Mangongo calls for confidence

assured of four Twenty20 games in Harare, which comes as a big relief since the players have not been active for the past three months.
Zimbabwe have not been engaged in international commitments since February when they returned from a disastrous tour of New Zealand and the coaches reckon that lack of match fitness is a major concern especially when the players are coming from the off-season break.
However, Mangongo said that besides building muscle and strengthening their physique, the players, who got into camp early this month, are also working hard on the shortcomings which were exposed in their last outing in New Zealand.
“Of course we haven’t been involved in international games recently but we cannot cry over what we don’t have. We will work according to what is available to us.
“It has been three weeks in camp now and we are working on a lot of specifics to make sure that the team is a well-oiled machine before we embark on the World Cup.
“We learnt from the last tour in New Zealand that uncharacteristic of us, our fielding was below par. So we are doing specific drills on catching and throwing and a lot of one on one with the batsmen. We want positive play from them and to build confidence at the crease,” said Mangongo.
Although the T20 games will not be recognised as internationals since they are not on the International Future Tours Programme, Mangongo said Zimbabwe are still grateful for the opportunity. South Africa are expected to arrive in Harare on June 18, the same day Zimbabwe play their first game against Bangladesh. They will then engage the hosts two days later.
“Getting opposition like South Africa before such an important tournament is exactly what the doctor has ordered. South Africa are one of the best T20 nations in the world and you can always expect exposure to top quality cricket. With such an opposition, you cannot be motivated any better.
“We also hear Bangladesh could be coming and their presence will certainly add the sub-continent dimension to the whole tour. That makes it the more exciting. We have played them a number of times before and they are an ever-improving side whose presence would give us good practice.”
Zimbabwe, South Africa and Bangladesh are in the same group for the World T20, which also includes hosts Sri Lanka. The tournament will start on September 18 and finish on October 7.