By Akeem Greene
At the age of 30, most cricketers would be hitting the peak of their careers, but for Guyanese all-rounder Steven Jacobs, it is a stage where he begins to plot a life after retirement.
Though filled with ambitions of playing at the highest level, the husband and father of two has opened a Jewellery and Pawn Shop with the aim of even reaching greater heights.
“I have been in the business for quite a while. I am still involved in cricket as long as the body is willing and able, but I think now is the time to make that other move. I am not playing right now, I am not part of the Regional 4-day team, I am not a contracted player. I have a lot of time on my hands, so it is the right time to make it official,” the off-spinner told News Room Sport on Monday at the entity’s 16 Pike Street, Kitty, location.
“Guyana has been good to me; without Guyana and the support I would not have been the Steven Jacobs of today, so by employing persons and investing in Guyana itself, it augers well for the future.”
Holding the country close to his heart is not the only admirable character of the cricketer, since the support from family has been the fuel for the engine room on the field.
“I am a person who spends a lot of time with my family and with that support anything is possible. Especially if you have a bad day and you go home, it brings a smile to your face and that is my happy spot. Even this business makes me happy and without them I don’t think this would be possible.”
Jacobs’ approach to his business will mirror characteristic of a typical Test innings, start small and build to something monumental.
“They say you need to creep before you walk. This is just a stepping stone for me; I have a lot of plans, a lot of ideas in my head in terms of stuff I want to achieve for the business. In launching this business, the support has been overwhelming, but I want to take it to another level.”
Haunts of Underachievement
Life may be beaming ‘gold’ for the entrepreneur, but cricket wise, it was a mixed bag of performances which meant he found himself on the unfavourable side of selectors.
After a First-Class debut in 2006, he has a top score of 75* across formats [four-day and 50-over]; that is 64 regional matches without a century for a batsman who offered so much potential as a youth.
“As you said I was touted as a next West Indian player and I have had a few opportunities, but as most cricketers would tell you, everyone has a story. I have had opportunities that I did not capitalise and I probably regret those.”
“It haunts me in my quiet times looking at the persons I have played with in the likes of Darren Bravo and even Virat Kohli I played a Youth World Cup with so it haunts but watching younger guys succeed brings some joy.”
Now, even out of this home territory’s plans, the lad from Malteenoes Sports Club is a tad disgruntled on how the curtains seems to be closing on senior national tenure.
“I was very disappointment when I was dropped from the Regional Super 50 team [January 2018]. I thought I would have been one of the most consistent bowlers for Guyana in terms of economy rate. I am always probably number one after every tournament playing for Guyana. The selectors chose a different path and what more can you do?” he questioned.
In the previous year he played eight matches, taking five wickets, but boasted the best economy rate in the squad of 3.41.
Playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs were rated as the biggest highlights, along with winning the Canada Global T20 with Vancouver Knights. However, he reiterated, time has not been called and he will keep wielding the willow once the body permits.
Being club captain and coach of the New Guyana School Cricket team, the former St. Joseph High Student has a word of advice for the booming young stars of Guyana’s cricket.
“Cricket is a sport with a lot of highs and lows. When you are making money, try and think of other stuff you can do apart from playing cricket. I am not saying take the focus off of cricket, but just think about stuff so to prepare yourself in the long run. Preparation is key and I want to say to the young cricketers do not get ahead of yourselves, stay humble and respect everyone.”
While cricket remains foremost, he is unsure his son Jordan would follow the same path: “He is young and will make his own choices but for me, education will always be the most important aspect for him.”
