Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
LADY Chevrons captain Josephine Nkomo believes Zimbabwe’s long-awaited breakthrough win is edging closer as the team prepares to host the West Indies in a historic six-match home series.
Zimbabwe will face the West Indies in three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, with the series marking the Lady Chevrons’ first home Future Tours Programme (FTP) assignment.
Nkomo said the opportunity to play a high-quality opponent on home soil comes at an important stage of Zimbabwe’s development, with the team having gained valuable exposure against stronger opposition in recent months.
“We are super excited.
“What makes it more special is that it is on home turf and it is our first home FTP tour,” said Nkomo.
The Lady Chevrons have endured a difficult period in international cricket, but Nkomo believes increased game time and exposure to top opposition are beginning to translate into improved performances.
She is confident that a first win in the Women’s Championship is now within reach.
“I think it is just a case of more game time. Of late, we have been playing quite a lot of cricket,” she said.
“Pretty soon, we should be seeing a turnaround in our performance. It is just around the corner.
“We are just waiting for that day to come, but I am hoping it is soon enough,” she said.
Nkomo said the team’s approach under the new coaching set-up has been straightforward — focus on competing rather than being intimidated by the reputation of the opposition.
“The goal is just to compete. Just go out there and be positive.
“At the end of the day, cricket is a game of bat and ball and not names or anything like that,” she said.
Nkomo, who was handed the responsibility of leading the national side, said she was delighted to be given the opportunity, particularly at a time when Zimbabwe are rebuilding around a group of young players.
“It is a great honour. I am so excited to lead (on her captaincy).
“We have got a bunch of youngsters, and I am super excited that I got the opportunity to actually lead them,” she said.
The transition has been one of the major features of the Lady Chevrons’ recent campaign, with several youngsters being introduced to international cricket.
Nkomo, however, stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between youth and experience to ensure the emerging players are not placed under unnecessary pressure.
“It is not easy just getting these youngsters straight in and putting a lot of pressure on their shoulders. So having some senior guys in there would really help them to grow.
“It is very, very important. We need that alignment,” she said.
The Lady Chevrons captain also pointed to Zimbabwe’s recent performances as evidence of progress, saying the team had shown significant improvement in their last outing.
“I thought in the last game we played, there was a big improvement. So we are definitely taking that on to the next series,” she said.
Nkomo called on supporters to turn out in numbers and create an atmosphere that can inspire the team.
