Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ELTON CHIGUMBURA does not need to imagine what an ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup feels like.
He has lived it — twice.
He has walked into that pressure as a player, stood across teams with pedigree and walked away with memories that still carry weight two decades later. Back in 2002 and again in 2004, Chigumbura graced the global junior stage, with one moment standing taller than most — a seven-wicket win over four-time champions Australia at the 2004 tournament in Bangladesh.
It remains a marker of belief and what young Zimbabwean cricketers can do when they are clear-headed and brave.
That experience now sits at the heart of his latest responsibility.
At 39, Chigumbura is guiding Zimbabwe’s Under-19 side into a home World Cup, armed with lessons earned the hard way and a clear sense of what the moment demands.
Zimbabwe will co-host the tournament with Namibia next month, and the build-up is already being treated with the seriousness of the main event.
For Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Pakistan, preparation comes in the form of a tri-nations series starting on Christmas Day.
The opening match sees Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club, and there is no easing into it.
The tone, Chigumbura insists, must be right from the first ball. He has already sat his players down, spelling out what is at stake, and the response has been immediate.
“The morale is very good,” said Chigumbura.
“Yes, they have sacrificed their holidays, but they have embraced it with professionalism and hunger.
“The boys understand the bigger picture and what it means to represent their country at a home World Cup.
“Their energy, team spirit and willingness to work have been outstanding.
“We are all motivated and united,” he said.
The series continues, with Afghanistan facing Pakistan on December 27 at Harare Sports Club before shifting to Prince Edward School.
Zimbabwe then meet Pakistan, followed by a return to Sunrise Sports Club on December 31 for another clash with Afghanistan.
Afghanistan and Pakistan square off again on January 2 at Sunrise, with the final round-robin fixture set for Old Hararians Sports Club two days later.
Zimbabwe face Pakistan once more, with the final also scheduled for Old Hararians on January 6.
Beyond the fixtures, Chigumbura’s satisfaction lies in quieter details and the work done away from the crowd.
He is also focusing on the drills, conversations and small adjustments that rarely make headlines but often decide matches.
“I am very pleased with how our preparations have gone,” he said.
“The boys have shown great commitment and intensity throughout our training blocks.
“We have been building steadily in all departments, and the group is responding well to the plans and structures we have put in place.”
Preparation, in his view, has to be complete, and that means planning for quality spin attacks from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
It also means planning for the unpredictable nature of Zimbabwe’s summer weather.
“It’s definitely something we have factored into our planning,” explained Chigumbura.
“Conditions may change quickly during this period, so we have prepared the players to adapt tactically. This may include adjusting batting tempo, using different bowling combinations or being sharp with our fielding plans.
“We are making sure the boys understand how to manage shortened games or interruptions.
“Flexibility will be important,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are still searching for their first Under-19 World Cup title.
Pakistan arrive with history on their side, having lifted the trophy in 2004 and 2006.
Chigumbura knows those numbers.
He also knows that tournaments are not won on reputation alone.
He has been here before.
He understands the weight of the moment and the freedom required to play through it.
Now, his task is simple in description and complex in execution: to help a new generation believe they belong on this stage and to make sure they are ready when the moment asks them who they are.
