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Zimbabwe A cricket team captain Vusi Sibanda says last minute changes in the coaching staff ahead of their tour of Bangladesh will not affect the team’s focus.
The squad of 20 players left Harare today for Dhaka, but without coach Walter Chawaguta who had been in charge of the team since June.
Chawaguta was replaced by Mashonaland Eagles assistant coach Mufaro Chiturumani last week and Sibanda said the team’s focus should been on their game and not on any off field issues.
“I would like to think that the players are concentrating on their game and leave off field matters to the board or Zimbabwe cricket. They should worry about how they are going to play, I am sure they are focused,” the 30 year old batsman told The Sunday Mail before departure.
In Bangladesh, Zimbabwe A will play two four- day games and three one-day matches before the senior team visit that country for three tests and 5 ODIs in October.
Their first Four Day match starts on September 14 at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar.
“This tour is good preparation before the guys (senior team) visit later, if we win it will obviously give them a positive vibel”, said Sibanda who has been in the spotlight for losing form in recent matches.
“It’s always important for us to perform, whether you want to cement your place in the senior side or not.
“Whatever opportunity that we get, we still have to perform and as senior players we have to lead from the front and make sure we do well for the team,” said Sibanda.
The squad has also seen the inclusion of promising youngsters in Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Kuda Munyede, Brian Chari and Joylord Gumbi.
“It is good to have youngsters coming in as we are not going to be there forever. It’s good for other guys to be exposed in the international arena and we hope they learn quickly,” Sibanda said.
All- rounder Tawanda Mpariwa also returns to the national side after being overlooked in the past seasons.
The three week- long tour also presents an opportunity to returning batsman Mark Vermuelen to find his touch his skills after promising innings in the only test against South Africa.
Other senior players like Regis Chakabva and Tino Mawoyo will also be eying big performances to earn calls in the senior side.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe senior team will resume camp on Monday at Harare Sports Club, were theyare scheduled to begin preparations for next month’s tour of Bangladesh.
Online Reporter