http://www.manicapost.com/index.php?opt ... s-pzNJFuXM


DESPITE the challenges bedevilling the game of cricket in Zimbabwe, national team assistant coach Steve Mangongo believes that better days lie ahead. However, the Mashonaland Eagles mentor was quick to reckon the need for the game’s mother body, Zimbabwe Cricket, to resolve the crisis with speed.

“Cricket is a big industry in Zimbabwe and cannot crumble just like that. I am confident that a lasting solution will soon be found and things come back to normal. If you look at the situation on the ground we have franchise cricket matches that have to start by January 18 and we also have T20 World Cup matches that are around the corner.

“Yes, we have been facing challenges and I am of the opinion that ZC needs to act swiftly in their negotiations and move with speed so that we will not worsen the situation. The painful thing is that we have talented world class players that are reaching their peak who need to be given a chance to shine for the nation,” said the veteran mentor in a telephone interview from Harare on Wednesday.

ZC plunged into crisis after failing to pay players’ salaries resulting in humiliating industrial action as players refused to take to the field in some franchise matches that were supposed to be played just before the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Pro50 one- and four-day Logan Cup match pitting Mountaineers against Mashonaland Eagles failed to take off at Mutare Sports Club as players from both sides chose to down tools in protest of outstanding allowances by ZC. In fact, the Pro50 Championship match between the same teams was awarded to Mash Eagles after the home side failed to pitch up at the same venue as a way of registering their disgruntlement.

However, players from both franchises agreed not to fulfil the fixture. The other match pitting Southern Rocks against Mid West Rhinos in Kwekwe was also cancelled without a ball bowled as local cricketers continued with the boycott.

Interestingly, ZC has since announced a 30-man squad which will begin preparing for the fifth edition of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Bangladesh from March 16 to April 6.