Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union ( ZCSU) has responded to the technical changes that were recently made by the Zimbabwe Cricket board.
In a statement, the Union’s chairperson Vivian Banhire said they have received the changes with mixed feelings.
“Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union has received the changes effected by Zimbabwe Cricket with mixed feelings.
We do not oppose the sacking of Dave Watmore as the results were not pleasing, however, the timing of the change is wrong. Just 10 days before an International power house like India visits our shores is not the most ideal time to sake a coach,” reads the statement.
The supporters are also opposed to the sacking of Hamilton Masakadza as the National team captain as they feel he had not performed badly in the three games he led.
“We feel the sacking of Masakadza was not necessary as he had only captained the side in 3 T20s and has won 2. We believe he was supposed to have been given another chance,” reads the statement.
Masakadza led the team at the ICC T20 World Cup in India where he lost two games and lost one to Afghanistan.
His tenure had brought stability to the team as he seemed to have control of the dressing room and commanded respect from all the players.
Rumors that former national team coach and current under 19 coach Stephen Mangongo might be Whatmore’s replacement has also irked the supporters Union .
“We would want to categorically state that we believe Steve Mangongo is a very good developmental coach and must be always deployed in that field. We oppose the idea of bringing him back as National Team Coach” added the statement.
Mangongo who once coached the Chevrons did not impress during his with rumors of dressing room squabbles between him and senior players like Sean Williams.
His player management has made the supporters question his credibility to lead the team once again. Mangongo is well known for his unpredictable behavior and shouting obscenities towards players.
However the supporters feel the appointment of former batsman Tatenda Taibu as Convener of selectors can go a long way in bringing back the glory days to the Zimbabwe cricket fraternity.
“We always welcome the coming back of all those who have played for Zimbabwe. And the inclusion of Taibu to the technical setup is a welcome move.”
Taibu, who quit all forms of cricket in 2011 to concentrate on his pastoral services, made a sensational come back to the game early last month to play for a third tier team in England. He had been rumored to return as a player in the Chevrons team rather than in the technical setup.
Zimbabwe play former world champions and cricket power house India for the third time in four years.
The tour which starts on 11 May at Harare Sports Club, includes 3 One Day Internationals and the same number of Twenty 20 International matches at the same venue.
