Heroes’ welcome for Chevrons
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has said the Chevrons were excellent ambassadors for the country following their success in the tour of Sri Lanka where records were shattered.
Mukuhlani revealed how he was bowled out by the Chevrons’ heroics following the team’s first One Day International series win over Sri Lanka and the spirited fight in the one-off Test.
A carnival atmosphere filled Harare International Airport as people from different walks of life came to welcome the victorious team from their tour of Asia.
Zimbabwe edged Sri Lanka 3-2 in the ODI series which was decorated by the record chase of over 300 runs on Sri Lankan soil. “You went to Sri Lanka with the odds staked against you, but you competed extraordinarily and in doing so you proved that Zimbabwe deserved to be among the cricket’s elite.
‘’The entire nation watched with delight as you became the first team to successfully a score of 300-plus on Sri Lankan soil.
“We watched with immense pride as you recorded Zimbabwe’s first ODI series over Sri Lanka. You were on the cusp of winning the one-off Test too and I believe victory was only prevented by sheer bad luck. “We are proud of you and you can hold your heads high having worn the Zimbabwe colours with pride and respect. Once again congratulations.
“We have put in place a plan to give each member of the squad a token of appreciation. You can rest assured that we will provide you every support as you seek further success for our nation,” said Mukuhlani.
The ZC chairman also believes the performances would spur the nation going forward especially the Zimbabwe women’s team and the Under-19 who are set to play at the ICC Under-19 World Cup next year.
“Today we are celebrating the hard work that you have put in. But it’s a journey, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. We are still way ahead of where we want to get to. “In my view this is a precursor of celebrating the Under-19 World Cup when they come from New Zealand. I am delighted we are joined by the women’s team and the Under-19s.
“A good example has been shown by the senior men’s team that when you do well the world and your country is proud of you. Thank you the Chevrons. Thank you for representing our country so well and being excellent ambassadors and role models,” said Mukuhlani.
Scores of people who included family members, friends, supporters and officials gathered at the airport to receive the Chevrons from their tour of duty.
There were also drums and traditional dancers to add to the electric atmosphere.
Chevrons coach Heath Streak was at a loss of words after seeing such a big crowd for the first time in his cricket career coming to welcome the national team from a tour of duty after
“To be honest we were quite overwhelmed by the number of people that we saw. It makes it really special to be a Zimbabwean to walk through and to see so many ready to support us. It’s a special moment, it’s something that we will probably all cherish for the rest of our lives,” said Streak.
The Chevrons coach added that the performances in Sri Lanka should earn the country respect among the Test playing nations.
Streak gave credit to all his players for their hard work with special mention going to Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza and skipper Graeme Cremer.
“I think one of the crucial things of a tour like this is that it’s going to earn us the respect of other cricket playing nations, that they will be happy to play us.
“It’s something that we can build on. I know the amount of cricket that we have got is going to escalate going into 2018 onwards. It’s something that we can build on. I think we have already got commitments from Netherlands to come and play some friendlies against our A team.
“We do have some domestic cricket on our calendar and I know the MD is working hard behind the scenes to try and arrange other countries to come and play us in the short term.
“Hopefully those gaps will be filled and we can continue with the momentum. But for now I think the guys deserve a well laid back couple of weeks with their friends and families to refresh and get ready for the new season,” said Streak.