Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has retained the coaching team that guided the Chevrons to the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while confirming a raft of appointments across its men’s high-performance structures.
The appointments were approved by the ZC Board at its meeting in Harare on June 23 following recommendations from the Cricket Committee chaired by Blessing Ngondo.
Among the key decisions is the appointment of legendary former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh as Zimbabwe senior men’s substantive bowling coach after serving as bowling consultant during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Head coach Justin Sammons will continue at the helm of the senior men’s side, assisted by batting coach Dion Ebrahim, Walsh and fielding and lower-order batting coach Stuart Matsikenyeri.
The Board also endorsed a succession-planning initiative that will see former Zimbabwe international Chamu Chibhabha understudy team manager Dilip Chouhan. Chibhabha, who is currently team manager of the Zimbabwe ‘A’ and Eagles teams, is expected to gain administrative experience within the senior national team structures.
Former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has been retained as head coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19 men’s team, while Donald Tiripano has been promoted to assistant coach (bowling).
Zimbabwe Cricket also confirmed refreshed selection panels for the senior men’s and Under-19 teams.
ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the appointments reflected the organisation’s commitment to continuity while strengthening the national teams.
“The Board is pleased to endorse these appointments following recommendations from our Cricket Committee.
“We believe they represent a strong blend of experience, expertise, continuity and fresh perspectives that will help advance our strategic objectives across our national teams and player pathway structures.”
TECHNICAL AND SUPPORT STAFF
Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team
Justin Sammons – Head Coach
Dion Ebrahim – Assistant Coach (Batting)
Courtney Walsh – Bowling Coach
Stuart Matsikenyeri – Fielding & Lower-Order Batting Coach
Curtly Diesel – Strength & Conditioning Coach
Dr Solomon Madzogo – Team Doctor
Dilip Chouhan – Team Manager
Lovemore Banda – Logistics Manager
Darlington Majonga – Media Manager
Zimbabwe Under-19 Men’s National Team
Elton Chigumbura – Head Coach
Donald Tiripano – Assistant Coach (Bowling)
Remembrance Nyathi – Batting Coach
Clemence Rizhibhowa – Strength & Conditioning Coach
Munashe Dengu – Physiotherapist
Frank Mawoza – Team Manager
NATIONAL MEN’S SELECTION PANELS
Senior Men’s Selection Panel
David Mutendera – Convener
Hamilton Masakadza – Selector
Christopher Mpofu – Selector
Under-19 Men’s Selection Panel
Jestinos Gwatiringa – Convener
Lesley Makirimani – Selector
Brandon Timoni – Selector
Tony Mupariwa – Selector
