Ervine signs for Matabeleland

[aydee]

If he really wanted to make himself useful couldn't he go to bloody Southern Rocks?

True.

[FlowerPower]

I think we are being arlamist (hhm and maehera), I think it very clear he is still with his county and is not leaving it for Zim. I think his just as with Ballance is to keep fit whilst visiting family, and in a way giving back to the country that gave him the fame and fortune he now enjoys, I doubt its for the money (wasn't any last I checked) or the experience (on the contrary we actually gain from them than the otherway round).

My beef with Sean is how he played us for the WC, right up to the eve of the competition. Ballance on the other hand made his choice and has stuck by it. So I dont see anything wrong there, like I left Zim for SA to do the same thing I was doing in Zim for more realistic reward than Zim could give me. I still visit folk and where I can help raise the country's profile. But I made an economic choice to cross the border. So I am the last to throw a stone. But if I promised to go back to build the country and when everyone strategised around my comming then last minute I pull out...then I have no moral ground. But coming back and consulting and helping out should never be an issue. So Sean and Gary comming back to help raise standards and competition should never be an issue.

What I do have an issue with is flooding one team with foreigners (read to include Gary, Riki and Sean). Especially in a team like the Tuskers, where probably, one of Ewing, baby Ervine (less likely) or Dabengwa (most likely) will give way, and leave a team of Horton, Wheater, Trenchard, and now Ervine, all occupying spots that locals could fill up. Don't get me wrong, these chaps will probably raise our standards, but like I said before our boys won't learn by watching...we may as well get them DSTV subscription to Supersport 2!

Maybe as suggested he would have done better to go to the very depleted Pebbles (sorry Rocks!)....

[shumbat]

Nobody really likes foreigners do the, Zimbos in the U.K., SA, NZ, OZ not being liked as well, but i guess guys like Sean should just play to raise the standards coz they will always be Zimbos just not ready to play for the national team.

[betterdays]

I left Zim for SA to do the same thing I was doing in Zim for more realistic reward than Zim could give me.

you're dredging up an old argument .... and without going into the difference between 'work-a-day' folk like us (you and me) and a international sportsperson's life (and social responsibilities) I think you hit the nail in a two-word phrase; 'realistic reward'.

I see the it another way, instead of putting them in my position, I ask myself how I beleive I would act in theirs. After all they are in the public consciousness and therefore have some responsibility (I know the nation has some resposibility to them too of course).

If I could represent a nation at something - and doing so would allow a 'realistic reward' (to me that means 'a reasonable standard of living' ie some disposable income - doesn't have to be excessive) ... and also probably lead to, if not a career in broadcasting or coaching, a position of responsibility within a company (I think the possible careers for ex-international sportspeople are endless) - I strongly believe I would choose to represent Zim.

Of course, if, as you suggest, he's doing this for free or for the same as a non-contracted local player then good on him! though of course, if his inclusion means local potential is benched, then the theory of us gaining more than him is questionable.

[Flower power]

And Tuskers supporters were in the fore front of complaining against overseas players in their set up . I guess Tuskers are going to lag behind in terms of development if they continue like this ......

[Jemisi]

Rocks could have used him, that's for sure. Suppose he wanted to be with his brother.

[Boundary]

And Tuskers supporters were in the fore front of complaining against overseas players in their set up . I guess Tuskers are going to lag behind in terms of development if they continue like this ......

I'm not one of those folks. The Rocks are packed with locals, look at what good it's doing for them. One of the most enduring effects from the overseas pros is the work ethic, setting high standards, professional set up and transfer of invaluable knowledge. One day I will complain about too many pros at the Tuskers, but that's 4 or 5 years away. Besides, Querl and Mamhiyo got their debuts this season, so I can hardly complain about lack of opportunity for our youngsters.

[Jemisi]

I think part of the problem is emotional. We are following Zimbabwe and Zimbabwean cricketers. The performances of the imports leaves me a bit 'meh'. I think that drives some of the quota issues.

[Boundary]

But for me the emotional payoff comes when I watch the national team, when the domestic game pits itself against others, so to speak. Craig Ervine will be a better player for having moved to he Tuskers, and that will improve his international game as a result (no offence Rocks). Besides, most foreigners aren't there for all the matches - but having them around does wonders for the standard of our c ompetitions.

[eugene]

With Sean Ervine signing for Matabeleland I wonder if they should be known as the Deserters instead of the Tuskers.