JOSEPH MADYEMBWA
ZIMBABWE has once again failed to secure a World Cup spot, this time around for the T20 showpiece in the West Indies and the United States next year.
This, of course, raises serious concerns about the state of the game in the once proud cricketing nation.
It is a third time in succession that Zimbabwe has failed to progress to the World Cup, following years of direct and privileged qualification.
We have been left demanding a thorough examination of the team’s structure, leadership, and overall strategy.
The shocking qualifier outcome
The T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifiers 2023 witnessed a disappointing performance from Zimbabwe, finishing third behind Namibia and Uganda. With only two slots available for qualification, Zimbabwe fell short – dismally. The team, with experienced players like Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava failed to secure victories against key opponents, ultimately losing to both Namibia and Uganda.
Participating alongside Nigeria, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania – Zimbabwe was the sole International Cricket Council (ICC) full member in the regional qualifiers. The cricketing world anticipated an easy qualification for Zimbabwe, given the stark contrast in rankings and experience. However, their unexpected defeats against Uganda and Namibia exposed significant shortcomings in the team’s performance and preparation.
A call for introspection
Zimbabwe’s recent struggles on the international stage demand a comprehensive introspection into the various facets of the cricketing setup. The repeated failure to qualify for major tournaments against ostensibly weaker teams indicates a systemic issue that goes beyond individual player performances. It is imperative to scrutinise the roles played by both the playing personnel and the support staff, as well as the overall governance of Zimbabwean cricket.
While the team comprises seasoned players like Raza, Williams and Ervine, their collective inability to secure crucial victories raises questions about their continued role in the squad. The time may have come for Zimbabwe to look towards a younger generation of players, injecting fresh talent and energy into the team. Rebuilding efforts should focus on nurturing promising talents who can carry the torch for Zimbabwe in the future. The coaching and support staff also bear a significant responsibility for the team’s recent failures. The technical team must be held accountable for their role in the team’s underperformance.
Executive leadership challenges
Beyond the playing field and coaching staff, the administrative leadership of Zimbabwean cricket must also be subject to scrutiny. The executive duo of managing director Givemore Makoni and director of cricket Hamilton Masakadza has overseen a period of decline without tangible improvements. It is time for a change in leadership to infuse new ideas, strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose into the team. The failures at the international level indicate a lack of proper planning, development programnes, and strategic vision for the future of the game. The time has come for a leadership overhaul to ensure that the right decisions are made to steer Zimbabwean cricket back on the path to success.
The need for rebuilding
Rebuilding Zimbabwean cricket requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing changes in playing personnel, coaching staff, and executive leadership. The focus should shift towards nurturing young talent that can bring a renewed vigour to the national team. While experience is valuable, it is equally important to strike a balance and provide opportunities for emerging cricketers to showcase their potential.
As Zimbabwe looks towards rebuilding, the departure of experienced players like Raza, Williams and Ervine may become inevitable. While their contributions have been commendable, the team needs a fresh start with players who can carry the nation’s cricketing aspirations into the future. This transition, though challenging, is a crucial step in the rebuilding process.
In light of the recent failures, it is only fair for both Makoni and Masakadza to consider resigning from their respective positions. The inability to guide the team through crucial qualifiers in the same year raises questions about their leadership capabilities. New leadership, with a clear vision and the ability to inspire positive change, is essential for Zimbabwean cricket to regain its standing in the international arena.
The recent setback is a wake-up call. The time for introspection, accountability and rebuilding has arrived. Changes must be implemented across playing personnel, coaching staff, and executive leadership to instigate a positive transformation. The departure of seasoned players, the evaluation of coaching staff and a change in executive leadership are all integral components of the rebuilding process. Zimbabwean cricket has a rich history and, with the right changes, the nation can once again become a formidable force in international cricket.
*Joseph ‘Jonty’ Madyembwa, a regular NewsHawks contributor, is a UK-based former Zimbabwe national team performance analyst and Mashonaland Eagles franchise team manager. Jonty is currently undertaking a PhD programme at Loughborough University’s Institute of Sports Business.
