MCC cricketers will swap the English winter for the African summer when they depart for a six-game tour of Mozambique on Wednesday 4 February.

It is the first MCC tour of 2009 and includes an MCC-run coaching session in neighbouring Swaziland as well as matches against the national side in the capital Maputo.

Mozambique has been an Affiliate Member of the ICC for six years and cricket there is going from strength to strength.

There are currently seventeen senior clubs and 22 schools that play cricket in the country and the Association of Mozambique Cricket (AMC) has a national side and also under 19, 17 and 15 representative teams.

Between 8-15 February, MCC will play five different AMC teams, including: the under 19s side; the Chairman’s XI; and a President’s Invitation XI. MCC will warm up with a match against Equipa Anfitria CC on 7 February.

Since 2003, the AMC has won six awards for the way it has developed cricket, including Best Junior Development Initiative, Development Programme and Spirit of Cricket Initiative.
'Encourage and enthuse'

MCC’s team includes former Northamptonshire wicket-keeper Toby Bailey, MCC Young Cricketers Andrew Clarke and Ned Eckersley, and Leeds/Bradford UCCE’s Dan Woods.

The team is managed by Chad Murrin who has played 63 games for MCC since becoming a Member in 1979. He sent us this photo of himself, putting in some winter fitness training at his Surrey home before heading off to the heat of the African summer.

Chad Murrin said: "I was fortunate to visit Mozambique last October, having never been to Africa before. The week I spent in Maputo was one of the best things I have done - a fascinating experience.

"I am delighted to be returning as Manager of the MCC cricket team, the first time that the Club has sent a team to Mozambique.

"As a development tour, promoting the game of cricket will be at the heart of all we do.

"We will be playing matches, and giving local cricketers the opportunity to test themselves and gain experience against us. We will be providing special cricket coaching, and sharing our cricket knowledge with local cricketers and officials. We are there to encourage and enthuse."
Developing the game

MCC will contribute to the development of the game in the region by running a coaching session for young local cricketers on Friday 6 February in Mbabane, Swaziland.

Bringing the game to more young players and developing the game nationwide is a top priority for MCC and the ICC.

MCC will leave a grant of US$2500 and the ICC will donate US$1250 to develop facilities and coaching programmes in the country.

MCC’s Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, said: "MCC is committed to developing cricket all over the world and we hope that providing good opposition and coaching to Mozambique’s cricketers and youngsters will spread the game further throughout the country.

"MCC is delighted to be visiting a country which has made such big strides in a short time and we hope the tour can generate interest amongst a new audience in Mozambique."