Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Sean Makaniso is already showing signs of becoming one of Zimbabwe cricket’s brightest prospects.
The St Aidan’s pupil announced himself on a bigger stage during the inaugural National Premier League (NPL) age-group tournament, where he finished as the leading run-scorer in the Under-13 boys’ competition.
Makaniso amassed an impressive 258 runs in just four innings, highlighted by a remarkable unbeaten 165 in the final against Takashinga 2 Under-13s.
The Grade Seven pupil has been making headlines for some time. Before the introduction of the Under-13 and Under-15 NPL competitions, he was already making waves in the Chitungwiza Junior Premier Cricket League (CJPL), where he was named Player of the Tournament for the 2025 season after averaging an outstanding 100 with the bat.
He also scooped the Best Batsman award in the Under-13 category at the Energy Park T20 tournament.
Yet it took a national stage such as the NPL age-group competition for his exploits to attract wider attention.
Makaniso carried his outstanding form into the national competition and produced his finest performance in the final, where he blasted a record 165 not out to help Chitungwiza-based Gladiators pile up 398 for three against Takashinga 2.
Together with teammate Brian Senzere, Makaniso emerged as one of the standout discoveries of the inaugural Under-13 tournament. The pair played a pivotal role as Gladiators completed a dominant campaign with a crushing 336-run victory in the final.
Gladiators coach Kudakwashe Chigulupati believes the two St. Aidens pupils have already outgrown their age group.
“Sean was exceptional, and so was Senzere” said Chigulupati. “In fact, we have resolved to promote these two players to the Under-15s team (at just 11 years old). They need to continue playing and getting competition.”
Having spent years involved in grassroots cricket development in Chitungwiza, Chigulupati believes the age-group NPL has filled a critical gap in Zimbabwe’s development structures.
“At Gladiators, we always put development at the forefront and we were excited when we heard about the age group NPL.
“The young players always getter better when they play in competitive environments. We have so many talents from Chitungwiza and the NPL is a brilliant stage for them to showcase their talents.
“I am also happy that girls have been included in this development programme. We work with so many girls in Chitungwiza and the numbers keep increasing,” said Chigulupati.
While Makaniso and Senzere captured most of the attention, they were far from the only young talents to shine during the Under-13 competition. Senzere finished with 183 runs before stepping up to feature in the Under-15 tournament, while Takashinga 2’s Kyle Batidzirai amassed 157 runs to emerge as one of his team’s leading performers.
With the ball, Tinashe Juma enjoyed a stellar campaign for Gladiators, claiming 11 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 1.43. His consistency earned him the Under-13 Player of the Tournament accolade.
Takashinga 2’s Ethan Mufukwa also impressed with nine wickets, while Gladiators’ Walter Mwagura chipped in with eight.
The girls’ Under-15 competition also unearthed several promising talents.
Jessy Mutungwindu’s outstanding all-round performances earned her the Under-15 Girls Player of the Tournament award. Gladiators’ Nenyasha Chirume finished as the leading run-scorer with 173 runs, followed by teammate Ruvarashe Maimba on 131.
Alex Sports Club’s Anesu Chawasarira also made a strong impression, scoring 112 runs, including a century.
With the ball, Sandra Chigaramasimbe starred for Gladiators, taking 14 wickets, while Takashinga 2’s Beverly Machiya also enjoyed an impressive campaign with seven wickets.
The past few weeks have been dominated by cricket action across the country, from grassroots development programmes to senior competitions, with the age-group NPL emerging as one of the most exciting initiatives on the domestic calendar. Former Zimbabwe international and current national Under-19 head coach Elton Chigumbura hailed the introduction of the NPL age-group competitions, describing them as a crucial piece in Zimbabwe Cricket’s development pathway.
“This is a very good initiative which, in a way, completes the whole development pathway from grassroots to the national team,” said Chigumbura.
“We have been seeing a lot of cricket being played and the players are starting from a young age, guided by different coaching personnel. At every stage they stand to gain exposure and new skillsets.
“As the national Under-19 coach, I am pleased with this project because its helps in monitoring and tracking upcoming talents.
“In fact, it will make it easier to plan and prepare for the next ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In the past only a handful of players would get these opportunities but now the wings have been spread to almost the entire country.
“The more the numbers, the better the competition. We need more and more young people from all corners to be playing cricket,” said Chigumbura.
NPL manager Edward Rainsford believes the age group NPL has provided a strong platform for young players to compete, develop and be identified as part of a clear pathway into Zimbabwe’s Under-17, Under-19 and academy structures.
Rainsford said the age-group league was designed to bridge the gap between school cricket and club cricket, while creating a sustainable talent pathway to provincial and national teams.
“The NPL remains a vital part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s player development pathway, providing a platform for emerging talent to challenge themselves against quality opposition while helping strengthen the game across the country,” said Rainsford.
