Andrew
Online Reporter
Mountaineers coach, Njabulo Ncube, has attributed his charges’ back-to-back success in the Pro50 Championship to ‘great teamwork’ that has been displayed by the Mutare-based franchise over the last couple of years.
Mountaineers retained the Pro50 Championship trophy after defeating Rhinos by a single run in a thrilling final, which went down to the last delivery at Kwekwe Sports Club on Saturday.
“I am over the moon after a great couple of weeks of cricket for us,” said Ncube.
“I want to give the credit to our management team who went out of their way to support us in our preparations.
“They made sure everyone was well looked after, and laid a foundation for this success story.
“Also, special thanks have to go to our local fans who have been coming in their numbers to support the team; their support motivated us,” he said.
Ncube also went on to pay tribute to senior players for playing a leading role to the younger players, as the team wrote its own piece of history by winning the local premium white-ball tournament for two consecutive seasons.
“Our senior players were good in leading our team by taking responsibility, and this allowed the youngsters to play with freedom.
“The environment has been very good, and it helped the team to perform and enjoy their cricket,” the Mountaineers coach said.
The franchise’s general manager, Terry Nyakurimwa, also echoed Ncube’s sentiments, and singled out ‘teamwork’ as the main reason for the team’s success story.
“We have a very good team that can adapt to any challenge. Rhinos put up a calculated chase, and I must say the standard of cricket on display was high from all teams that took part in the tournament,” he said.
Having finished second in the round-robin Pro50 Championship, Mountaineers met Rhinos in the final of the 2022-23 Pro50 Championship at Kwekwe Sports Club.
The Mutare-based franchise held their nerve, as they defended 277 runs, edging Rhinos by a single run.
Online Reporter