adminRicky Zililo in BULAWAYO
MATABELELAND Tuskers have awarded contracts to 13 players ahead of the start of the domestic cricket season. Sources said the short-listed players met the Tuskers chief executive Stanley Staddon, coach Wayne James and captain Sean Williams at Queens Sports Club last week.
The only players from last season’s squad that did not attend the meeting are hard-hitting batsman Charles Coventry, who has been playing in the Netherlands, pace bowler Glenn Querl and Keegan Meth who is in Canada.
Coventry and Querl are said to have signed contracts with clubs in Bangladesh and Dubai and will only be available for the Tuskers in January.
Some of the players that have been given contracts include veteran all-rounder Keith Dabengwa, spin bowler John Nyumbu, seamer Njabulo “Papa” Ncube, promising opening batsman Brian Chari, who spent the better part of the off-season at ZC Academy in Harare, Bradley Staddon and rookie Goodwill Mamhiyo who played winter cricket in England.
Former national team pace bowler Tawanda Mupariwa, who was with Masvingo’s Southern Rocks last season, is also another player who could be on his way to the Tuskers.
It was not immediately clear as to whether last season’s skipper Gavin Ewing will also be awarded a contract.
Tuskers coach James could not be drawn into revealing the players who have been offered contracts.
“To be honest with you 13 players have been offered contracts but it is not proper for me to disclose their names when they have not yet put pen to paper,” said James.
The Tuskers coach also let slip that Christopher Mpofu has been offered a contract.
But James appeared to reveal that seamer Chris Mpofu has been given a contract.
“Chris wants to go to Australia and while he is waiting for a visa he will be playing for us and once he gets it, then we will lose him,” said James.
“I am looking forward to our first game against Mashonaland Eagles and I believe the boys are also hungry to get on the field and play cricket,” said James.
It seems Tuskers have given up on national team and Manicaland Mountaineers’ wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami who has not responded to their offer.
James said he has cover for Mutumbami.
Online Reporter