HARARE: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairman Peter Chingoka stepped down on Thursday after two decades at the helm, while a new national coach and a new limited-overs captain were also announced.

The 60-year-old Chingoka tendered his resignation at ZC’s extraordinary general board meeting. He was replaced by lawyer and vice chairman Wilson Manase.

On a day of significant change for Zimbabwe cricket, Brendan Taylor also resigned as ODI and Twenty20 captain and was replaced by all-rounder Elton Chigumbura. Taylor will continue as Zimbabwe’s Test captain.

And Stephen Mangongo was announced as the new Zimbabwe coach, with incumbent Andy Waller promoted to the role of director of coaching.

The sweeping changes come a few weeks before Zimbabwe hosts South Africa in a one-off Test and three-game ODI series. Australia also tour in late August for a triangular one-day series also involving the two African teams.

Chingoka leaves as head of ZC after over two decades in charge. He was the first black person to assume the role having taken over from Dave Ellman-Brown in 1992, just before Zimbabwe gained Test status.

During his reign, Zimbabwe cricket moved from relative stability to a series of difficulties, notably player strikes over non-payment of dues as a result of the body’s significant financial difficulties.

Chingoka also resigned as a member of the board.

Published in Dawn, July 25th , 2014