Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports-Hub
THE Chevrons’ seemingly unending losing run has given rise to conspiracy theories, the latest claiming that key members in the technical set-up are putting personal glory ahead of the national interest.
Over the last two years, cricket fans have taken to social media during and after qualifiers or series to blame the Chevrons’ defeats on poor selection.
Over the past month, Zimbabwe hosted Afghanistan for T20, ODI and Test series and lost all of them at Harare Sports Club (white ball) and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
They had previously lost to Pakistan by an identical 2-1 margin in their three-match ODI and T20 series.
In the wake of the humiliation by Afghanistan, cricket fans have been divided over a leaked audio where former Chevrons’ pace bowler Tendai Chatara made serious allegations against convenor of selectors David Mutendera and former Chevrons all-rounder and captain Elton Chigumbura.
While Chatara later withdrew the statements in a public apology in which he blamed the rant on alcohol, the sentiments he expressed are hard to ignore. This is because they fit into the conspiracy theories shared on social media by a section of the Chevrons fans.
Barring a major climbdown, the 33-year-old Chatara’s international career is virtually over, and the recent rant might as well have been the final nail in the coffin.
Zimbabwe Cricket are yet to comment publicly on the issue, while some believe the lengthy apology by Chatara was a result of behind-the-scenes engagements.
In the three-minute audio, currently doing rounds on social media, Chatara questioned the entire selection process and railed against former teammate Chigumbura and Mutendera.
“David (Mutendera) knows nothing; he didn’t play much cricket. He just gets instructions and does what he is told. Diva (Mutendera) does not care if you are good or not.
“These young guys are not yet ripe for the national team,” fumed Chatara in an audio leaked last week.
“How many coaches have left while he remains there? He (Mutendera) will just say, ‘I gave them who they requested’,” said Chatara.
Chatara accused Chigumbura, who is part of the selection team, of nepotism, alleging that he was only picking players from his academy to remain relevant.
“Elton has an academy that consists of (Trevor) Gwandu and (Newman) Nyamhuri; he selects those players so that he remains relevant. What we can now do is to get into the system and take up jobs. You cannot be a convener, academy coach and Under-19 coach all at the same time.
“He (Elton) is just selfish,” added Chatara.
“He is sending a message that after having been given the job, he then goes on to pick players from his academy to show that he is doing something.
“I am retiring next year, and we also need to take up the jobs within ZC. I am now waiting to see out my contract, then I will approach Givey (Makoni) and tell him that if I am to be integrated into the system, my contract does not have to change.
“I will tell you that I have served the country for 15 years playing for the national team.”
The audio has divided fans, with some praising him for being bold enough to say “the truth”, while others feel its sour grapes by a veteran whose international career has
ended.
Those critical of Chatara say he does not offer any solutions in the profanity-laden rant but merely regrets not being part of the current leadership.
Apology
Chatara has since issued an apology.
“I am writing to sincerely apologise for the hurt caused by my comments in the leaked audio that has been circulating via WhatsApp and other social media platforms,” he said in a letter addressed to Mutendera, Makoni and Chigumbura.
“I deeply regret my poor judgment in that moment, particularly after having a few drinks. I also regret the reputational damage this may cause you as individuals and to Zimbabwe Cricket as an organisation.
“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.”
While the matter between Chatara and ZC might be considered a private issue, the audio did bring up a few issues that are hard to ignore.
This is largely because they are being raised by an active, long-serving player as opposed to previous scenarios where claims came from disgruntled fans.
Mutendera’s nine lives
It is now public that sections of both fans and players believe Mutendera has played a part in the decline of Zimbabwe Cricket.
Concerns have been raised amid claims coaches are not involved in the selection of players due to report to camp for international matches.
There has been frustration over the “snubbing” of players with better stats in domestic cricket without justification.
And when the “beneficiaries” go on to perform dismally, the theory that selection is not about merit but allegiances is given wings.
The current slump by the Chevrons inevitably triggers questions whether there is a succession plan ahead of the looming retirements of senior players like Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, who are all in the twilight of their international careers.
The Zimbabwe top-order is still a mess, and, despite numerous warning signs, spin is still a headache for Zimbabwe batters.
Also, there seems to be no accountability for poor performances by players, while coaches have come and gone.
Mutendera has survived the reigns of the late Heath Streak, Lalchand Rajput, Dave Houghton and now Justin Sammons during his five years at the helm.
Streak, Rajput and Houghton either lost their jobs or stepped down due to poor results.
During Mutendera’s spell, Zimbabwe lost out on the 2023 ODI World Cup and had to sit out the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Uganda went in their stead.
Failure to qualify for the two World Cups saw Dave Houghton stepping down from his position.
Following Houghton’s resignation, ZC instituted an investigation into the poor performance and are implementing some of the recommendations from the eventual report, which has not circulated publicly.
Chatara’s incident is further confirmation that the Chevrons’ slide needs to be arrested before further humiliation.
Already, there is growing demand that Test-playing nations be split into two divisions, where Zimbabwe will firmly be in the second tier.
