Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE trophy is in the country, the stage is built and the countdown has begun. All that remains now is the first ball as Zimbabwe and Namibia prepare to welcome the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
The co-hosts yesterday officially launched the home stretch of the biggest age group tournament in the global game, set for January 15 to February 6, 2026. The ceremony, held in Harare, had all the polish and promise of a World Cup moment, with former Zimbabwe international Tatenda Taibu unveiled as tournament ambassador and Hamilton
Masakadza confirmed as tournament director.
“It is my absolute pleasure to stand before you as we officially kick off the journey towards our promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cricket, culture and community,” said Masakadza.
“From Harare to Bulawayo, our preparations are in full swing with visiting teams expected to land at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, where traditional dancers will give them the warmest of all Zimbabwe welcomes, in a couple of weeks.
“Government agencies are ready to ensure smooth arrivals, while all travel and hotel arrangements have been completed and confirmed.”
Masakadza said the tournament venues are in immaculate condition, with Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Cricket Club and Queen’s Sports Club almost tournament ready.
Masvingo Sports Club, Old Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Bulawayo Athletic Club have been set aside for the warm up matches, which begin on 10 January 2026.
The ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup trophy is also scheduled to tour the country, starting in Masvingo on January 4 before moving to Bulawayo and Harare on January 5 and 7, 2026.
That sense of anticipation was echoed by Namibia Cricket vice-president Pollycarpus Negongo, who spoke of a shared vision between the two nations.
“Namibia is proud, prepared and deeply excited to co-host this prestigious global event alongside our neighbours in Zimbabwe,’ he said.
“Over the past months, our preparations have been driven by a single purpose, to create a world-class experience for every team, supporter and official who will arrive on our home soil.
“We are especially proud to share that our newly completed Namibia cricket ground, now the official home of cricket in Namibia, has been fully prepared to host cricket at world class standards.
“Hosting a World Cup is not merely an operational responsibility. For Namibia, it is a moment of national significance and a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
“We look forward to welcoming our visiting teams, sharing the Namibian experience with them and hosting them in our high performance environment.
“The Namibian Government have fully supported the hosting of the Under 19 Men’s World Cup.
“As part of the collaboration, the trophy will visit our various ministries, including the office of our President (Trumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah).
“This forms part of our continued build up and national readiness ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be held in Namibia.
“The teams will also have access to our top of the range gym, the HV Hub, the Indoor Cricket Centre and training venues, Wanderers and United Sports Club.
“We have worked diligently to ensure every visiting team experiences top level facilities that support high performance and elite competition,” he said.
The launch and the tournament as a whole received strong backing from the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, who paid tribute to the competition’s rich history.
In his guest of honour address, read by acting permanent secretary Cynthia Mawema, the minister reflected on the World Cup’s legacy as a breeding ground for greatness.
“We are celebrating a global festival of youth brilliance and Zimbabwe is immensely proud to co-host this prestigious tournament with our brothers and sisters in Namibia,” said the minister.
“On behalf of His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend a warm, heartfelt, and unmistakably supportive welcome to the ICC delegation, representatives of participating nations, partners, sponsors, and all friends of the game that are here.
“And let me say this with confidence, Zimbabwe and Namibia will not only host a tournament, we will host an experience, one that will be remembered, talked about, and replayed in many hearts for years to come.
“This competition carries a remarkable legacy as the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is where legends introduce themselves to the globe.
“It is where boys become men, sometimes very quickly, and where future greats first dare to dream large.
“We need only recall the names that first rose from this stage like. Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, David Warner, Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shubman Gill and closer to home, Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo and Elton Chigumbura, who now coaches the very team he once inspired
“Soon, the next generation of such talent will illuminate 41 matches across 23 actually packed days right here on African soil.
“We are proud that the 2026 edition will be a distinctly African celebration of cricket.
“Zimbabwe and Namibia are working shoulder to shoulder to deliver a tournament that reflects excellence, efficiency, and African flavour.
“We stand fully behind Zimbabwe cricket, the ICC and all participating teams. Every ministry and agency involved is ready, pads on, gloves tight, helmets secure.
“We guarantee a safe environment, efficient operations, seamless logistics and the full support of the Zimbabwe state.”
The minister also invited cricket fans from across the world to embrace the country beyond the boundary ropes.
“Zimbabwe is a magnificent host. We treat our guests like family, and often better than family, because we don’t ask them to wash their dishes.
“We want every visitor who comes for the cricket to also enjoy the full Zimbabwean experience.
“After all, it would be a crime to fly all the way here and only see inside of a hotel and the boundary roads.
“So to our visitors, when the last ball is bowled, when stamps are drawn, when commentators peg away their microphones, please explore our beautiful country.”
