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their overseas star opener Nick Compton.
The South Africa-born England cricketer helped stabilise Eagles’ top-order in a turbulent year of bad fortunes but had only signed for one season alongside a number of foreign players who have illuminated the domestic game in the last two years.
Compton, however, has since returned to England to play for his county side Somerset.
Eagles team manager Joseph Madyembwa yesterday said the Harare-based franchise were scouting for replacements as they seek a competitive edge in the domestic franchise cricket.
“Compton is no longer with us and obviously we should find a replacement before the start of the new calendar.
“We didn’t have a solid opening in the previous season and it’s an area that we should be looking forward to reinforce. Our bowling was quite okay because we had enough seamers and spin bowlers.
“But the problem was with our batting. Compton was one of our most reliable batsmen at the top and his departure certainly leaves us in need of at least one or two personnel as replacements.
“We are looking around and I am not sure yet if we are going to get another overseas player because that depends on the decision of the coach and the executive,” said Madyembwa.
Madyembwa admitted Eagles did not have their best run last season although they managed to finish with the T20 title in the cabinet.
Their top order failed to click on many occasions and their batting in general let them down. But Compton stood out and played a big role to help Eagles clinch the Stanbic Bank T20 title, finishing with the most runs after amassing 233 in six matches.
He also scored 204 runs in the limited overs MetBank Pro40 Championship at an average of 102.00.
Eagles who were under South African all-rounder Andrew Hall are also hunting for a new local coach before the start of the season.