Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

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CrimsonAvenger
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Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by CrimsonAvenger »

Whoa! This is interesting news: http://www.formbybubble.com/single-post ... Merseyside

Exactly what is he trying here and who are the players being targeted? Looks an interesting move anyway...
Former Zimbabwe captain and current Hightown St Mary’s wicketkeeper-batsman Tatenda Taibu is set to launch a new cricket academy to help the brightest young prospects from his home country develop their skills on Merseyside and in the rest of the north-west during 2017.

Taibu retired from professional cricket in 2012 but last season scored 737 runs at an average of 52.64 as the Sandy Lane club won promotion to the Liverpool Competition’s First Division. He now hopes his new venture will help to re-establish Zimbabwe on the international stage by giving young players the chance to develop both personally and professionally outside their homeland.

The programme will consist of a series of coaching and mentoring sessions, with matches to be played against county academy or development squads. And with all games scheduled to be played midweek, selected players will also have the chance to turn out for local club sides at weekends.

"Now that Zimbabwe is making its way back in world cricket, we must strive to improve our performances at all levels and the next generation of talent is a crucial part of this," said the former international, who played 150 one-day internationals and 28 Test matches.

"Some of these players will be experiencing overseas conditions for the first time and it will be a valuable education for them, from a cricketing and personal perspective. If these guys can thrive in English conditions it will be a huge boost to their confidence and career and, who knows, maybe turn them into stars of the future."

The academy is being run in partnership with Crosby-based Flash Sports, which will be providing administration and logistical support as well as helping players to link up with club sides across the North West.

Taibu made a surprise return to cricket in April 2016, when he agreed to play for Hightown St Mary's after initially contacting the club over Christmas 2015. His move to Merseyside coincided with his desire to spend more time in the UK with his family.

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CrimsonAvenger
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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by CrimsonAvenger »

A bit more here: http://www.cricket365.com/latest-news/t ... t-academy/
The project is part of his role as consultant and selector for Zimbabwe Cricket and will enable the brightest young prospects from his home country to hone their skills in the UK during 2017.
...
Taibu himself will lead the coaching and will be supported by former Zimbabwe team mate Stuart Matsikenyeri.

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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by TapsC »

wow if this is true then I can only applaud him. I wonder how it will work. maybe he will try and group all the youngsters who play in the UK over the summer to one region in the UK then they can spend more time together and get some action with these academy and development sides. very interesting indeed and a step in the right direction

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eugene
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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by eugene »

Sounds like a paid vacation for Taibu to sunny Liverpool!
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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by Googly »

When is he starting it? Is it ZC sponsored?
There are some problems-
Who is paying for it?
Which facilities/grounds will he use?
What coaching qualifications do he and SM have?
Will he remain as convenor whilst based in UK?
Which players will be selected?
Academies are full time so players will need board and lodging and money. They won't be able to work if they are full time at the Academy so money is a real issue. Roping in club players who are already UK based is problematic. There will be transport and money stumbling blocks. Most of these young guys have jobs and they are scattered far and wide. At best they might get some guys together a couple of times a week for after 5pm practices.
Who will be selected?
Possible immigration problems.
County twos play mid week and have full schedules so getting games won't be easy. County Two's will be way too strong. I suspect County Academy cricket will also be too strong, but there's more chance of getting games.
I suspect they are aware of the problems so let's hope they get something going. ZC couldn't do it in their own back yard so let's hope Mr Taibu has got special skills we haven't seen so far.

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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by CrimsonAvenger »

Lot of sense being talked about there by Taibu about this venture here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/co ... 76311.html

Yes, some of the questions do remain. Let us see how this develops. But I like the way Taibu talks about some of the taboo things about ZC in a very normal manner.

But this is the part that might bring all this excitement down:
Taibu's academy, which will be run in partnership with Liverpool-based Flash Sports, is envisaged as hosting 14-15 players aged between 18 and 22 during the English summer, and finding them places with clubs in the north-west, in addition to them playing together. The project is being funded by Zimbabwe Cricket - and Taibu admits that a budget has not yet been agreed - but it is anticipated that clubs taking on a player will contribute a fee towards flights, accommodation and living expenses.

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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by jaybro »

Sounds like a good idea but how are they going to fund this academy in England when they can't even pay players in Zimbabwe ???

I really like Taibu always have, but the fact he lives in England and he's trying to put this academy together over there just looks suspect. If this was Makoni or Bvute or Campbell the pitch forks would be out already .....
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The Robot
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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by The Robot »

Creating Academy is always a good thing but whats important is, wheather the management lead by Taibu - Streak can provide Youths any inspiration to play for Zimbabwe at the highest level.

Money has emerged now as the biggest problem in Zimbabwe Cricket.Youths are either leaving the game, and going for further study or representing other nations, those who are interested in Continuing with the game.
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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by zimfan1 »

Trials start tomorrow at Kwekwe please promote if you know anyone is interested. Age limit 18-22.

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Re: Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

Post by Googly »

If Taibu is trying to publish his book at the same time as being the only selector, convenor, overseas academy manager and whatever other job titles he now has then there's no anti ZC stuff that we're going to be reading about, certainly not about any of the current hierarchy. By default that would make it a less than honest account...can't wait!! When/if the next ICC tranche comes through there's an outside chance they will send him some start up money if his budget is reasonable and someone gets a nice kick back, but it would be a monumental waste of time and money.
Firstly he's talking about 15 guys going over there that he will find clubs for- well they don't need him to do that. They must send their CV's to the agents and let them get on with it. The window is about to close for player registration so they'd better jump around. There will be no premier club slots available because those are reserved for the really good players. They generally select top drawer all rounders or an outstanding batsman. If they're decent enough (and who exactly are we talking about?) they will get Div 1,2 or 3 slots. There's very little chance he can get them together for a game against County Two's because they're busy and they would get pulverized. If they play Hampshire they may well find themselves up against Abbott, Rousseau, Sammy or Afridi because in big county squads those internationals often play Two's.
The only upside will be those guys coming back here knowing our cricket and the administration of it suck more than a two dollar hooker. Sorry for always being so negative, but this is just nonsense. I'm always suspicious of men of God, tithing and mentoring. The bad one far outnumber the good ones. Maybe he's a good bloke, let's see. ZC is full up with men of God, many of whom should be in jail. Maybe they give thanks for the bounty and pray that the manna continues to fall from ICC heaven?

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