Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has gone down in history books for good and bad reasons. (Pictured: Samson Muripo, the first African karate world champion)
Not only have the past 10 years been dramatic in political and social circles, but also in the different sporting fields. A sports fanatic, Dominic Mhiripiri, looks back over the history of Zimbabwean sports to rate who he considered to be the top 10 sportsmen and women. 10. Samson Muripo (Karate) – He became the first African karate world champion when he won the middle weight gold medal at an international tournament, in Japan, last year. By the same championship title he was the only black person to have won the knock-out tournament since its establishment.
9. Nyandoro, Esrom – A tireless, hard-rock soccer player who has established himself as a midfield authority and a leader. Played with the world’s finest soccer players at Mamelodi Sundowns. He was a perennial first-timer for Zimbabwe whose amazing goal against Cameroon at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations is an everlasting image of his talent.
8. Mtawarira, Tendai (The Beast). -For establishing himself as a permanent feature in the South Africa sevens team, the Springboks, with a distinctly powerful, match-winning style of play. After taming the Lions’ “raging bull’, Phil Vickery, one commentator called him” very possibly the best black forward to come out of this extraordinary rainbow nation” Sorry mate, he is from Zimbabwe!
7. Mwaruwari, Benjani. – For a man of very limited soccer talent, Mwaruwari does it simply for having the biggest experiences in the lower leagues and the Premiership. He has flew the countrys flag high and made Zimbabweans proud.
(Pictured: Andy Flower, greatest batsman of all time) 6. Flower, Andy. -For being the greatest Zimbabwean batsman of all time, at one point the highest-ranked in the world. Also, for his heroic stand against Zimbabwe’s failing democracy alongside Henry Olonga.
5. Black, Wayne. -The most prolific of the Black family, Wayne not only powered Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup performance in the early nineties, but also, like his sister Cara, established himself as one of the world’s best doubles tennis players. Winner of two grand slams and numerous other tourneys. Aptly named “Shumba” by the first lady, Grace Mugabe.
4. Ndlovu, Peter. -For being the history-making, inspirational Warrior who led Zimbabwe’s first Afcon experience in 2004 after a 24-year wait. A very patriotic servant who, despite personal controversies, fought for country and left a huge legacy.
3. Ullyett, Kevin. An illustrious career by the shy Zimbabwean doubles specialist peaked this past decade. His grand slam conquests during and after his partnership with Wayne Black (who retired) puts him in the pantheon of the greatest doubles players of all time.
2. Black, Cara. – Perhaps the greatest female tennis player in African history, and the world’s best female doubles player for the past three years. Cara has won numerous grand slams and tournaments and brought immense pride to her country.
(Pictured: Kirsty Conventry, the greatest Zimbabwean athlete) 1. Coventry, Kirsty. – Absolutely the greatest Olympian and athlete for Zimbabwe in the decade. The world’s best in her swimming specialties, triple gold-medal winner, also silver and bronze medalist at the events she owned her competitors – Manchester , Athens , Beijing and the world championships.
Honorable Mentions: Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza, Charles Coventry, Heath Streak (cricket), Tinashe Nengomasha (soccer), Elliot Mujaji (athletics).
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News