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Vumi Moyo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Metropolitan Tuskers resumed training yesterday, with coach Wayne James impressed with his charges’ input at the session.

Tuskers’ practice preceded the team’s meeting the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket chairman Vumi Moyo meant to address players’ grievances following a strike that marred the start of the Logan Cup tournament before Christmas.

The cricketers refused to take to the field following a pay dispute, resulting in a premature end of the Logan Cup match between Tuskers and Midlands Rhinos at Queens Sports Club.

Rhinos were awarded the match, winning by 207 runs, after Tuskers forfeited their second innings.

According to sources, the cricketers felt betrayed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) after it failed to honour its commitment to pay them their November salaries together with their December dues.

ZC only paid the players their November salaries.

Speaking after yesterday’s meeting, Moyo said the cricketers misfired by going on strike because this was a breach of their contracts.

However, Moyo said they will not be charging players who incited the strike, as the group stood together saying they made a collective effort.

“They aired their grievances and one thing that we’re not against is players expressing themselves but in so doing they have to follow official channels and avoid acting on emotions. They said to us they didn’t mean to have the game forfeited and said it was an issue of misunderstanding. I think the meeting we had was successful because we told them not to refer to the past but look to the future and have faith in the present administration

“We won’t be taking any disciplinary action against any individuals because the players said they acted as a squad. As the board we applaud the team spirit even though it came in a negative way and we hope the same unity they showed will also be evident when they take to the field,” Moyo said.

Tuskers coach, James said his team can’t wait to play their next league match against Mountaineers in Mutare.

“We had a very subdued training session, with all the guys present save for Harare based players who we expect in the near future. Everyone wishes this case is resolved soon and get on with the games.

“Obviously it was disappointing not to get points on our opening day but since we’re going to play four rounds of Logan Cup, it is very much possible to recover. However, we’ve to wait a bit to know when our next game will be played,” said James.

Zimbabwe Cricket yesterday informed their provinces that Logan Cup matches which were scheduled to start tomorrow have been postponed to a later date.

Tuskers were supposed to travel to Mutare for a date against Mountaineers while Eagles and Rhinos were set to face off in Harare.

@ZililoR