CSA, ZC to form joint working group for improvement of cricketing ties

[Sagar]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have decided to establish a joint working group in an effort to improve bilateral cricketing ties between the two countries and help in the development of the game in the African continent.

Following a meeting on Saturday (January 21), and after receiving the go ahead from the respective boards, it was agreed that the working group would explore the various topics that were discussed, including better governance and administration, cricket development and technical support for ZC, the resource limitations and realities faced by both countries, the prospects of CSA supporting ZC to improve in all areas of its mandate and various ICC matters of mutual interest.

"Now that we have our own house in good shape and recognising that we are the strongest cricketing nation on the continent, we feel the time is right for CSA to assist in the development of cricket with our fellow nations on the African continent," Chris Nenzani, the CSA president, said.

"Despite our own limits and challenges, there are many areas in which we could be of assistance and we want to start with Zimbabwe Cricket. For instance, it is widely acknowledged that CSA has introduced some of the best standards of corporate governance in the world and this is something we can easily share with our neighbours.

"On the playing field we have Namibia playing in our domestic provincial competitions while Zimbabwean teams participate in all our youth cricket weeks and are currently engaged in a tri-series under-19 tournament against ourselves and Sri Lanka. What we want to strive for is to create a win-win situation for cricket on the African continent in all its regions and all its aspects," Nenzani added.

Thanking CSA for taking steps towards the well-being of cricket in the continent, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the ZC chairman, said: "ZC is grateful to CSA for taking this initiative which follows engagement between the two countries at presidential level. CSA can play a leading role to help us to strengthen our game in almost every respect. Particular areas in which CSA's support and experiences will be invaluable include governance and playing issues.

"We hope that this meeting would kick start a process that leads to more meaningful relations between our two countries," Mukuhlani added.

Apart from Nenzani and Mukuhlani, several prominent members of both CSA and ZC were part of the meeting to discuss the way forward for African cricket.

Sylvester Matshaka (vice-chairman), Enock Ikope (board member), Wilfred Mukondiwa (managing director), Ronald Chibwe (finance committee member), Givemore Makoni (head of cricket affairs) and Nesta Vaki (head of corporate affairs) were the ZC members that attended the meeting. From CSA, Thabang Moroe (vice-president), Louis von Zeuner (chairman of audit and risk) and chief executive Haroon Lorgat were present during the discussions.

CSA, ZC to form joint working group for improvement of cricketing ties - Cricbuzz