By Trevor Makonyonga
Zimbabwe International wicket keeper, Richmond Mutumbami, has hailed insults at Adam Theofilatos over Innocent Kaia’s call up to the national team.
The unfortunate incident started when Theofilatos asked the reason why Kaia was included in the squad in Scotland.
Theofilatos wrote, “$100 to whoever can give me a good and valid reason why Innocent Kaia made his T20 debut for Zimbabwe yesterday. Go!”
This triggered Mutumbami to throw insults at the journalist.
Mutumbami said, “It’s a pity all you ask why he has made his debut, sad you don’t know how well he has been doing over the past 2 years. It easy for u to say sh** and never notice what a black guy does. Is it a racial thing? If u can’t appreciate someone’s effort, then better f***ing shut up!”
Theofilatos was not amused by Mutumbami’s comment on race and addressed him immediately.
“Unfortunately, the race card has been played on me by a Zim international for questioning why someone was picked for the T20 squad. To those who have followed me for years, I hope that racism is not something you’ve ever seen in my tweets.”
Another international cricketer, Chamu Chibhabha also weighed in on Theofilatos’ tweet and seemed to insinuate that the journalist shouldn’t have questioned Kaia’s inclusion.
Chibhabha said, “$100 he can’t do no worse than Bitcoins! Leave the kid alone SMH.”
The most sensible contribution from cricketers came from Tinashe Chimbambo who explained the inclusion.
Chimbambo said, “Okay, Inno was in brilliant form in the domestic first-class season. He was supposed to be part of the bubble squad before he left for UK in April. In addition, he has a valid UK Tier 5 visa and that’s probably why he was able to travel to Scotland and play.”
Most people who commented on Adam Theofilatos post seemed to suggest that Kaia got a call up because of him being bred at Takashinga.
Regardless of the depth of the issue, what Mutumbami said is very unfortunate.
