HARARE - Zimbabwe cricket team’s historic win over Australia in the just-ended tri-series was followed with yet another momentous occasion when the tourists visited Glen View to conduct a mini-coaching clinic.
The Baggy Greens media manager Matt Cenin together with four cricketers, all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and James Faulkner as well as seamers, Ben Cutting and Kane Richardson invaded the high density suburb as part of the team’s community action programme, Cricket Cares.
The Australian delegation visited Glen View 3 Primary School were they conducted a coaching clinic with a number of awe struck young local cricketers.
Resident coaches Brighton Mhembere and Tonderai Makoni prepared their charges for an unforgettable experience which they said inspired the kids to take their game to the highest level.
The youngsters, about 60 of them below the age of 13 years, went through some fielding drills, net practice as well as centre-wicket with the Australians.
“It was a good experience to host the top side of world cricket in our area and it was very easy for us to assemble a squad for the day because the fact that it was Australia visiting was enough motivation for them,” Mhembere told the Daily News.
“The youngsters have always adored the Australians as some of their cricket role models, the Michael Clarkes, Glen Maxwells and the Marsh’s and to see them taking part in the same drills with them was just awesome.”
The Australians also donated cricket equipment and school resources such as pencil cases, pencils and pens for the young cricketers to continue to hone their education on and off the pitch.
Faulkner, Australian all-rounder was glad to be part of a team that visited the Glen View community.
“This tour has provided a great opportunity to get out to a local community and help teach the game of cricket and hopefully encourage a few more youngsters to take up the game,” said Faulkner.
“There was certainly some good skills on show and hopefully a couple of budding international stars of the future. It was nice to see the smiles on their faces and to see them having fun; that’s what the game of cricket is all about.”
Cenin said the programme uses cricket as a positive agent of change in the community.
“Cricket Cares, Cricket Australia’s community action programme, encourages the cricket fraternity to contribute to the community and give back to the fans and participants of the game,” he said.