The ManicaPost
CONVENER of selectors for national teams Givemore Makoni has officially taken over from axed chief executive John Brent to run the affairs of the high-riding domestic cricket franchise, the Mountaineers, Post Sport has learnt.
Zimbabwe Cricket spokesperson Lovemore Banda confirmed that Makoni had joined the Mountain Goats in a new management structure in which the former national team manager, Makoni, will administer the Mutare franchise.
Recently, Banda told Post Sport that as a cost-cutting measure, Zimbabwe Cricket was finalising on a raft of proposals that include abolishing the chief executive’s post as well as other duplicative managerial roles that were part of the franchise system.
“I can confirm that Givemore Makoni is now the new administrator at the Mountaineers. He is taking over from John Brent who was chief executive.
“Like I said before, the new system is likely to have an administrator and a secretary only. The two will work with the coach, his assistant and the players as well as staff at the grounds.
“This is a cost-cutting measure but more importantly they are proposals that still need to be finalised,” said Banda.
Brent’s tenure at the helm of Manicaland’s most successful sporting outfit — the Mountaineers — came to an abrupt halt after Zimbabwe Cricket failed to renew his contract.
The Mountaineers chief executive’s contract was not renewed together with his chief operating officer, Frank Kurebwa, and area manager Farai Chari.
With the current Pro50 Series Cup, the Logan Cup and the T20 Cup all in their cabinet, the Mutare franchise easily becomes the most successful sporting team in Manicaland. In the just-ended season, Mountaineers won the Pro50 Series Cup which is a One Day 50-over competition, and the Logan Cup which is a four day competition.
The Mountain Goats also won the T20 Cup which is a 20-over competition in 2013.
Therefore, Mountaineers cricket franchise currently holds all three titles in the Zimbabwe Cricket competitions, which also makes them the most successful franchise in Zimbabwe Cricket.
