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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe national cricket team suffered a huge blow just before their departure for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia following their sudden parting with batting coach Lance Klusener.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed in a statement yesterday that the South African legend was leaving by mutual consent as he wanted to pursue professional commitments elsewhere, in a development that could impact on his availability for the Chevrons.
The news of Klusener’s departure was confirmed just hours before the Chevrons’ scheduled departure for Australia for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The Zimbabwe team left the country last night for the 16-team tournament.
Klusener, who was famous for his aggressive batting and his deceiving medium-pace bowling during his playing days, was a key addition to the Chevrons and Zimbabwe had hoped to tap into his experience during the tournament.
He has been working with the side since March this year after returning to the country for a second stint. There was marked improvement in the team’s batting and with the arrival of Zimbabwe legend Dave Houghton as head coach in June, the Chevrons had appeared in good hands.
Klusener was part of Houghton’s technical team which also has Englishman Steve Kirby as bowling coach and the timing of his departure is not ideal for Zimbabwe.
He left when the team was about to leave for an important World Cup tournament and Zimbabwe Cricket had to make urgent plans to cater for the vacancy.
“Lance Klusener is leaving his role as Zimbabwe senior men’s batting coach with immediate effect after he reached a mutual agreement with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).
“According to his agent, the decision follows Klusener’s desire to pursue professional engagements around the globe which will impact his full-time availability for the national team’s programmes,” read part of the statement sent out by ZC.
Klusener had previously served Zimbabwe in the same position between 2016 and 2018.
The former South Africa all-rounder was the batting coach for Zimbabwe since March this year when he returned for a second stint after a successful spell with the Afghanistan national side as their head coach.
However, his stay with the Chevrons was always going to be compromised after he got other appointments elsewhere.
Klusener was last month named head coach of newcomers Morrisville SAMP Army in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. The Abu Dhabi T10 will be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi from November 23 to December 4.
He was also recently appointed head coach of the Durban Super Giants franchise in the Cricket South Africa’s T20 League, with the inaugural season beginning January 10 next year.
ZC managing director, Givemore Makoni, said they decided it was in the best interests of both parties to serve their ties.
“We are grateful to Lance for everything he has contributed during his time with us, including helping us to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 which gets underway in Australia in a few days.
“Unfortunately, due to his pressing commitments elsewhere, he could not continue with us on a full-time basis and we agreed it was in the best interests of both parties to terminate his contract. We wish him the best as he pursues new endeavours,” said Makoni.
Online Reporter