adminNgoni Dapira
THE 2015/16 domestic cricket season kicked off on Wednesday with Manicaland’s cricket franchise, Mountaineers, starting on a good footing in the Pro50 Championship after defeating archrivals, Matabeleland Tuskers by 31-runs at Mutare Sports Club. The Mountain Goats are out to redeem themselves this season after a disappointing 2014/15 season in both the 50-overs Pro50 Championship and four-day Logan Cup competitions. They settled for third-place in the Pro50 Championship and bottom place in the Logan Cup last season.
The Mutare franchise’s dismal performance last year had come after an epic performance in the 2013/14 season when the side clinched a double-cup victory in both competitions under the tutelage of Gary Brent. Mountaineers coach, Shepherd Makunura, however said he was optimistic about a good season this year which could see him also write his own history since taking over after Brent last year.
Makunura said his two additional signings this year of Vusi Sibanda from Kwekwe’s MidWest Rhinos and Mashonaland Eagles Wellington Masakadza would beef-up his squad which already boasts of experienced players like Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Timycen Maruma, Forster Mutizwa and Tendai Chatara to mention a few.
The 22-year old Wellington was instrumental in leading Eagles to clinch the Pro50 Championship in last year’s final against Tuskers, showing his versatility as an all-rounder and striking left-arm bowler.
Sibanda on the other-hand is a strong opening batsman and medium-pace bowler whose experience will no doubt come in handy for the Mountain goats. “We have not changed much apart from signing Sibanda and Wellington whom I am confident will beef-up the squad. This season opener against Tuskers proved that the side has a fighting spirit as it was very tough to come back strong to win,” said Makunura.
Roy Kaia put the most points on the board for Mountaineers after scoring 59 runs followed by Hamilton who had 46 runs, while the 21-year-old right arm fast-medium bowler, Cuthbert Musoko had an impressive five wickets to his name. The defending Pro50 champions, Eagles won their season opener by 67-runs against Rhinos on Wednesday in Kwekwe. Mountaineers next week Wednesday face the defending champions in Harare.
The Logan Cup is expected to start in two-weeks. Meanwhile, Mountaineers star bowler, Chatara is still out of action after he fractured his left leg in April while playing social soccer during the domestic off-season. He is only expected to be back in action in December.
Online Reporter