The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
STEVE MANGONGO is “flattered” by reports that he is set to bounce back as the Chevrons head coach but insists he is content with honing young talents. Following Zimbabwe’s atrocious display in their 0-3 whitewash at the hands of an inexperienced Indian side in a One Day International series, there have been calls for the immediate appointment of a head coach for the men’s national cricket side. And Mangongo’s name has been thrown around.
However, the Under-19 gaffer insists the Chevrons job does not appeal to him at the moment. “No, not at all I have a very big task with the Under-17s and Under-19s and I would not want to leave the job unfinished,” he said. “There are no shortcuts; we can’t run to the top without a strong foundation. I would rather put all effort in making sure we produce quality players in numbers to feed into the national team. So my plate is full, but however I am flattered and humbled to hear such news,” said Mangongo.
The former Chevrons gaffer is worried by Zimbabwe’s consistency and reckons it’s time some senior players called it a day. “Like any other sport-loving Zimbabwean, I am hurt and frustrated by the losses and recklessness of our batsmen. Like the Castle Corner supporters and all loyal Zimbabweans, I am starting to question the commitment of some of these guys.
“Some have played for a decade, that’s a long time and if you are in your 30s and not performing then your career is in its twilight that is the truth of the matter. It’s time for new blood,” he said.
Mangongo was sacked as Chevrons coach five months into the job with his major highlight being the three-wicket victory over Australia in August 2014 at Harare Sports Club.
South Africans Makhaya Ntini and Lance Klusener are currently in charge of the national team as interim head coach and batting coach respectively.
