Online Reporter
Tawah Munthali
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AUSTRALIAN coaches Peter Buchanan and Trevor Chappell have praised Zimbabwe’s wealth of cricket talent.
They said the country has the potential to produce players capable of reaching the highest levels of the game.
The duo has been in the country since the beginning of the month.
They have been conducting training sessions in Shamva, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Harare as part of their work with Grassroots Cricket.
It is a non-profit organisation focused on developing young cricketers and growing the game at community level in this country
The tour has given the coaches an opportunity to work with youngsters from different communities and assess the depth of talent across the country.
Chappell says he is delighted by the enthusiasm and willingness to learn more about the game among the young players.
“It’s always good to come here to see children who are willing to run around and learn.
“The energy displayed by the youngsters shows Zimbabwe has a strong base from which to develop future cricketers,” Chappell said.
The Australian coaches believe the combination of talent, quality coaching and investment in facilities can help Zimbabwe produce a new generation of cricketers capable of competing at the highest level.
“There is huge potential in the younger players who we have interacted with. You will be amazed by their understanding of the game as well as their skillsets although there are certain aspects that need to be polished,” added Chappell.
Buchanan praised the talent but called for greater investment in cricket facilities to help young players realise their potential.
“There is certainly a lot of talent here, but there is need to continue investing in facilities because they play a key role in bringing out the best in young players,” Buchanan said.
The coaches’ visit comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to decentralise cricket development and increase participation at grassroots level.
Zimbabwe Cricket launched the Cricket Kumusha Cricket Ekhaya programme, which seeks to empower communities to take ownership of cricket development by equipping local people with the skills to introduce and sustain the game in their own communities.
The programme is part of the organisation’s broader vision of making cricket accessible to Zimbabweans regardless of location or background.
Through their partnership with Grassroots Cricket, Buchanan and Chappell have taken coaching expertise beyond the country’s traditional cricket centres, working with young players and encouraging them to develop their skills, confidence and love for the game.
