The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team captain and founder of the Dumisani Mankunzini Cricket Initiative (DMCI), Dumisani Mankunzini has turned over a new leaf and is working towards publishing a motivational book.
The former Tuskers player whose other accolades include captaining Zimbabwe Under-19s, founding the Dumisani Mankunzini Cricket Festival, being Bowler of the Year, championship winning gaffer with Milton High School in the T20 event in 2011 and 2012, said the book is set to be released in April this year.
“The book titled, The Life of a Born Again Cricketer written by yours truly Dumisani Mankunzini, will be launched this year in April. The book basically talks about the life of professional cricketers and Christians, as well as the importance of being born again as sportsman. It will help all sportspeople to draw closer to God and those who are already believers grow spiritually,” he told Sunday Life in an interview.
Mankunzini, whose life revolved around alcohol, women and many other misdemeanours, said he has since turned over a new leaf and seeks to assist many others as a role model.
“I have been working on this book since last year, I was inspired to write it by my short cricket career that was cut short by a back injury and of course lack of knowledge,” said Mankunzini from his new base in South Africa.
He said during his cricket playing days, he was a non-believer, drunkard, womaniser and outright delinquent.
“Ever since I got to know Jesus Christ and accepted him as my Lord and Saviour, my life has direction now. I am now happily married, a father and a God fearing son. I don’t drink, club or womanise anymore and my life is changing in all areas, though challenges are there God always intervenes so through this book I would love to minister to my fellow cricketers and let them see the greatness of God before it’s too late.”
“My cricket career was cut short due to a stress fracture while bowling, but no doubt the womanising played a part because I used to date heavy machines and if I had known God I could be playing in national team now,” said Mankunzini reflecting on his past life.
He said he was grateful to those that have stood by him through his transgressions that ultimately led him to turning over a new leaf.
“I thank all the church leaders who have tried to get me back on the straight and narrow. This includes my mentors in South Africa, Apostle Newman and Pastor Zharare,” he said.
Mankunzini has often found himself at odds with the law and the cricket fraternity and allegedly left the country under a cloud. However, he insists these days are behind him and expects the book he is penning to help other young athletes who struggle with the demands of fame. @peterkmatika
