ZIMBABWE Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani has paid a moving tribute to the late ZC vice chairperson and board member Sylvester Matshaka, describing him as "the voice of reason" and a "father figure" in cricket administration.
Speaking during Matshaka's memorial church service yesterday, Mukuhlani said the 76-year-old educationist served Zimbabwe Cricket with grace and wisdom for more than two decades until his untimely death.
"Given his background in education and what he had achieved in education, one would have thought that Mr. Matshaka would opt not to join the board. But he opted to join the board and to work with us at Zimbabwe Cricket. His contribution as an advisor, vice-chairman, was quite immense," Mukuhlani said.
Matshaka joined the ZC board alongside other like-minded figures during a turbulent period for the sport. Mukuhlani recalled that the board at the time was made up of young, energetic administrators, and that Matshaka provided stability and guidance.
"He stood as a pillar of support for the then chairman, Mr. Peter Chingoka, and the likes of Mr. Bvute. For his age at the time, to be able to interact with us, we were youthful, energetic, ambitious, but he was the voice of reason in the board," Mukuhlani said.
For 20 years, Mukuhlani said he worked alongside Matshaka on the same board. Matshaka chaired the human resources and remuneration committee and served as vice chairperson from 2015 until his death.
"It's very difficult to work with athletes when it comes to contract negotiations, but Mr. Matshaka handled that portfolio with a lot of grace, with a lot of wisdom, up to the time of his untimely death," he said.
Mukuhlani described Matshaka as a man of principle who would wait for board meetings to air his views rather than take issues outside.
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"Given his vast experience, his large network, Mr. Matshaka would not take an issue out of the board. He would wait for a board meeting, air his views, and correct you. As a person, I've learned a lot from him. He was a father figure in administration," he added.
The ZC Chairperson praised Matshaka's intellect, noting that even at 76 he remained brilliant and articulate. As a former English teacher, Matshaka was known for correcting minutes during board meetings.
"He was very talented. Even at 76, Mr. Matshaka was very brilliant, very articulate. He was an English teacher, as you have heard, so he was very eloquent. At the time of adopting minutes, he would always correct the English. We will miss him greatly. He was our friend."
Turning to Matshaka's family, Mukuhlani said:
"You had a lovely father, who not only nurtured you as his children, but has nurtured the nation through his practise as a teacher. He has nurtured the nation as a sports administrator," he said.
Mukuhlani said Matshaka's death came at a time when the things he fought for at ZC had finally been achieved.
"When he joined Zimbabwe cricket, we were in conflict. When he joined Zimbabwe cricket, we had issues. At the time of his passing, those things that he fought for, we have achieved. So we are happy to say goodbye, till we meet again."
Matshaka served on the ZC board for over 20 years and was part of the administration of the country's second largest sport.
