SIX-BEDROOOMED HOUSE, 25 GOATS FOR LATE GROUNDSMAN
ZIMBABWE Cricket will build a six-bedroomed house for the family of the late Maraini Tichivangana, the beloved groundsman who transformed Takashinga Cricket Club’s ground in Highfield.
ZC also gave his family 25 goats as part of the late Tichivangana’s retirement package.
He died on Thursday and was buried at his family home in Gutu.
The six-bedroomed house will be built at that family homestead.
Tichivangana transformed an abandoned, bushy football field into the international cricket venue that Takashinga is today.
He was 85 at the time of his death, a day after complaining of stomach pains.
“Popularly known by his totem, Chirandu, the veteran groundsman, who also doubled up as the caretaker at Takashinga, was laid to rest on Friday at his family home in Gutu,” ZC said in a statement.
“He is survived by three wives and several children and grandchildren.
“Chirandu was with Takashinga for 25 years, joining in November 1998 soon after the club’s young founders secured a piece of land to build a cricket ground.
“So committed was he to the project that he even pitched up a tent to set up a temporary home at the
site, working day and night to see the new ground being officially opened in 2003 by the West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara.
“Over the years, he watched the club turning into a household name in the local game and producing dozens of international cricketers, among them former Zimbabwe captains Hamilton Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya and Chamu Chibhabha.”
ZC added:
“He remained with the club to see the ground finally become a fully fledged international venue on 18 June this year when it hosted an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 match between the West Indies and the United States of America.
“In recognition of his dedication and hard work, Takashinga had not only named the club’s new three-star accommodation facility in Chirandu’s honour but was also in the process of putting together a special retirement package for him, including building him a six-bedroomed house at his Gutu village.
“A scotch cart and at least 25 goats were also part of the thank-you package.”
ZC Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, who is also the Takashinga co-founder, described Chirandu as an epitome of loyalty and dedication.
“Our club owes so much to its pioneers and Chirandu was one of them. As a club and as the cricket fraternity, we have lost a great man who not only loved his job but did it perfectly too,” Makoni said. -