Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHRISTOPHER MPOFU is set to add another milestone to his remarkable cricket journey, this time from the dugout, not the pitch.
The former Zimbabwe fast bowler, one of the country’s leading wicket takers across formats, has been appointed as Armenia’s national team bowling coach ahead of their upcoming fixtures. For Mpofu, who served Zimbabwe with distinction for nearly two decades, this new assignment is more than just another job.
“It’s a great privilege and an honour for me,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub. “It’s recognition when someone says we want you to help out. It might not be the biggest team in the world, but they’re developing cricket, and to be part of that journey is a huge honour.”
Mpofu said being recognised beyond Zimbabwe’s borders validates the years of work he invested in the game. “It shows that there are people who believe in me and what I have done in international cricket. It’ll be good to be with them, so that one day when they qualify for World Cups, you can say, yes, I was there to help out when their cricket started. It’s an honour, to tell the truth, but not only that, I’m also learning something on my coaching journey.”
Although the deal isn’t full-time, Mpofu will join Armenia whenever the team has international fixtures. He remains fully committed to his role as manager and assistant coach at Tuskers under Zimbabwe Cricket.
“It’s not a full time contract,” he explained. “Whenever they have tours, they’ll ask me to come and help out. So I’m a bowling mentor for those moments. Like when I go to India for the Legends matches, I’ll still be attached to Zimbabwe. I’m still manager and coach at Tuskers, but when Armenia have a game, I’ll be there to help them out.”
Mpofu’s involvement with Armenia doesn’t end on the coaching bench. He’s also expected to feature in the inaugural Armenia Cricket League (ACL) T20 tournament, set for March 1–10, 2026.
“I’m also looking forward to playing the Armenia T20,” he said. “You don’t want to just talk about it; you also want to show what you’re capable of. Sharing my knowledge and leading by example is something I’m looking forward to.”
A veteran of 15 Tests, 84 ODIs, and 32 T20Is, Mpofu claimed over 150 international wickets and remains Zimbabwe’s 11th all time leading wicket taker. His numbers across domestic cricket, 296 First Class wickets, 252 in List A, and 94 in T20s reflect a long, productive career that now feeds his growing coaching ambitions.
The Armenian Cricket Association hailed Mpofu’s appointment as a landmark moment for their team.
“Christopher brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his illustrious career, and we are incredibly excited for him to share his knowledge with our players,” read their statement. “This is a monumental step forward for Armenian cricket, and we can’t wait to see the impact of his guidance on our team’s performance. Welcome to Armenia, Christopher. Let’s make history.”
