The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup provides a platform for the next generation to announce themselves to the world – and few know that better than Tatenda Taibu.
The former Zimbabwe player was named Player of the Tournament at the 2002 edition in New Zealand, before embarking on an impressive senior career that included 150 ODI caps for his country.
With the 2026 edition taking place in Zimbabwe and Namibia, Taibu has been announced as the tournament ambassador and hopes the current crop of talented youngsters enjoy the same memories he experienced more than 20 years ago.
“As soon as I got the call, my mind raced back to when I was U19 myself and it feels nice to be a part of that again,” he said.
“Being player of the tournament will always stick in my mind for the rest of my life.
“I’ve been involved in two ICC U19 World Cups myself, in 2000 in Sri Lanka and in 2002 in New Zealand, where I was named Player of the Tournament.
“There is a bit of pressure, you are playing for your country and you want to do well. Everyone will be trying to use this as a trampoline to jump into professional cricket.
“However, they must not forget to enjoy the game. You play well when you enjoy cricket. When you put yourself under pressure, it might go a bit south.
“It’s the memories that we remember. Yes, the numbers will always be there but it is the memories that go a long way. When I look back at my U19 time, it is the memories and the people that I hold onto.”
Taibu produced a set of standout performances back in 2002, despite Zimbabwe failing to make it beyond the group stage.
He took three wickets in their victory over Namibia, before impressing with bat and ball as Zimbabwe bounced back to win the plate competition in emphatic style.
Taibu had already made his first-class debut aged 16 and his senior international debut at 18 but later stepped up to become the then youngest Test captain in history aged 20 in 2004.
He retired aged 29 but remains in the game as head coach of Papua New Guinea. He currently lives in the UK, meaning he can’t wait to return to his home country while the tournament takes place over January and February.
“Being back home will feel good. I am looking forward to seeing how Zimbabwe cricket is doing and where it is from the grassroots all the way to the elite.
“I can’t wait to watch all the players from the different countries playing in Zimbabwe and experiencing the lovely warmth of Africa.
“There is no doubt that there is going to be large crowds, especially in Harare. Bulawayo doesn’t have as big crowds but sometimes they are actually the loudest.
“The love for the game has got better over the years in Zimbabwe.”
Venusxx
Fun South African Fact: Lions, elephants and giraffes may not roam the city streets, but nature and animals are never too far away in South Africa. From vervet monkeys swinging through tree-lined streets in the suburbs and baboons frolicking around Cape Point to seals visiting the Hout Bay harbour in search of a fishy snack and an array of bird species taking to the sky at any given moment. Wildlife is all around!
Friday Fox
A new teacher enters a classroom full of students.
The teacher stands at the front of the room and greets the students, \”Good morning, class.\”
None of the students say anything. One boy at the back of the classroom stands up, \”Good morning, teacher.\”
Puzzled, the teacher carries on. The following morning, the same thing happens. Day after day goes by, and it\’s the same routine.
One morning after greeting the class and the same student standing and greeting, the teacher has had enough, \”Why is it, that every time I walk in and greet the entire room, only you stand up and greet me?\”
In the most broken English, the boy replies, \”Because I are the only one here, what\’s name are Klass\”