Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Online Writer
Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed the appointment of experienced New Zealand coach Mark Coles as the substantive head coach of the Zimbabwe senior women’s national team.
ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the appointments reflect the board’s commitment to establish a sustainable high-performance environment for women’s cricket.
“Women’s cricket is entering an exciting new chapter in Zimbabwe following our admission into the ICC Women’s Championship and it is vital that we have the right people in place to guide that journey,” said Mukuhlani.
He said Coles’ international experience and understanding of the women’s game is crucial as Zimbabwe seeks to build a competitive side and strengthen its pathway structures.
“Mark Coles brings extensive international coaching and high-performance experience, as well as a strong understanding of the demands of the women’s game,” he said.
Coles brings extensive international coaching and high-performance experience to the role, having previously served as head coach of the Pakistan and Scotland women’s national teams.
He also worked with Scotland’s men’s side and has held roles including high-performance manager at Cricket Papua New Guinea and coaching consultancy positions in Australia.
Coles will be supported by Rangarirai Manyande as assistant coach for batting, Trevor Phiri as fielding coach, Faith Dube as strength and conditioning coach, Farai Mabasa as physiotherapist, Keith Kulinga as analyst and Mary-Anne Musonda as team manager.
Travor Garwe has been retained as head coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19 Women’s national team.
Garwe will work alongside assistant batting coach Nonhlanhla Kamuteku, bowling coach Malcolm Chikuwa and team manager Susan Kudzibatira.
The board also confirmed the Zimbabwe Women’s Selection Panel, retaining Julia Chibhabha as convener alongside Emily Jinjika and Thandowenkosi Mlilo.
Ishmael Senzere joins the panel as its fourth member.
