HARARE - Mashonaland Eagles return to Mutare to face Manicaland Mountaineers in domestic franchise cricket league this morning.

The visit to Mutare comes exactly two weeks after the death of head coach Kevin Curran in the city.

The late former national team player, coach and selector succumbed to a heart attack while jogging in the morning where his team was scheduled to play a one-day game against the host.

The Coca-Cola Pro 50 set the pace for what looks like an explosive mid-week affair this morning before the two teams round off with a Twenty20 match at Mutare Sports Club tomorrow.

The Eagles currently lead the domestic T20 log table with 14 points after winning all their first three matches. Mountaineers are in second place with 11 points from the same number of games while Southern Rocks, Matabeleland Tuskers and Midwest Rhinos are all on four points from four games.

Mash Eagles caretaker coach Stanley Timoni said morale was high his in team’s camp.

“The boys are all in good shape, we have players coming out of injuries and they are all
determined to go out there and make a positive impression,” Timoni told the Daily News yesterday.

“The tears have dried and what remains now is the inner pain, we have learnt to play as a unit and if we can all deliver on the day, it won’t be too difficult for us to get the results against Mountaineers.”

Mash Eagles were on by last weekend while their opponents Mountaineers Goats are coming from a two-match winning streak over Southern Rocks at the weekend. Wicket keeper Regis Chakabva has fully recovered from a nagging thump injury while seamer Tatenda Gumunyu-Manatsa overcame a back niggle.

Meanwhile, Mountaineers coach Gary Brent said his team is looking forward to host the Harare giants.

“The guys were supposed to take a day off on Monday after a successful weekend against Southern Rocks but surprisingly they all decided to train which is some excellent spirit,” Brent told the Daily News yesterday.

“This match against the Eagles obviously brings back sad memories of KC’s death, we are all saddened about that, we know Mash Eagles will be affected more from the traumatic experience but we all want to win it for the late coach although they want it the most.”