Logan Cup matches fail to take off

Sport
THE LOGAN Cup match pitting Mountaineers against Mashonaland Eagles failed to take off yesterday at Mutare Sports Club as players from the sides chose to down their tools due to outstanding allowances by the Zimbabwe Cricket.

THE LOGAN Cup match pitting Mountaineers against Mashonaland Eagles failed to take off yesterday at Mutare Sports Club as players from the sides chose to down their tools due to outstanding allowances by the Zimbabwe Cricket.

KENNETH NYANGANI IN MUTARE

The Pro-50 Championship match between the same teams was on Sunday awarded to Mashonaland Eagles after the home side failed to pitch at Mutare Sports Club as a way of registering their disgruntlement.

However, yesterday players from both franchises agreed not to fulfil the fixture while the other match pitting Southern Rocks and MidWest Rhinos in Kwekwe was also cancelled without a ball bowled as local cricketers continue the boycott.

Yesterday Mountaineers players were present at the match venue led by their captain Tinotenda Mawoyo, while their counterparts Eagles — with many unheralded players on their list — showed their intention of playing the match after warming up for the encounter.

However, captains from both teams, Keith Kalinga and Mawoyo, refused to toss for the match.

Match referee Edward Matsikenyeri confirmed the development to our sister paper NewsDay.

In an interview just before departure, Gary Brent said the players were united for the cause before adding that his side will regroup next year.

“The players are united for one cause and they want their money and there is nothing we can do about that. As for my side we are going to regroup next year, but we are not aware of the actual dates,” he said.

A senior player at Mountaineers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were not going to back down.

“We are not going to change our stance because we need our money. We have got families to look after. And it is most likely that we are going to have a very bad festive season,” he said.