Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
“TO win a Test match in Bangladesh . . . that’s a moment you don’t forget,” says Justin Sammons, eyes lit with the passion of a man who has lived and breathed Zimbabwe cricket for the past 12 months.
It has been a year since Sammons took charge of the Zimbabwe senior men’s national cricket team, and as he approaches his June 19 anniversary, he reflects on a journey defined by challenge, discovery and cautious optimism.
The South African coach stepped into the hot seat following Zimbabwe’s failure to qualify for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, taking over from former captain Dave Houghton.
From day one, the mission was clear: Rebuild, re-energise and rediscover the fighting spirit of the Chevrons.
“The past year has been really exciting, with lots of challenges thrown our way, in terms of high quality opposition. Personally, I have really enjoyed it,” Sammons told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know the players. They’re a great bunch of guys. They’ve shown a real willingness to strive for improvement, which is what we want, obviously, as a coaching staff.”
That willingness has begun to bear fruit.
Under Sammons, Zimbabwe has completed seven tours comprising 12 series across formats, plus participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier.
While he kicked off his tenure with a win against newly crowned T20 World Cup champions India, it is a gritty, hard-fought Test victory on the subcontinent that Sammons singles out.
“In terms of highlights from a playing point of view over the last 11 months, most certainly the Test win in Bangladesh would be the highlight,” he said.
“To go to the subcontinent and get a Test win is always a big challenge. It showed that we are on the right track and gave us that bit of motivation to keep going, which was brilliant.”
White ball cricket has had its fair share of bright moments too.
Wins over Ireland, pushing Afghanistan and Pakistan to the edge and that famous opening win against India have all left their mark.
“From a white ball point of view, I think we’ve played some really good cricket. We’ve had good wins. The initial win against India, taking Pakistan to a series decider in the ODIs and Afghanistan in the T20s, those were brilliant,” he said.
“And then obviously winning both white ball series against Ireland, that was special.”
But for Sammons, coaching goes beyond the scorecard. Individual brilliance and the breakthrough moments are what he holds dearest.
“We also really enjoy moments where individuals succeed. I think Bennett’s 130-odd against England was a special moment that really stood out. Blessing’s performances with the ball . . . those individual performances also make the journey really, really rewarding,” he said.
Off the field, Zimbabwe has found a new fan in its head coach.
“I’ve really enjoyed the country itself. I’ve settled in nicely. It’s just a lovely, beautiful country with good people, so I’m really enjoying that,” said Sammons.
Looking forward, the road remains steep.
Sammons has been tasked with moulding a competitive unit ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.
But before that, there is the not-so-small matter of qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“From a white ball point of view, I think we’re really playing some decent cricket, and I’m happy with where the team is and the way we’re going about our business,” Sammons said.
“Most definitely, the qualifiers are a massive goal of ours. We want to go and
perform to the best of our ability.
“We’re looking forward to embracing the pressures that will come with that. Every occasion we experience now is going to stand us in good stead as we move towards 2027.”
From heartbreak to hope, it has been a year of foundations, laid carefully and with conviction. And for Sammons, the journey is only just beginning.
Tinaye Agere