Mangongo’s School of Hard knocks

VETERAN cricket coach Stephen Mangongo’s hard-nosed approach is once again dividing opinion.

Almost two years to the date since being relieved of his duties with the senior national team, and being assigned to the Under19 squad, questions are once again being raised about his coaching style.

The recent visit by reigning youth champions West Indies provided the perfect anecdote.

The Under 19’s put up completely contrasting performances in a series that they should have won but lost 1-2.

That the boys won and played like a different team during the ODI when Mangongo was absent sent the debate into overdrive.

Some commentators argued that with their gaffer away, the U19’s expressed themselves better and played with freedom. With Mangongo in the dressing room, every move seems mechanic.

“The team we saw when Steve was away is different from the team we saw when the coach was around so it’s not really farfetched to suggest that maybe the youngsters are curtailed by the coach’s approach,” said one analyst who requested anonymity.

The criticism has reached Mangongo’s ears but the 48-yearold is in no mood to make apologies.

“I am very much aware of my reputation, and believe it to be a very fair and accurate assessment,” he said.

“Yes I am very strict and yes I am a no-nonsense coach but more importantly I am what I am because I believe that in hard work there are no friendships.

“Hard work is not fun. I have always told my players that for them to achieve their goals in life; they have to work like slaves first before they can live like kings.”

Mangongo - who is credited with discovering and nurturing players like Tatenda Taibu, Prosper Utseya and Hamilton Masakadza - insists he knows how to handle youngsters.

“Tatenda Taibu and Hamilton Masakadza are two of the biggest names in the game today, with one arguably one of the best wicketkeepers this country has ever produced behind maybe only Andy Flower and Dave Houghton.

“The other, Hamilton, has been making history from the very first day he walked onto the pitch,” he said.

The outspoken gaffer hit back at those using the West Indies series to question his suitability as a juniors’ coach.

“Selective and poor memory is for fools,” thundered Mangongo. “People seem to forget we whitewashed Namibia when I was there, won all games at the Under-17 week when I was there.

“Obviously people who know nothing about sport dream that games are won on the day. I am sorry to say but games are won on preparations, and this hogwash thinking is that of those with selective and poor memory.”

Mangongo believes history will judge him, and the effectiveness of his coaching style, solely based on results.

“May it be remembered that when I took up the Under-19s, they were ranked second from bottom at the International Youth Cricket Under19 Tournament (15 out of 16).

“The team rose five rungs up within the first four months, and this year we beat Namibia - ranked seventh - home and away.

“Mostly recently, we pushed the reigning Under-19 world champions, West Indies, to the limit.

We lost that series 2-1 but played good competitive cricket.”