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Sports Reporter

SPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane on Wednesday met with the Ambassador of India Rungsung Masakui to discuss possible areas of co-operation in sport between the two countries. The ambassador paid a courtesy call on the minister at his offices in Harare to explore possible areas the two countries can work together.“I think I have been here for the last three months now and I have been meeting with several ministers from various ministries.

“I was actually excited to come to Zimbabwe when I came to know that we have a very dynamic and vibrant Indian community here, which have contributed and also is a part of a peaceful part of the society,” said Rungsung.

Hlongwane said they would want the two countries to deepen their co-operation in sport, with cricket being one of the disciplines he feels can benefit from the two countries working together.

“Obviously, we are a Ministry of Sport, we want to deepen our co-operation in the field of sport, make sure that as Zimbabwe we benefit from the experiences of our sister republic, India.

“I know India does very well in terms of cricket.

“I must tell you that so far we are very grateful for that unflinching support that we always get from India.

“My prayer and my appeal is that that should continue on the same trajectory and that shouldn’t change.

“I think you notice as far as cricket is concerned, Zimbabwe is kind of struggling. We are not where we used to be.

“Obviously, Zimbabwe will benefit a lot in terms of not just sharing experiences but technical experts also from India working with our local national team here,” said Hlongwane.

Hlongwane said Zimbabwe could draw some lessons on the development of cricket from India, regarded as one of the top cricketing countries.

“One of the things that is important as far as cricket is concerned that we could learn as Zimbabwe from India is development.

“Cricket has not developed in Zimbabwe throughout the country so to speak.

“It has continued to be sedentary in the way it has been developing, but I know that in India cricket is played everywhere.

“We want that kind of a model and the Indians are best placed to give us that experience, we can learn from them so that these things then also can help us,” said Hlongwane.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Cricket are inviting applications for the position of national team head coach.

The coach will be responsible for “the collective performance of the Zimbabwe team, ensuring individual players are prepared, developed and managed to ensure they perform at the peak of their capabilities at all times, establishing a culture and style of play which, supported by key systems and processes, will contribute to a consistent high performance and development of Zimbabwe cricketers and ensuring the conduct of the national team is in keeping with the highest standards of integrity.”

The coach is also expected to:

To present a coaching plan which shows strategies to achieve qualification for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and ICC World Twenty20 and for the national team to be competitive in the Test version of the game and ensure the highest level of performance is achieved and maintained.

· Develop and implement coaching plans to meet individual development needs by a player and team.

· Provide direction on the game strategy and style of play that enables on-field success.

· Effectively manage the workload of the players, thereby enhancing their contribution to the cause of the team.

· In conjunction with the Captain and Team Manager, maintain and develop a culture that ensures player behaviour is consistent with the relevant codes of conduct.

· In conjunction with the Captain and other members of the team management, communicate expectations of player behaviour (non-negotiable) at the commencement of each tour.

· In conjunction with the Captain and other members of the management team, deal immediately, openly and effectively with inappropriate behaviour.

· Continue to reinforce and develop within the team greater recognition of the Spirit of Cricket and the responsibility of players to promote the game and show it in a positive light.

· Build positive relationships with players, team management, national selectors, ZC staff and provincial coaches and staff.

· In conjunction with the Team Manager, develop a close working relationship with and oversee the physiotherapist, fitness trainer and the psychologist in relation to players’ health, fitness and mental preparedness.

· To clearly understand ZC’s strategic framework and incorporate relevant focus into dealings with players, other staff and stakeholders.

· Participate in media commitments as required.

· Ensure the needs of cricket sponsors and stakeholders are met.

· Responsible for performance management and development of staff and assistant coaches.

· Strictly follow finance policies, procedures and contractual obligations.”

ZC said the person they were looking for should have the following:

· The candidate should have attained a recognised coaching certificate at a higher level, and an impeccable record of coaching at first-class and international level.

· Demonstrate an understanding and ability of employing a multi-disciplinary approach to coaching.

· The candidate should have communication skills befitting the coach of an international team, along with the ability to effectively convey the right messages and must demonstrate proficiency in English.

· Knowledge of the latest technologies/trends in sports software will be an added advantage.

· Demonstrate methods/tools to effectively measure individual player performance and present metrics to the Board, which will in turn measure the performance of the team.

· Good leadership skills and ability to motivate players and the national technical team.