Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has hit back at criticism being levelled against his board amid a poor season by the senior national team — Chevrons.
The Chevrons’ heavy Test defeats to Afghanistan, England, South Africa and New Zealand have left a sour taste in the mouths of the country’ cricket community.
It is a fact that has been compounded with embarrassing defeats to England, South Africa and New Zealand with all three coming in the form of innings’ losses.
Mukuhlani’s administration has also come under fire from fans and, more prominently, Bulawayo mayor David Coltart amid accusations of racism, tribalism and nepotism.
A petition by a United States-based data analyst and lawyer, Paidamwoyo Madondo, was even sent to the offices of the Sports and Recreation Commission demanding some action.
The ZC boss, in response, yesterday called for a press conference in which he chose to hit out at Coltart, accusing him of selective amnesia.
“I believe that patriotism is not defined by criticising those you don’t agree with.
“And it’s unfortunate that his definition of patriotism is the amount of criticism that he gives for what he believes is not right.
“I believe he’s a cricket fan, which is good, and I respect all cricket fans,’’ Mukuhlani said.
“However, I have a problem when one misleads and I believe he misleads.
“I’m the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket; not because the system wanted me to be chairman.
“I’m a product of fighting to be here, I was fighting racism and that is why I’m here.
“So, to turn around and call an entire institution racist is a problem. Zimbabwe Cricket is not. “To turn around and call an entire institution nepotistic is not correct,” he said.
He added that one’s race was not a factor at ZC.
“To put context to it, in 2015, Kyle Jarvis and Brendan Taylor had County contracts in England and we brought them back and matched their salaries from County.
“We brought back Gary Ballace, he had a county contract, and did the same with Dave Houghton.
“They are not black.
“We requested Hamilton Masakadza to retire and he is not white. We did the same with Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya and Chamu Chibhabha to retire.
“They are not white, they are black, and it was for the good of the organisation.“I do not intend to defend myself against the racist attack; my record in Zimbabwe since I returned in 1983 speaks for itself and I am deeply heartened by the overwhelming support given by Zimbabweans across the racial and ethnic divide since the statement was issued.
