Mudzengerere leads from the front

Blessing Malinganiza

Zimpapers Sports Hub

READY does not feel like a slogan for Simbarashe Mudzengerere. It sounds more like a checkpoint.

Today at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, the Zimbabwe Under 19 captain will walk out for the opening match of the ICC Men’s Under 19 Cricket World Cup knowing exactly what is at stake and where he stands in it.

Zimbabwe open their tournament against Scotland in Harare, on home soil, in front of families, friends and familiar faces. For Mudzengerere, that setting sharpens the moment rather than softens it.

The build-up has been long, heavy and deliberate, stretching through weeks of conditioning, net sessions and match simulations designed to remove surprises once the tournament begins.

“Yes, we have prepared enough,” Mudzengerere said on the eve of the opener. “Preparation helps the nerves settle. It’s about sticking to the basics, staying mentally strong, and not overthinking. That’s all we need to focus on.”

Zimbabwe’s Under 19 side has trained under close scrutiny, aware that hosting brings expectation as much as advantage. Coaches and senior players have spent time addressing the mental side of tournament cricket, knowing young teams can be undone before a ball is bowled.

“We have talked about managing nerves, almost like a bit of counselling to help the players release pressure,” Mudzengerere said. “The goal is to not put too much pressure on ourselves and play freely.”

The home factor is something the captain wants his team to lean into, not shy away from. Takashinga, tucked into the Highfield suburb, is a ground most of these players know well. The faces in the stands will not be strangers.

“It’s a big advantage,” he said. “Having our families and supporters here to watch is fantastic. That support makes a real difference.”

Zimbabwe’s preparation included a series of warm up matches against touring sides, the most sobering being a 114-run defeat to New Zealand earlier this week. The loss did not trigger panic, but it did force an honest appraisal.

“It wasn’t that bad of a performance,” Mudzengerere said. “We were on the right path and ticked most boxes, but we need to work on preserving our wickets better.”

Weather has added another layer of uncertainty. Persistent rain has hovered over Harare in recent days, threatening shortened games and disrupted rhythms. Zimbabwe’s camp has planned for that too, adjusting scenarios to account for reduced overs and stop start play.

“We’re hoping it doesn’t rain tomorrow, but if it does, we’re prepared to play reduced hours,” Mudzengerere said. “We’ve planned for that possibility.”