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FORMER Zimbabwe national cricket team fringe player Wayne James yesterday said he was keen on taking up the vacant Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise coach’s job. The Matabeleland Tuskers coaching job became vacant after ex-Zimbabwe national cricket team captain Heath Streak turned down an offer to renew his contract. Streak’s contract with Matabeleland Tuskers expired at the end of March and the Bulawayo based franchise’s hopes of retaining his services hit a brick wall. In a telephone interview yesterday, James was hopeful that he would sign with Matabeleland Tuskers.
“It is true that Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise approached with the view of me being their coach. It is quite humbling for one to lead such a big institution but at this stage what I can say is that we haven’t signed anything as yet because the franchise is still waiting for ZC to release their budgets.
“Otherwise once the finance issues that they are waiting for have been finalised it will be interesting for me to lead Matabeleland Tuskers,” said James.
James has been heavily involved with Matabeleland Tuskers’ off-season Cricket Academy and last season was in charge of the champions for their first matches when Streak was away on tour with the national team.
A source within Matabeleland Tuskers said the decision to hire James was unanimous.
“Wayne James has been our technical advisor for some time and has been working closely with our Academy. He knows the Tuskers culture and even the senior team players understand him. He did a great job with assistant coach Pollock Mubhobho before the start of the season and it was not difficult for Matabeleland Tuskers management to agree on approaching him for the job,” said a source.
The Matabeleland Tuskers coach in waiting revealed yesterday that he has been training some players during the off-season.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo