilities.”