Olonga asks for renewal of ties with Zimbabwe

[andybligz]

Olonga, the former Zimabwe fast bowler who famously protested against the Mugabe regime during the 2003 World Cup, has called for renewed cricketing ties with his country ahead of proposed visits by the Scotland and Ireland teams.

Olonga moved to London after a black arm-band protest during the World Cup along with team-mate Andy Flower opposing the 'death of democracy' in Zimbabwe. While he ruled out the possibility of returning to his homeland, he noted that the ground situation in Zimbabwe was on the mend.

"Personal safety is still a consideration for me, although the Zimbabwean government seems to be softening. The winds of change are blowing through the country. Maybe it's time now to consider bringing Zimbabwe out of isolation from a broader perspective," Olonga told the Scotsman.

Olonga however maintained his scepticism over the officials running cricket in the country, namely ZC chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute. "We still have the issue of slightly suspicious gentlemen running the sport. I don't really trust the man [Bvute] but he's shown a genuine desire to re-engage with some of the former players.

"They have extended the olive branch to players like Heath Streak and a few others, to try to get some of these players back involved in the running of cricket because their loss has cost the country," Olonga said.

Zimbabwe's minister of culture David Coltart was set to meet the Scotland cricket officials following speculation that they were concerned about sending their side to Zimbabwe for the Intercontinental Cup fixture in October.

"I have to go and speak to Scottish cricket authorities, and one of the main things they want to do is have me speak to the players because they are nervous about going out. They've seen pictures. One has to recognise that there is a lot of scepticism in the UK regarding this political arrangement. My main task is to try to overcome that scepticism. I can't disregard it because in some respects it's well founded," Coltart said.

[eugene]

The interesting thing here is that Olonga, like many others is still suspicious of Chingoka and Bvute to an even greater extent. Have these men really changed or they still the same thugs underneath the facade?

[aydee]

I heard a recent radio interview with Olonga, and he said that Bvute personally called him before the recent tri-series, asking if he would like to part of the commentary team...

[sloandog]

Maybe they've both seen the light

[Flower power]

I think Olonga should be able to see that whatever was done in the past has been dead and buried although some may have their suspicions or reservations . Zimbabwe will never be the same . I lived in Zim wen it was the harshest and I lived through that time , the tides of change have swept this country .This country is not wat it was in 2003 wen yu left .

Mr Henry Olonga you better come back and start rebuilding the mess that we were all in . Maybe you might coach and bring one or two quicks from the system

[bayhaus]

I think Olonga must be slow to come to Zim, especially if hew doesn't trust Bvute and Chingoka, he could see himself in trouble.

[Boundary]

Hmmmm, Bvute has replied.

http://dailynews.co.zw/sport/36-sports/ ... ranch.html

HARARE - Zimbabwe Cricket has invited Henry Olonga to visit the country after advising him to “put the past behind” and “help our cricket renaissance”.

Former fast bowler Olonga exiled himself in 2003 after he and batsman Andy Flower wore black armbands during a World Cup match in a political protest against “the death of democracy in our country”.

Olonga, who got married to an Australian and settled there, has recently been promoting his new book ‘Blood, Sweat and Treason’. Last week, he said he would support Zimbabwe’s return to test cricket after a four year absence, but claimed “we still have the issue of slightly suspicious gentlemen running the sport," in reference to ZC chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute.

Of Bvute, whom he clashed with during his World Cup protest, he added: "I don't really trust the man, but he's shown a genuine desire to re-engage with some of the former players."

But on Friday, Bvute showed no appetite for a verbal tussle with Zimbabwe’s first black cricketer, describing him as a “hero” and “role model” to many young cricketers.

“Henry remains a hero to so many young kids in this country and I still hope he will change his mind and return to his country of birth and help with our cricket renaissance,” Bvute said.

“He has been much in the limelight recently promoting his book and he has said a couple of peculiar things about us ... I just wish we could meet and talk about the issues he still has with Zimbabwe Cricket.

“The 2003 World Cup was a long time ago and Zimbabwe Cricket has been through some tough times since then. I know he was angry, but we can resolve that. Lots of us were angry in Zimbabwe Cricket but we have emerged stronger, wiser and more determined than ever.

“We really appreciate Henry’s words of encouragement regarding returning to Test cricket but I can’t understand why he would rule out a return to Zimbabwe, even just for a couple of visits. Why would he burn bridges?

“He will always be a role model, someone for youngsters to look up to, and we’d love to see him back -- in whatever capacity. He left the country and retired from cricket under extremely unfortunate circumstances but, as far as we are concerned, we’d like to put the past behind us and move on to a brighter future.”

It was not clear if Olonga would take up the ZC's offer. He said last week that "personal safety is still a consideration" for him returning to Zimbabwe, although adding in the same interview: "The Zimbabwean government seems to be softening."

I'm not sure, can Olonga's safety be guaranteed?

[bayhaus]

I really don't think he is safe, cos its not Ozias he has to worry about at the end of the day.

[maehara]

I really don't think he is safe, cos its not Ozias he has to worry about at the end of the day.

And that's the problem.

Even if he did come back, though, what contribution could he make at the moment anyway, other than as a role model to help attract people to the sport / raise its profile? All he's played in since 2003 is the occasional exhibition match for Lashings...

[bayhaus]

what contribution could he make at the moment anyway

Ozias sounds a bit overzealous to have Olonga back, I think they should rather talk to upcoming stars all over the place to come and play. Okay for arguments sake, lets say they are legit why don't they hire him to be our overseas ambassador and he works from there.