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 Bongani Ndlovu Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has officially started its hunt for a new national team head coach, who should hit the ground running with an action plan for qualifying for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

After the sacking of Australian Dav Whatmore, ZC appointed former South African bowling speedster Makhaya Ntini as interim coach. Ntini had initially been brought in as Whatmore’s assistant in charge of bowling. His side, however, comprehensively lost the two-Test series against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

As part of what ZC calls critical roles, according to an advertisement released yesterday, the aspiring coach should have a plan to qualify Zimbabwe for the 2019 Cricket World Cup and to make the country a competitive Test nation again.

ZC is also looking for a coach that will ensure the highest level of performance is achieved and maintained by the national team.

Part of the qualifications required by ZC include a recognised coaching certificate at a higher level and an impeccable record of coaching in first-class and at international level. The person must also “demonstrate an understanding and ability of employing a multi-disciplinary approach to coaching”.

Former national team captain Heath Streak availed himself for the job on Tuesday, saying he would consider the vacancy “should there be an opening”.

Streak, who coached and transformed Bangladesh into a formidable bowling side during his two-year stint, should be among the favourites if he chooses to follow through on his interest.

The other Zimbabweans highly qualified for the job include former England coach Andy Flower, now the technical director of elite coaching of the England and Wales Cricket Board, his brother Grant and the legendary Dave Houghton.

Andy is by far the most successful both as a coach and player having been the mainstay of the Zimbabwe batting team for more than a decade. He also enjoyed a successful stint during his five years as coach of the England cricket team.

Steve Mangongo, who is good at junior level, and Walter Chawaguta have both been given time and failed to inspire the senior side.

Ntini has shown more belief in his players and enthusiasm than the players themselves and the board, and could be given the job permanently if inspiration and passion is what ZC is looking for.

The trend worldwide now is that most teams rope in former players that know and understand the pressures of performing at the highest international level and in first class cricket. – @bonganinkunzi