adminJeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
Mid-West Rhinos right arm fast bowler Richard Muzhange is pleased with the mutual decision he reached with his franchise to downgrade him from a monthly fixed paying contract to earn-as-you-play contract ahead of the Zimbabwe domestic cricket season that starts tomorrow.
Muzhange had previously enjoyed the benefits of a senior contract with the franchise in the past seasons, earning a steady income along the way.
But he has opted for a different scheme so that he could also explore other financial adventures while also playing the game. The cricket season was delayed owing to financial challenges affecting the mother body and the uncertainty drove many players such as Muzhange to find alternative means of earning a living.
“It was a decision I had to make because things were a bit unpredictable and I had other things that I am doing on the side so I cannot just get up and leave them, it was mutual decision between us with the Rhinos,”
Muzhange has interest in a company that manufactures wire nails and works for former Zimbabwe Cricket convener of selectors and chairman of the cricket committee, Alistair Campbell, who now has an ITC retail business which specialises in laptops and tablets.
“I have a good arrangement with the Rhinos and I will be available for each game. It has been a while since everyone has played cricket so you actually don’t know how people have been performing and it is only up to the first game for me to gauge how strong each squad is,” he said.
Muzhange is also joined by former national team player Edward Rainsford on the list of players on earn-as-you-play contract. The Rhinos will travel from Kwekwe to open their season with a Pro50 match against Mashonaland Eagles at Harare Sports Club. Seven out of the contracted squad of 18 are on monthly contracts while the franchise will be cushioned financially with three players Vusi Sibanda,
Brendan Taylor and Malcolm Waller on ZC central contracts and the remaining eight on earn-as-you-play schemes.
Rhinos Squad
Brendan Taylor, Bothwell Chapungu, Mkhululi Nyathi, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Pj Moor, Bazel Njanji, Malcom Waller, Simon Mugava, Carl Mumba, Nyasha Mayavo, Tarisai Musakanda, Neville Madziwa, Ronnie Chokununga, Michael Chinouya, Richard Muzhange, Mark Mbofana, Edward Rainsford, Kudakwashe Munyede
Online Reporter