The president of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata has explained factors that led to the appointment of respected technical buff, Stephen Maziva Mangongo as the country’s new head coach and high-performance manager.
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Sports247 reports that Akpata maintained that Mangongo’s choice was a strategic step towards consolidating the NCF’s vision of building a sustainable cricket structure capable of producing world-class players and competitive national teams.
While affirming that Mangongo’s appointment on a three-year contract will officially commence on July 1st, Akpata added that it is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cricket development and enhance its international performances.
He further rated Mangongo as an accomplished and highly respected cricket professional as well as an ICC Level 3 certified coach with extensive team handling and player development experience across different levels of the game.
The NCF top shot also revealed that Mangongo has over the years coached Zimbabwe’s U15 and U19 squads as well as the A Team and national men’s team, while contributing largely to talent development and high-performance systems.
He pointed out that the decision to appoint the highly-acclaimed cricket tactician is also informed by the resolve among members of the NCF’s executive committee to stay committed to the task of positioning Nigeria aa a leader in the sport across Africa.
Akpata further revealed, “As head coach and high-performance manager, Mangongo brings over three decades wealth of experience, technical expertise plus a proven track record in talent development and elite cricket management.
“In the course of his contract, he will oversee technical development of national teams, coach education programmes, player pathways, and implementation of high-performance structures to improve Nigeria’s standing in global cricket.
“He will have the opportunity to watch and meet with the best players in Nigeria during the ongoing Super League in Lagos. Nigeria cricket must continue to go the way of professionalism and excellence if we are to compete wirh top teams of the world.”
Sports247 gathered that the new coach will be officially unveiled and presented physically presented to officials, players, coaches and stakeholders on Wednesday at Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos Island.
