Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GIRLS across Zimbabwe are finally getting a chance to pick up the bat and ball, thanks to a bold new initiative by Lady Chevrons captain Mary-Anne Musonda. And six months in, she’s seeing exactly the kind of progress she hoped for.
Launched in December at St John’s Emerald Hill High School, the Girls Play Cricket Academy (GPCA) was created to introduce young girls to cricket and break down barriers that have long kept them out of the sport.
“It has been a good journey since we launched Girls Play Cricket Academy late last year,” said Musonda. “So far, we have trained female teachers and we are now in the process of laying the foundation for our first girls’ school league. I am happy with the progress thus far.”
The idea was sparked by Musonda’s own experiences in the game, both the opportunities she had, and those she saw missing for others.
“Coming from a cricket background has definitely helped. I understand the game, the structures, and the challenges, especially for girls. My experience with the national team opened my eyes to how few girls get the same chances I did,” she said.
“That inspired me to create a platform where more girls can access cricket, grow in it, and maybe even dream of playing for Zimbabwe one day.”
Musonda says the goal is simple: to give more girls the chance to fall in love with cricket from a young age, just like boys often do.
“Locally, cricket structures are largely designed for boys, and without intentional inclusion, girls are often left out. This creates barriers to their participation,” she said.
“This project is about breaking those barriers. We’re creating access for girls who want to be involved in cricket, whether they see it as a career path or simply want to play for fun. We welcome and support both.”
Looking ahead, Musonda hopes to take the project nationwide, but that vision needs support.
“Community engagement has been encouraging, and we’re hosting a coaching clinic in August that will involve teenage girls from local communities,” she said. “But there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially since the project is still in its early stages.”
“The vision is clear, but to fully bring it to life, we need more stakeholders to come on board and help resource the project so it can reach its full potential.”
