Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said New Zealander Mark Coles’ appointment as the Lady Chevrons head coach is part of their efforts to establish a sustainable high-performance structure for the women’s game.
Coles’ first assignment is set to be the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday.
Coles takes over the Lady Chevrons following what ZC described as a rigorous recruitment process and arrives at a crucial stage as Zimbabwe seek to establish themselves in the ICC Women’s Championship.
“Women’s cricket is entering an exciting new chapter in Zimbabwe following our admission into the ICC Women’s Championship and it is vital that we have the right people in place to guide that journey,” said Mukuhlani.
“Mark Coles brings extensive international coaching and high-performance experience, as well as a strong understanding of the demands of the women’s game. Together with the technical and support staff appointed across our senior and Under-19 structures, we believe he will help us build a competitive team and establish a clear pathway for sustained success.”
Coles will be assisted by batting coach Rangarirai Manyande, fielding coach Trevor Phiri, strength and conditioning coach Faith Dube, physiotherapist Farai Mabasa, analyst Keith Kulinga and team manager Mary-Anne Musonda.
The New Zealander brings considerable international experience, having previously coached the Pakistan and Scotland women’s national teams.
He has also worked with the Scotland men’s side, served as high-performance manager at Cricket Papua New Guinea and undertaken coaching consultancy roles in Australia.
His immediate task will be to prepare Zimbabwe for the five-match T20I series against South Africa before turning attention to the broader demands of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Zimbabwe made their historic debut in the championship earlier this year under an interim coaching structure, launching their campaign with away tours of New Zealand and Pakistan.
Their four-year programme will also take them to India and Bangladesh, while South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe.
The championship serves as a qualification pathway for the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The national women’s selection panel will continue to be headed by Julia CZimbabwe Cricket have also retained Trevor Garwe as head coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19 women’s national team.
Garwe will work with assistant and batting coach Nonhlanhla Kamuteku, bowling coach Malcolm Chikuwa and team manager Susan Kudzibatira.
hibhabha, who has been retained as convener alongside Emily Jinjika and Thandowenkosi Mlilo, while Ishmael Senzere joins as the fourth member.
“We are confident that this group will help Zimbabwe women’s cricket continue to grow and compete strongly on the international stage,” said Mukuhlani.
