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CHEVRONS veteran fast bowler, Tendai Chatara, who has seemingly fallen out of favour with the national selectors, has apologised over a leaked audio where he was accusing the selection panel of bias and favouritism.
The 33-year-old seamer called out David Mutendera, the convener of selectors and Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach and national selector Elton Chigumbura for being unfair when picking the national team.
The audio was making rounds on social media last week and the veteran has since apologised to all those affected.
Chatara said he “had taken a few drinks.”
He added that the audio was also edited as other voices were removed, leaving his voice only.
“I am writing to sincerely apologise for the hurt caused by my comments in a leaked audio that has been circulating via WhatsApp and other social media platforms. I deeply regret my poor judgement in that moment, particularly after having a few drinks. I also regret the reputational damage this may cause to you as individuals and to Zimbabwe Cricket as an organisation.
“This was never my intention and I take full responsibility for my actions. While I am concerned that the audio may have been selectively edited as only my voice is heard, I take responsibility for my words and the impact they have had,” said Chatara.
In the audio, Chatara accused Chigumbura of selfishness as he manages an academy, is head coach for the men’s Under-19 national team and also senior men’s national team selector.
He said Chigumbura threw Newman Nyamhuri and Trevor Gwandu into the deep end so “as to stay relevant and appear as if he is doing a good job with the academy.”
He added that Mutendera “never played much cricket”, criticising his choices as convener. He has since apologised to the duo.
“Mr Mutendera and Mr Chigumbura, I have immense respect for both of you, not only for your contributions to Zimbabwe cricket as players but also for the trail you have blazed for many black children from disadvantaged backgrounds including myself. Your achievements on the international stage inspired many of us to believe that we could reach the highest level of cricket despite the challenges we faced.
“Your continued dedication to nurturing young talent is something I greatly appreciate and I am truly sorry for any suggestion that questioned your integrity or commitment. I also want to acknowledge that my frustration stemmed from not being selected when I felt I still had much to offer the national team. However, I fully regret the way that frustration came out. My comments were disrespectful and hurtful and for that I take full responsibility,” said Chatara.
He added: “I extend my apology to the players I mentioned in the audio — they deserved their call-ups and my comments were never meant to undermine their efforts or to wish them failure.
“I realise now more than ever that the success of Zimbabwean cricket is far bigger than my personal interests. The national team’s progress and unity are what matter most and I am committed to supporting that cause.”
Chatara said he also hopes to rebuild the trust and respect he lost and to continue working towards the success of the team.
“I remain dedicated to contributing positively to Zimbabwean cricket and to fostering unity and progress within our cricketing community. With sincere apologies and respect.”
Selection bias over the past years has been a pertinent issue among various cricket stakeholders in the country with many critiquing the favouritism that is employed.
ZC selectors have come under heavy scrutiny for overlooking certain players for national team selection despite numbers backing them.
In his audio, Chatara said Mutendera is aware that players like Gwandu and Nyamhuri are not yet ready for international cricket but in trying to save his job (from those who give orders) he is compelled to select them.
The veteran bowler was speaking to fellow Mega Market Mountaineers fast bowler Victor Nyauchi in the leaked audio. Chatara said he will retire next year upon which he will approach ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni for a job.
He believes that after retirement, he is supposed to be given a job, having served Zimbabwe for over 15 years.
He told Nyauchi that they should focus on winning this year’s Logan Cup and shame the Mutendera-led selection panel.
