Zimbos in the UK : Season 2015

[grant]

http://www.zimcricket.org/index.php?opt ... Itemid=149

[GregorPJ]

Good to know that the Tuskers are encouraging and helping their players find clubs in the off season.

Hopefully the other franchises are doing something similar.

[zimfan1]

Gary Chirimuuta - Kidmore End CC

[GregorPJ]

http://www.cricx.mobi/?task=get&url=htt ... aruma.html

Other maruma @ Goatacre CC

Mark Mbofana @ Filleigh CC

[GregorPJ]

Forster Murtizwa - Ardmore CC
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ ... 2981.shtml

[MidWest Rhinos]

Good to know that the Tuskers are encouraging and helping their players find clubs in the off season.

Hopefully the other franchises are doing something similar.

It's always very good when these guys go away and play for a bit. When they come back they are full of confidence. When Mark came back he was feeling really good about his cricket, his performances didn't really show it but he was looking good. It's a pity that a pesky ankle problem kept him from playing his best but it was certainly obvious that playing club cricket in the UK did him a world of good, not just for his cricket but for Mark as person.

A lot of guys would jump at the chance to play in the UK but for the most part there isn't much support or assistance from the franchise to get them there. We encourage our guys to put themselves out there and look for clubs to play for in the off season but there aren't really any procedures in place for us to help them get the gig. We write supporting letters to help them try to get a visa but that's about it.

There are a number of agencies that guys have used and some of them have looked really dodgy and take a huge cut from the guy's pay. One of our young guys, Tari Musakanda has used an agent which fortunately looks quite reputable but he has had to do all the work himself, we only help with paperwork where we can.

And quite right too! Cricketers these days are too soft! Need to get off their backsides and do their own work!

[brmtaylor.com admin]

MidWest Rhinos: Conversely, how actively does the franchise try and get guys from the UK (or elsewhere?) to play domestically in Zim? Obviously there are a few high profile cases like Wadlan, but if there were procedures in place that made it easy for UK guys to make the trip (at their own expense - let's call it a working vacation in the name of career development?) and play club cricket in Midlands for a few weeks then I imagine it would do wonders for the quality of local cricket.

[MidWest Rhinos]

MidWest Rhinos: Conversely, how actively does the franchise try and get guys from the UK (or elsewhere?) to play domestically in Zim? Obviously there are a few high profile cases like Wadlan, but if there were procedures in place that made it easy for UK guys to make the trip (at their own expense - let's call it a working vacation in the name of career development?) and play club cricket in Midlands for a few weeks then I imagine it would do wonders for the quality of local cricket.

Undeniably so! It's incredible the difference it makes. When Brad was playing club cricket for Queens the guys really responded well to his influence. He was very good with the younger guys and they listened intently to what he said. Even the 'seasoned' guys at the club learnt a lot. But unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, the franchise does nothing to try and get guys over. Brad and before him, Jaik Mickleburgh were recruited by Grant Flower when he was in the UK. Grant basically said, get your butt on a plane and play. Of course they were always going to be given a place in the franchise, when Pettini was looking to come over, both us and Eagles were trying to get his number. How Eagles did it I have no idea, we have better fishing around here!

I think there's also the stigma still attached to Zim. Guys are worried about security and have no idea that SA is much more dangerous than Zim, something the Brits don't really publicise. I suppose also being paid on time is a problem but a guy like Brad was brilliant. He was about the bigger picture and was very patient. Again it's also the exposure. The more people who know the franchise exists, the more interest we may get from these guys who want to come and play for us and bring skills, ideas and experience that benefit the franchise and ultimately the country as a whole. And we're not fussy. We'll take anyone, doesn't just have to be Brits! We'll take an American if they can bowl at 150!

[zimfan1]

Chamu Chibhabha - Harefield CC
Tafadzwa Muzarawetu - Harefield CC
Ryan Burl - Sarisbury Athletic Cricket Club
Steve Chimhamiwa - Steyning CC
Tawanda Mupariwa - Stranbine CC
Charles Kunje - Meigle CC (Scotland)
Innocent Kaia - Worcester Nomads CC

[SpitfiresKent]

So what's the standard like where these guys will be playing?