Southern Rocks eye Tuskers scalp

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Rocks begin life without national team left arm fast bowler Brian Vitori when they play host to Matabeleland Tuskers in a Pro-50 One-Day game on Saturday.
The prolific bowler, a key member of Masvingo-based Southern Rocks’ bowling attack, will play for Harare’s Mashonaland Eagles as he is pursuing his academic studies in the capital.

In a telephone interview from Masvingo yesterday, Southern Rocks coach Shepherd Makanura, who took over from Dave Houghton, said he is looking forward to their season opener.

Southern Rocks also lost the services of ex-national team seamer Tawanda Mupariwa who retraced his roots to Matabeleland Tuskers.

The Masvingo club is likely to pin their hopes on national team wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami who turned down an offer to join Matabeleland Tuskers.

“We got a full squad last Tuesday and we have just had a week’s training but the guys are looking sharp. There are a number of youngsters who I think can put up a good fight throughout the season. I believe that the match against Matabeleland Tuskers is going to be a good game. They (Matabeleland Tuskers) have quality players but I have confidence in my players.

“Our target is to fight for at least one trophy and end the season with something but this is not to say that we are going to put in substandard performances for some formats,” said Makanura.

The fact that Southern Rocks started their preparations late might work against them as Matabeleland Tuskers have been training together for at least two months.

Makanura said most of his players have been getting game time by playing in Harare’s Provincial League.

Matabeleland Tuskers players have also been playing club cricket in Bulawayo.

Beside Mutumbami, Southern Rocks have Briton Matthew Pardoe who plays County Cricket for Worcestershire, Bernard Mlambo whom they signed from Manicaland Mountaineers and Prince Mashaure to lead their batting attack.

Trevor Garwe, Roy Kahiya and Hillary Matanga are some of the players that they retained for the 2013/14 season with Cuthbert Misoko and Luke Jongwe – tipped for the national Under-19 squad – also part of the players to watch out for at Southern Rocks.

His Matabeleland Tuskers counterpart Wayne James will also be in charge of his first competitive game for the Bulawayo club since taking over from Heath Streak who turned down an offer to renew his contract.

“Everyone is working hard and we should be naming our squad on Thursday before we travel on Friday. Everyone is looking forward to the game and what we want is to play good cricket and get a positive result,” said James.

Matabeleland Tuskers will pin their hopes on captain Sean Williams, up-and-coming opening batsman Brian Chari, veteran spinner John Nyumbu, allrounder Keith Dabengwa, pace bowler Christopher Mpofu who is fighting for a return to the national team set up, Mupariwa and Bradley Staddon.

Fixtures
Saturday, Pro-50 One-Day: Southern Rocks v Matabeleland Tuskers (Masvingo), Mashonaland Eagles v MidWest Rhinos (Harare Sports Club), Manicaland Mountaineers (bye)