Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-19 head Coach Elton Chigumbura has expressed strong satisfaction with his final squad set to represent the nation at the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.
The 15-member squad was announced by Zimbabwe Cricket yesterday with all-rounder Simbarashe Mudzengerere.
ZC also showed confidence in players like the Blignaut brothers Kian and Michael, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana and Benny Zuze who have been integral members of the enlarged training squad for the past several months.
Hlabangana is the only player who featured at the previous World Cup in South Africa in 2024.
According to Chigumbura, the final selection was a culmination of over 18 months of intense groundwork. The Under-19 World Cup will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6 next year.
Chigumbura praised both the talent and balance of the team.
“I’m very pleased with the squad. We have a well-balanced team with good depth in all departments,” he said.
“This group has worked extremely hard over the last 16 to 18 months, and they have shown consistent growth.
“A few players who performed well missed out, but final decisions were based purely on team balance and the combinations we need for World Cup cricket.”
Chigumbura emphasised that selection went beyond statistics.
“We focused on building a team with strong character and clear role clarity,” he said.
“Performance, attitude, commitment, fitness and adaptability were all key — and this squad reflects those standards very well.”
The coach acknowledged that the final decisions were difficult, reflecting the strength of Zimbabwe’s youth system.
“Selecting the final 15 was tough because the entire 20-man training group performed well,” Chigumbura said.
“It shows that our youth structures are producing competitive players and that the gap between players at this level is narrowing — a positive sign for Zimbabwean cricket.”
Looking ahead to the tournament, Chigumbura said he was confident his charges will be competitive. The team finished 12th at the 2024 edition.
“We are going in with a winning mindset. This group can compete with, and beat, the best teams,” he said.
“Success will come from executing our processes, staying disciplined and sticking to our roles.
“If we do that consistently, we give ourselves a real chance to go all the way.”
Chigumbura also addressed the pressure of hosting the tournament.
“Playing at home is an advantage — we understand the conditions and we will have great support behind us,” he said.
“We are helping the players stay calm, play their natural game and trust the work they have put in.
“Mentally preparing them to manage expectations is key so we represent our country well.”
The tournament will feature 16 teams competing across 41 matches, starting with a group stage, followed by the Super Six, semi-finals and the final in Harare.
Zimbabwe will host matches across three venues: Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Drawn in Group C alongside England, Pakistan and Scotland, Zimbabwe will play all their group matches at Takashinga Cricket Club.
They open their campaign against Scotland on January 15, face England three days later and then take on Pakistan on January 22.
Ahead of the tournament, Zimbabwe will play warm-up matches against the US at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare on January 10 and New Zealand at Masvingo Sports Club on January 12.
Zimbabwe Under-19 Cricket World Cup squad 2026:
Simbarashe Mudzengerere (Captain), Kian Blignaut, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Takudzwa Makoni, Panashe Mazai, Webster Madhidhi, Shelton Mazvitorera, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Brandon Ndiweni, Dhruv Patel, Benny Zuze
