New Mountaineers’ boss revels in Chevrons triumph
ZIMBABWE’S historic triumph against Bangladesh has charmed the hearts and minds of many including the new Mountaineers general manager Wonder Chisango who credited the team for hard work and dedication.
Chisango was appointed the Mountaineers general manager following the ongoing restructuring within the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).
“The Chevrons win is actually a positive development for us as Mountaineers since we had some of our players in the starting line up. I think they made the whole nation proud by winning that test match away from home after 17 years. This is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated by every progressive Zimbabwean. We sincerely hope that they will be able to build from that and get more accolades in the future,” he said.
Zimbabwe thumped Bangladesh by 151 runs in the north-eastern city of Sylhet on Tuesday to claim their first away Test win in 17 years.
Debutant spinner Brendon Mavuta claimed 4-21 while Sikandar Raza grabbed 3-41 as the visitors bowled out Bangladesh for 169 in the second innings on the fourth day. As the Chevrons were shining overseas, back home ZC was also reverting to the old franchise system with Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces making up the new look Mountaineers outfit.
Harare Metropolitan and Mashonaland Central will form the Eagles franchise. Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces have been combined to make up the Tuskers franchise.
Midlands and Mashonaland West have been reunited under the Rhinos banner. The 30-year-old Chisango started work on November 1 ahead of the domestic league slated for December 1.
Chisango is a highly qualified and experienced coach, who has worked with Watershed School for a decade.
He also coached Peterhouse. He has produced players like the former Raising Stars star William Mashinge and Chevrons player Tarisai Musakanda.
In 2016 he was the Zim Under-16 assistant coach and team manager.
Before venturing into coaching, Chisango played for Manicaland U-19 and Easterns Cricket Team.
He said he was willing to work towards the development of the game in the province.
“I am willing to work for the development of the game in the three provinces. ZC will give us a grant but it is our duty to work very hard to source funds for the franchise. Now that we are combined with Mashonaland East and Masvingo, we have to work hard to establish grassroots clubs,” he said.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s 2018-19 premier domestic cricket season is set to start on December 1, involving the four franchises, Mountaineers, Eagles, Rhinos and Tuskers.
Rising Stars, which was part of the league last season will not participate in the first class cricket competition.
The academy’s players will be absorbed by the four franchises.
The Pro50 Championship will get the season underway on December 1 with Eagles hosting Tuskers at Harare Sports Club, while Rhinos will be at home to Mountaineers at Kwekwe Sports Club.
Two days later, the Logan Cup, will begin with the same teams facing each other at the same venues.
After two rounds of both competitions, the franchises will go for the Christmas break and return to action on January 12.