The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE national cricket team coach Heath Streak left the country yesterday for the United Arab Emirates to attend a level three coaching course at the International Cricket Council Academy in Dubai.
Streak, who is footing the expenses associated with the course believed to be around $6 000, said he was hoping to acquire the latest approaches to international cricket coaching. Level three is the highest coaching qualification offered under the auspices of the ICC.
“I am attending the ICC Academy Level 3 coaching course, the actual course is from 4 to 9 December. I want to learn the latest trends in coaching at elite level, what’s working etc. Attending this course is very important for me, there is always a need to update and learn new things,’’ said Streak.
On how beneficial will his securing level three be for the national team, Streak pointed out that he can only speak on that when he is done with the course. He revealed that he had thought of enhancing his coaching qualifications before he was appointed as national team coach, a position he got in October.
Streak went into coaching at the conclusion of his playing career which lasted for more than two decades. Before being given the task of looking after the national cricket team, Streak was the team’s bowling coach, Matabeleland Tuskers assistant as well as head mentor. He was bowling consultant for New Zealand side Auckland Aces during the 2012 Twenty20 Champions League in South Africa.
He developed as coach when he was given the task of Bangladesh bowling coach from 2014 until this year which saw the Asian country produce some talented bowlers. Streak also had a stint with Indian Premier League side Gujarat Lions during this year’s IPL, a position he is sure to retain next year since international cricket takes a break at that time which means that would not interfere with his Zimbabwe national team job.
Of Zimbabweans based locally, former national team coach Walter Chawaguta, Mountaineers trainer Shepherd Makunura as well as Zimbabwe A mentor Douglas Hondo are the only ones with level three coaching qualifications.
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