He will be always my Captain: Zimbabwe Pays Tribute to Streak

In a tranquil open setting far from the bustling city, over 300 family members and friends congregated at Mystic Gardens in the Fourwinds suburb of Bulawayo to pay their final respects to the late cricket icon, Heath Streak. The gathering was adorned in vibrant shades of red or donned Zimbabwean-themed T-shirts, reflecting the profound sense of unity.
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa extended the honor of a state-assisted funeral to the beloved cricket icon. The legacy of the Streak family in Zimbabwean cricket is deeply cherished, with both father and son, Denis and Heath Streak, having made significant contributions. Denis Streak proudly represented Zimbabwe before the nation earned Test status, while his son, Heath, excelled across all formats of the game. In a memorable moment in 1995-96, the duo shared the field while playing for Matabeleland, and together, they steered their team to victory in the Lonrho Logan Cup against Mashonaland Country Districts.
In a twist of fate, Heath Streak denied the rumors of his death himself on 23rd August, and on 3rd Sep, he passed away at the age of 49 after a valiant battle with cancer at his family farm in Inyathi, Matabeleland North, had expressed his desire for cremation. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to cricket development, he was granted a State-assisted funeral.
The memorial service, held at Mystic Gardens in Bulawayo’s Fourwinds suburb, drew heartfelt tributes from former Zimbabwean cricketers. Christopher Mpofu Zimbabwean former international cricketer fondly remembered Streak “as my captain forever” and a source of unwavering encouragement, emphasizing his ability to speak the local language and connect with the players on a personal level, said with a teary eye after the memorial.
Among the attendees was Lee Ann Bernard, who donned a red T-shirt and carried the Zimbabwean flag as a tribute to Heath Streak. She reminisced about her days as a cricket enthusiast and Streak’s cheerleader, recalling a popular chant: “Hey Streak, my hair is in Streaks. Why don’t you show us all your Tricks… Go Streak!!!!” Bernard’s devotion to cricket since the age of 12 has culminated in her becoming a journalist.
Streak expressed his last wish for cremation, which means there won’t be a physical body or hearse involved; instead, it will be more of a commemorative service rather than a traditional funeral.