Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
LOOKING back now, the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup launch held over the weekend must have been a quietly cathartic moment for Elton Chigumbura.
The global showcase stirred memories that have never quite left the former Zimbabwe international. He lived this tournament once, then lived it again, as part of the 2004 and 2008 classes that shaped his career and outlook on the game.
Back in 2004, in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe stunned Australia in one of the competition’s landmark results. Four years later, Tatenda Taibu walked away as Player of the Tournament, a moment that still resonates in local cricket circles.
Those memories came rushing back as the ICC Under-19 World Cup trophy was unveiled at a glitzy ceremony in the capital. The sense of history was underlined when Hamilton Masakadza and Taibu, both former teammates, were confirmed as tournament director and ambassador.
“Yeah, it really takes me back,” said Chigumbura.
“I went to two under-19 World Cups, the first one I went to was in Bangladesh, where Tatenda Taibu became Player of the tournament, and I played alongside Hamilton (Masakadza) and Sean Williams.
“I was still very young, and it was a very much-needed experience that I got.
“My second World Cup was one of my favourite World Cup experiences, regardless of age group, and we finished in the top six as we beat Australia and New Zealand
“It was in Bangladesh, I think.
“I do have fond memories of this tournament,” he said.
Now 39, Chigumbura is heading back to the world stage in a different role, as Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach, carrying those experiences with him as currency for belief.
Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup from January 15 to February 6, 2026, with 16 teams competing across 41 matches over 23 days.
The format remains unchanged, with four groups of four in the opening stage. Zimbabwe find themselves in Group C, alongside Pakistan, England and Scotland.
Group A features defending champions Australia, Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka. Group B brings together tournament heavyweights India, five-time winners, Bangladesh, the USA and New Zealand. Group D includes debutants Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan and South Africa.
On paper, England and Pakistan present a daunting hurdle at this level. History and rankings suggest Zimbabwe face a steep climb if they are to reach the Super Six.
Chigumbura sees something else.
He believes home conditions, preparation and mindset can tilt the balance, just as they have done before.
“Obviously, now as a coach, and with the way the guys have prepared, I’m sure we’ll do well,” he said.
“Also, playing at home, it’s a much-needed advantage where we will have people behind us, supporting all the way, and we know the conditions very well.
“I’m looking forward to this tournament and I’m sure it will be very exciting.
That belief has become a central message within the camp.
Chigumbura has been preaching it relentlessly.
“I think the most important thing here is to believe,” he said
“At this stage, all the teams are almost on the same level and it’s just a matter of believing what you have done, your preparation, making sure that you go out there and express yourself.
“You also have to enjoy yourself, and I think, on top of belief, that is the most important thing.
“The more you enjoy it, the more success you will have.”
He insists the groundwork has already been laid.
“The boys, Chigumbura said, have put in the work and all that is left now is for the tournament to kick off.
“We have had so many games to prepare ourselves,” he said.
“We also gave the boys some international exposure when we played the likes of South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland and now, before the tournament, we have got Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“So, when it comes to the exposure, these guys have got international experience.
“Now, it’s just a matter of polishing up before the tournament starts,” he said.
