IS MANGONGO RETURNING TO THE CHEVRONS?
STEVE MANGONGO has emerged as a surprise inclusion among possible candidates for an interim role to guide the team as it embarks on a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka next month.
This follows the expected resignation of Dave Houghton, with immediate effect, following a series of disasters against minnows in qualifiers for the 50-over and T20I World Cups this year.
There had been speculation over Houghton’s future after the team suffered humiliating losses against Namibia and Uganda at the T20I qualifiers.
No action was taken with focus on the Ireland tour at home, a series the Chevrons were expected to redeem themselves.
However, the point of no return came as the Chevrons lost both the ODI and T20I series at Harare Sports Club.
It was the first time that Ireland had achieved series wins against an ICC full member.
Mangongo, who is an ICC Qualified International Level 3 coach, has been in the wilderness after being fired as Chevrons coach in December 2014, after just six months in the job.
His dismissal came just eight weeks before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in early 2015.
Mangongo replaced Andy Waller in July 2014 and, while he led his country to a famous one-day international win over Australia in August, that was the only time they tasted victory under him.
A 5-0 ODI series whitewash against Bangladesh, coupled with a 3-0 Test beating, proved to be the final straw.
Although he hanged around ZC’s lesser structures, he seemed to have completely fallen out of favour with the ZC board two years ago when he seemingly joined hands with those seeking to remove Tavengwa Mukuhlani’s board over alleged abuse of office and mismanagement.
This led to Zimbabwe’s international ban, which was later lifted after the SRC reversed the decision to kick out the ZC board.
In a statement yesterday, the Zimbabwe Cricket board will now decide on a new role for Houghton.
“The Zimbabwe Cricket Board has accepted
Dave Houghton’s resignation from his position as Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team with immediate effect.
“He will, however, remain with ZC as the Board looks to re-assign him to a new role within the organisation.”
Houghton said he had “lost the changeroom” after 18 months in charge and felt that a “new voice” was needed to take the team forward.