Q&A with Gillespie and Donald

[maehara]

There was a press conference at HSC this morning for the official 'unveiling' of Alan Donald and Jason Gillespie as Rhinos and Mountaineers coaches respectively - obviously, I wasn't able to get there myself, but here are a few key quotes:

Reaction towards the appointment as a franchise head coach in Zimbabwe
Jason Gillespie (MidWest Rhinos): “I was delighted to take the opportunity, it’s fantastic because the cricket in Zimbabwe is very much on the up and to be a part of it is very humbling. I have been telling the people in Australia that I’ve only been here for a few days and the atmosphere here on cricket and everything is really exciting and as a new coach it really exciting and something we can sink our teeth in. ”

Alan Donald (Mountaineers): “I did not hesitate one inch and I agree with Jason [Gillespie], we were commentating in Dubai talking about the situation in Zimbabwe and the efforts being made to get cricket where it belongs. It has been a very good move for me and I did not hesitate to make the move.”

On their roles as coaches in Zimbabwe
Jason Gillespie: “Although my main role will be to focus on the Midwest Rhinos but as coaches we have a role to develop the game at all levels and if I can be a part of that in any small way I will certainly jump on that. Midwest Rhinos have a lot of young players and my role is to help them achieve their goals both as individuals and a collective group and if i can be a part of that and work at grass roots level then that will be a real bonus.”

What impression they have on fast bowlers in Zimbabwe
Alan Donald: “I’ve been watching the triangular between Zimbabwe, India and Sri Lanka and I’ve already been talking about a few guys. We will be bumping into a lot of guys along the way and we will certainly identify the talent that is around. There is no doubt that Zimbabwe is got what it takes to play at the highest level-test cricket.”

Notions on their assigned teams
Alan Donald: “I am coming into a team that has two out of three so no pressure at all. That is also the challenge after a dream season like that and you win two trophies, not only is the pressure for the coach but the team as well. I believe that I can maintain the attitude and intensity levels at the franchise for the guys to respond to the responsibility that lies this season and winning becomes a culture. For me one of things I need to do is to make a lot of the youngsters thinks like international cricketers or prepare like international cricketers and that is my aim to try and get that mentality straight up there.”

Jason Gillespie: “My focus is on the Rhinos and getting things in place, first and foremost we will be looking to enjoy our cricket and the number one focus is to be an entertaining side. We want people to walk away and say that we really play positive cricket and we were entertained today. That will be our focus and we are really excited about that.”

[farhanhussan]

What impression they have on fast bowlers in Zimbabwe
Alan Donald: “I’ve been watching the triangular between Zimbabwe, India and Sri Lanka and I’ve already been talking about a few guys. We will be bumping into a lot of guys along the way and we will certainly identify the talent that is around. There is no doubt that Zimbabwe is got what it takes to play at the highest level-test cricket.”

surely main aim should be recognize the talent and develop them for highest level of cricket .there was talk of a program run by ZC to find young fast bowlers.Any one knew what happened to that intiatve?

[Boundary]

Based on this here's the article Enoch Muchinjo (who apparently has moved to the Daily News from Zim Independent) wrote
http://dailynews.co.zw/sport/36-sports/ ... eiled.html

By Enock Muchinjo, Deputy Sports Editor
Wednesday, 18 August 2010 15:36

HARARE - The winds of change blowing through Zimbabwe cricket Wednesday saw renowned former Test bowlers Jason Gillespie of Australia and South African Allan Donald being unveiled as head coaches for the Midwest Rhinos and Manicaland Mountaineers franchises respectively.

The two ex-fast bowlers are two of four reputable foreign personnel who have been signed by Zimbabwean domestic franchises as coaches for the upcoming 2010-11 season.

Logan Cup champions Mashonaland Eagles have struck a deal to sign former South Africa all-rounder Andrew Hall, while the Masvingo-based Southern Rocks have named short-lived England batsman Monte Lynch as their new coach.

Only Matabeleland Tuskers have a local coach. The Bulawayo outfit has brought in former Zimbabwe captain Dave Houghton to replace his former national side team-mate Robin Brown for the new season.

On Wednesday however only Gillespie and Donald were present at Harare Sports Club to field questions from the local media.

The 35-year-old Gillespie, who played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs for Australia, praised his country for taking steps to restore ties with Zimbabwe following years of tour boycotts on moral and political grounds.

Cricket Australia have already agreed to host a team from Zimbabwe next year following a lobby visit to both Australia and New Zealand by Zimbabwe’s sports minister David Coltart.

“Look, it’s really positive,” Gillespie said. “I was speaking to the chairman of Cricket Australia Jack Clarke when he came down here (to Zimbabwe). We spent some time together. The most important thing is he says he will not hesitate to engage Zimbabwe again. Australia is always keen to play cricket against everyone, but they do have a tight ICC Futures tours programme. So it’s tough all of a sudden to arrange games outside the programme. But I give Cricket Australia and Zimbabwe Cricket credit for what they have done.”

In line with some political reforms in the country, Zimbabwe cricket has been improving following divisive squabbling between players and administrators, a factor which has seen experienced players, coaches and officials return to the country.

But while the Australians appear to be softening their stance, last week British sports minister Hugh Robertson ruled out the possibility of England resuming ties with the Southern African country while Peter Chingoka remained chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket.

Asked about his views on England rebuilding bridges with Zimbabwe, Gillespie answered: “Look, I don’t get involved in the politics of sports. All I can do is give the best I can as coach. I’m sure other countries will do that what Australia have done in future and everything will fall in place. I don’t see that being an issue moving forward. But from my perspective things are looking up here in Zimbabwe. The right noise is coming out. To be part of it is humbling. You can just see it in the expectations of the public. It’s something we are looking to sink teeth into.”

Gillespie said former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak persuaded him to take up the job.

“I played cricket with Heath in India and he asked me if I would be interested in coming to Zimbabwe if an opportunity arose. I said ‘absolutely, let me know if there’s an opportunity.’

Gillespie, who is the first acknowledged person of Aboriginal background to play Test cricket, will be based in Kwekwe, where Logan Cup runners up Rhinos are headquartered.

Zimbabwe is set to return to Test cricket commitments next May with a home series against Bangladesh.

Gillespie hopes to prepare players from his franchise for the requirements of Test cricket. The Rhinos is home to national team players like Brendan Taylor, Vusi Sibanda, Graeme Cremer and Ed Rainsford.

Commenting on Zimbabwe’s Test readiness, Gillespie said.

“Look, the talent and skill have always been there in Zimbabwe, that has never been a question. Allan (Donald) talked about intensity, this is what has been lacking in Zim cricket. We see our role as to help players understand what it means to be an international cricketer.”