By TellZim Reporter
Masvingo’s Takunda Madembo, popularly known as “Hitman”, is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about names in Masvingo cricket after a remarkable season filled with record-breaking performances for Scorpions Cricket Club.
The 27-year-old batsman has attracted widespread attention on social media and among local cricket followers, with some fans already comparing his rise to that of former Zimbabwe cricket legend Andy Flower.
Madembo’s performances this season have been nothing short of exceptional. He scored an unbeaten 241 runs against Young Tigers, followed by 172 against Poly Panthers, before producing a staggering 302-run innings against Methane Lions. The achievements have fueled excitement among cricket supporters, many of whom believe Masvingo could be witnessing the emergence of a future national star.
Raised in Masvingo, Madembo began playing cricket at Runyararo Primary School while he was still in Grade two. Although he later obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering from China, his passion for cricket remained stronger than anything else, leading him to pursue the sport full-time with hopes of eventually representing Zimbabwe at international level.
Reflecting on his journey, Madembo said success in cricket has required years of sacrifice, discipline, and commitment. He said pursuing the sport seriously often meant missing out on social activities and personal time because most of his focus had to be directed towards training and improving his game.
“When you truly love something you have to lose a lot. When people are going out and having fun, you miss out because of the commitment to the game. You hardly have free time and sometimes this can even cost you relationships. Cricket kits are expensive, so parents also make sacrifices by supporting us morally and financially. The sacrifices have been people, finances and time,” said Madembo.
Madembo credited his long-time coach, Tatenda Maponga, widely known as “Sir Gil”, for shaping both his cricket career and personal growth. According to him, Maponga has guided him since Grade 2 and became much more than just a coach over the years.
“Coach Tatenda has played a huge role for me to be where I am today. He has been like a mentor, father and big brother, which is why we call him ‘Mkoma’,” he said.
The batsman also acknowledged the support he has received from his close friends Prince Pabwe and Tatenda Ganhure, as well as teammates Blessed Muzite and Gabriel Jaya together with his family.
Looking back on the season, Madembo said he first realised he was enjoying something special after one of his early big score. He explained that his coach constantly encouraged him never to settle, a mindset that pushed him to keep improving from one match to the next.
“After scoring 175 in game two, I realised this was becoming a special season. My coach always tells me never to settle, so I pushed harder in the next game where I scored 241. That is when I realised this was going somewhere, and then I went on to score 302.”
Despite his record-breaking numbers, Madembo said one of his favourite innings remains a modest 49-run knock against Triangle, where he faced experienced former Zimbabwe players Tendai Chisoro and Sydney Murombo. He believes that match gave him confidence in his own potential.
“We won the game with another upcoming player, Wilfred Matenda, and that was when I realised I had great potential,” he said.
Now carrying growing expectations from fans, Madembo says he understands that maintaining consistency will require even harder work. He revealed that he is focusing on improving his fitness and batting ahead of the upcoming National Premier League season.
“Now that people expect a lot from me, it means I have to work even harder and increase my workload,” he said. “It is a huge honour to have such expectations from fans and I can only do justice to that if I put in the work.”
Madembo also believes cricket talent in Masvingo still does not receive enough recognition, although he feels competitions such as the National Premier League are beginning to change that by giving local players greater exposure.
“There is a lot of talent in Masvingo that is not getting enough attention but now players can compete with others from across the country, including national team players, and get recognised more easily,” he said.
For young cricketers hoping to follow in his footsteps, Madembo’s advice is simple, play the game out of genuine passion rather than chasing fame or money.
“Money and fame are just by-products. If you truly love something, you will never get tired of it and eventually all the other things will follow,” said Madembo.
As preparations for the National Premier League continue, many cricket fans in Masvingo will be watching closely to see whether the man known as “Hitman” can continue his remarkable rise and perhaps become Zimbabwe cricket’s next big name.
