Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
Zimbabwe Cricket coach Justin Sammons is set to leave his position after the conclusion of the team’s ongoing second Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, citing the need to spend more time with his family in South Africa.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, saying Sammons had tendered his resignation, bringing his two-year stint in charge of the senior men’s national team to an end.
The second Test against Afghanistan marks the conclusion of Zimbabwe’s tour of the United Arab Emirates.
Sammons took over as head coach in June 2024 and leaves after overseeing a period in which Zimbabwe recorded historic Test victories and reached the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, their best-ever finish at the tournament.
ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the cricket governing body was reluctant to accept Sammons’ resignation but respected his decision to return home.
“It was very difficult for us to accept Justin’s resignation, but we understand and respect his decision to return home to be with his family,” said Makoni.
“Justin has worked hard to help our players improve and the team’s progress under his leadership was evident in some memorable Test wins and in the way Zimbabwe competed at the T20 World Cup.
“On behalf of Zimbabwe Cricket, I thank him for his commitment and wish him and his family all the best.”
Sammons described his time leading the national team as an incredible experience, expressing gratitude to the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, players, technical staff and other stakeholders for their support.
“Leading the Zimbabwe men’s national team has been an incredible experience, one that I will always look back on with great memories,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the cricket administration, ground staff and technical team in helping the side improve during his tenure.
“Importantly, I must thank the players and technical staff for their continued commitment in striving to improve – they made my time in Zimbabwe one that I will always be grateful for.
“However, it is important for me to now move back home to allow for time with the family,” he said.
Sammons expressed confidence in the team’s future, saying he believed the players would continue to make progress and wishing them success in their upcoming assignments.
