Taibu rebuffed by South Africa

There is confusion over the future of Tatenda Taibu © AFP Enlarge

The confusion over Tatenda Taibu's future intentions took another twist with claims in the Zimbabwe-based Independent newspaper that he had wanted to try to qualify for South Africa only to change his mind after being told the switch would be difficult.

A fortnight ago Taibu was quoted in the London Times as saying that he wanted to try to qualify for South Africa and that he was not interested in a return to the Zimbabwe team. Earlier this week, Taibu vehemently denied he had made such claims, although Cricinfo spoke to the reporter who had interviewed him at a Lashings match and he insisted that the quotes were accurate.

Local sources in Zimbabwe were surprised at Taibu's interview with the Harare-based Sunday Mail, suggesting that he was keeping his options open in case he wanted to play in the World Cup.

It now appears, however, that Taibu's about-turn resulted from his initial approach to Cricket South Africa (CSA) being rebuffed after he spoke to Gerald Majola, the board's chief executive. "Taibu has called to say he wants to play in South Africa, but I think it will be very difficult for him to play for us because he has to qualify and four years from now is a long time," Majola told the Independent newspaper. "Besides we have a lot of other talented South African players coming up and I can't say whether he would qualify even after four years."

Majola went on to say that Taibu also asked if any South African franchise side would be interested in taking him. "He has asked me if he can play at any of the franchise sides and all I've done is refer him. What happens between him and the franchise sides has nothing to do with this office."

A spokesman for the Lions confirmed Taibu had expressed interest although no talks had yet taken place. "CSA phoned us to check if we were interested in a player like him and we said we would want to have a look," Lions chief executive Alan Kourie told the Independent. "However, there are no talks yet, no contact whatsoever except that Taibu has showed interest in joining us."

The main obstacle to Taibu's return would still seem to be the presence of Peter Chingoka as board chairman. Chingoka was accused by him of doing little when Taibu and his family were threatened by known political activist Themba Mliswa, and Taibu quit the national side soon after. Mliswa is now involved in provincial cricket, although local sources claim he has had a heated falling-out with senior board members in recent weeks.

But the consensus is that Taibu, who is thought to have been approached by Kevin Curran, the Zimbabwe coach, may well return to the national side as soon as November when they tour Bangladesh.