Cricket South Africa not helping neighbours Zimbabwe: Makhaya Ntini

Jun 13, 2016 at 11:07 AM

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Cricket South Africa not helping neighbours Zimbabwe: Makhaya Ntini

Newly appointed Zimbabwe coach Makhaya Ntini has accused Cricket South Africa of not helping their neighbors Zimbabwe.

Ntini told the weekly ‘Sunday Times’ that CSA had turned a blind eye to their struggling neighbours.

“The first thing I asked when I got here was what is CSA doing help and I picked up that South Africa is not keen on visiting here and they don’t want much to do with Zimbabwe. It was sad to hear that, along with the fact that that I was told they nearly didn’t want to come to Zimbabwe for the tri-series they played with Zimbabwe and Australia two years ago,” Ntini said.
“I’d like to find out why they nearly pulled out of that series and also ask why they don’t want to support Zimbabwe, (especially since) they are the only other good cricketing nation on the continent.”

Ntini is the third Zimbabwean coach in two years after Stephen Mangongo and Dav Whatmore.

With Lance Klusener at his side as batting coach, Ntini feels they are well equipped for the job with a young but mentally fragile side.

Ntini was the first black South African test cricketer, something he followed up with his interim position, making him the first black South African to coach an international team.

However, that “first black” tag is a source of irritation for the retired pacer.

“If there’s something I don’t care about, it’s being the first whatever; being the first black African test cricketer and being the first black South African international coach. I don’t care about those things.

It gives off the impression that you’re big headed because of that achievement and that’s all you’re going to be known for. I’m here to play my role in terms of helping to develop cricket in Zimbabwe, not to trade on some reputation that will wear off at some stage,” Ntini said.

“One thing we’re taught when we’re growing up is to be patient. If you’re not patient you’re not going to get anywhere and the patience part comes through the teachings of ubuntu.

The former pacer also said that being Black would help him in his task with Zimbabwe.

“We’ve learnt to work hard, share and care as black people. That I think is one of the reasons why I was approached for this position. If you’re a caring person, you are able to work well with people and this is what Zimbabwe cricket has been needing.”

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