Dave Houghton, the head coach of the senior men’s team for Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), has tendered his resignation effective immediately. The board disclosed its intention to maintain Houghton’s participation and is considering “reassigning him to a new position within the organization.”
ZC has indicated that an interim technical staff, which will be duly announced, will assume leadership of the team throughout the January voyage to Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe’s most recent elimination from the T20 World Cup was precipitated by defeats to Namibia and Uganda. However, their ODI and T20I series losses to Ireland sealed the deal.
ZC disclosed that in his letter of resignation, Houghton stated that after 18 months in command, the team had “lost the changeroom” and a “new voice” was required to propel them forward.
“I have always had Zimbabwe cricket at heart and, though my coaching of the national team comes to an end, I would love to be involved in other areas,” Houghton said after tending his resignation. “The talent base in Zimbabwe is enormous. How we move players from talented to performing well on the international stage is a great project to be involved in.”
Chairman of the ZC Tavengwa Mukuhlani stated, “Dave’s passing leaves the changeroom in a state of regret, as he will forever be regarded as a legend of our sport.
“Although our failure to qualify for the 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup over the past few months has been discouraging, that should not overshadow the substantial efforts he has made in the preceding year to lay the groundwork for sustained prosperity.
“Dave leaves the team with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts and we are looking forward to working with him in a different role as we seek to change our on-field fortunes.”
Additionally, the board disclosed that it has appointed a three-member committee, led by Lloyd Mhishi, “to investigate the World Cup qualification failures and to review ZC’s cricket affairs structure” following its meeting on Wednesday. Three weeks have passed since the committee, which also includes Blessing Ngondo and Godfrey Nyadongo, was tasked with presenting its findings.
