Bulawayo teams name final squads for NPL

THE three Bulawayo Metropolitan’s representatives at the upcoming 2024 National Premier League (NPL) have announced their final squads for the tournament that gets underway on June 15. The 14-team tournament kicks off with seven matches in the opening round.

Bulawayo’s representatives are Amakhosi Cricket Club, Queens Cricket Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) and all picked up strong squads of 25 players each. Amakhosi and Queens got the automatic berths for Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association (BMCA) while BAC had to go through the play-offs.

All the three squads are made up of experienced and young campaigners, with the youngsters set to gain a lot of knowledge from sharing dressing rooms with experienced players. Chris Mpofu is the head coach of Queens Cricket Club while Thabo Mboyi and Mandisi Moyo will be in charge of Amakhosi Cricket Club and BAC Cricket Club respectively.

Farai “Slim” Gunda is the manager of Amakhosi while Nyasha Rangai and Kennedy Chanetsa will be running Queens and BAC respectively.

All the teams emphasised on building teams for the future and giving youngsters a chance to shine at the biggest stages and they all managed to pick fairly youthful sides.

In the opening round of games, BAC will travel to Masvingo to play against Westside Cricket Club at Masvingo Sports Club on June 15 while Queens Sports Club will face Rainbow Cricket Club at Kwekwe Sports Club on the same day.

The following day, Mbizo Cricket Club will play host to defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 at Takashinga Cricket Club while Strikers face Gladiators in Marondera. Amakhosi Cricket Club will be home to Takashinga Patriots 2 at Kwekwe Sports Club, with Old Hararians Knights facing Rimuka. Scorpions will be up against Rangers at Masvingo Sports Club to round up the opening week of games.

Squads:

Amakhosi Cricket Club

Keith Ndlovu, Thamsanqa Nunu, Prince Kaunda, Shaun Dzakatira, Tinashe Mujuru, Tafara Mupariwa, Arnold Shara, Mzingaye Mdlongwa, Nkosibongwe Gogodo, Vitalis Buwu, Ernest Masuku, Adrian Mupembe, Bright Phiri, Tawanda Mhora, Misheck Gwizi, Allan Chigoma, Tendai Tapera, Ashley Phiri, Elvin Nxumalo, Knowledge Mpala, Shelton Mumvurwi, Tinaye Mazonde, Cedric Dube, Raymond Kasimo, Ruvimbo Mumbire.

Queens Cricket Club

Christopher Mpofu, Sheunopa Musekwa, Ian Fuzane, Munashe Chimusoro, Tanatswa Bechani, Tinaye Shayamano, Petros Sithole, Dumoluhle Dube, Tanaka Zvaita, Dananai Rangai, Jonathan Baloyi, Nkosi Ndiweni, Rowyn Konson, Tendai Zane Tapera, Freedom Takarusenga, Mthokozisi Sapuwa, Vusumuzi Kasipani, Tadiwa Rusere, Dalubuhle Mboyi, Glen Maseko, Darren Bechani, Zenzele Ndebele, Mcquistin Muhamba, Delta Sivalo, Luyanda Mthomba.

BAC Cricket Club

Senyo Nyakutse, Pascal Murungi, Brandon James, Tanaka Mtomba, Sean Phiri, Samule Muyambo, Bryan Tsongora, Dean John, James Hlongwane, Kudzai Banda, Palvin Ndlovu, Josh Mawire, Mlungisi Mpofu, Donald Tapfuma, Peter Nyandoro, Taboka Manyalo, Hugh Bvute, Isiah Musarirevhu, Mandisi Moyo, Admire Mupembe, Bekithemba Moyo, Kean Gotore, Calvin Watuwa (Uganda), Kingsley Mago, Tafadzwa Ngulube. – @brandon_malvin