FORMER speed merchant George Tandi is excited about the country's prospects in international cricket, thanks to the presence of towering seamers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani.
The unassuming gaffer holds a notable place in Zimbabwean cricket history, having been selected alongside Ethan Dube from Bulawayo as the first black cricketers to be included in a Zimbabwe Test squad. Although they did not represent the national team, Tandi made a lasting impact playing for the Zimbabwe U-19 and Zimbabwe Schools teams.
Tandi, credited with nurturing talented bowlers like Tendai Chatara, had a huge influence on Ngarava during his stint as Churchill Boys High head coach. Now, the two pace bowlers are making waves in the local and international cricket landscape.
"I've always told Richie that he's an exceptional bowler," Tandi told NewsDay Sport.
"In 2020, he made the world XI, and in 2023, he was one of our best bowlers. I want him to take wickets and bowl to take wickets, not just to contain or excite people with speed."
Tandi challenged the duo to emulate cricket legends like Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.
"They have to outdo themselves and be like these greats," he said.
The former fast bowler praised the Zimbabwe Cricket domestic structures for creating competition for places in the national team.
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"I'm excited about the younger generation, including Blessing (Muzarabani), Richie ( Ngarava), Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Chataira, and Newman Nyamhuri," added Tandi.
Tandi also acknowledged the contributions of senior players like Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, for giving exceptional service for nearly two decades.
He expressed optimism about the future, citing the emergence of talented young players like Ben Curran, Brian Bennett and Jonathan Campbell, and experienced players often on the fringe such as Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Prince Masvaure, Innocent Kaia, Brad Evans and Clive Madande, among others.
"These guys are full of potential and I pray they start to win more games consistently," Tandi said.
The former fast bowler also praised all-rounder Tony Munyonga for his impressive return to the national team guiding Zimbabwe to series wins against Ireland and backed wicketkeeper-batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani to come good.
"Marumani has potential, and once he gets going, he can score 100 runs every game,” Tandi said.
