Retirements, emigration and the reassignment of CFX Academy players have depleted most Harare-based clubs for the new Castle Lager National First League cricket season. Almost all of the Harare clubs approached expressed confusion and disappointment over the apparently unilateral reassignment of national Academy players from their home clubs in Harare to the outlying clubs in Mutare, Kwekwe and Bulawayo. To make matters worse, national squad players will be unavailable for all but two matches during the season.

Kwekwe and Winstonians have gained promotion to the league this year, bringing the total number of teams of ten.

Universals

Everton Matambanadzo will again captain Universals who have gained Alester Maragwede from Winstonians, but have lost the irrepressible veteran Ali Shah who looks set to join the national squad management team. Dion Ebrahim and David Mutendera are Academy players and could be lost to the club, whilst Alistair Campbell and Mluleki Nkala will undoubtedly be unavailable due to national commitments. Dan Peacock had earlier signed to play for Universals but has subsequently decided to seek his cricketing fortune in the UK. Nevertheless, Universals have a strong squad on paper and will be hoping to match last season’s top-four finish.

Players to watch : Douglas Hondo, Trevor Madondo, Shezad Shah.

Alexandra

Last season was a very good one for Alex as they won the Vigne Cup and finished second to OH in the national league, but they stand to lose Academy players Doug Marillier, Jason Young and John Vaughan-Davies. The loss of Marillier in particular is a severe blow to Alex, after his impressive international debut against the New Zealanders in Bulawayo last weekend. Murray Goodwin has left Zimbabwe to play for Western Australia in Perth and stalwart Kevin Duers is likely to play a mentoring role in the second and third teams this season. Duers played very well last season and it will not be surprising to see him appear for the first side more frequently than currently anticipated. Gary Martin is back after spending some time overseas but is currently struggling with an injury.

Alex should do well again this season but the loss of Academy players will hurt their chances of picking up any silverware.

Players to watch : Andy Blignaut

Mutare

Mutare, formerly Manicaland, is one of the sides set to benefit from Academy players gaining Jason Young, Kingsley Went, Alec Taylor and Richard Sims, although losing Gary Brent. Manicaland have also gained the promising Tafadza Madondo (brother of Trevor) who is studying at the nearby Africa University. Mark Burmester will captain this youthful side which will look to improve on last season’s performances.

Players to watch : Jason Young, Tafadza Madondo

Mac Club

Wooden spooners last season, Macs of Bulawayo appear destined for a tough ride again this season. Mark Vermeulen will return from the Academy for his second season with the club, although his recent selection to the national one-day squad for the ICC Knockout Trophy in Kenya casts some doubt over his future availability.

Players to watch : Barry Jacobs, Steven Brown, Mark Vermeulen

Queens

The Bulawayo side have lost the services of Ross Craig but are expecting to gain promising batsman Dion Ebrahim from the Academy, and former national player John Rennie will again be available. Recently appointed national captain Heath Streak and fellow seam bowlers Pommie Mbangwa and Henry Olonga are unlikely to turn out more than once or twice during the season, and although quote strong in batting, Queens look a little weak in the bowling department.

Players to watch : Trevor Chirwa, Ryan King, Dion Ebrahim

Old Hararians

The defending champions have perhaps been hardest hit by player movements and national call-ups, and apart from Academy players have also lost stalwart Eddo Brandes who has moved to Harare Sports Club. Brandes was a key player for OH last season, frequently opening both the batting and the bowling and turning in some fine performances. A huge boost for the club is the return of Warwickshire professional Trevor Penney once again. Penney with his wealth of first-class playing experience and also as coach of the Zimbabwe A side will ensure that OH are serious contenders for glory again this season.

Players to watch : Gary Brent, Dirk Viljoen, Trevor Penney

Harare Sports Club

After some poor performances last year, Sports Club will be looking to new signing Eddo Brandes to inspire an improvement in the side’s fortunes. On paper Sports Club have a strong side particularly in the batting department, despite the potential loss of Mark Vermeulen and Neil Ferreira. Donald Campbell and former test opener Trevor Gripper will lead the batting whilst Brighton Watambwa, who has returned from a stint in England, will spearhead the bowling attack.

Players to watch : Donald Campbell, Paul Brous, Justin Oldrieve

Old Georgians

No report could be obtained from the club.

Winstonians

This young and enthusiastic side has been promoted to the first league this year on the back of some strong performances last season. It is likely to a difficult season for the youngsters but they are definitely capable of surprising the more established teams in the league. Andy Flower will play for them when available.

Players to watch : Tatenda Taibu, Walter Chamagutu, Hamilton Masakadza

Kwekwe

The Midlands side has also been promoted to the first league this season in a positive move to continue to promote cricket in that area. Concerted efforts have been made to develop cricket in Kwekwe recently with the opening of a cricket academy earlier this year, and the staging of a first-class tour match against the New Zealand Test side a few weeks ago.

This weekend’s fixtures (home side first) :

Old Hararians vs Alexandra

Harare Sports Club vs Winstonians

Universals vs MAC Club

Mutare vs Old Georgians

Kwekwe v Queens

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