This Week in Zimbabwe (#10)

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on June 05, 2009

This is edition number 10 of the weekly series "This Week in Zimbabwe".

Franchise CEO's officially announced

As revealed by www.brmtaylor.com last week, Hugo Ribatika, Givemore Makoni, Kenyon Ziehl and Stanley Staddon have been officially appointed CEO's of the Mashonaland, Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland provinces respectively. TV personality Tich Mataz was thought to be the frontrunner for the Manicaland franchise, but the position has yet to be filled.

Due to the appointments of Ziehl and Makoni to the franchises, they have relinquished their roles in the national team (convenor of selectors and team manager respectively). Jackie du Preez - the only member of the current selection panel to have played Test cricket - will become the new convenor of selectors. Other members of the selection panel will come from the franchises.

Heath Streak to become Matabeleland coach

Heath Streak recently was released from his contract with the Indian Cricket League. The move will allow him to play a greater role in official cricket. While it is doubtful that he will ever actually play for Zimbabwe again, his future as a coach looks likely. It is believed that he is interested in working with the under 19 squad, and that he will become the coach of the new Matabeleland Warriors outfit.

At 35 years of age, it seems a possibility that he could still play cricket at domestic level if he wished. Currently as things stand, Matabeleland will go into the next domestic season as a strong team both on and off the field. Stanley Staddon is the current Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association chairman, so his appointment as Matabeleland CEO ensures stability at board level. Coming off a Twenty20 tournament win which saw their best players hit form, they have also become formidable on the field with their players demonstrating a hunger for success.

Abid Hamid memorial Twenty20 tournament this weekend

Four teams - Royal, Uprising, Old Hararians and Takashinga - will be taking part in the T20 tournament to be held in Abid Hamid's honour.

It is expected that several high profile players will take part, as players from outside the 4 clubs are eligible for selection.

More information can be found at Exclusive: Abid Hamid memorial Twenty20 tournament to be held