TAKASHINGA Cricket Club has honoured two of its founding members, Emmanuel Dube and Elvis Sembezeya, by naming the bowling ends at its Highfield ground after them.

The clubhouse end will now be called the Emmanuel Dube End, while the opposite side has been named the Elvis Sembezeya End.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, ahead of the scheduled opening match of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 between hosts Zimbabwe and Scotland. The match was later abandoned without a ball being bowled due to wet patches on the outfield caused by persistent rain.

Dube and Sembezeya were both presented with commemorative plaques bearing their names.

Takashinga founder and Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the naming of the bowling ends was meant to preserve the club’s history and values.

“Takashinga was built on sacrifice, vision and service long before it became a success story recognised around the world,” Makoni said.

“Emmanuel Dube and Elvis Sembezeya were there from the very beginning, giving their time, energy and belief when there was little certainty of reward.

“By naming these ends after them, we are ensuring that every young player who runs in to bowl here understands whose shoulders they are standing on.

“This is about culture, gratitude and legacy.”

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the ceremony highlighted the importance of grassroots leadership in the growth of the game.

“Cricket in Zimbabwe is strongest when it is rooted in its communities and Takashinga is a shining example of that,” Mukuhlani said.

“This recognition honours individuals who laid foundations when there were no guarantees and no spotlight, yet whose work continues to benefit the national game.”

Former Zimbabwe captain and ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 tournament director Hamilton Masakadza led the ceremony and said the timing of the honour was significant.

“It is fitting that this honour comes during a World Cup, because Takashinga’s story is now part of the global cricket story,” Masakadza said.

“This moment connects the club’s roots with its future and reminds young players that character and service matter as much as talent.”

The event was attended by past and present players, administrators and stakeholders, including Takashinga chairman Blessing Ngondo.

Former Zimbabwe internationals Tatenda Taibu, Elton Chigumbura and Stuart Matsikenyeri were present, along with current national team players Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza. Takashinga captain Roy Kaia also attended.

Dube and Sembezeya were both right-arm seamers for Takashinga and also served the club off the field as administrators. They played key roles in shaping the club’s structure, mentoring young players and building a strong foundation for its long-term success.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dube said he was deeply moved by the honour.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion when Hamilton Masakadza broke the news. It meant the world to me, my family and the Takashinga family,” Dube said, describing the honour as “a dream come true”.

Dube said his greatest pride was “seeing our people thrive and own a piece of international cricket” and urged young players to live by Takashinga’s values.

“My message to young players running in from this end is simple: love each other, trust one another, believe in each other and work hard.

“Respect, trust and hard work will grow Takashinga long after we are gone.”

Sembezeya said the honour only became real shortly before the ceremony.

“When the idea was spoken about, I thought it was bar talk. It only became real 15 minutes before the ceremony,” Sembezeya said.

He said watching Takashinga grow from a township project into an international venue had been rewarding.

“Seeing Takashinga hosting international matches and celebrating these achievements with our community is priceless,” Sembezeya added.

He urged young players to remain committed to the club’s founding principles.

“The message we have always preached will never change, commitment, passion and perseverance always bring good results,” Sembezeya said.

“For all the young bowlers who will run in from these ends, always give your best and let God guide you.”

Founded in Highfield, one of Harare’s most densely populated townships, Takashinga Cricket Club was created to give young players access to cricket regardless of background. 

The club has since become a leading example of community-based cricket development in Zimbabwe, producing national team players and hosting international matches.