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Stephen Mangongo

Jonathan John Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE cricket coach Steven Mangongo has revealed that life as the national team coach has been an absolute nightmare for him.
Mangongo saw his men crash to a huge defeat at the hands of Australia in the triangular series opener at Harare Sports Club.
“It is extremely difficult and an absolute nightmare, but I know for a fact that the administration is working on something.
“It is a process and it goes through various stages as you cannot have a head coach having no one as bowling coach.

“I am hoping that Zimbabwe Cricket is putting these structures in place so that we can give our guys the support,” said Mangongo.
Zimbabwe’s attack struggles against the Australian defence that made light work of the hosts, but Mangongo hopes he will soon have someone to work with.

“Pressure (on the players) is always there and if you do not perform I do not see the sense in you playing as we are a professional team with professional players therefore there are specialists roles for each and every man and if you don’t perform you will definitely be under pressure as that is the business of being a professional team,” said Mangongo.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura said his team’s performance was disappointing.
In contrast the Aussies were smiling.

“Outstanding stand from (Aaron) Finch and (Brad) Haddin and great innings from Mitch (Mitchell Marsh) and Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) took us to a huge total,” said stand-in skipper George Bailey.

“Great work from our bowlers too. It was a good one-day wicket and there was a bit there with new ball, slowed in the middle and the ball got soft later.
“Maxi’s shots showed the quality of hitting.”