Monte Lynch to coach Southern Rocks, Taibu and Matsi to play

[gusman]

Cricinfo-

Monte Lynch to coach Southern Rocks
Cricinfo staff

August 4, 2010

Former England player Monte Lynch has been signed by the Southern Rocks franchise as head coach for the 2010-11 season. Lynch played only three ODIs for England in 1988, but had a more storied first-class career, representing Gloucestershire, Surrey and Guyana in 359 games.

Lynch was born in Guyana before migrating with his family to the UK as a child. After retiring from first-class cricket, he continued playing club cricket in Surrey. This will not be his first stint in Zimbabwe, having played and coached Old Winstonians, then a Harare-based development clube, in the mid-1990s.

"He is very happy to come here," Southern Rocks chief executive Givemore Makoni told Independent Sport. "He can't wait to return to Zimbabwe. He has wonderful memories of the country and wants to resume the good job he started.

"If you notice, we didn't do too well last season because we had a young side. With his experience, Monte will add a lot of value to the team because the guys will be exposed to quality coaching," Makoni said.

Makoni mentioned Lynch had played a key role with the Old Winstonians, where he was involved in the progress of Zimbabwe cricketers Tatenda Taibu and Stuart Matsikenyeri, who were in primary school at the time. Coincidentally, Taibu and Matsikenyeri will be reunited with their mentor following their move to Rocks ahead of the new season.

Lynch becomes the second high-profile coach to join a Zimbabwean side ahead of the upcoming season, after former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie signed a deal with Midwest Rhinos.

[jamthala]

good news.

[sloandog]

Glad they've both founnd a franchise, more so for Taibu's sake the Stuarts

[eugene]

Matsi could play as a specialist tailender I guess - bat at eleven and bowl a couple of overs.

[auszim]

I think it might be time to give the Matsi hating a little break...whilst i find it slightly humerous, if they keep picking him theres nothing we can do...

A stat on the side though...he has batted for Zimbabwe (the senior team) 130 times between 2002 - 2010 and has made 54 single figure scores and with only one half century in the last 15 innings (senior team) maybe him getting a run for the A side shows they might be losing patience.

[jamthala]

Matsi could play as a specialist tailender I guess - bat at eleven and bowl a couple of overs.

no he will bat at middle order or as a opener,

[Zimfanatic69]

I think it might be time to give the Matsi hating a little break...whilst i find it slightly humerous, if they keep picking him theres nothing we can do...

A stat on the side though...he has batted for Zimbabwe (the senior team) 130 times between 2002 - 2010 and has made 54 single figure scores and with only one half century in the last 15 innings (senior team) maybe him getting a run for the A side shows they might be losing patience.

Is it any wonder given the hate for Matsi that exists.

[eugene]

I don't hate Matsi. I just want him to retire.

[Robin]

I am getting really bored about all the Matsikenyeri bashing that goes on this forum. Of all the sports forums I have been on this has always been the most enjoyable as people seemed to like each other. Their was no trolling, ranting or insulting posts. On the topic of Matsikenyeri it is different.

Let's get one thing straight:- Matsikenyeri is not currently one of the best 11 players in ZImbabwe. Something which is acknowledged by his stats and the Zimbabwe selectors.

However, he is one of the best 30 players in Zimbabwe. He has nearly played 100 first class matches and has played cricket on every continent. He is still only 27. He has an important role to play in representative cricket and the First Class game in Zimbabwe. Simples.

Let's hear no more of this bitching about peoples opinion of Matsikenyeri

He has a superior record to the likes of Gavin Rennie, Craig Wishart, Stuart Carlisle and Trevor Gripper but I don't remember them being the target of such criticism.

He also has a superior record to Ebrahim, Duffin & Coventry. But again no comments regarding their ability.

This could be a really interesting thread so can we get back on topic:-

How about the Rocks chances with a line-up that could include the following:-

Taibu, Matsikeneyri, S.Ervine, C.Ervine, Ireland, Mahwire, Tikolo, Chibhabha

Whay does the signing of Taibu mean for Alister Maregwede?

[Zimfanatic69]

I am getting really bored about all the Matsikenyeri bashing that goes on this forum. Of all the sports forums I have been on this has always been the most enjoyable as people seemed to like each other. Their was no trolling, ranting or insulting posts. On the topic of Matsikenyeri it is different.

Let's get one thing straight:- Matsikenyeri is not currently one of the best 11 players in ZImbabwe. Something which is acknowledged by his stats and the Zimbabwe selectors.

However, he is one of the best 30 players in Zimbabwe. He has nearly played 100 first class matches and has played cricket on every continent. He is still only 27. He has an important role to play in representative cricket and the First Class game in Zimbabwe. Simples.

Let's hear no more of this bitching about peoples opinion of Matsikenyeri

He has a superior record to the likes of Gavin Rennie, Craig Wishart, Stuart Carlisle and Trevor Gripper but I don't remember them being the target of such criticism.

He also has a superior record to Ebrahim, Duffin & Coventry. But again no comments regarding their ability.

This could be a really interesting thread so can we get back on topic:-

How about the Rocks chances with a line-up that could include the following:-

Taibu, Matsikeneyri, S.Ervine, C.Ervine, Ireland, Mahwire, Tikolo, Chibhabha

Whay does the signing of Taibu mean for Alister Maregwede?

Excellent post Robin and I fully agree with it all. The bashing of Matsi in this forum is nauseating. People were even hoping he never found a franchise when he left the Mountaineers. Matsi has ability and talent. He has been an adequate performer in our wilderness years. He is young and still has alot to offer.

Maregwede is toast, IMHO.