AT the ripe age of 25, Trevor Gwandu should now be reaching the peak of his cricket career and has been developing under the radar after his early promise.
There are few stories as inspiring as that of Gwandu who was recently named the National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast bowler of the tournament playing for Takashinga Patriots 2.
Gwandu has now set his sights on leading his franchise, Rocks, to the Pro 50 Championship glory.
His journey in cricket began at a tender age at Kwekwe Primary School when one of Zimbabwe Cricket's development stalwarts, Innocent Chikunya popularly known as Smoko in local cricket circles, introduced him to the sport.
Gwandu developed a passion for the sport and honed his skills through countless hours of practice and dedication. His natural talent and hard work soon caught the attention of coaches and selectors, paving the way for his entry into professional cricket.
He made his First Class and List A debut for his home franchise, Rhinos in 2017 against Mountaineers and Eagles respectively.
However, Gwandu's breakthrough moment came during the NPL T20 Blast, where he showcased his incredible bowling prowess and leading Takashinga 2 to the title.
"Missing out on the NPL 45 overs for Takashinga 2 motivated me to do well in the T20 blast, I just wanted to win games with my teammates and do well for the team," recalls Gwandu.
He was instrumental in beating Takashinga 1 in the Takashinga derby, and believes bowling to the international players in that team brought the best out of him.
"The competition between the two
Takashinga teams brings the best out of you," Gwandu told The Sports Hub.
"When you’re playing against top quality players, some who have international experience you just have to pull up your sleeves and do your best for you and the team."
With a rival developing between Takashinga and Gladiators, Gwandu put up brilliant performances with the ball in both the group matches and during Qualifier 1 of the NPL play-offs.
"Gladiators are an energetic and young side and when they turn up they always bring their best game so that just pushes me to be at my level best," the lanky fast bowler added.
Takashinga 2 beat Uprising by three runs in a closely contested NPL T20 Blast final play under lights at Harare Sports Club.
"It was an intense final that required every player to put 100 percent energy in it because we were playing against top quality players and luckily in our team everyone was hungry to get that trophy," Gwandu chuckled.
"For me it was just a matter of backing my ability as bowler and knowing what damage I can do with the ball to give my team a fair chance of winning the trophy and ending up on the winning side was just a good feeling and a memory which I'll forever cherish in my cricketing life."
The Kwekwe-born fast bowler finished with 18 wickets and was named bowler of the tournament.
"I always knew I had the ability to pull out good performances to be named the NPL T20 Blast bowler of the tournament," he said.
"It was just a matter of having confidence in my game and just backing my ability and also playing in the Takashinga 2 environment helped massively and I will always cherish that moment."
Gwandu also paid tribute to his two coaches at Takashinga 2, former Zimbabwe captain, Elton Chigumbura and former national team pacer, Trevor Garwe.
"They have created a chilled and relaxed environment, both coaches are always energetic and positive and as a player you always want to play in those kinds of environments that allow you to be free and play your game," he said.
"It means everything to me to play for Takashinga. They’re a team that is strong on family and being part of that family gives you a sense of belonging."
Like any other kid who started playing cricket at a young age, he has local and international heroes that he used to look up to.
"My local hero could be Elton Chigumbura ( Mhizha), the way he went about his game as a player and captain for the National side was just brilliant, calm and level headed under pressure moments, it was a blissful moment always watching him play. My international hero would be Morne Morkel, dangerous with the ball in his playing days."
Gwandu's current stint with the Rocks, gives him the opportunity to learn from national team bowling coach Steve Kirby who is the head coach of his franchise.
With nine wickets in four matches at an average of 17.89, Gwandu is number four on the wickets charts of the ongoing franchise cricket Pro 50 Championship.
Asked if this could be his year he can finally breakthrough for the national team Gwandu had this to say:
"Personally I feel like if I just keep grinding consistently and taking it game by game, it will be the season."