Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket have appointed an interim technical team to lead the women’s senior national side on their historic maiden tour of New Zealand, which will mark the Lady Chevrons’ debut at the ICC Women’s Championship.
Former New Zealand international Kate Ebrahim has been named interim head coach for the tour.
She will be supported by Travor Phiri as interim assistant coach, while New Zealand’s Debu Banik joins the squad as a bowling consultant.
Pamela Moyo has been appointed physiotherapist, with former Zimbabwe international Thandolwenkosi Mlilo serving as team manager.
The new interim structure replaces the coaching and support staff led by Walter Chawaguta, who were asked to step aside following the team’s disappointing performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal in January.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, said the interim arrangements were necessary to provide stability and renewed direction as the team embarks on this significant chapter.
“We felt it was important to act decisively following the recent T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign,” said Makoni.
“As we enter the ICC Women’s Championship for the first time, this is a significant moment for Zimbabwe women’s cricket and it demands renewed focus, energy and accountability.”
Makoni highlighted Ebrahim’s valuable international playing experience and her deep knowledge of New Zealand conditions, adding that she is well-placed to guide the team while ZC finalise permanent appointments.
Zimbabwe Cricket have also named experienced left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda as interim captain for the tour.
The squad was scheduled to depart Harare last night for what will be their first appearance in the ICC Women’s Championship, which forms part of the 2025-2029 cycle.
The competition serves as the main qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.
The tour will commence with a three-match T20 International series against the New Zealand women’s national team at Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 25 and 27 and March 1.
Zimbabwe’s focus will then shift to Dunedin for three One-Day Internationals at the University of Otago Oval on March 5, 8, and 11.
The ODI fixtures will count towards the ICC Women’s Championship standings. Zimbabwe secured their place in the championship following its expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024, a move reflecting the growth of the women’s game in the country.
Under the current format, each of the 11 teams will contest eight three-match ODI series, four at home and four away, across the cycle.
According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Zimbabwe Women are scheduled to travel to New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, while hosting South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.
Lady Chevrons squad:
Nomvelo Sibanda (Captain), Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Loreen Tshuma, Josephine Nkomo, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Audrey Mazvishaya, Adel Zimunu, Precious Marange, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Loryn Phiri, Christabel Chatonzwa, Tendai Makusha.
Peter Tanyanyiwa