Little surprise as Mugabe re-elected as ZCU patron

In an result about as surprising as Zimbabwe's rigged presidential poll last year, Robert Mugabe has been re-elected as patron of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union for an eighth consecutive year.

Unsurprisngly Mugabe was unopposed - dissent under his Zanu PF government is usually quickly followed by a visit from the police or other henchmen - but there was some disquiet at the meeting.

Peter Chingoka, chairman of the ZCU, has repeatedly insisted that the organisation is not political and he maintained that Mugabe's re-election was purely ceremonial. "He plays no part in our policies or direction," said Chingoka. "You are entitled to your opinion but you must also respect our position."

But there are many within Zimbabwe who feel that Mugabe's patronage gives him a credibility he doesn't deserve as well as undermining that of the ZCU. "If we continue with Mr. Mugabe, then protests and disruptions will continue," said watching white businessman Roger Stringer. "His appointment is a political one and there should be a change away from that."

At the same meeting Chingoka was also re-elected for a 12th year in office and Geoff Marsh, Zimbabwe's Australian coach, was given a one-year extension to his contract. "Marsh has been quite brilliant during his first two years," said Chingoka. "He is a top operator and one of the best coaches we have had."