By Anesu Chakanetsa

EACH time Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) appoints a new coach, hope is awakened and even non-believers become optimistic.
But in no time that hope is dashed against the rocks of defeat.
The national cricket team has been in the pits for a very long time.
Again expectations are high, even higher, because the newly appointed coach, Heath Streak, is not only a veteran of the game, but was captain of the team.
When Dave Whatmore became the Chevrons coach late 2014, he promised to deliver amidst difficult conditions.
He had a few weeks to prepare for the 2015 World Cup where Zimbabwe preformed poorly.
His appointment aroused mixed feelings as some people felt that Steve Mangongo, who took over from Allan Butcher in 2013, had to be given an opportunity to prove himself.
Streak takes over at a time ZC is under enormous pressure to deliver.
Makhaya Ntini, who took over the coaching job on an interim basis from Whatmore, has been re-appointed bowling coach, while Lance Klusener and Tatenda Taibu will be the batting consultant and convener of selectors respectively.
Like Whatmore, Streak has less than three weeks to prepare for two Test series against Sri Lanka, followed by a One Day International (ODI) tri-series which includes West Indies, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
“I’m really excited about the technical team that we have in place,” said Streak in his official appointment speech at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
“I think there are some really good guys that ZC has brought into the system.
“So it’s a key that we work cohesively, collectively, with one common goal; to continue to improve and prioritise the performance of the national team.”
Born and bred in Bulawayo, Streak made his debut in Zimbabwe cricket in a Test series against Pakistan in 1993/94, making his mark by taking eight wickets in the second Test.
His best bowling figures were against Pakistan in 1995 when he took 6/90 in the first Test in Harare.
In 2000/2001, he played convincingly in Test series’ against England and Bangladesh, scooping Man of the Series awards in both tests.
The team expects to benefit from Streak’s vast experience.
Streak, arguably, is one of the greatest bowler to emerge out of the country.
He is the only Zimbabwean to take more than 100 Test wickets and one of the four bowlers to take more than 100 wickets in ODI’s.
Streak retired from international cricket in 2005 and joined Warwickshire in England.
He was once engaged by Zimbabwe in 2009 as a bowling coach until 2013.
He also became responsible for working with young fast-paced bowlers and nurtured some of the best bowling talent that include Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis and Chris Mpofu.
He has also been successful with academies.
At one time, he led Matabeleland Tuskers to Logan cup glory during the 2012-13 season.
“I do see a strong future, obviously things don’t happen overnight,” said Streak. “It’s a process, but I know that process can happen quickly and for me that will be a big goal to facilitate that.”
Streak, unlike others like Andy Flower and Henry Olonga, has never stopped serving Zimbabwe.
According to Dean du Plessis, a renowned cricket analyst: “Maybe, just maybe, the appointment of these two former legends (Heath Streak and Tatenda Taibu) may put Zimbabwe cricket back on track again, provided the board (ZC) gives them unlimited carte blanche to act for the best of the sport in general, and not interfere as has been the case in years gone by(sic).”
The Nation waits with bated breath.
Will Streak, the superb player, turn-out Streak the great coach?