Heath Streak expresses shock after being sacked as Zimbabwe coach

Zimbabwe’s failure to qualify for the 2019 World Cup came as a disappointment to fans and players alike, but what ensued after the defeat came as a stunner. In an unprecedented move, the entire coaching and management staff of the Zimbabwe team was sacked by means of a backroom clear-out. Zimbabwe coach, Heath Streak, who also had to face the music, recently expressed his shock at being fired unceremoniously.

Once touted as one of the fastest developing Cricket teams, Zimbabwe crumbled in the recently concluded World Cup qualifiers. An embarrassing three-run loss to the United Arab Emirates side in the qualifiers in Zimbabwe spelled doom for the team and they failed to reach the 10-team tournament finals in England and Wales. In the aftermath of this event, captain Graeme Cremer was also axed along with Streak.

Heath Streak, Graeme Cremer get the ax

In what was termed as a ‘backroom clear-out’ amidst rumours of a financial crisis, batting coach Lance Klusener, Zimbabwe A coach Wayne James and Under-19 coach Stephen Mangongo and convener of selectors Tatenda Taibuhas have all been shown the door. In a statement issued by Streak, he said, “It is with great regret and shock that I was told by ZC that myself and my coaching team must resign by 3 pm yesterday (Friday), failing which we would be fired. I chose not to resign as I believe this to be degrading to our national players and my technical team. As a result, we have been dismissed with immediate effect.”

Streak’s stint as Zimbabwe’s coach was met with generally positive feedback, in spite of sporting a track record of 12 wins and 17 losses out of 32 games in the ODI format, with the 3-2 win against Sri Lanka in 2017 viewed as a major step-up for the side.

“Thank you to my staff who worked tirelessly, often going for months unpaid and having had two pay-cuts during their tenure, but still had that unwavering professional commitment. To Graeme and all the players, thank you for your patriotism and commitment to our Chevrons team. I wish you all the very best for the future. I am deeply saddened that my journey with you ends here. Hopefully, our paths will meet again in future …”, concluded Streak.

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