The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
LEGENDARY former Chevrons captain, Dave Houghton, is set to revive his on-and-off romance with the domestic game after he was appointed to the newly created post of coaching manager by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Wednesday.
Houghton is Zimbabwe’s first Test cricket captain.
Before his appointment as coaching manager, the 64-year old former batsman, was head coach of Derbyshire County in England from 2018.
Houghton previously served as player-coach for the national team in the later 90s, before he was appointed coaching director for the national team in 2009.
ZC managing director Givemore Makoni believes the appointment of Houghton, who has made a name for himself both as player and coach, will add value to the national team.
“We can count ourselves fortunate to have a legend of the game such as Dave joining us in a capacity that will add greater value to our coaching set-up and the game itself.
“He has a wealth of knowledge and skill in both coaching and administration, and his passion, determination and hard work ethic will massively boost our efforts as we aim to continue improving and gaining success on the field of play,” said Makoni.
As the ZC coaching manager, Houghton has been tasked to oversee the development and implementation of coaching programmes across all formats and levels as well as design, and run special cricket camps, with the ultimate aim of helping coaches to get the best out of players.
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Houghton will also take charge as head coach at first-class provincial side Mountaineers for the 2021/22 domestic season.
The Chevrons legend also counts Tuskers and Southern Rocks at local level, as well as Radlett Cricket Club and Derbyshire County Cricket Club in England, among the sides he has coached during his lengthy spell in the game.
He has also served as the batting coach at Somerset County Cricket Club and Middlesex County Cricket Club.
As a player, Houghton announced his arrival on the international stage with 121 runs in Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test, against India in Harare in 1992/93.
Houghton went on to hit 266 – Zimbabwe’s highest Test score to date – against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo in 1994/95.
His most memorable one-day international innings came against New Zealand at the 1987 World Cup, when he scored 142 runs off 137 deliveries, which included 13 fours and six sixes.
