zimcricketnews.com

CricInfo are reporting that Doug Marillier and Andy Blignaut have been named in a provisional 30-man squad for Zimbabwe's tour of the West Indies - something of a surprise as, while the return of both men to the Zimbabwe scene is very welcome news, neither has any recent cricketing form on which to base their selection. The full provisional list has yet to be made public.

In related news, Sean Ervine has been signed by Southern Rocks for the remainder of the season, although the player remains unavailable for national selection (he's also currently signed to Hampshire under a Kolpak contract, which precludes international play). Rocks have also signed Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey.
CricInfo - Blignaut and Marillier included in provisional squad for West Indies

Former Zim bowler Mluleki Nkala has joined the Midwest Rhinos on a short-term basis, according to the Sunday News. Nkala currently plays and coaches in the UK, but has agreed to join the Rhinos until he returns to the UK at the end of the month.

That said, the player does appear to have longer-term aims with another franchise side - Tuskers are reported to be reviewing the position of current coach Robin Brown after their poor run of form this season, with Nkala's name having been raised as a possible replacement - despite the side having apparently rebuffed his approaches to them about joining as a player:

"I wanted to join Matabeleland Tuskers but the impression I got was that they were not interested so I decided to join Midwest Rhinos."

According to the paper, Nkala would accept the coach post if it were offered to him.
Sunday News - Nkala joins Midwest Rhinos

One of the players that gets occasional mention in the "where are they now" department is Allan Mwayenga, who last appeared in Zimbabwean colours during the 2005/06 SAA Inter-Provincial competitions, when he played for Zimbabwe U23. Today's Herald has news that he was recently convicted of fraud charges and sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with four-and-a-half of those suspended subject to certain conditions. He's currently appealing against his conviction and sentence - more details in the Herald report. Hat-tip to forum member CrimsonAvenger for spotting the news.
The Herald - Jailed ex-cricketer gets reprieve

Piet Rinke would have been on most people's list of players expected to return to the new franchise setup in Zimbabwe, but apparently that's not going to happen, as it was announced today in the York Press that Rinke has been appointed head of the new York Cricket Academy in England. Rinke is described in the article as a 'full-time coach', which would seem to knock any speculation of a playing return on the head. More over at the York Post website. Tip of the hat to forum member CrimsonAvenger for spotting the news.
York Post - York Cricket Academy opens with Zimbabwean international Piet Rinke at the helm

In an interview with Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo, Mark Vermeulen has claimed that both Grant Flower and Andy Blignaut are set to return to Zimbabwean cricket. The interview reports that Flower is currently completing a level 4 coaching course in the UK, and will return to Zimbabwe once that is complete, most likely as player/coach for one of the franchise sides. Blignaut's return is also described as 'almost certain'.

The full article is unfortunately not in English - thanks to forum member Detective RDS for translating the relevant portions, you can find the relevant forum thread here.
Prothom Alo - Mark Vermeulen Interview

The Sunday Mail has an interesting interview with former Zim bowler Bryan Strang who, after something of a personal voyage of discovery, is now looking for an opportunity to help in the quest for Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket - although so far, he'sstill waiting on the call from ZC. The interview also looks at his decision to leave the side in 2001:

“Personally at that time I was going through some personal problems, which sportsmen usually go through, what with the pressures and highs of competitive sport. So quitting was an easy decision for me then. Things got worse and when I tried to come back again in 2004 and I got injured in a car accident which threatened to nearly ruin my career forever as I tore tendons in my bowling hand.”

“It is when I was in South Africa, upon a chance meeting with a little girl whose words of encouragement gave me a wake-up call and so began my rehabilitation. I was in South Africa working on a road and one afternoon, on my day off I went into town to do some business, around midday. As I was tired and hot I decided to take a few minutes to rest. At this point in time a little girl came by and told me not to worry because things were going to get better. The words rang in my head and forced me to make some life-altering decisions which led me back home and ready to give back what I could.”

Strang is now coaching at Lilfordia School, where Alastair Campbell and his father are also heavily involved, and looking for opportunities to get involved with the national setup again:

“I am doing well coaching now and teaching which I love, but I want to contribute more. Hopefully I can be of use counselling the current crop of players or maybe coach in the junior structures. If needed to play I am more than willing as I feel fit and ready but it’s not really a priority like coaching which I really want to do."

Quick, give that man a job…
Sunday Mail - I want to return and help — Strang

The Zimbabwe Independent reports that Dion Ebrahim, former opening batsman for Zim who played in 82 ODIs and 26 Tests before quitting the side in 2005, is in talks with Mat Tuskers about a return to the domestic scene. The paper also reports that the player is eyeing an international return, although given the stiff competition for places in the senior side at the moment he'd have to prove him form first - and with him averaging just 19 this season for his NZ club, Taranaki, he would appear to have some work to do.

Ebrahim has been playing in New Zealand of late, but briefly returned to the country recently to get negotiations for his return underway. As yet, no deal has been signed, but add one more to the list of returning "rebels"...
Zimbabwe Independent - Ebrahim eyes Zim Comeback

In our interview with Alester Maregwede last week, he indicated that he was considering his options both in Australia and in Zimbabwe for the coming season - the Sunday Mail has been speaking to him as well, and believes that he's headed back to Zimbabwe, having turned down a new offer from his Australian club Roseville that undervalued him:

"I am quitting Roseville as they haven’t given my management the right deal we were expecting for the 2009/10 season. I do have a coupe of offers including a franchise in Zimbabwe that has approached me to come and play in the local league and at this stage my management is waiting for the deal from the franchise."

Probably the best move if he's to maximise his chances of a Zimbabwe call-up. We'll wait with interest to see how this plays out.
Sunday Mail - Chawaguta on Taylor

Paul Strang has been appointed coach of New Zealand side Auckland. The side have handily posted a video interview with their new boss, so I'll let him speak for himself about his new job...

The Sunday Mail takes a look at Alester Maregwede's form in Australia, where the batsman, who is on the edges of the national scene, has hit form for his club side, Roseville, winning the club's Cricketer of the Year award for the 2008/09 season, the best batsman at the club and two floating trophies for the two centuries that he scored during the season. Maregwede finished the season on 600 runs with an average of 45 runs in 13 matches, and was very happy with his performances, hoping they'll give him an opportunity to reclaim a place in the national side:

"I am very happy with my achievements because I have been working really hard, so it’s good to see my efforts being recognised as this motivates one to work even harder in future. I have been in touch with the coaching staff and the national team manager and have made myself available for selection based on my current form and performances of course."

Maragwede's Australian career hasn't always been so sunny - he faced rape charges during 2008, while playing for Mildura Settlers, but appears to have put that time behind him now.
Sunday News - Maregwede shines in Aussie