Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARY-ANNE MUSONDA has traded the captain’s armband for a clipboard, but her commitment to Zimbabwe women’s cricket remains as strong as ever.
Just weeks into her new role as Zimbabwe women’s team manager, the former Lady Chevrons captain is embracing a fresh challenge, one that keeps her close to the game that has defined much of her life, while allowing her to influence a new generation from behind the scenes.
For Musonda, stepping away from playing did not mean stepping away from service.
“Cricket has been a huge part of my life and I have always been passionate about giving back to the game,” she said.
“This role presented an opportunity to continue serving Zimbabwe cricket, particularly women’s cricket, by helping create an environment where the team can succeed both on and off the field.”
The transition from player to administrator has brought a different set of responsibilities. No longer worrying about her own performances or leading from the middle, Musonda now focuses on ensuring that players and coaches have everything they need to succeed.
“The responsibilities are certainly different. As a player and captain, your focus is largely on preparation and performance on the field. As team manager, your role is broader and involves ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly so that players and coaches can concentrate on performing. It’s more strategic and administrative, but equally rewarding,” she said.
Yet the values that guided her playing career remain central to her approach. Having experienced the pressures and demands of international cricket first-hand, Musonda believes her years as captain provide valuable insight into understanding the needs of players.
“I understand the demands of international cricket and the challenges that I faced as a player. I appreciate the importance of communication, trust and player welfare. This experience allows me to understand the players and make decisions that support performance and their overall well-being,” she said.
Those qualities are particularly important at a time when Zimbabwe women’s cricket is witnessing the emergence of exciting young talent.
Musonda sees mentorship as one of her key responsibilities.
“Young players are the future of Zimbabwe cricket. Beyond helping them develop their skills, it’s essential to guide them in understanding professionalism, discipline and balancing the demands of elite sport,” she said.
“Mentorship plays a significant role in shaping not only better cricketers, but also better individuals so they can shape their careers well.”
Having been part of the national set-up through periods of growth and challenge, Musonda is encouraged by the strides made by the women’s game.
She points to Zimbabwe’s inclusion in the ICC Future Tours Programme and the Emerging Trophy, as well as the introduction of age-group National Premier League competitions, as signs that the sport is moving in the right direction.
“The progress is positive. Internationally we have a chance to perform against the world’s best. The team has also shown signs that it can compete and produce performances that inspire confidence in the future,” she said.
“Locally, we have seen more young girls taking up the sport with the introduction of the age-group National Premier League. We are headed in the right direction.”
Musonda is equally encouraged by the impact of the High Performance Centre, which she believes is creating healthy competition and strengthening depth within the women’s game.
“The HPC is creating a structured pathway for players to develop their skills and prepare for international cricket. This provides depth because healthy competition raises standards,” she said.
Still, the former skipper knows that greater ambitions require continued investment.
“There is still room for improvement in areas such as increasing the volume of competitive cricket, strengthening our domestic structures, expanding the talent pathway and continuing to invest in player development and support,” she said.
“A sustained investment will be critical in bridging the gap with the top teams.”
Despite the new title, old habits die hard. Around the dressing room, Musonda still occasionally hears the affectionate call of “Skip”.
“There will always be a few light-hearted moments where some people will call me ‘skip’ or ‘captain’,” she said with a laugh.
“We will all understand that while my role has changed, my commitment to supporting the team remains the same.”
That commitment, she says, is rooted in the relationships forged over years of wearing Zimbabwe colours. Messages of support from former teammates have reinforced her belief that the game she helped build continues to move forward.
“I have been fortunate to receive support and encouragement from many former teammates and colleagues. Their messages and confidence in me have been incredibly motivating,” she said.
For a woman who once led Zimbabwe from the crease, the mission remains unchanged. The position may have changed, but the passion endures.
And as Zimbabwe women’s cricket continues to chart new territory, Musonda’s steady hand and wealth of experience could prove just as valuable off the field as they once were on it.
