Taibu Will Be Missed - Flower

ZIMBABWE senior cricket team batting coach Grant Flower has paid glowing tribute to former national side wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu describing him as "a true gentleman" whose influential role in the domestic game will be missed.

Taibu made a shock announcement in April that he was quitting the game to pursue a religious career in Christian Ministry.

His decision to leave the national game remains one of the lowest points for Zimbabwe in 2012 as he left at a time when both the national team and the domestic franchise cricket thought they would reap the benefits of his 11 years international experience.

Yesterday national team bating coach Grant Flower, who also played alongside Taibu for Zimbabwe added his voice on the diminutive wicketkeeper's decision to quit the game.

In interview aired on Star FM, Flower who is also the coach of franchise outfit Midwest Rhinos said it was unfortunate that Taibu had decided to leave the game when it needed his experience but reckoned that the enigmatic former batsmen would not change his heart and bounce back to the game.

At 29 Taibu was at the ripe age to play another leading role in Zimbabwe's bid to revive their Test cricket.

Taibu was also the first black captain of the national team and Flower said he was hopeful that many young cricketers would continue to derive inspiration from the former skipper's exploits.

"He is a great guy, a really good cricketer, he is a role model. He's always been a perfect gentleman and obviously he's played some really good cricket for Zimbabwe suits a pity he is not gonna be around anymore.

"He's made his choices, he has reasons and we are not going to hold him back," Flower said.

Flower however, said Taibu would leave a trail of fond memories for those who worked with him or saw him play.

"I think people will just remember him as a gentleman, very good cricketer and a very good batter and a very tidy keeper with abundance of energy.

He's hardly ever been dropped, he has always been in the make up, an inspiring cricketer, hopefully people will follow his footsteps," Flower said.