Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ACTING President Constantino Chiwenga has described Zimbabwe’s forthcoming co hosting of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with Namibia as a landmark moment for the nation, one whose significance stretches far beyond the boundary rope. It is, he said, an occasion that speaks not only to cricketing ambition, but to Zimbabwe’s place on the global sporting stage and its confidence in the power of youth.
Speaking during a trophy presentation ceremony led by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani on Thursday, the Acting President said the country was deeply honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious global youth tournament. He added that the arrival of the World Cup trophy on Zimbabwean soil was itself a profound vote of confidence, signalling renewed belief in the nation’s institutions and its capacity to deliver an event of international standing.
The global youth spectacle is scheduled to run from January 15 to February 6, a window in which Zimbabwe and Namibia will together welcome the world’s most promising young cricketers to southern Africa.
“It is my distinct honour and privilege to welcome you to this historic occasion as we receive the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy here in Zimbabwe. This moment transcends sport. It represents excellence, youth empowerment and enduring global partnership.
“The presence of this trophy on our soil is a powerful symbol of Zimbabwe’s renewed centrality in world cricket and our growing stature on the global sporting stage. Beyond being a sporting competition, this tournament reflects the international community’s confidence in Zimbabwe — in our people, our institutions and our capacity to deliver at the highest standard,” he said.
Chiwenga noted that the tournament dovetails neatly with Zimbabwe’s broader national development priorities and promised to leave a lasting imprint on the domestic cricket landscape. In his view, the World Cup is not merely an event to be hosted, but a catalyst for long term transformation.
“It aligns seamlessly with our national development agenda of developing sport, reinforcing our commitment to youth development, economic growth through sport and the cultivation of national pride and unity. For Zimbabwe Cricket, this tournament marks the beginning of a new growth trajectory.
“It will accelerate grassroots development, inspire the next generation of cricketers, strengthen coaching systems, improve facilities and establish sustainable pathways for emerging talent. The legacy of this World Cup will be deeper participation, stronger institutions and a higher performance culture within Zimbabwean cricket,” he said.
The Acting President assured the International Cricket Council (ICC) and all partners that the Government of Zimbabwe was fully committed to the successful staging of the tournament, underpinned by firm guarantees and coordinated state support.
“I assure the International Cricket Council and all partners of the Government of Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class tournament. This commitment is underpinned by firm government guarantees and the co-ordinated leadership of the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, with advanced preparations underway in infrastructure, logistics, security and inter-agency co-ordination.”
He also took time to acknowledge the role of key state institutions involved in the preparations and extended a warm invitation to visiting teams, officials and supporters, assuring them of a memorable Zimbabwean welcome.
“As we welcome the world, visitors will encounter a peaceful, welcoming and resilient nation, rich in culture, natural beauty and hospitality. Zimbabwe stands ready to project its identity of peace, social cohesion and national pride,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, echoed those sentiments, describing the trophy presentation and the Under-19 World Cup as an important milestone in Zimbabwe’s long term sporting journey.
“The significance of this event stretches far beyond the playing field. It represents an important stepping stone as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the ICC Senior Men’s World Cup in 2027 alongside the Republic of South Africa (and Namibia). By successfully delivering the Under-19 World Cup, Zimbabwe demonstrates its readiness, organisational capability and unyielding commitment to world-class sporting excellence,” she said.
Jesaya added that the nationwide trophy tour, which took the coveted prize through Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare during the week, had already begun to stir excitement and strengthen a sense of collective pride.
“The trophy has travelled across Zimbabwe, with parades held in Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare, where communities, young people and sports enthusiasts have embraced it with great excitement and pride. These moments have ignited a renewed spirit of unity and national celebration,” said Jesaya.
For Mukuhlani, presenting the trophy to the Acting President was both a symbolic and deeply personal moment, reflecting Zimbabwe Cricket’s broader aspirations and sense of national duty.
“It is a great honour and privilege for us, as Zimbabwe Cricket, to be granted this audience with Your Excellency and to present to you the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy. We bring this trophy to you not only as custodians of the game, but as proud Zimbabweans.
“It symbolises opportunity, trust and belief — belief in our country, belief in our young people and belief in Zimbabwe’s ability to host the world with excellence and dignity. Presenting this trophy to the Head of State carries deep meaning for us,” he said.
Zimbabwe will stage matches in Harare and Bulawayo, while Namibia will host games in Windhoek, as the world’s finest young cricketers converge on southern Africa for the global youth showpiece.
All matches will be free of charge, opening the gates to a new generation of fans and further deepening the tournament’s community impact.
Today, the Zimbabwe Under 19 side is set to take on New Zealand in a warm up match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC).
Following the Young Chevrons’ outing, two more warm up fixtures are scheduled for the same venue before the tournament officially begins. England will face India on Monday, before Pakistan square off against New Zealand the following day, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable celebration of youth cricket.
