Who Is Henry Olonga? Age, Biography and Wiki
Henry Olonga was born on July 3, 1976, making him 48 years old in 2025. Highly celebrated for his fast bowling skills, he gained fame as one of Zimbabwe's top cricketers during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Following his illustrious cricket career, Olonga has ventured into music and entrepreneurship, showcasing his multifaceted talents. Olonga's life story embodies resilience, given his outspoken stance on political issues affecting Zimbabwe, ultimately leading to his self-imposed exile.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1976 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Zambia |
Popularity
Henry Olonga's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Henry Olonga stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs around 175 lbs (79 kg). As an athlete, maintaining peak physical condition is crucial, and Olonga has always taken great care to ensure he keeps fit. His athletic build complements his fast bowler profile, making him a formidable presence on the field.
A right arm fast bowler, Olonga was also the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe and the third Zambian-born Test cricketer after Phil Edmonds and Neal Radford of England.
Zimbabwe beat Pakistan by an innings and 64 runs, the team's first ever Test victory, mainly due to a double century from Grant Flower, as well as centuries from Andy Flower and Guy Whittall. Olonga took the wicket of Saeed Anwar in his first over, but he was no-balled once for throwing.
With help from Dennis Lillee, he rebuilt his action at the MRF Pace Foundation before returning to international cricket. He was overlooked from Zimbabwe squad for the 1998 Commonwealth Games in September 1998. Thereafter, he began training harder with fellow seamer Heath Streak and got into the national team after remodelling his bowling action.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Henry Olonga keeps his personal life relatively private, particularly regarding his romantic relationships. He is often seen focusing on his career and philanthropic endeavors. There has been speculation about his dating life, but no confirmed information has been made public regarding a girlfriend, boyfriend, or any past relationships. Throughout the years, Olonga has shown deep family values, but details about his family life remain mostly under wraps.
His father John Olonga was a Kenyan surgeon and his mother was Zimbabwean. He has two sisters and two brothers as well as ten half-brothers and sisters from his father's first marriage.
Olonga, in his autobiography, reveled how his parents had to be separated temporarily when he was just four years old when his mother learned that her husband had hidden his first marriage from her. One of his brothers, Victor Olonga, played professional rugby and became captain of the Zimbabwe national team.
His uncle is the former Kenyan minister Francis Masakhalia.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Henry Olonga's estimated net worth is around $5 million. His income derives from various sources, including his time as a professional cricketer, endorsements, and his current ventures in music and business. Olonga has also engaged in public speaking and educational projects, further contributing to his impressive financial portfolio.
Career, Business and Investments
Olonga's cricket career, which spanned from 1995 to 2003, laid a strong foundation for his post-sport endeavors. Following his retirement from cricket, he transitioned into music, releasing several singles and working as a vocalist. His unique background has allowed him to bring attention to important social issues, often utilizing his platform to advocate for change. In addition to music, he has invested in various entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on sustainable business practices that benefit the community.
He was considered one of the fastest bowlers in international cricket, but also one of the more inaccurate, bowling many wides and no-balls.
His international career came to an end in 2003 after Olonga and teammate Andy Flower wore black armbands during an international cricket match in the 2003 Cricket World Cup to "mourn the death of democracy" in Zimbabwe. Death threats forced him to live in exile in England.
Olonga announced his retirement from international cricket after Zimbabwe's final game in the 2003 World Cup at the age of 26 when he was in the prime years of his career. Olonga and Flower were given honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) later in 2003.
He and Flower were also honoured by the Cricket Writers' Club conferring on them the Peter Smith Memorial Award given annually to acknowledge outstanding contributions to cricket.
Social Network
Henry Olonga is active on social media, leveraging platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to connect with his fans and share updates about his life and career. His social presence allows him to inspire many through motivational posts and insights into his journey—both on and off the cricket field. With a growing following, Olonga continues to maintain a strong connection with fans interested in his story and achievements.
Education
Henry Olonga attended St. George's College in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he first excelled in cricket. Following his initial success in the sport, he pursued further education at the University of Cape Town, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. This educational background not only provided him with invaluable knowledge but also helped him in his entrepreneurial pursuits after his cricketing career.
Henry Khaaba Olonga (born 3 July 1976) is a Zimbabwean former cricketer who played Test and One Day International cricket for Zimbabwe. In domestic first-class cricket in Zimbabwe, Olonga played for Matabeleland, Mashonaland and Manicaland.
When he made his Test debut in January 1995, he was the first black cricketer and the youngest person to play for Zimbabwe. He was a regular member of the Zimbabwe team from 1996 to 2003, playing in the World Cup in 1996, 1999 and 2003.
During his playing days, he formed a rivalry against former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar whenever Zimbabwe and India played against each other in international cricket.
