Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LOOKING back now, the ICC Under-19 Cricket launch held over the weekend must have been rather cathartic for Elton Chigumbura.
The global showcase holds special memories for the former Zimbabwe international.
He was a member of the class of 2004 and 2008, both of which must feel like a life-time ago for the 39-year-old.
During the 2004 edition held in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe scored a monumental victory over Australia, while in 2008 (Malaysia), Tatenda Taibu was named Player-of-the-Tournament.
It is these memories that came flooding back to the former Chevrons all-rounder as the ICC Under-19 World Cup trophy was unveiled during a glitzy ceremony held in the Capital. To rubber-stamp the occasion, Hamilton Masakadza and Taibu, two former teammates of his, were named 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 and Tatenda Taibu was named Player of the Tournament, while I also 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, as 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.
Chigumbura is set to return to the global stage, albeit as the Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach.
And, he has since been using his past experiences to inspire the country’s rising stars as they hope to make a splash on the global stage, but on home soil.
Zimbabwe and Namibia are set to host the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, slated for January 15-February 6, 2026.
The tournament format remains the same as in previous iterations, with 16 teams divided into groups of four in the first stage. Approximately 41 matches are expected to be played in the tournament over 23 days of competition with co-hosts Zimbabwe in Group C alongside Pakistan, England and Scotland.
Group A comprises the defending champions Australia, Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka, while Group B comprises the most successful side in the tournament’s history, India (five titles), the 2020 winners Bangladesh, the US, and New Zealand. Group D will be made up of debutants Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan and South Africa.
Given the strengths of England and Pakistan at the age-group, Zimbabwe have a herculean task ahead of them if they entertain any hopes of making it to the Super Six stage.
However, Chigumbura has backed his side to possibly replicate the heroics of Zimbabwe Under-19 teams of the past and pull off a few upsets.
“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 is a much-needed advantage where we will have people behind us, supporting us 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.
Chigumbura has been preaching the gospel of belief as he hopes to inspire his charges.
“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, and 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.
The boys, Chigumbura said, have put in the work and all that is left now is for the tournament to kick-off.
