Mangongo admits to pushing player

Stephen Mangongo, Zimbabwe's interim coach during their series against Bangladesh, has admitted to pushing one of his young players in a moment of rage. Mangongo told Zimbabwe's Herald newspaper that he shoved 22-year old Natsai Mushangwe after the legspinner failed to deliver instructions to a batsman at the crease.

The incident took place last Saturday, during the first Twenty20 against Bangladesh. Mangongo asked Mushangwe, who was one of the reserves, to send a message to Hamilton Masakadza. Instead, he found Mushangwe having a meal.

"I was angry with him and I pushed him and asked the team manager to order him out of the dressing room and he went back to the hotel," Mangongo said. But, he insists there is no bad blood between the two and they will continue to have a good relationship.

Mushangwe played in the second T20 and Mangongo met with both him and his mother in their hometown of Harare after the series to clear the air. "We dealt with the issue to the satisfaction of both sides," he said. "I have groomed Natsai since his club cricket days at Takashinga and I cannot go out to inflict harm on him now when he has finally made it to the national team. I regret the incident that happened and I have gone out of the way to address it with the family."

Although Mushangwe has not submitted a written report of the incident, other members of team management were asked to furnish ZC with the details. Disciplinary action could follow after ZC examines the documents.

Mangongo, who applied for the job of head coach, has had to hand over the reins to Andy Waller but remains the assistant. He is known for his uncompromising approach and stern style, which is a complete antithesis to former coach Alan Butcher's gentle manner.

He has worked in coaching for two decades and was one of the founding members of Takashinga cricket club, known as the heartbeat of black African cricket in the country. Mangongo worked under Butcher for three years and will continue in the role under Waller.