Chawaguta's future in doubt

Confusion surrounds the position of Walter Chawaguta, Zimbabwe's coach, after an advertisement was posed on the board's website advertising his job.

Chawaguta, who only took charge in August, has been criticised for his tactical and man-management failings, and serious questions were asked as to his ability after Zimbabwe threw away three good opportunities to win matches during the 5-0 ODI whitewash by Sri Lanka last month. His appointment was unexpected given his inexperience as both a player and a coach.

Cricinfo has learned Chawaguta was only picked on a three-month contract. The board resolved that the post would then advertised and a longer-term appointment made. The new coach is now expected to be in charge of the team for January's tour of Bangladesh.

The advertisement calls for someone to lead the side in all formats of the game, including Test cricket, with at least five years' experience of "senior coaching". That would seem to rule out Chawaguta, whose own background is limited to Zimbabwe A and Under-19 sides. The post of A-team coach has also been advertised.

The closing date for applications is December 12, giving less than a week for people to contact the board. It could not be established if anyone has applied to date or if ZC is going to extend the deadline.

Chawaguta is seen by many as a political appointment, someone the hardliners on the board who have consistently demanded more black players in the team can dominate and, given his club background with Takashinga, a politically-acceptable figure.

Anyone from outside Zimbabwe was effectively ruled out by Ozias Bvute, ZC's controversial managing director. Speaking at the time of Chawaguta's appointment, he said: "It is unwarranted and unfortunate for people to disown their own, and all this speculation that ZC are looking at employing a foreign coach is totally unfounded and baseless."