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Brandon Moyo, [email protected]

THE Government has described the late former Zimbabwe Cricket captain and coach, Heath Streak who succumbed to cancer on Sunday morning as being more than just a sportsman.

In a condolence message on the passing of the legendary Streak, he was described as a passionate Zimbabwean who played a huge role in the development of his community and the tributes that have been pouring in are testament to the impact he had.

Streak was 49 years old at the time of his death and was one of the finest cricketers Zimbabwe has ever produced. His death was a huge loss to the country. A memorial service is scheduled to take place on Friday at Mystique Gardens in Bulawayo’s Fourwinds suburb.

“But Mr. Streak was more than a sportsman. He embedded himself in his country’s culture and environment and used that passion to help develop his community. The width and breadth of those whose lives he touched within sports and outside sport speak volumes about this loss to the country,” read part of the condolence message from the outgoing Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Judith Ncube.

The late lion-hearted former cricket icon was battling with liver and colon cancer for some time and the news of his passing left huge sadness in the country. The Government also celebrated Streak’s rare achievement of donning Zimbabwean colours in more than one code.

At the time of his death, Streak had managed to get his green blazer for Zimbabwe in fishing and was very proud to be one of the few who got rugby colours, cricket colours and fishing colours for Zimbabwe.

“The news of the passing of Mr. Heath Streak, former Zimbabwe Cricket Captain and Coach was received with a profound sense of sadness. Though his illness has been public knowledge, there was always the hope that he could recover. After all, he was a fighter of great renown.

“On behalf of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, and on my own behalf, 1 would like to convey our heartfelt condolences on the passing of this icon. He was one of the most successful among the class of Test cricket pioneers – the generation that took our country’s baby steps into that elite level of the sport. Because of his versatility, it is not surprising that Mr. Streak earned national colours in three different sports codes. It is an amazing achievement that very few can attain,” read the statement.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine and four children, Holly, Charlotte, Harry and Kevin.

“Our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time are with his wife, Nadine, his children, parents and family, relatives and friends. May you be sustained in this dark hour by the many great memories with your departed loved one. May the Lord comfort you all,” the statement read.

As a show of recognition for Streak’s unwavering dedication to his beloved country, Zimbabwe, the Government has offered a state-assisted funeral.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has conferred a state-assisted funeral. This is in recognition of the departed unwavering dedication to this country. Mr Heath Hilton Streak possessed extraordinary abilities, exceptional strength, intelligence and fortitude which led to the development of Cricket in Zimbabwe particularly the involvement of native Zimbabweans in the game.

“May you please be advised that a Memorial Service for Heath Streak will be on Friday the 8th of September 2023 at the Mystique Centre in Bulawayo starting at 3pm,” read a letter from outgoing Minister of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry.

Today’s memorial service will also be graced by The Deputy Chief Secretary Reverend Paul Damasane and Minister Coventry.

Streak left behind a legacy that will last forever, having played 254 international matches for Chevrons across two formats, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Tests. For most of his career, with varying degrees of support, he was the spearhead of Zimbabwe’s bowling, and in his 65 Test matches he took 216 wickets, he remains the only Zimbabwean to have taken more than 100 wickets in the game’s longest format, for an average of 28.14, with best figures of 6/73 in his final Test match against India in Harare in the 2005/06 season.

He managed to achieve a rare feat of 2 000 runs and 200 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in just 187 appearances for the Chevrons where he scored 2 901 runs for Zimbabwe at 28,44 and 237 wickets at 29,81. – @brandon_malvin