Thomas Benade (born 1 September 1982) is a Zimbabwean former
cricket
Cricket is a Bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball game played between two Sports team, teams of eleven players on a cricket field, field, at the centre of which is a cricket pitch, pitch with a wicket at each end, each comprising two Bail (cr ...
er.
He played six
first-class matches between 2001 and 2004.
Biography
Benade was born in a family that originates from South Africa with
Dutch
Dutch or Nederlands commonly refers to:
* Something of, from, or related to the Netherlands
** Dutch people as an ethnic group ()
** Dutch nationality law, history and regulations of Dutch citizenship ()
** Dutch language ()
* In specific terms, i ...
roots.
He was introduced to cricket by his father and uncles.
Growing up in
Mutorashanga,
northern Mashonaland, Benade began his cricket journey at
Barwick School
Barwick School (or simply Barwick) is an independent, preparatory, day and boarding school for boys and girls located in Concession, Zimbabwe, Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe. The school was opened in 1988.
Barwick School is a member of the Asso ...
in Mvurwi and later
Bryden Country School
Bryden Country School (or Bryden) is an independent, preparatory, boarding and day school for boys and girls in Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe. The school was founded in 1983.
Bryden Country School is a member of the Association of Trust Schools (A ...
near Chegutu.
His performances earned him a spot in the school's first team for two years, his best being four for 30 as a left-arm spinner, and 69 not out as a batsman.
He also represented Midlands in the national primary schools cricket week.
For high school, Benade moved to
Lomagundi College
Lomagundi College (or simply Lomagundi) is an independent, co-educational, boarding and day, senior school in Zimbabwe which is situated about 130 km northwest of the capital Harare along the Harare-Chirundu highway on the outskirts of Chin ...
where he started bowling seamers due to the team's requirement, but he continued his spin bowling which he considers his primary strength.
His best performances included taking five for 40 against
St. John's College and scoring 79 not out against
Prince Edward School
Prince Edward School (or Prince Edward, commonly referred to as PE) is a public, boarding and day school for boys aged 13 to 19 in Harare, Zimbabwe. It provides education facilities to 1200+ boys in Forms I to VI. The school is served by a grad ...
.
His improved skills led to his selection for the Mashonaland Under-16 team, and eventually the national Under-19 team in 2001.
Benade's application for the academy in 2002 was initially missed due to an administrative error, but he was offered a place when Masakadza withdrew.
At that time, he was working for his father in mining and considering going overseas.
He had also played winter cricket for the Maribou Club at Mutoroshanga and a few matches for
Harare Sports Club
Harare Sports Club is a sports club and the Harare Sports Club Ground is a cricket stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe. Founded in 1900 and known as Salisbury Sports Club until 1982, it is mostly used for cricket matches, and has served as the primary c ...
.
His best performances include scoring 79 not out and taking five wickets in an innings.
Benade credits Rory Ervine and Academy coach
Dave Houghton for helping improve his batting and bowling.
See also
*
CFX Academy cricket team
The CFX Academy cricket team was a first-class cricket team representing the Zimbabwe's cricket academy in the country's domestic cricket competitions. They competed in the Logan Cup from 1999 until 2002. The club played their home matches at the ...
References
External links
*
1982 births
Living people
Zimbabwean cricketers
Zimbabwean people of Dutch descent
CFX Academy cricketers
Mashonaland cricketers
Mid West Rhinos cricketers
21st-century Zimbabwean sportsmen
Cricketers from Harare
Alumni of Lomagundi College
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