Sibanda Interview: I don't have any hard feelings

[CrimsonAvenger]

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/index.php/sp ... lings.html

HARARE - This week on our question and answer segment we feature prominent Zimbabwe opening batsman Vusi Sibanda.

The Mid West Rhinos occasional medium fast bowler talks about his disappointment on missing out on the tour of New Zealand, his personal life and host of issues pertaining to the game of cricket.


How did you feel about being left out in the team for New Zealand when you were at your best performance? (Artwell Mwamuka, Harare)

Obviously disappointed, but that’s life.

I could be optimistic about the tour had I been picked. I was looking forward to it. But I got left out.

Were you aware of the fact that you would miss the trip to New Zealand by opting to play Grade cricket in Australia? (Chipo Kanengoni, Harare)

If I had known that going to Australia would cost me my spot in the team then I wouldn’t have taken the opportunity. I was made to believe that it’s all good they released me so I went.

I found out when I was in Australia and I had to come back to show my commitment and loyalty to my country as I have always did.

Unfortunately, my coming back and missing out the rest of the season in Australia meant nothing at the end of it all.

Do you have any hard feelings against the board or any member in particular in relation to the events leading to your exclusion from the team for New Zealand? (Themba Dube, Bulawayo)

I have no hard feelings neither do I harbour any personal issues with anyone on the board. What was said and done was beyond my control and I can only look ahead.

Did you turn down a local contract with your domestic franchise team Mid West Rhinos last year? (Arnold Murisa, Harare)

I did not decline anything from Rhinos. I was part of the central contracted players. You cannot have two contracts and it would have been the first.

My franchise was happy for me to go and they released me, so honestly I don’t know how and where that came from.

What shortcomings do you think need to be attended to before Zimbabwe can be competitive in the Test arena? (Culverwell Bare, Marondera)

For the team to do well they have to go through patches like that against New Zealand, just so they know how to overcome such. We have the talent in the country. We just need more exposure.

The more you play the better you get. We need to play more with the top teams because it’s easier to criticise one when thrown into the deep end and expected to produce the results.

Do you think your presence would have made much difference in New Zealand? (Simba Mangwenzi, Harare)

I could have given 110 percent on my individual performance.

How do you rate the new crop of cricketers in the domestic franchise league, are they good enough to force their way into the national Test or ODI sqauds? (Nqobile Ncube, Bulawayo)

Yes. If you are good enough to play franchise cricket then you are good enough to play at the highest level. It’s your courage and hunger for success that determines your capabilities at the top.

What’s in a pull, your love for playing the pull shot has often led to your downfall what measures have you put in place to try and execute the shot to your advantage? (Brian Katedzi, Harare)

Pull shot! Lol! First of all people must realise that your strength can be your weakness as well.

For me it’s more of the mental aspect than anything else. I just have to pick the right ball to pull and of cause practice it more often.

What’s your favourite batting shot and why do you prefer it over other shots? (Richard Chinyanga, Chinhoyi)

Back foot drive because it upsets the bowlers’ length.

What’s your best moment in the game? (Tichaona Karume, Harare)

Best moment, scoring a half century (58) on my One Day International debut against West Indies in Bulawayo in November 2003.

Your worst or most difficult moments be it in the game or outside cricket? (Cliff mrehwa, Chitungwiza)

Facing Australia’s fast bowler Brett Lee bowling 153km/hr at the age of 19. I found it very difficult to cope with.

Your very last games in the franchise league were characterised with low scores were you in any way being haunted by the New Zealand miss out ghost? (Peter Karwendo, Harare)

What happens off the field stays off the field. You don’t always walk onto the field and get a big score with as much as you expected to do so. That’s just the nature of the game.

You made headlines for all the wrong reasons and were cautioned for attacking match umpire (I know Chabi) in a match against Mash Eagles at Harare Sports Club. What really transpired in that incident? (Tsungai Chigu, Harare)

Yes, what I said to the umpire was nothing personal of course I was disappointed about the decision but I meant well and spoke about it after the game and everything was good.

How important was Jason Gillespie’s stay at Mid West Rhinos and how would you compare him to our national team technical department? (Sean Magaya, Kwekwe)

Jason was an awesome coach, he brought in a different culture to the game to us as Rhinos but you can’t make comparisons because coaches are different they have their own ways of coaching.

Are you considering taking an overseas attachment during this long off-season break in the domestic franchise league? (Tinashe Banda, Harare)

No, not at all. I would love to but at the same time I need a break so I can recharge.

What drives you to be a successful cricket player and what sort of goals have you set yourself in the immediate future? (Brian Bakasa, Harare)

The hunger for success and always want to be different to others from the way I play.

How is your relationship with the bulk of former Takashinga players that you grew up with the likes of Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza, Foster Mutizwa etc.? (Kundai Katsande, Harare)

Me and the boys always have and a good relationship. We grow up together as well.

Are you married now, who is the luck lady and any kids yet? (Mildred Mashoko, Harare)

Yes, I am married to Edwick Madyopa and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Allannah and Renisha.

Of the emerging players which ones have impressed you the most? (John Chikukwa, Harare)

I would say Regis Chakabva and Brian Vitori. They got a bright career ahead and I believe they got one way and that’s going up.

You recently started using contact lenses of what benefit have these been with regards to your vision in the game? (George Phiri, Kwekwe)

Yes, using contact lenses made a massive difference in my game.

I can now see well than I used to and also feel that I now have time when I play.

[Jemisi]

Occasional medium fast bowler - I liked that one

[edwintapiwa.toreveyi]

vusi, you are the best...hope your form wil continue wc l beliv it will coz u r so natural...