Tatenda Taibu dumps Zimbabwe for South African cricket

By Lance Guma
18 September 2006

Former cricket captain Tatenda Taibu who walked away from the representing his country following threats to his family, has said he will now try and qualify to play for South Africa . Taibu who played in Bangladesh and England since quitting Zimbabwe last November is reported to be heading down south to join either the Nashua Cape Cobras or the Fitendia Warriors. He told the Times newspaper, ‘I will never return to the Zimbabwe side and I want to play Test cricket. South Africa is the best option.’

It’s thought it will take Taibu four years to qualify but since he is only 23 years old, time is on his side. The wicket keeper has played 24 tests for Zimbabwe and for 10 of these he was the captain. Taibu has played domestic cricket in England and helped second division Pyrford to get promoted. The controversy that rocked Zimbabwe Cricket however has seen many players falling on the sidelines. Allegations of racism, favouritism, illegal foreign currency dealings and a host of other administrative bungles have seen the sport in the 'intensive care unit'.