Zimbabwe board denies appointments politically motivated

An article in the Sunday News in Zimbabwe has claimed the country's domestic structure is being undermined by political appointments, something strenuously denied by Zimbabwe Cricket chief executive Ozias Bvute.

While Zimbabwe's international standing is improving, the article by Mehluli Sibanda, who has covered the game from within the country for many years, says many of those in key provincial positions are there for non cricketing reasons.

Zimbabwe Cricket undertook an extensive overhaul of its domestic structure a few years ago, ostensibly to be make it more representative and democratic. But, Sibanda stated, the reality is that it remains anything but.

"The clubs still do nominate those they want to lead them but those individuals still go through a rigorous vetting exercise carried out by ZC before they can assume office. This has seen many aspiring candidates being disqualified without any good reason being given and this has in turn discouraged many who want to serve the game.

"Early this year, there were special general meetings in all the provinces which produced some shameful results with people who had never held any administration posts in some of the provinces getting into positions of power."

Sibanda is based in Bulawayo where he has first-hand knowledge of the local club scene. "In the Bulawayo we had Esther Chagadama being elected chairperson in unclear circumstances after some of the local club officials were disqualified without any reasonable explanation. Chagadama, a former ZC finance manager went on to become a ZC board member a few months later which clearly indicates to me that it was part of the grand plan for her to use the [local set-up] to fulfil her ambitions of being on the national board.

"Chagadama has done nothing for the betterment of cricket in Bulawayo since she became the provincial chairperson. She has never met with the leadership of the four big clubs in the city or even attend any league matches on a Sunday."

In response, Bvute told ESPNcricinfo: "The provincial associations are bound to the ZC constitution which means that the criteria and procedures associated with the nomination and election of board members is strictly set-out and followed. For someone to state that this process is undemocratic is unfortunate, considering that we have taken great pains to ensure that the processes are governed by leading members of our society, some of whom are seasoned lawyers and hold seats on other company boards. Having being elected to become the chairman of one of the clubs himself, Mr Sibanda can no doubt attest to the inclusivity of the process.

"While we welcome any feedback that will lead to the growth of our club and provincial structures, our constitution, to which the clubs are bound, makes adequate provision for a remedy, should any member feel that there has been an injustice and we would appeal to Mr Sibanda to follow the necessary procedures before making what could turn out to be slanderous claims.

"We stand behind the decisions of the electoral committees and welcome participation by any member of society who fits the necessary requirements and feels that they can make a lasting contribution to the sport".

Sibanda also claimed ZC's finances meant it was imposing unrealistic affiliation fees on clubs before they can play. "I know the four big clubs in Bulawayo - Queens, Emakhandeni, Bulawayo Athletic Club and Crescent - have not paid this amount and I doubt if they will be able to raise it."