Tuskers relishing new challenge
October 9th, 2014
AIMING HIGH:
Local cricket franchise Matabeleland Tuskers have set their sights on domestic dominance
BUKHOSI MANGENA -
Veteran cricket administrator and current Matabeleland Tuskers boss Stanley Staddon is tipping his side to win all the trophies on offer when the new franchise cricket season begins on November 8.
The Bulawayo-based franchise finished third in last season’s Logan Cup and were placed fourth in the Pro50 Challenge, and Staddon is optimistic of success this time round despite chances that they will be missing their coach Wayne James, who is also involved in ZC’s High Perfomance programme. The Tuskers boss said they were seeking to repeat their yesteryear dominance which saw them clinch the Logan Cup four years in a row and would be boosting their squad with Craig Ervine set to boost their top order.
“The coach situation will not affect us too much because I am sure he (James) will manage the two roles, but if he cannot, we will move on and get someone new and we already have that person in mind,” said Staddon.
“We will be playing to win every trophy that will be on offer this time around, since we would have bolstered our squad with new additions.
“Last year we had a young squad, but we want to get four new players, including a wicketkeeper-cum-batsman who will add more edge to our batting.”
The Tuskers, who boast national team players such as Sean Williams, John Nyumbu and Brian Chari in their ranks, will be up against three rival franchises, namely Mashonaland Eagles, MidWest Rhinos and Mountaineers in three competitions, the