Zimbabwe Cricket Union seeks new coach

Forward Maisokwadzo The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) is set to appoint a new national team coach to replace Dave Houghton, the current coach whose three-year contract expires soon after the triangular series and a test match against the West Indies and England in July.

Dave Ellman-Brown, the ZCU chief executive, said they will be looking for a high-quality coach who would react best to the Zimbabwean situation. We are going to advertise for the post as we are looking for the best candidate to fill the post. In fact we are looking for a candidate who suits our strict requirements. Applications are open to both local and foreign candidates who prove to be the best, he said.

He said the ZCU thanked Houghton for the remarkable job he has done for the national team for the past three years and said it was unfortunate that he was no longer willing to continue as the coach.

The team produced a world-class performance during the World Cup where we managed to be among the super six which indicates a good job well done by Dave,? said Ellman-Brown.

He said for the three years they have been working with Houghton they did not experience any difficulties.

With the tight schedule for the national side, the coach will specifically be responsible for the national team and the B side, not engaging in other coaching clinics which the union feels is taxing and therefore needs time,? he added.

However, Houghton was reluctant to discuss the issue when the Zimbabwe Independent contacted him this week.

?Of course it?s true that my contract will expire in about seven months, hence it will be proper for us to discuss it then,? said Houghton.

He would not reveal whether he was still interested in being the coach or submitting his application when the post is advertised.

ZCU, desperate to see the national team regain their lost form, recently appointed former Australian bowling coach Carl Rackermann to coach Zimbabwean bowlers who have struggled with their game during the test matches against South Africa and the visitors, Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile the ZCU is also set to appoint a full-time national team manager to maximise efficiency and control of the side as they match themselves to professional standards. Ellman-Brown said they would appoint the manager in time for the West Indies and England test match in the first half of the new millennium.