The Sunday Mail
THE domestic cricket season roars into life today with the four franchises battling it out in the Pro 50 Championship.
Last season’s double winners Manicaland Mountaineers are away to Matabeleland Tuskers at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, while Mashonaland Eagles host Mid West Rhinos at Old Hararians Sports Club.
The decision to disband Southern Rocks as a “cost cutting measure” comes into scrutiny this season.
Zimbabwe Cricket insists that the decision to disband the Masvingo-based franchise will not only cut costs but increase competition while critics point out that the development of the game will suffer as result of the controversial move.
However, with the World Cup around the corner, players will know that they have to up their game if they are to entertain any hopes of gatecrashing into the national team ahead of the world showcase to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand next February.
Mountaineers, who triumphed under the tutelage of Gary Brent last season, will be under the mentorship of former Rocks coach Sherperd Makunura, Douglas Hondo will be at Rhinos, Stanley Timoni takes charge of Eagles and Wayne James will be at Tuskers.
Player movements:
Eagles
Veteran all-rounders Trevor Garwe and Greg Lamb as well as bowler Tanyaradzwa Munyaradzi are with the Harare-based team.
Tuskers
Richmond Mutumbami, Luke Jongwe and Brian Vitori will be in the city of kings.
Rhinos
Gary Chirumuta, Remembrance Nyati, Karl Jarvis and Brad Wadlan will be with the Midlands side.
Mountaineers
Seamer Victor Nyauchi, Charles Kunje as well as brothers Roy and Innocent Kaia will be with the Mountain goats.
Quotes:
“We will do our strategies game by game but, I would love to see Eagles winning the Logan Cup and be in the final of the Pro 50 Championship.” — Stanley Timoni, Eagles.
“We have assembled a squad good enough to end the trophy drought; we had to start our preparations earlier than other teams.” — Adam Chifo, Rhinos.
“I would say we are a team that is rebuilding after losing some players in the season before…it’s every player or coach’s dream to win silverware but we are not under any illusion on how much dedication and hard work it is going to take.” — Wayne James, Tuskers.
“I am looking forward to the challenge, the players are not new to winning and I am positive we will defend our trophies. However, it is my wish too that we produce more players for the national team.” — Sheperd Makunura, Mountaineers.
