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Sport Reporter
ZIMBABWE A cricket coach Shepherd Makunura has challenged his charges to prove their mettle when they engage touring Canada in a four-match One Day International series scheduled to begin tomorrow at Harare Sports Club. The selectors have thrown into the fray a number of hopefuls who will be fighting for recognition into the World Cup team. Morale had been low following the previous assignment to Bangladesh by the national team where they suffered a tour whitewash late last year.

Makunura said the Zimbabwe A engagement with Canada is an opportunity for most of the players to perform and gather confidence.

Players such as Brian Vitori, Prosper Utseya, PJ Moor, Timycen Maruma, Richmond Mutumbami, Natsai M’shangwe and Craig Ervine were part of the national team cast in Bangladesh where the whole team was unconvincing.

There are other former national team players like Chamu Chibhabha, Cephas Zhuwao, Tino Mutombodzi and Stuart Matsikenyeri who have been given the opportunity against the North Americans. Prosper Utseya is the captain of the side.

“I think it’s a very crucial tour for us and obviously coming from Bangladesh where we didn’t do well it’s important for the guys that are chosen to represent the country for them to go out there and perform well and try to make sure we gain the confidence of our fans again,” said Makunura.

The players had to cut short their festive holidays last week to begin preparations but their training has been affected by the incessant rains. Canada arrived in the country on Saturday but the rains remain a major concern ahead of the series.

The bad weather, which persisted throughout the week, also hampered the senior team’s World Cup preparations under new coach Dav Whatmore. The Australian also face challenging moments as he has to name his final World Cup team by Wednesday, when the A side would have played only one game against Canada. Zimbabwe A team coach Makunura said he was content with his team ahead of their first match tomorrow. The side had an indoor session yesterday and they are hoping to have a field training this morning. “The responses have been quite good. The guys are all professional players and they know what is expected of them and it’s been good, the turn out and everything and the intensity has been very good.

“I am quite happy with the ground we have covered so far. The weather has affected us in a little way and we actually had to make other plans like training on the astro turf nets.

“At least we did manage to do something which is a good practice anyway, much better than sitting down and just waiting for the weather to clear,” he said.

Zim A Squad

Chamu Chibhabha, Cephas Zhuwao, Ryan Burl, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Richmond Mutumbami, Prosper Utseya, Tawanda Mupariwa, Brian Vitori, PJ Moor, Luke Jongwe, Tino Mutombodzi, Natsai M’shangwe, Neville Madziva, Timycen Maruma, Craig Ervine