Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
TUSKERS will be looking to make a strong statement at the start of the 2026/27 domestic cricket season when they take on Mega Market Mountaineers in their Pro50 Championship opener at Mutare Sports Club today.
The Bulawayo-based outfit head into the new campaign determined to turn a fresh page and challenge for silverware, with team manager and assistant coach Christopher Mpofu expressing confidence in the squad’s preparations and ambitions.
For Tuskers, the objective goes beyond simply competing with the team eager to translate its potential into tangible success and bring a trophy back to Bulawayo.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Mpofu said preparations had been progressing well and the team was eager to get the season underway.
“It’s a very interesting season for us. As the coaching department we are really excited and looking forward to the season and we are looking to be winning games and not only compete, but atleast get a trophy this season,” said the former Zimbabwe international.
Tuskers will draw encouragement from a squad that combines seasoned campaigners with promising young talent, giving the side a solid foundation as it embarks on its quest for domestic glory.
Their squad was unveiled on Wednesday, with veteran Chevrons international, and Zimbabwe’s all-time leading run scorer in ODIs, Brendan Taylor and all-rounder Bradley Evans among the notable additions to the set-up.
Taylor brings a wealth of international experience and batting pedigree to the side, while Evans adds valuable all-round quality. Their presence is expected to strengthen the squad and provide younger players with an opportunity to learn from cricketers who have competed at the highest level.
They will be supported by an experienced core that includes Brian Chari, Ernest Masuku, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tafara Mupariwa and Luke Jongwe, among others.
Meanwhile, emerging players such as Rowyn Konson, Brandon Ndiweni, Brandon James, Adrian Mupembe, Sean Phiri, Nkosibongwe Gogodo, Munashe Chimusoro, Shaun Dzakatira and Luyanda Mtomba, among others will be eager to seize their opportunities and make meaningful contributions to the team’s ambitions.
The blend of experience and youth offers Tuskers a promising balance, with the senior players expected to provide leadership while the youngsters bring energy, hunger and fresh impetus to the campaign.
Mpofu welcomed the composition of the squad, highlighting the importance of having experienced players alongside emerging talent as the team looks to build momentum from the outset.
“We have a very good squad with experience and youth so it’s a very important and exciting time for us.
Having guys like Brendan Taylor and Bradley Evans is a good thing for us. We are excited and looking forward to it and starting on a high note. We are not going to just compete, but looking to get silverware in one of the formats. We are looking forward to it,” said Mpofu.
A positive start against Mountaineers would provide an important early boost and help establish the confidence for the Bulawayo base outfit.
The two sides will meet in back-to-back Pro50 Championship encounters at Mutare Sports Club, with Friday’s opening fixture followed by a second clash on Sunday.
Meanwhile, defending champions Southern Rocks will begin their title defence at home when they host Eagles at Masvingo Sports Club in the other fixture scheduled for the opening week.
Tuskers squad for the 2026/27 season:
Milton Shumba, Brian Chari, Tafara Mupariwa, Ernest Masuku, Ainsley Ndlovu, Munashe Chimusoro, Tanatswa Bechani, Luke Jongwe, Ali Akbar Hamid, Tinotenda Maposa, Tawanda Maposa, Adrian Mupembe, Tanunurwa Makoni, Luyanda Mtomba, Nkosibongwe Gogodo, Brandon Ndiweni, Brandon James, Rowyn Konson, Clive Madande, Prince Kaunda, Mgcini Dube, Sean Dzakatira, Talent Dzikiti, Sean Phiri, Ashley Phiri, Brendan Taylor, Bradley Evans, Jeff Mhuriyengwe, Tanaka Mtomba and Muhammad Zaheer Tufail.
