Online Reporter
THE Nigeria Cricket Federation have appointed Zimbabwean tactician Stephen Mangongo as the new head coach of the Yellow Greens and the federation’s high-performance manager.
Mangongo’s appointment was confirmed on Sunday ahead of his unveiling ceremony scheduled to take place tomorrow at the TBS Cricket Oval.
Mangongo replaces Kenyan coach Steve Tikolo, who held the role for more than three years between October 2022 and January 2026.
His appointment ends the NCF’s four-month search for Tikolo’s replacement as Nigeria prepares to compete in the ICC 2028 T20 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
He boasts almost 30 years of coaching experience, having previously worked with Zimbabwe’s Under-15 and Under-19 teams, the Zimbabwe ‘A’ side and the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team.
One of the highlights of his career came in 2014, when he led Zimbabwe to a historic victory over Australia in a tri-series, further cementing his reputation as one of the most respected cricket coaches on the African continent.
The Zimbabwean has participated in three ICC Under-19 World Cups and served as an assistant coach at four ICC Men’s World Cups.
He also previously handled Zimbabwe Cricket’s High Performance Programme. Beyond the national teams, Mangongo founded and directed a private cricket academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, for six years, where he played a key role in talent development.
He is also credited with mentoring some of Zimbabwe’s biggest cricket stars, including Hamilton Masakadza, who became the youngest centurion on Test debut, as well as Tatenda Taibu, Zimbabwe’s youngest national team captain.
Among his achievements, Mangongo won the ICC Inter-continental Trophy with Zimbabwe ‘A’ in 2008 and was named Best Cricket Coach in Zimbabwe in 2009 before also clinching the Best Sports Coach award in 2010. He also guided the Mountaineers to the inaugural Stanbic T20 Tournament title in 2010.
The coach holds an ICC Level Three Coaching Certification, a Senior Instructor’s Cricket Certificate and a diploma in Marketing. — punchng.com
