Don Makanyanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has stepped up its efforts to develop the game across Africa by providing eight emerging players from four associate nations with an opportunity to compete in the 2026 National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast.
The initiative will see players from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania feature in Zimbabwe’s premier club competition, underlining the country’s growing role in creating pathways for emerging talent beyond its borders.
ZC’s move comes as African cricket continues to seek greater opportunities for players from associate nations to gain competitive experience, improve their skills and narrow the gap with more established cricketing countries.
ZC Media and Communications manager, Darlington Majonga said the initiative reflected Zimbabwe’s commitment to using its cricketing structures and experience to contribute to the growth of the game across the continent.
“Africa has cricketing talent, but talent needs opportunities to develop. By bringing these eight players into the NPL T20 Blast, we are giving them a platform to test themselves in a competitive environment, experience different conditions and learn alongside Zimbabwean players,” said Majonga.
He said the benefits of the initiative extended beyond the individual players, with the potential to strengthen cricket development in their home countries while enriching Zimbabwe’s domestic game.
“As Zimbabwe Cricket, we believe we have a responsibility to use our structures and experience to help the game grow across the continent. Stronger African cricket benefits all of us: it creates better competition, broadens the game’s reach and gives more young people a pathway to pursue their ambitions,” he said.
The eight players will be attached to different clubs, allowing them to experience Zimbabwe’s club cricket environment while exchanging knowledge and skills with local players.
Tanzania’s Laksh Snehal Bakrania will turn out for Gladiators, while compatriot Dhrumit Atul Mehta joins Sogo Rangers.
Nigeria’s Elijah Saturday Jimmy has been placed at Queens, with Prosper Buden-Ikpe Useni joining Mbizo.
Rwanda’s Ignace Ntirenganya will represent Rimuka, while Oscar Manishimwe joins Eastern Titans.
Uganda’s Gerald Olipa will feature for Takashinga Patriots 1, with Juma Miyaji turning out for Old Hararians.
Majonga said Zimbabwe hoped the experience would have a lasting impact when the players return to their respective countries.
“The value of this initiative goes beyond what these players achieve during the tournament. We want them to return home with greater confidence, new skills and knowledge they can share with their teammates and cricket communities.
“That is how an opportunity for eight players can have a much wider impact,” he said.
The initiative also offers Zimbabwean players an opportunity to learn from their counterparts across the continent, creating an exchange that could benefit participating clubs and the wider domestic game.
“Our own clubs and players also benefit from the exchange of ideas, skills and experiences. This is a practical investment in a shared future, because the strength of African cricket should be measured by how many countries and players have a real opportunity to progress,” said Majonga.
Cricket Uganda president Jackson Kavuma described the opportunity as an important step towards uplifting cricket among African Cricket Association member states, expressing hope that similar initiatives would continue.
“A big thank you to Zimbabwe Cricket for granting our players this valuable opportunity for playing time and exposure
“We hope they return as better and more improved players carrying with them the skills, experience and knowledge gained to share with and inspire their teammates back home,” said Kavuma.
