Utseya Resigns - Elton Chigumbura New Captain

[maehara]

ZC MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harare, 11 May 2010


New cricket captain for Zimbabwe as Prosper Utseya resigns and Elton Chigumbura takes over the captaincy

The Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZC Board) has announced that Prosper Utseya has resigned as national team captain with effect from Tuesday 11 May 2010.

Following a meeting with the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), Utseya handed over his formal resignation letter.

"I had a long and honest discussion with Prosper and although it is clear that he is honoured to have served the team, he feels strongly that the time as come to resign", said Bvute.

Part of the resignation letter read as follows:

"It has been a privilege for me to captain Zimbabwe for the past four years. It has been an experience that has been fraught with many emotions, I am glad to say though that, overall, I have enjoyed the experience immensely and would not have wished for it to be otherwise. I remain committed to the cause of the team and Zimbabwe Cricket. That commitment is something every international sportsman has. It is more so for those who, like me, have had the honour to lead their national sides."

Bvute said that ZC was saddened by Utseya's decision to give up the captaincy but understood his desire to hand over the reins in the interest of the team's future development.

On accepting Utseya's resignation, the ZC Board has appointed twenty five year old Elton Chigumbura as the new captain of the Zimbabwean national cricket team.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZC Board) reached a unanimous decision that the right-handed batsman would be a fitting successor.
Chigumbura's captaincy comes into effect immediately which means that he will lead the team during the Triangular Series between Zimbabwe, India and Sri Lanka scheduled from the 28th of May to the 13th of June.

"I am humbled by the confidence that the cricket committee and the ZC Board has shown in me to select me for this role. It is a privilege to lead a team that I have been growing and playing with all these years and I look forward to the challenge. I am grateful to Pro for the support he has given me as an individual and as captain and I look forward to his continued guidance, and support " said Chigumbura in a statement to the board.

Elton Chigumbura had his First-Class debut for Mashonaland in the Logan Cup at the age of only 15. He is a product of the ZC development programme and took to the game at Chipembere Primary School in the Highfield suburb of Harare.

//ENDS

[zimfan1]

right decision for the interest for the side.

Id just like to thank Prosper for all his efforts as he has led with dignity and pride when captaining his country

[tawac]

Utseya has been a good servant to ZimCricket. I hope he will continue doing so. Chigumbura as captain is a half good decision becoz in most cases he is our match winner and this adds another dimesion to his game. But since he does it goood for the Eagles I hope he can be a good leader for the National Team.

[aydee]

Happy with Elton as skipper. Hopefully it won't detract from his own game. At 24, Prosper has his best years well ahead of him as an offspinner. Hopefully we'll see him performing well in a Zim shirt for a least another decade.

[CrimsonAvenger]

right decision for the interest for the side.

Id just like to thank Prosper for all his efforts as he has led with dignity and pride when captaining his country

Absolutely. Can't say anything more.

Hope Chigumbura can cope with the pressures of captaincy as well as being the MVP of the side. Best wishes to Chiggs, and looking forward to watch a pressure-free Utseya achieve even more as a bowler.

[jamthala]

chigs have now much pressure to perform,it is wrong decision as i think.

[ZIMDOGGY]

i agree with Jamthala,

he is developing and is in superb touch and has to bat and bowl. Do not mess with that.

should be ray price in my opinion. maybe taibu

[Conant]

No, I think Elton thrives under pressure, though some chases have gone awry when we have needed him to hit out. I'm certain his batting won't suffer. He seems to like the extra load on his shoulders.

Oh, and two weeks ago after he slayed the Australians and Pakistanis I had been hoping to post a campain thread, "Chigumbura for Captain!!' had he done well in the T20s and Zim had proggressed.

Guess I've been beaten to it. Drat!

[sloandog]

I'd just like to say thank you Prosper Utsea for persevering with Zimbabwe Cricket. You captained our side through the dark years of 05-08, and I take my hat off to you. I hope he stays an integral part of our unit.
Excellent decision in my opinion. Good luck Chiggs

[eugene]

I am glad that Prosper is no longer captain. I hope that means he is no longer guaranteed a place in the team also. I think Ray Price should have been made the new captain however.