Thulani Masuku: A journey from Zvishavane to shapi...

Thulani Masuku: A journey from Zvishavane to shaping Zimbabwe's cricketing future

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Thulani Masuku’s journey through cricket is a testament to passion, resilience, and the drive to uplift others. From his humble beginnings in the small mining town of Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, to becoming a prominent cricket coach in South Africa, Masuku’s career paints a vivid picture of what dedication and hard work can achieve.

Now, as an entrepreneur and mentor, he is not only focused on developing cricket talent but is also invested in empowering the next generation in both sports and business.

Masuku’s story begins in the heart of Zimbabwe’s mining industry, in the small town of Zvishavane. Growing up, Masuku’s exposure to cricket was limited, yet the sport quickly captured his heart.

“Cricket has always been my passion,” Masuku reflects. “Growing up in a small town, opportunities were scarce, but that never stopped me. I always believed that if you work hard enough, your talent will be recognized.”

Though the infrastructure and resources for cricket development in Zvishavane were minimal, Masuku’s determination to excel in the sport never wavered. His love for cricket was rooted not just in playing but in the belief that the game could be a vehicle for personal growth and social change.

Masuku’s coaching journey began when he moved to South Africa, where he took his first steps as a junior youth coach at a local community club. His initial focus was on working with young players, ranging from 5 to 19 years old. “What motivated me the most was not just the love of the game, but the opportunity to help the next generation,” he says.

"I always believed that I could help someone avoid the mistakes I made and make the path a little easier for them.”

At his core, Masuku is driven by the belief that everyone is destined for greatness. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have been helped by others along the way,” he shares. “Now, I feel it's my duty to give back. It’s all about passing the torch to the next person.”

Masuku’s coaching philosophy is grounded in the values of resilience, commitment, and adaptability. “Cricket, like life, is about learning to bounce back from setbacks. I teach my players to be resilient, to keep fighting, no matter the challenges they face,” he says.

“And I encourage them to be sponges – to soak up every piece of knowledge they can, whether from their peers, coaches, or their own experiences.”

Having coached in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, Masuku has had a unique vantage point from which to assess the state of cricket in both countries. “In South Africa, players have access to so many opportunities,” Masuku observes. “The systems are well-established, with structured pathways and support from provincial mother boards. Players here are given a real chance to develop.”

However, Masuku is quick to point out that opportunities for cricket players in Zimbabwe remain limited, especially outside urban areas. “In Zimbabwe, the opportunities are mostly found in the bigger cities. The rural areas often lack the resources to support aspiring cricketers. We need to change that if we are to develop cricket nationwide,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Masuku remains hopeful about the future of Zimbabwean cricket.

“The talent is there, it’s just about providing the right infrastructure and support systems to allow players to thrive,” he believes. “There’s so much untapped potential in Zimbabwe that could rival any cricketing nation if the right resources are invested.”

Masuku has worked extensively within the South African cricket system and has seen firsthand the support that young players receive. “South African cricket is very structured,” he explains. “There is a clear pathway for players to develop, and they have access to facilities and professional guidance from the provincial boards. This is what Zimbabwe needs.”

But Masuku also acknowledges that South Africa’s approach has its own challenges. “Sometimes players become too dependent on the structure and don't learn how to navigate the challenges on their own. It’s important to strike a balance between providing support and encouraging self-reliance,” he adds.

As a coach, Masuku is deeply invested in Zimbabwe’s cricketing future. He believes that Zimbabwe’s cricket development structure needs significant reform. “The Zim cricket development department needs to be properly structured and functional,” he asserts. “The current strategy is not working. We need a comprehensive plan that looks at where we are, where we want to be, and how to get there.”

Masuku envisions a future where Zimbabwe regains its place as a respected force in world cricket, even restoring its ICC Full Member status. “My dream is to see Zimbabwe cricket back at the top level, competing with the best in the world,” he says with conviction. “We have the talent, but we need to invest in our players and the infrastructure that supports them.”

Beyond cricket, Masuku is also passionate about entrepreneurship and skills development. He believes that fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among young players and communities is key to creating holistic growth.

“It’s not just about developing cricketing skills, it’s about building leaders who can succeed in life, no matter where they come from,” Masuku states. “Through entrepreneurship, we can help young people find opportunities outside of sports and create a brighter future for themselves.”

Masuku’s message to young cricketers is simple yet powerful: “Work hard, stay focused, and never wait for someone to pull you up. You have to pull yourself up, one step at a time. The road to success is long and hard, but if you remain adaptable and committed, you’ll get where you want to be.”

Thulani Masuku’s journey as a cricket coach and entrepreneur is inspiring. From his roots in Zvishavane to shaping the future of cricket in South Africa, Masuku has shown that success is built on a foundation of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

As he continues to mentor the next generation of cricketers and entrepreneurs, his vision for Zimbabwean cricket and his belief in the potential of every individual remain at the heart of everything he does.