Page 29 - Eastbourne College International Booklet

Cricket
Tawanda Muyeye joined an exclusive list as
the Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year. Tawanda became the 13th winner of the title since the inception of the award in 2007. He
is also the first Eastbournian to do so, hailing
a new era for the College as the cricket programme’s reputaton for developing world- class players expands. Previous winners include England World Cup winners Jonny Bairstow and Joss Buttler.
The 2020 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack says of Tawanda: ‘He is a player
of immense presence, a batsman destined to empty bars. People in the know at Eastbourne College have learned to ask when he will next
be playing, so they can feast on his style, which shows the aggressive influence of Viv Richards and Kevin Pietersen, two of his idols. Like them, he intimidates the attack, turning respectable bowlers into fodder for his swinging bat. Muyeye, a popular, hard-working, self-effacing student who hails from just outside Harare, is on a sports scholarship; he has family in the UK, and hopes to qualify for England rather than his native Zimbabwe.’
Director of Cricket Rob Ferley says: ‘Tawanda is also the best off-spinner of his age group in the county, as well as an electric fielder with exceptional hand-eye co-ordination.’
But it is the reliability of his fast, wristy run-scoring that has given Sussex cause to be interested in his development, and makes him such an exciting prospect. In the citation for the joint award of the Simon Green Cup for Endeavour to Tawanda last year, the second master described how he ‘is the epitome
of hard work, effort, humility and kindness.
Tawanda celebrating his victory playing for MCC Schools against England Schools Cricket Association XI at Lord’s
The qualities of endeavour have helped him in breaking two longstanding school records: the first pupil in 150 years of cricket to score two double hundreds, and the all-time run scoring record in one season (of 1,112 runs including 56 sixes).’
‘I think a lot of people do not appreciate how lucky we are as cricketers to be in such a world-class environment as Eastbourne College that has the potential to produce countless professional cricketers. The facilities are second to none, but the people involved are the reason these cricketers will realise their dreams. During my two years at the College I worked closely
with three people whom I put all my trust in
with my game, and I am so glad I let them do the talking because they all played cricket at
the highest level. Mr Ferley, Mr Tredwell and Mr Waller have one thing in common: dedication. I have spent countless hours in the sports hall with them taking in as much as I could; their wisdom and knowledge of the game is what I will carry for the rest of my cricketing journey and life. Mr Ferley has not only taught me all things cricket, but he has also urged everyone in the cricket club to buy into a balanced school life. Winning the award to me was special, and being the first boy at Eastbourne to do it is something I’ll cherish forever. But it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t
for the amazing club run by selfless gentlemen.’
Tawanda Muyeye
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