Zimbabwe appoint Whatmore new coach, eye 2015 World Cup

Harare, Dec 31 (IANS) Newly appointed Zimbabwe national cricket team coach Dave Whatmore has said he is targeting the Super Eight stage of the 2015 World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand from Feb 14.

Whatmore was officially unveiled as Zimbabwe's coach Tuesday following the sacking of Steve Mangongo who only lasted seven months on the job, reports Xinhua.

Mangongo was fired at the back of whitewash defeats in both the Tests and the One-Day Internationals (ODI) against Bangladesh in October and November.

The experienced Whatmore, who has previously coached Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, has signed a short term deal with Zimbabwe Cricket with a long term agreement set to be signed after the World Cup.

Whatmore said he knows the Zimbabwe players and believes they have the capacity to qualify for the Super Eight stage.

"It's very difficult to give a definitive target but we can say we can be as competitive as possible and our first target will be to reach the Super Eight, which would mean we need to win at least three games," said Whatmore Tuesday. 

"That's our immediate target and we will work hard to achieve that."

He added that he was pleased to take up his new post and appreciates that task of turning around the fortunes of the team.

"I am very pleased to be here. I have travelled here a lot in the last ten years and I have a full appreciation of the country. I know the team. I have seen them play in different conditions. I have seen them beat Pakistan here, so the potential is there."