‘Academy idea a brilliant move’

Brandon Moyo

Sports Reporter

STAKEHOLDERS believe the newly formed Tuskers Academy is a step in the right direction towards nurturing promising cricket players from around Bulawayo. 

Formed by the Metropolitan Cricket Association (BMCA) and following in the footsteps of the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) High-Performance Programme for Under-25 players, the Tuskers Academy will make sure that the next big names from the province are given the right platform to flourish. 

It is under the watchful eyes of the legendary fast bowler, Christopher Mpofu, who will be working alongside Mandisi Moyo, Fleming Nkomo, and Kennedy Chanetsa. 

The inception of the academy is something that has impressed Mpofu as he feels that it will go a long way in shaping future players, not only for Tuskers, but for Zimbabwe.

He expressed gratitude to the people who made it a reality, the likes of Godwin Dube (BMCA chairperson), Pollock Mubhobho, Victor Mhlanga, Tafadzwa Kwesu, and many others who have worked hard behind the scenes. 

“It’s something that we haven’t done in a long time and it needed to be done. I am happy to be also involved, all kudos to the province for bringing up something like this, the guys in the offices who have been doing well, and all the other guys who have been sorting out all these things, so I’m quite happy. 

“I have brilliant guys, we have no head coach, we are all coaches, we help each other. I am working with three amazing guys, Fleming Nkomo, Mandisi Moyo, and Kennedy Chanetsa. We have different strengths, and so we have combined these things as coaches and help each other in every way. We want to make it to 23 years, however, age was not a hindrance when the academy came about. The oldest player is around 27 years old while the youngest is 16 — a player who has been tipped to be a future, star,” said Mpofu. 

Several players have been part of the Zimbabwe Under-19 side, such as Nkosibongwe Gogodo, and Shuan Dzakatira among others. Tanatswa Bechani, who has been doing well in the past seasons, is also part of the academy alongside the likes of Vitalis Buwu, Ashley Phiri, Mzingaye Mdlongwa, and Peter Nyandoro. 

Most of the players in the academy are part of the three teams from Bulawayo that will be playing in the upcoming 2024 National Premier League (NPL), and the country’s elite club cricket competition awards them the opportunity to showcase their skill and talent. 

“It’s a good thing that we have the NPL coming up in a few weeks, so we need to make sure that some of the boys we are coaching in the academy go on to perform very well in the NPL, score hundreds, and get 50s. It’s a good achievement for us as coaches, players, and as a squad. These guys will be going to their different squads for the NPL, but I’m not worried, as long as we have guys from our squad who are doing well for their clubs, we are happy with that,” said Mpofu. 

Even during the NPL, some players will still get the chance to practice and Mpofu and his coaching staff have been enjoying the job of working with the next big cricket stars.