Zim’s cricket union not honest – Ntini

MAKHAYA Ntini has accused Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) of dishonesty over the end of his tenure as the national team’s bowling coach.

ZC said on Sunday, “with regret”, that Ntini had tendered his resignation, with immediate effect.

But‚ in an interview‚ the former test fast bowler claimed he had been worked out of his job by an unnamed coward, who complained about his performance to ZC managing director Faisal Hasnain.

The board sent Ntini on his way with a glowing reference: “Since his appointment in February 2016‚ Makhaya has brought a wealth of experience and practical knowledge to ZC‚ and ZC and its players and coaching staff were fortunate to have had an opportunity to work closely with him‚ and to learn from his years of playing for South Africa at the highest level.

“Charismatic‚ ever-helpful‚ hard-working and always full of energy‚ Makhaya’s experience and immense knowledge of the game have helped to bolster the ZC national team into a competitive outfit that went on to record Zimbabwe’s first ever away One Day International series win over Sri Lanka in 2017.

“And while reluctantly accepting his resignation‚ ZC fully appreciates and respects the reasons behind Makhaya’s decision‚ and wishes him all the best.”

Ntini did not return the compliments in his interview‚ which was conducted by telephone from his home in East London on Sunday.

“It is a shame and I am sorry to say it‚ but I think [ZC] needs to be very honest to reporters‚” Ntini said.

“The honest truth is that I did not resign. I received a text message from the MD‚ saying that he would like to talk to me.

“He didn’t call me. I reminded him on Saturday that I am still waiting for a call – and then he called me.

“He reminded me of a chat about four months ago, regarding some of the players’ unhappiness.

“Some players and staff members went to see him and said they were not happy with the job I’m doing and that the job I was given was not meant for me.”

Ntini said he had confronted the Zimbabwean players after his conversation with Hasnain.

None of them owned up‚ he said – and that is clearly sticking in his craw.

“Whoever has gone to the MD is a coward‚” Ntini said. “He is not man enough to stand up for himself and say‚ ‘I need to talk to you’.”

Ntini saw a plot behind his departure‚ and considered Hasnain a mere cog in its machinations.

“[Hasnain] is not the one making the decision‚” he said. “Someone is telling him [what to do],” he said.

“I asked him‚ ‘Please be honest and tell me who is this person that is saying things about me’. “He said‚ ‘I can’t mention names’.” Ntini has a reputation as an uncompromising coach who pushes players to their mental and physical limits.

ZC were sent the transcript of Ntini’s interview and asked for comment.

A ZC spokesman said: “We have read the transcript and we have no comment.”