Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
TOP-ORDER batsman Sean Williams has turned his back on the Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise and joined Harare-based Mashonaland Eagles for the 2015-16 domestic season. A bold and dynamic left-handed batsman, Williams last year played a significant role in Tuskers’ fourth Logan Cup win since the franchise cricket system was introduced in 2009.
Tuskers started preparations two weeks ago for the new season set to start on the first weekend of next month.
Tuskers’ coach Wayne James said: “Williams will not be playing for us this season. It appears he has made up his mind and looks set to join Eagles. We’ll miss him because he was a valuable member of our squad, but I believe his departure could be a blessing in disguise because this means one of the guys who was in the B side will make his way into the team. As a franchise, we appreciate Williams’ contribution and we wish him the best wherever he goes.”
Williams and other Tuskers’ senior players John Nyumbu, Christopher Mpofu, Brian Vitori, wicketkeeper Richmund Mutumbami and Luke Jongwe haven’t set foot at the Bulawayo-based franchise as they are training with the national team.
Tuskers’ chief executive officer Stanley Staddon said they have no intention of bringing in new players for the 2015-16 season.
“I think we’ve the best crop of players capable of withstanding the demands of franchise cricket. The coach hasn’t indicated the need to bring in new guys, which means we’ll be promoting from within our area. There are a number of players that have shown potential and we hope to see them developing through this franchise,” said Staddon.
Left-arm spinner Aisley Ndlovu, Tafara Mupariwa, Steve Chimhamhiwa and Cunningham Ncube are some of Tuskers’ fringe players expected to push for regular places in the team.