Mbangwa quits to concentrate on commentary

Pommie Mbangwa: heading to South Africa © Getty Images

A report in the Sunday News claims that Pommie Mbangwa has retired from playing and coaching to concentrate on his career as a commentator. It is expected that he will sign a new deal with South African broadcaster Supersport.

Ahmet Esat, chairman of the Matabeleland Cricket Association, confirmed that Mbangwa resigned as Matabeleland's provincial coach last week and added that he was already in South Africa.

"Obviously, we are disappointed as a board that he has left at such short notice," Esat told the newspaper. "There weren't even signs that he would quit and it has derailed our provincial's side preparations for the Logan Cup. It is late to appoint someone."

Mbangwa had been criticised in some quarters for his commitment to his coaching role as his increasing commentary duties had meant that he was increasingly absent. "There were worries on his commitment to his job as Matabeleland coach as he spent most of the time outside the country," Esat explained. "We actually wanted to discuss the issue with him but he resigned."

Mbangwa played 15 Tests between 1996 and 2000, taking 32 wickets, and also made 29 ODI appearances where his 11 wickets cost 103 each. His form of late in domestic matches had been very ordinary.