Taibu should know this fact as he was involved in two editions of the tournament, in 2000 and 2002. He was the player of the tournament in the latter edition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He went on to enjoy an impressive senior career, earning 150 ODI caps for Zimbabwe and becoming the youngest Test captain in history at the age of 20.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on his own U19 experience, Taibu said, \u201cAs soon as I got the call, my mind raced back to when I was U19 myself, and it feels nice to be a part of that again,\u201d said Taibu. \u201cBeing the player of the tournament will always stick in my mind for the rest of my life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been involved in two ICC U19 World Cups myself, in 2000 in Sri Lanka and in 2002 in New Zealand, where I was named Player of the Tournament,\u201d Taibu was quoted as saying by the ICC in a report on its website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also spoke on the pressure involved in representing one\u2019s country at such a young age while stressing the importance of enjoying the game itself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere is a bit of pressure, you are playing for your country, and you want to do well. Everyone will be trying to use this as a trampoline to jump into professional cricket. However, they must not forget to enjoy the game. You play well when you enjoy cricket. When you put yourself under pressure, it might go a bit south,\" said Taibu. \u201cIt\u2019s the memories that we remember. Yes, the numbers will always be there, but it is the memories that go a long way. When I look back at my U19 time, it is the memories and the people that I hold onto.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Taibu produced a set of standout performances in 2002, despite Zimbabwe failing to advance beyond the group stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 42-year-old made his first-class debut at 16 and senior international debut at 18, retired at 29, but remains actively involved in cricket as head coach of Papua New Guinea. Now based in the UK, he is particularly excited to return home for the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeing back home will feel good. I am looking forward to seeing how Zimbabwe cricket is doing and where it is from the grassroots all the way to the elite. I can\u2019t wait to watch all the players from the different countries playing in Zimbabwe and experiencing the lovely warmth of Africa,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also emphasised the crowds that could be expected at the tournament in his home nation. \u201cThere is no doubt that there are going to be large crowds, especially in Harare. Bulawayo doesn\u2019t have as big crowds, but sometimes they are actually the loudest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeing back home will feel good. I am looking forward to seeing how Zimbabwe cricket is doing and where it is from the grassroots all the way to the elite. I can\u2019t wait to watch all the players from the different countries playing in Zimbabwe and experiencing the lovely warmth of Africa,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Zimbabwe are placed in Group C alongside England, Pakistan, and Scotland. The tournament kicks off on January 15, with 41 matches to be played across 23 days.<\/p>\r\n\r\n