ZIMBABWE national cricket team coach Alan Butcher took some time off a hectic schedule from the side's preparations for the tour of West Indies to grace a training session at St John's Prep School.

He assisted with coaching junior cricketers on Thursday.

Butcher, who was invited by the school's first team coach Felix Mutare, said he was happy to be involved in sharpening the skills of the young cricketers. St John's Prep also invited the Zimbabwe Under-14 coach, David Mutendera, to their training session yesterday.

The school is currently preparing for the Preps Schools Cricket Festival in Bulawayo next week.

"It is my pleasure to be invited to assist with the coaching. I have had a good time with the boys," said Butcher.

"I liked their bowling. It was good and I think they have the skill but it looks like they are in a hurry. If they take their time they will adjust and become good cricketers.

"Most of the boys did not look comfortable with the ball playing back and forward, but they have a chance of improving," said Butcher.

St John's are expected to take part in the Preps School Festival that has been slated for February 21 to 25 at Whitestone School in Bulawayo.

"I enjoyed the session and if I go back home I would like to work with kids. I love working with kids especially in sports. I am going back home to England at the beginning of April," said Butcher.

Mutare said he was delighted by the contributions made by Butcher at their training session and hoped the Briton's presence would inspire his young players.

"It was good to have Butcher around and most of the boys enjoyed his company. We are preparing for a competitive festival, so it is good to also invite other coaches," said Mutare. Butcher will lead the Zimbabwe team to the West Indies next week, his last assignment before his contract expires.