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Keith Dabengwa

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER national team all-rounder Keith Dabengwa has secured his visa to play for Scottish side Ferguslie during Zimbabwe’s franchise cricket off-season.

Dabengwa is expected to leave soon, becoming the first out of the six Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise players who’ve secured off-season deals in Europe.

Players waiting for their visas are captain Godwill Mamhiyo, Nkosana Mpofu, Steve Chimhamhiwa and Mupariwa brothers Tawanda and Tafara.

Wayne James, Matabeleland Tuskers’ coach who guided his charges to their fourth Logan Cup since introduction of franchise cricket in 2009 said Dabengwa is already in Harare, ready to fly out.

Dabengwa returns to Ferguslie once again with overseas amateur Fritz de Beer of Free State, South Africa, after a successful 2014 season stint at the club.

The left-arm spin bowler scored over 700 league runs for Ferguslie, including a high score of 184 against Greenock. He also helped his Scottish side win the WDCU CSL First Division title.

“Dabengwa’s papers are all in order. His visa is out and is already in Harare. He should be flying out of the country anytime this week to join his Scottish club,” said James.

Dabengwa’s first trip for off-season cricket in Europe was in 2006 when he played for Lymington Cricket Club. The 34-year-old went on to sign for Scottish side Ferguslie for the 2013 season and the club were impressed by his performance.

The Matabeleland Tuskers’ all-rounder is believed to be on a player-coach contract with the Scottish side.

Tawanda who was part of Zimbabwe’s national team at the just ended ICC World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand leaves on April 19, according to James.

He will be at Strabane, Northern Ireland for about six months.

“Visas are the only thing delaying the boys but we’re hopeful that they will be granted. Tawanda should be flying out on April 19 and we will only know when the rest will be going once they get visas,” James said.

“Sending guys for stints in Europe should help them keep in shape so that when the 2015-16 season resumes they’re sharp. We’re also trying to organise for two more players if we manage to get them teams.”

Mamhiyo, 22, has played in England before, turning out for Cookham Dean Cricket Club in 2013 after being recommended by ex-Matabeleland Tuskers coach Dave Houghton.

Tafara’s other option should he be denied a visa will be to join South Africa’s Durban Dolphins Academy.

The KwaZulu Natal academy is already home to Ainsley Ndlovu who played a big part in ensuring that Matabeleland Tuskers wins the Logan Cup in the absence of national team players Tawanda, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine who were at the ICC World Cup.