The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MUTARE cricket fans will be in for a treat starting on Monday when Zimbabwe “A” hosts Kenya at Mutare Sports Club in a four One Day and T20 matches.
Mutare fans last witnessed international cricket matches at their doorstep back in 2009 when Zimbabwe hosted Afghanistan.
Fans in Mutare will have the joy of watching their local stars, especially those that trace their roots to the eastern border city, as they showcase their skills on home turf.
Crucially for the domestic game, the matches will also bring about reunion with some of the fans who had seemed to have turned their backs on the sport.
Zim “A” coach Shepherd Makunura announced the final squad on Monday morning.
Manicaland Cricket Board Administrator Terry Nyakurimwa said they were delighted to host Kenya.
“We are delighted as Team Manicaland at this opportunity to host an international game.
“We welcome the Kenyan national team to our beautiful province. We are assured of good and entertaining cricket and call for all fans to come have fun and enjoy.
“This will restore the confidence that ZC recognises us amongst the top facilities in the country.
“Our schools will be invited to come and witness their role models and motivate our young and upcoming cricketers.
“Our province will also be treated to some good and much awaited international cricket in four one day and 1 T20 games.
“Sports Tourism comes through to benefit supporting businesses in catering, accommodation, ICT and pave way for much needed capacity on our local companies to sponsor our development programs,” he said.
Some of the regular players who did not make it include Mountaineers duo of Kevin Kasuza and Innocent Kaia while Brian Chari, Ainsley Ndlovu, William Mashinge and Nathan Waller were left out.
The tourists will play Zimbabwe “A” in a four-day match starting on Monday.
On Tuesday, they will take a break and play their second, third and final one day games on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday respectively.
A T20 match pitting the two sides marks the end of the tour on Monday February 5.
Zim A squad
Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Tarisai Musakanda, Sean Williams, , Ryan Burl, Ryan Murray, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Brian Vitori, Cephas Zhuwawo, Neville Madziva, Rugare Magarira, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Timycen Maruma, Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza and Chris Mpofu
