Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT was a night stitched in golden threads for Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) — a culmination of resilience, reinvention, and renewed ambition. As the curtain fell on the 2024 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) in Harare last Sunday, ZC stood tallest, crowned National Sports Association of the Year in a celebration that echoed far beyond the elegant walls of the venue.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a coronation. A crowning moment that symbolised a seismic shift in the local sports landscape, placing cricket at the very heart of the nation’s sporting pride. And as if that wasn’t enough, ZC’s dominance was further underlined by a string of individual honours that made them the toast of the evening.
Teenage trailblazer Kelis Ndhlovu, a rising star whose bat does the talking with the composure of a veteran, walked away with two prestigious awards — Junior Sportswoman of the Year and Junior Sportsperson of the Year. The 18-year-old, who captained the national Under-19 women’s team and is already a mainstay in the senior Lady Chevrons side, radiated both promise and poise.
Her success was complemented by that of Zimbabwe’s globally respected umpire, Langton Rusere, who scooped the Technical Official of the Year award, further underlining the strides cricket has made not just between the wickets but in all corners of the game.
Adding the final brushstrokes to a masterpiece of a night, Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons’ charismatic all-rounder, was honoured with the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year award — belated recognition for a year in which he stood as the heartbeat of Zimbabwean cricket with performances that thrilled crowds and inspired a generation.
ZC chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani, visibly buoyant, described the collective accolades as a fitting tribute to years of groundwork laid across the cricketing ecosystem.
“This is simply amazing! It reflects the incredible work that everyone in cricket has put in — from our dedicated fans and hardworking groundsmen to the board, executive and players,” said Mukuhlani. “Hard work truly pays off, and this recognition is a testament to that. We will continue striving for excellence and building on this momentum.”
That momentum, it seems, is surging forward at full throttle.
With 2025 already buzzing with activity, Zimbabwe Cricket is entering a blockbuster year that promises not only action but a redefining of its place on the world stage. No fewer than nine Test matches — a historic haul for the country — are on the horizon, with heavyweight clashes against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Mukuhlani, casting an eye toward the busy calendar, spoke of the opportunities and pride that lie ahead.
“Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be an exciting year, with nine Test matches on the horizon. We are heading to Bangladesh next, then hosting South Africa and New Zealand — exciting times for Zimbabwe Cricket,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team and everyone involved. Congratulations to the entire Zimbabwe Cricket family, including our passionate and unwavering supporters.”
A Calendar for the Ages
Zimbabwe’s international campaign kicks off with a two-Test tour of Bangladesh. The first match runs from April 20-24 in Sylhet, followed by the second in Chattogram from April 28 to May 2.
Then comes a defining chapter — a one-off four-day Test against England at Trent Bridge from May 22-25. It will be Zimbabwe’s first Test against England since 2003 and a symbolic moment in the re-emergence of the Chevrons on the global scene.
Home action begins in earnest in Bulawayo, where Zimbabwe will host South Africa in two Test matches at Queens Sports Club, from 28 June-2 July and 6-10 July, respectively.
Then, fireworks return to Harare for a pulsating T20I Tri-Series featuring Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand. The tournament kicks off on 14 July and runs through to 26 July, with each side playing four matches in the round-robin phase before the top two face off in the final.
But the cricketing feast doesn’t end there.
New Zealand will remain in the country for a two-Test series in Bulawayo from 30 July- 3 August and 7-11 August — a fitting finale to a historic mid-year season.
Beyond the Trophies
Zimbabwe Cricket’s renaissance has been about more than just results. It has been about rebuilding trust, unearthing talent, professionalising structures, and reigniting national pride. The recognition at ANSA 2024 is not just a pat on the back — it’s a spotlight on a sport that refused to fade away.
In a year where dreams are scheduled and legacies will be written, Zimbabwe Cricket is not just looking to compete. It is looking to conquer.
And as the world watches, Zimbabwe’s gentlemen — and gentlewomen — of the game are ready to seize their moment.
Bongani Ndlovu