The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Rocks’ first win on their return to domestic cricket after a six-year hiatus was as emotional as their first training session since bouncing back to First Class Cricket .
The franchise was disbanded in 2014 as part of costing-cutting measures by Zimbabwe Cricket in line with recommendations by the International Cricket Council. But early this year, Southern Rocks made their return.
And for Southern Rocks coach Shepherd Makunura and players who were part of the franchise before disbandment, their first training to mark the return was an emotional experience.
“We have a few guys who have made a comeback to the Rocks and it was like a big family reunion at our first practice session. The players are Sikandar Raza, Roy Kaia, Innocent Kaia, Tendai Chisoro, and Richmond Mutumbami.
“It was a great feeling and a bit emotional for the guys to be meeting again at Rocks after such a long time,” said Makunura.
With their previous dance in domestic cricket having been characterised by defeats, earning themselves the whipping boys of domestic cricket tag, Southern Rocks bounced back in style.
They cruised to a 10-wicket win against Tuskers in their first match in First Class Cricket in six years.
“Previously, before the disbandment of the Rocks, we were basically the whipping boys and we lost more often than we won, and it was good to get that victory.”
For Makunura and his men, the win against Tuskers was not just a win, but a statement of what lies ahead.
“It was good getting a good victory against Tuskers on our first game back in First Class Cricket.
“I think the guys understood the importance of that first game and we are keen on making a statement that we are not there just to make up numbers, but that we would be seriously competing for domestic honours,” he said.
Having won the Logan Cup on three occasions in between the years his Southern Rocks was on hiatus, Makunura has set his sights on landing his fourth title as a coach and a first for a team he calls his home.
He plans on producing national team players as well.
“I think a coach’s success, whether we like it or not, is measured by the trophies one wins, so that would be my target at Rocks — to win more trophies and produce players for the national team,” said Makunura.
And he is confident that his trusted lieutenants with whom he returned to Southern Rocks, will also help him conquer in the Logan Cup.
Makunura has lured some of the players he worked with at Mountaineers when he won three consecutive Logan Cup trophies.
“It is good to have such seasoned players like Raza, Mutumbami, Chisoro, and the Kaia brothers back at Rocks.
“I have worked with them before, so there is mutual respect and understanding between us and they know what is expected of them and they also bring with them a wealth of experience in the domestic game. A few of the players that have joined the Rocks were with me at Mountaineers where we won three Logan Cups in a row, so these are guys that are used to winning,” he said.
“And we have players on the verge of a national team call-up and are hungry to achieve more and get a national team call-up. And these are Richmond Mutumbami, Roy Kaia, Innocent Kaia, William Mashinge, (and) Tafadzwa Tsiga.”
