Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
FORMER Zimbabwe women’s cricket captain Mary-Anne Musonda has been appointed Team Manager of the Zimbabwe Senior Women’s National Team, marking a swift return to the national set-up just weeks after announcing her retirement from all forms of cricket.
The appointment sees one of the country’s most experienced female cricketers transition into6 a leadership role off the field following a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Musonda, 34, is expected to bring experience, professionalism and leadership qualities to the national side after years of serving Zimbabwe Women as both a player and captain.
Confirming the appointment, Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni described Musonda as one of the game’s outstanding servants whose continued involvement would benefit the women’s game.
“Mary-Anne has been an outstanding servant of6 Zimbabwe Cricket whose leadership, discipline and passion for the women’s game have always stood out,” said Makoni.
“She brings invaluable experience from her years as an international cricketer and captain, and we believe her presence within the team environment will greatly contribute to our efforts to rebuild a strong and competitive women’s side.
“Her appointment is also part of our broader vision to continue growing women’s cricket in Zimbabwe by ensuring that former players with strong leadership qualities remain actively involved in the development of the game.”
Musonda last represented Zimbabwe during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Abu Dhabi before deciding to step away from the game following an injury setback.
A dependable right-handed middle-order batter, she featured in 16 Women’s One-Day Internationals where she scored one century and one half-century.
She also played 58 Women’s T20 Internationals, registering five half-centuries following Zimbabwe Women’s attainment of official international status.
Before gaining official ODI and T20I status, Musonda had already accumulated vast experience in national colours through regional qualifiers and bilateral series during the formative years of women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.
One of the standout moments of her career came in October 2021 when she became the first Zimbabwean woman to score an international century.
Leading from the front on ODI debut, Musonda struck an unbeaten 103 against Ireland Women at Harare Sports Club to guide Zimbabwe Women to a memorable four-wicket victory.
Having been part of the national set-up since 2006, Musonda witnessed and contributed significantly to the growth of women’s cricket in Zimbabwe from its developmental stages to the international arena.
Away from cricket, Musonda has also excelled academically and holds a Master’s degree in Development Finance from the University of Cape Town.
Her appointment is expected to inspire the next generation of female cricketers while strengthening Zimbabwe Cricket’s efforts to build a competitive women’s national side.
