Nkosilodumo Ndebele
FORMER Warriors and Highlanders striker Peter a�?Nsukuzonkea�? Ndlovu has rubbished racism allegations against recently sacked Chevrons gaffer Heath streak.
Nsukuzonke, who at his prime turned for England-based side Coventry City, said he supported Streak for his professionalism as a player until his tenure as a coach.
a�?I just want to appreciate you because you always have been professional when you were playing for Zimbabwe and you kept that even as coach. I really support what you have just said in terms of people trying to mess your name. I support you all the way. You never minced your words.
a�?The skin colour is not what is important but togetherness is what you have just expressed, thata��s why you even went on to (speak) in vernacular. So, it is a shame that people will always want to divide people. I wish you to stay on as our coach. We just have to support you,a�? said Ndlovu.
Petera��s post was inspired by Streaka��s plea of innocence when he surprised many on social media as he defended himself speaking fluent Ndebele.
. . . U-chairman we ZC uthi mina ngizondana labantu abamnyama. Abantu abangaziyo bayakwazi ukuthi lokhu kungamanga. Bonke even lama-players bayakwazi ukuthi ngingumuntu onjani. Ngiphila labantu bonke. Mina angilandabaA� lokuthi umuntu isikhumba sinjani. Ngoba igazi lonke libomvu phansi. Mina ngikhangele ukuthi umuntu ofisa ukuthi ilizwe lethu liye phambili, nguye engimfunayo. Nguye engizabambana izandla laye. (The ZC chairman says I hate blacks. Those who know me know that this is not true. Even the players know the kind of person I am. I am no racist and I do not look at a persona��s skin because our blood is the same, all of us. I only want to work with someone whose desire is to see Zimbabwe progressing,a�? said Streak while speaking in IsiNdebele.
He went on to say he would love to continue coaching in his home country due to the love he has for his homeland.
Ndlovu joins Senator David Coltart, an ardent follower of cricket, who is also against the recent decision by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) to fire Streak and Tatenda Taibu as it may irreparably damage Zimbabwean cricket.
Streak was sacked on Good Friday after he failed in the mission to lead the national team to the World Cup.
The former Zimbabwe skipper and his technical team were given options to tender their resignations or consider themselves fired after the disappointing performance in the last match of the qualifying tournament against United Arab Emirates.
The defeat cost the Chevrons a place at next yeara��s global showpiece in England when they fell by three runs to the Associate nation.
However, the defiant Streak has argued that the whole process, which affected 13 officials, was flawed and has sought legal counsel in his battle to avoid the axe. .
