Tendai Chitara’s Easter resurrection

WHEN Zimbabwe Chevrons bowler Tendai Chatara was injured – playing social soccer and not cricket – he feared he would never walk again. It was that bad. Now, two years after the horrific injury the 28–year old is-set to make a return to the domestic Logan Cup this week as his Mountaineers outfit visit Tuskers in Bulawayo.

Chatara is thrilled to be resurrecting his career just as the world gets ready to celebrate Easter.

“All I remember is it was during the Easter holidays when the injury occurred. I never thought I would walk again, let alone play cricket,” he said.

Chatara made his international full comeback in the ODI series against Afghanistan in February after having also made appearances for Zimbabwe A.

This week he steps onto the pitch for a longer version of the game and says he is mentally and physically ready for the challenge.

“To be honest, at first I struggled. My mind was not clear hence I wasn’t putting enough effort, sometimes it was evident in my bowling. But my mind is clear now,” he said.

And with a clear mind come clear goals.

“I am ready to bowl in a four-day game and I expect to deliver my first ball after many months this week when we play Tuskers. This should mark the return of Chats to Test Cricket and with the Sri Lanka tour coming in June, my plan is to put up good performances to prove that I am ready.”

Chitara is a fitness freak and his explanation when he got injured was that he was playing social soccer to keep in shape.

The question is, will he ever play soccer again?

“Only when we use it for warm-up - but I won’t be marking hard! As for these social games, no, I now only watch and support; I cannot afford risking my cricket career again,” said the Chelsea FC supporter with a a chuckle.