Fredrick Moyo
After eight years of absence, First Class and List A cricket have now returned to Masvingo with the Southern Rocks bouncing back to restore their lost legacy and glory days at their Masvingo Sports Club base.
Southern Rocks will host the four-day Logan Cup tourney twice in November followed by a series of one-day matches that will be played between November and December.
The first Logan Cup game is scheduled for November 4 at Masvingo Sports Club where Southern Rocks take on tricky Mutare based Mountaineers.
On their next assignment, they will face Rhinos in their next home fixture that will be played from November 10 to 13.
Southern Rocks coach Shepherd Makunura said he was elated by the long-awaited return of professional cricket in the province and expressed optimism that the corporate world will be interested to be part of the game.
“It is obviously something big for us; we are very excited about the return and playing at home. Hopefully this will generate a lot of interest within the community and corporate world,” said Makunura.
Team captain Richmond Mutumbani also said the team was in high spirits and that the players were ready to make their fans proud especially when they are playing on home turf.
“It has been a long wait for cricket to come back home. As a team, we are very excited to be playing at home once again. I am sure it is a great thing for the people of Masvingo to have cricket back in the province and for them to also get a chance to meet their heroes,” said Mutumbani.
Southern Rocks have a strong squad this season with big names like Zimbabwe national team players; Blessing Muzarabani, Sikander Raza, and Tawanda Mururami being in their books.
Sidney Murombo and Roy Kaia are also part of this year’s squad and are expected to add the much-needed expertise to the side.
Rocks are defending champions of the Logan Cup and are looking forward to turning their fortunes for the best after a dismal start in their campaign two weeks ago.
