The club has also brought in the UK-based trio of Greg Smith, Tony Palladino and Gareth Cross. The move follows former head coach Steve Mangongo’s appointment to the national team coaching structures. Mangongo is currently heading the Zim-A technical staff as well as assistant to the senior national team coach. Mountaineers chief executive officer, Phillip Senzani confirmed the development.
The trio of Smith from Derbyshire, Palladino from Essex and Cross from Lancashire will be expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Mountaineers dominance by virtue of their experiences in the prestigious County league in England. He added that the three players, who were based in the UK, were very experienced and hoped that they would play a crucial role in enhancing the teams dominance on the local scene.
He also confirmed the acquisition of Tinashe Panyangara who led the Zimbabwe bowling attack at the height of mass desertion by senior players back in 2004. Panyangara is also expected to bolster an attack that already features upcoming Tendai Chatara and Shingirai Masakadza.
“We have also made an effort to go for the tried and tested. When we also heard of Panyangara’s interests in joining the Mountaineers, we thought it is only befitting that he returns to us as he once played for the then provincial side – Manicaland. We believe that his presence will certainly add value to the franchise,” Senzani said. The Mountaineers did not renew the contracts of the three players Tatenda Taibu, Njabulo Ncube and Stuart Matsikenyeri.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News