Rhinos Announce New Signings

[maehara]

Fresh press release from ZC:

On a quest to collect their first piece of silverware in the upcoming domestic season, Midwest Rhinos have signed foreign based players Paul Franks and Gary Barren who were playing in England as well as Ian Nicholson and Solomon Mire from the Australian Premier League.

The four's addition to the Rhinos line-up are some of the efforts franchise CEO, Kenyon Ziehl is making to intensify preparations for the 2010/11 domestic season.

Newly appointed head coach Jason Gillespie insisted that one of the main areas in the oncoming season will be to vastly improve the team's performance.

"My focus is on the Rhinos and getting things in place, first and foremost we will be looking to enjoy our cricket and become an entertaining side to watch," said Gillespie.

After concluding the season at third place in all domestic competitions it is beyond the obvious that the team has the potential to get at least a trophy in the next season. The acquisition of the new players is part of Midwest Rhinos expedition to convert their performances to at least one title.

Franks is a right handed seamer and comes in to replace Mike Chinouya who left the Kwekwe based team to join the Southern Rocks while Barren formerly of Yorkshire and also a Zimbabwean citizen will be expected to strengthen the top order batting which was found wanting last season.

"Barren's experience will provide stability in the team's batting line-up and raise the quality of opening partnerships in the batting line-up, I was not too happy that we could not win any titles and we are not taking any chances this time around," said Ziehl.

The Rhinos batting line-up also includes Zimbabwe national players such as Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, while Malcolm Waller and Rikki Wessels were some of the best batsmen in the league last season.

Nicholson is another fast bowler who has been playing in the Australian premier League for the past three years and is expected to bring the cutting edge in an already potent bowling attack comprising of Edward Rainsford and Graeme Cremer. Meanwhile Solomon Mire, an all rounder will be making his return to local cricket after leaving for Australia to further his game.

[zimfan1]

Now i think this is a famous ZC cock up and Gary Barren (Who does not exist) is actually Gary Ballance since no Gary Barren has ever played for Yorkshire and i cant remember one ever playing in Zimbabwe schools.

So welcome back Gary Ballance (Fingers crossed)

[maehara]

Well spotted, zimfan1. I was scratching my head for a while, wondering who "Barren" was, but didn't make the connection with Ballance...

[sloandog]

Very very happy to see young Solomon Mire back in the frame.

[maehara]

..and correction issued by ZC confirms that they did indeed mean Gary Ballance.

[farhanhussan]

Seems to me competitive season this time around.all teams are looking full of decent players.one season to watch out for and cricket quality will be on rise.

[sloandog]

Personally I'd like to see 9 home grown Zimbabwean Players in the side, and a maximum of 2 over seas players.
I think guys like PJ Moor and Foster Mutizwa could learn a lot from playing in the same side as batting greats like Andrew Hall, Grant Flower and then there's Nick Compton. It's going to be a fascinating season, I can't wait to see how these youngsters do, particularly Keegan Meth...

[farhanhussan]

from Midwest Rhinos young players to be watch for Solomon Mire,Friday Kastani and simon mugava if they will get the chance to play in.