By OnSport Reporter
Back in 2013, Loreen Tshuma was just a student at Emakhandeni Secondary School, never imagining that a decade later she’d be raising her bat at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, USA, celebrating a historic century for the Zimbabwe Senior Women’s Cricket Team.
At one point, injury nearly ended her cricketing dreams.
Loreen first began struggling with a shoulder injury in 2017, which gradually worsened.
By 2018, she was forced to step away from the sport altogether, putting her cricket ambitions and dreams on hold.
She returned in September 2021, but only as a bowler, believing her days as a batter were behind her due to the physical limitations caused by the persistent injury.
Yet, her resilience, faith, and determination kept her going.
“My biggest setback was the injury,” Tshuma reflected.
Good “I went out of the game for many years. I came back as a bowler because of that, but I’ve always been a batter. I was then booked for shoulder surgery, and I’m grateful to the Almighty that I managed to bounce back. Getting the opportunity to return as a batter gave me the confidence to express myself.”
Tshuma was booked for surgery on 20 September 2024, but something changed: her faith carried her through.
“That’s when I was prayed for and got restored,” she said.
“I would like to thank God first of all. Prayer has really seen me through. My pastors prayed for me, and things started opening up.”
She specifically credits Apostle MOG Admire Michael, her spiritual leader, for standing with her in prayer during her most difficult moments. Tshuma says this divine intervention gave her the breakthrough she had been waiting for—both mentally and physically.
And what a comeback it has been.
In the recent bilateral series against the United States, played in May 2025, Tshuma stunned many by becoming the highest run-scorer across both formats.
She amassed 88 runs in the T20Is and a record-breaking 137 in the ODIs. Her century powered Zimbabwe to a commanding 128-run victory, helping the Lady Chevrons win the T20I series 2–1 and draw the ODI series 1–1.
Now 28, the modest Tshuma returned to Bulawayo alongside her five fellow USA-tour teammates and appeared calm and focused despite the fanfare.
“I am so proud to have achieved that milestone. It really means a lot, particularly when I think about what lies ahead. It makes me eager to continue working hard on my game.”
Tshuma, who did her primary education in Chibuwe, Chipinge, and completed her secondary education in Emakhandeni, just steps from the local cricket facility, is deeply rooted in both her community and her faith.
“I’ve been in the game for quite a while, but things only started to shape up recently. It’s all about hard work, practice, and understanding my game. That’s what has worked for me.”
She added:
“This is just the beginning. I can offer more with the bat and with the ball. My bowling is also handy because I’m an all-rounder, and I want to help my team as much as I can. If we continue nurturing the relationship I have with my teammates, we’ll achieve even bigger things.”
Tshuma was part of Zimbabwe’s 15-member High Performance Centre (HPC) squad, which recently competed in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda. The squad, under the guidance of Coach Steven Mangongo, was being groomed for the ICC Women’s Championship and future international campaigns.
She made her mark in Rwanda, guiding Zimbabwe to a dominant nine-wicket win over Sierra Leone, scoring an unbeaten 59 as they chased down a 108-run target as they qualified for the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, the HPC lost the tournament final to Tanzania by 32 runs on Saturday to finish as runners-up for the second time in a row.
Coach Mangongo was full of praise for Tshuma’s transformation and recent contributions.
“She’s been in the system for some time, and we’ve always known she had potential. Scoring a century in the US shows she’s matured and is now ready for the big stage. Her dedication and commitment to the game are exceptional. She is one person who really works hard on the nets,” said the ZC HPC Manager.
Tshuma, who represents Matabeleland Tuskers domestically, hopes her journey will inspire more girls to pursue cricket.
“We all go to school and can succeed academically, but you can also try out cricket—or sport in general. You can earn a living through it. My message to girls is this: don’t shun cricket thinking it’s a men’s game or too complicated. Give it a try. You never know where it might take you.”
