Clement Mahachi

Coming from a family primarily interested in soccer, Mahachi had no familial ties to cricket.[3] His introduction to the sport happened around age ten or eleven at a primary school in Bulawayo townships, part of Zimbabwe Cricket Union's development scheme.[3] He later attended Bulawayo Academy.[3]

Despite his initial focus on soccer, Mahachi showed promise in both batting and bowling, leading his friend to encourage him to participate in the cricket sessions run by Nicholas Sisingo.[3] In his debut match against the Rhodes Estate Primary School team, Mahachi was the top scorer for his team and also took four wickets.[3]

Unfortunately, lack of a scholarship scheme for a cricket-playing high school in Bulawayo meant Mahachi had no school cricket opportunities.[3] However, he joined Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC), scoring 133 against a team from Sunrise in Form One.[3] It was only during the 1998/99 season that Mahachi joined the BAC first team.[3] He successfully captained the local development team to two league titles and averaged 51 runs in the 1997/98 season.[3]

Former New Zealand cricketer and coach Bob Blair played a significant role in helping him secure a place on the Matabeleland Under-19 team despite the absence of school cricket.[3] Though he was part of the Matabeleland team and an invitee for the national Under-19 World Cup trials, he was unable to fully showcase his skills.[3] He also found out he was over-aged and could not qualify for the World Cup team.[3]

In 1999, playing for Bulawayo Athletic Club, Clement delivered strong performances with several fifties and regular wickets, his highest score being 70 against Bulawayo Sports Club.[3] His potential led him to be recommended for the Academy by the Matabeleland Board and impressed players such as John Rennie.[3]

During his time at the Academy and in the Logan Cup, Mahachi played as an all-rounder.[3] He admitted to initially lacking batting confidence, which may have resulted in a low position in the order.[3] While he typically opened in Bulawayo club cricket, he aimed for the sixth position in the Academy side.[3]

Mahachi spent the 2000 English season playing for Brook Cricket Club in Surrey.[3] However, due to a calf injury mid-season he switched to spin bowling.[3]

After his year at the Academy, he had a successful stint with Old Hararians in the Vigne Cup. Later, he played for MacDonald Club.[3] During his final contract year with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, he moved to Bulawayo Sports Club and scored 101 not out in the first match. However, a back injury caused him to miss early parts of Logan Cup programme.[3]

Mahachi credits Blair and Carl Rackemann for developing his bowling skills.[3]

• Clement Mahachi at ESPNcricinfo