It seems Zimbabwe’s interim coach Makhaya Ntini is a man on a mission, these days. After slamming the leading teams for sending second string squads to play his troops, the 38-year old has now directed the blame on Cricket South Africa (CSA) for Zimbabwe’s plummeting fortunes.
Speaking to Sunday Times, the former South African pacer condemned his country’s cricket board for visiting their neighbours. He also claimed that being a black African would help him contribute to the growth of the Zimbabwean team.
Ntini asserted, “The first thing I asked when I got here was what is CSA doing help and I picked up that South Africa is not keen on visiting here and they don’t want much to do with Zimbabwe.”
He added, “It was sad to hear that, along with the fact that that I was told they nearly didn’t want to come to Zimbabwe for the tri-series they played with Zimbabwe and Australia two years ago.”
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Questioning CSA for their intent, Ntini declared, “I’d like to find out why they nearly pulled out of that series and also ask why they don’t want to support Zimbabwe. They are the only other good cricketing nation on the continent.”
One of the most likeable cricketers in his playing days, the right-arm seamer believed, “We’ve learnt to work hard, share and care as Black people. That I think is one of the reasons why I was approached for this position. If you are a caring person, you are able to work well with people and this is what Zimbabwe cricket has been needing.”
Already one down in the 3-match ODI series against India, Ntini would hope that his team rebounds during the next match at the Harare Sports Club on Monday.
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