By Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe cricket team all-rounder Keith Dabengwa has been appointed head coach of the Denmark national cricket team.
The 41-year-old, who last played in Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket circuit for Tuskers five years ago replaces English coach Ruan Louw.
The Denmark Cricket Association said in a statement that Dabengwa has since begun his duties in preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier.
“The association has hired Kieth as a replacement for Ruan Louw. Unfortunately, Ruan only managed to be in the country for a few months before, for personal reasons, he wanted to resign and travel home to England. The union obviously had a nice dialogue with Ruan, so both he and we could move on quickly,” the Danish cricket board said in a statement.
The Denmark Cricket Association said Dabengwa is also working with former South Africa fast bowler Alfonso Thomas ahead of the upcoming assignments and is getting assistance from South Africa legend and former India coach, Gary Kirsten.
“Kieth is already started now, and together with Frederik Klokker, the final preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, which will be played in Desert Springs in Spain, are in full swing,” said the Danish association in a statement.
“Alfonso has a lot of relevant competencies and he looks forward to being involved in our efforts to deliver a positive result in Spain.
“We also have interesting support from Gary Kirsten. Gary and Keith are conducting a series of video sessions to inspire us in the final face before leaving for Spain. The team leaves on October 13 and returns on October 22. More info about the team and the tournament will follow soon.”
A product of Baines Junior and Milton High School in Bulawayo, Dabengwa made a name for himself in local cricket as a left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner.
Dabengwa played three tests and 37 ODIs for Zimbabwe in an international career spanning five years between 2005 and 2010.
After playing his last match for Zimbabwe in a One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh in Chattogram 11 years ago, Dabengwa alternated between playing for Matabeleland Tuskers in the domestic circuit and clubs in the United Kingdom.
He has been based in Denmark since 2016 when he moved to Copenhagen season to take up a Player/Coach position with the oldest cricket club in the European counter – Kjøbenhavns Boldklub.
Dabengwa had previously played for Scottish club Ferguslie Cricket Club since leaving Zimbabwe five years ago.
He will take charge of his first match as Denmark national team coach on October 15 when they take on Italy in an ICC World Cup qualifier at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground in Almeria, Spain.
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