Cricket players, coaches all test negative for Covid-19 as training resumes

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter

LOCAL cricketers, as well as their coaches have all tested negative for the coronavirus, which has given the entire squad called up for training the green light to get down to business.

In a statement sent out on Tuesday, Zimbabwe Cricket said with plans to host Afghanistan should the Government give the green light, a squad of 37 players has started fine tuning for the planned visit by the Asians. Those called up, together with the technical staff had to undergo Covid-19 tests, with all them testing negative for the deadly virus.

“With Zimbabwe planning to host Afghanistan in July-August, subject to government approval, a training squad of 37 that was called up to start preparing for the potential tour had to first undergo COVID-19 tests as part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s efforts to guarantee the health of players and staff members as well as to curb the spread of the respiratory disease. After all the players, as well as the coaching staff, got the all-clear, training officially started on Monday,’’ read part of ZC statement.

Because of the national lockdown restrictions and also to ensure social distancing is rigorously adhered to, the training squad is split into small zonal groups that are keeping in shape within their own provinces.

Former national team pace bowler, Njabulo Ncube got the ball rolling with the Bulawayo domiciled players on Monday with fitness at Queens Sports Club. On the same day, national fielding coach Shepherd Makunura took Tendai Chisoro through his paces at Masvingo Sports Club.

Harare has the largest number of players who have been divided into two groups, with 14 of them training at Harare Sports Club and 11 at Takashinga Cricket Club under the national team coaching staff of fitness trainer Walter Karimanzira, batting coach Stuart Matsikenyeri as well as bowling coach Douglas Hondo.

In Manicaland, provincial coach Farai Chari is in charge, while national women’s team coach Adam Chifo is taking care of the Midlands players.

After undergoing strength and conditioning sessions for the first three weeks, the players will then start to focus on cricket-specific skills training.
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