Brendan Taylor axed from Zimbabwe squad

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on August 24, 2008

Zimbabwe Cricket have announced their contracted players, 44 in total, for the 2008-09 season, with Brendan Taylor the only absense. Despite regular run-ins with authority, Brendan Taylor was one of the few players who, for all intents and purposes, did stand by the board through the troubled times, particularly between 2003 and 2005.

It appears ZC have hardened their stance for players not toeing the party line, with Trevor Mutangadura, the general manager for cricket affairs, telling the Zimbabwe Standard that because "Taylor left for England without signing a contract with ZC, that is why he is not in the squad for the 2008/9 season."

Elton Chigumbura, who left for England at the same time as Taylor, was awarded a new contract. All contracts are for 2 years.

Prosper Utseya retained the captaincy, while all regular national team players - besides Taylor - have had their contracts renewed.

Most of the squad is made up of promising youngsters who performed well in the Logan Cup, including Alois Tichana, Forster Mutizwa and Cephus Zhuwawo. Some shock selections include Alester Maregwede, who has been missing in action for nearly a year, and Tinashe Hove, who left Bulawayo for greener pastures earlier this year.

The most surprising omissions were Shingirai Masakadza, the in form bowler of the domestic league, and Bradley Staddon, who was Westerns best player.

With the retirement of Gary Brent and the axing of Brendan Taylor, there are two huge holes to fill in the first eleven.

New team coach Walter Chawaguta has indicated that he would like former pace bowler Douglas Hondo to be one of his assistant coaches.

Contracted players for 2008-09:

Prosper Utseya (captain), Tatenda Taibu, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusimusi Sibanda, Tawanda Mupariwa, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Keith Dabengwa, Raymond Price, Christopher Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Edward Rainsford, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Timycen Maruma, Graeme Cremer, Taurai Muzarabani, Johnson Marumisa, Regis Chakabva, Friday Kasteni, Blessing Mahwire, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Alester Maregwede, Eric Chauluka, Trevor Garwe, Admire Manyumwa, Steady Musoso, Alois Tichana, Patient Charumbira, Prosper Tsvanhu, Silent Mujaji, Philimoen Kadzitye, Samuel Mwakayeni, Forster Mutizwa, Mbekezili Mabuza, Bonaparte Mujuru, Michael Chinouya, Bothwell Chapungu, Tinashe Hove, Tendai Chisoro, Remembrance Nyathi, Stephen Nyamuzinga, Cephus Zhuwawo, Bernard Mlambo.

First eleven (likely):

Hamilton Masakadza, Tatenda Taibu, Vusi Sibanda, Sean Williams, Chamu Chibhabha, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya (captain), Raymond Price, Tawanda Mupariwa, Christopher Mpofu.