Peter Chingoka
By Tapfuma Machakaire
The name Peter Chingoka evokes memories of the entry of blacks into the game of cricket, an elite sport that was exclusively reserved for the white minority in Rhodesia.
Chingoka did not only play the game, but swiftly rose to the helm of cricket administration.
Another of his rare achievements in the sport was to be named an honorary life president in October 2014, becoming the third person and first black man to receive such an honour after Alwyn Pichanick and Dave Ellman-Brown.
Chingoka is remembered as a man who committed almost his entire life to transform what was a minority sport into a truly national game played, run and enjoyed by all regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, gender or social status.
A seam bowler and useful lower-order batsman, his greatest cricketing achievement was his appointment as captain of the South African XI that played in the Gillette Cup knockout competition in 1975-76 and 1976-77.
Born on March 2, 1954 in the city of Bulawayo, Peter Chingoka was the son of Douglas Chingoka, a sub-inspector in the British South Africa Police (BSAP) His father’s status enabled him to be enrolled at multiracial private schools in Harare. He did his primary education at Hartmann House Boys’ School and later moved to St George’s College for his secondary education.
Chingoka played multiracial club cricket for Universals, but was not a major figure and chose to pursue cricket administration. He was appointed vice-president of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) in 1990 and took over as president following the resignation of David Ellman-Brown in 1992, shortly after Zimbabwe gained Test status. As ZCU president Chingoka became a full voting member of the executive board of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His influence extended beyond the borders of Zimbabwe, becoming a respected member of the International Cricket Council board while he also spearheaded the development of cricket throughout Africa through the Africa Cricket Association.
It was, however, not all rosy for Chingoka during his reign. In 2005 the Chevrons turned against him, accusing him of mismanagement. The situation further deteriorated with almost all the country’s cricket players going on strike demanding his exit. He eventually quit in July 2014 following a string of controversies regarding the board’s financial state and players’ salaries.
In 2007 he was banned from entry to the UK on the grounds of his links to the Mugabe regime, allegations he denied. Chingoka died on 22 August, 2019 aged 65. He was survived by wife Shirley, two children Farai and Dambudzo, and a grandchild.
In a statement following his death, ICC Chief executive, Manu Sawhney, said the global cricket family was mourning. He described the death of Chingoka as sad news for the cricket world.
“He was widely acknowledged as an important leader in cricket in Zimbabwe and was a respected member of the ICC Board.”
In January, 2020, Zimbabwe Cricket renamed the chairman’s enclosure at Harare Sports Club in honour of the late Peter Chingoka. Speaking at the function ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani hailed the late Chingoka for the “pivotal role he played in bringing full membership and Test status to Zimbabwe”.
“We stand here to remember a legend, a legend in administration, a legend in our country. We cherish the moments we have had with Peter and the part that he played in the history of cricket in Zimbabwe,” said Mukuhlani.
