HE learnt the hard facts of life quite early. He was 12 when he lost his father and 17 when his mother passed away. The family of four boys and three girls then charted its own course. It was tough and from this background emerged Tatenda Taibu, the chirpy wicketkeeper-batsman, the new little icon of Zimbabwe cricket.
Taibu, at 18, is a star in his own way. He is inspiring a generation of blacks to take to the game in a big way in a nation which has more time and spectators for football. Taibu is the new brand name to promote cricket among his people and the best advertisement for the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) to showcase its development programme.
The changes in his life have been sudden. People seeking autographs are endless. But Taibu likes it. "It's nice to meet so many people. It's amazing to realise that so many people know me. It's great to be recognised on the streets."
Taibu is the fifth member of a family which is supported by his eldest brother, who owns a barber shop. It is a family business, informs Taibu. He has two younger brothers pursuing a career in cricket - Kudzai and Tapiwa, playing the under-17 and under-13 league.
Taibu is a natural at sport. To begin with, he had a tremendous fascination for football but his coach, Mangongo, motivated him to play cricket. "He told me my future lay in cricket," recalled Taibu. Today, cricket happens to be his first love even though he is captain at squash in the school team; plays table tennis to improve reflexes; football and rugby for endurance and a bit of hockey for fun. "Not as a goalkeeper," he makes it a point to tell us.
As a youngster who grew up watching the whites indulge in this lovely sport, Taibu was attracted towards cricket by the Flower brothers, Andy and Grant. When Andy joined the Winstonians Club it provided Taibu with the launching pad. He could now play with his heroes. It was an all-blacks club and the presence of Andy meant a lot to those aspiring to represent Zimbabwe.
"I don't know why but I always wanted to go on with cricket. I was fascinated as every day I learnt something about the game and saw a future for myself," said Taibu.
Keeping wickets came naturally to this well-mannered lad. "I never had a coach for myself. I liked keeping because it was so different from what others did on the field. In one of the matches, the wicketkeeper did not turn up and I volunteered for the job," recalled Taibu.
His career took off that eventful day.Andy's father, Bill Flower, was officiating as an umpire in that match. Andy had come to watch his father when Bill told his son to instead watch this black wicketkeeper. "Andy told me that day to continue to keep wickets. He told me I had very good hands for a wicketkeeper and I moved well to collect the ball. It was a great day for me and I remember it to this very moment," said Taibu.
It was just the beginning of his association with Andy Flower. "He called me home and gave me a complete kit. It had wicketkeeping gloves and pads. It was a very big thing for me to get such help from someone like Andy. That day I decided to go on with cricket," recalled Taibu. Their relationship has grown steadily from that day and today Andy remains the greatest supporter of Taibu.
As he scaled the small peaks of his career, Taibu discovered that cricket was a game which required hundred per cent concentration. "At one point it became tough but Andy was by my side. He comforted me as I learnt to play in the big league. He is a man who has played in the most difficult times and he is the man who put me through as I faltered in the initial stages," said Taibu, his voice conveying the gratitude for his mentor.
Taibu's progress has been marked by a consistency which has made a big impression on the Zimbabwean selectors. Tours to the West Indies and England kept him in the reckoning and it was a grooming process monitored well by Andy Flower and Heath Streak.
A stint at the under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka was a good education for Taibu but his lessons were learnt in the West Indies and England.
He felt the pressure on those tours even though he did not get to play much. "I kept on training hard and kept telling myself I needed to go on. I never rested really. In England the ball swings a lot and it wobbles after it passes the stumps. It was a thrilling experience."
Talking to Jeff Dujon turned out to be very useful. "Mr. Dujon told me a bit about keeping to fast bowling. There weren't many spinners during his time he said. That was fine for I learnt a few important things from Mr. Dujon," Taibu remembered.
"I learnt quite a lot. Keeping on different pitches and in a different atmosphere was a great experience. I began to understand the meaning of pressure. I've learnt to handle pressure to some extent but I know I've to learn a lot still," he said.
For Taibu, the experience of playing with the Indians was quite memorable. "They're such a nice bunch. I was thrilled to talk to Sachin, Rahul, Sourav. Even Sameer (Dighe) gave me a few valuable tips. They were all so open in telling me what I should do to improve my attitude towards the game. I'm very happy to say I learnt a lot from talking to the Indians."
His first international match, against India at Harare, was a day when he remembered his parents for the good things they had taught him. Their support had been the base for his progress thus far. "I was very nervous but I was keen not to let down the people who had supported me," said Taibu.
His nervousness vanished when he heard his sister's voice. It had come from the Castle Corner, the noisiest section at the Harare Sports Club. "I spotted her in the crowd and was so relieved. She was backing me. It was a big boost really," Taibu recalled his affectionate sister's efforts.
Standing up to the medium-pacers, Taibu presented such a wonderful sight. He hardly looked a wicketkeeper making his debut. His collection was that of a seasoned campaigner.
"I backed myself to stand up. I've trained myself for the job. It's important to watch the ball always and that makes the job easier and enjoyable."
He is a boarder at Churchill School, the best centre for education in Zimbabwe. For Taibu, the vacation from school is the best period. "I look forward to joining my brothers and sisters at home," he said with a distinct joy in his voice. Those days at home before returning to the school hostel keep him going in his pursuit.
His hobby is listening to music. "Soul music," he said and with emotion recalled the help he received from Henry Olonga. "He is more of a brother to me. He teaches me more about life than cricket. He's a fantastic guy," said Taibu of his fellow-cricketer, who has a great following among the blacks, for his cricket and for his singing.
How does he feel playing for Zimbabwe? "Obviously I feel honoured. I feel great wearing the Zimbabwe cap. I would like to keep my head down and look forward to having a long international career. Please wish me well," Taibu said earnestly. You can only wish such a committed cricketer well.
As we shook hands, one wanted to know who was Taibu's idol. "Sachin" was his apt response. And why? He smiled, "because he's short like me and mentally very tough."
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