Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
STUART MATSIKENYERI is a big fan of Southern Rocks and has pretty much enjoyed watching them play during the 2025/26 domestic cricket season.
However, as the Mountaineers coach prepares to head into his biggest match of the season, the Pro50 Championship final, the former Zimbabwe international will have to put aside his admiration and try to orchestrate what many could call an “upset” of sorts.
“Southern Rocks are a pretty good side, and I have enjoyed watching them play this season,” said Matsikenyeri.
“They are a tight-knit unit that blends plenty of experience and some exciting youngsters.
“They have been playing well, and it should be a good final against us,” he said.
It goes without saying that Southern Rocks have been the team of the season.
The Masvingo-based outfit only last week clinched the Logan Cup after the competition decider against Eagles ended in a draw at Harare Sports Club.
They go into Saturday’s final after having topped the Pro50 Championship table with 12 points, just one above Mountaineers.
Matsikenyeri’s side, unfortunately, have seen better days.
After finishing last season with a double of their own, the Logan Cup and Pro50 Championship, Mountaineers have clearly seen better days.
“We did not have the best starts to the season,” added Matsikenyeri.
“We had a couple games affected by the weather, and we did not play the best of cricket.
“Our batters did not give their bowlers enough runs to defend in certain games, and we struggled a bit.”
They have turned the tide and appear to have hit top form at the right time.
While they failed to defend their Logan Cup, they can still do something about the Pro50 Championship.
In fact, Mountaineers go into the final on a high after seeing off Rhinos by 11 runs at Takashinga Cricket Club.
Mountaineers won the toss and elected to bat on their way to 232 runs.
Ronak Patel top-scored for Mountaineers with 72 runs off 77 balls while Alistar Frost chipped with 64 runs off 61 balls.
Trevor Gwandu and Brandon Mavuta were among the successful Rhinos’ bowlers, picking two wickets each for 26 and 46 runs respectively.
Michael Frost’s four-for then helped Mountaineers bowl Rhinos for 222 runs, just 11 runs off the target.
Frost finished with figures of four for 33 runs while skipper Wellington Masakadza chipped in two wickets.
The duo of Prosper Mugeri and Tatenda Chimugoro claimed a scalp each.
Nyasha Mayavo top-scored for Rhinos with 58 runs off 62 balls while Victor Chirwa and Gwandu chipped in with 43 off 51 balls and 47 runs off 51 balls.
It was the last regulation game of the Pro50 Championship, and Matsikenyeri that result should act as a confidence booster heading into Saturday’s final at Masvingo Sports Club.
“While we did not have the best of starts, the couple of games have been encouraging,” he said.
“Our win over Rhinos over the weekend was the just the latest in a line of positives.
“It should give the boys some confidence heading into the final.”
Mountaineers returned home to Mutare yesterday and will have a couple of practice sessions before heading off to Masvingo for the final.
It is a short turnover, but Matsikenyeri is not really worried as he believes his charges know what is at stake.
He is also banking on the team’s experience in finals.
“We have played a lot of cricket over the last couple of weeks, so match fitness is not really an issue,” he said.
“We have a couple sessions before the final, and the main priority will be to just fine-tune a couple of areas.
“The boys already have a lot of cricket in them and don’t really need that much work.
“They also know what is at stake, as Mountaineers are a big team. Everyone knows the roles and what is expected of them,” he said.
