Zimbabwe, South Africa Under-19 Emerging sides face off

Brandon Moyo

THE much-anticipated cricket series between Zimbabwe Under-19 Emerging and South Africa Under-19 Emerging bowls off today at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe Under-19 Emerging is hosting their South Africa counterparts for a five-match one-day series which the two teams will be using as part of their preparations for the 2026 International Cricket Council Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

The Under-19 global showpiece will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia hence the two teams will be looking at getting a feel of what they are likely to expect in over a year’s time.

South Africa Under-19 Emerging who are under the tutelage of the Under-19 head coach Malibongwe Maketa arrived in Zimbabwe on Wednesday while the hosts have been playing preparatory matches against a Tuskers Academy side at Queens Sports Club.

The Zimbabwe Under-19 Emerging squad that has been practising was picked following the completion of the Zimbabwe Cricket’s (ZC) Under-17 Week held in Harare last month. A 25-member shortlist was named and from the players, six are from Bulawayo.

The six Bulawayo-based players who made the shortlist are Nathaniel Hlabangana, Rowyn Konson, Brandon Ndiweni, Samuel Muyambo, Naweji Mutumwa and Darren Ncube. Hlabangana is no stranger to national colours having been a part of the Zimbabwe Under-19 squad that played at this year’s Under-19 World Cup in South Africa in January.

In a statement from ZC, Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach Elton Chigumbura said they are looking at giving the players as much game time as they possibly can so that the youngsters get used to their home conditions.

“The boys we have selected are very talented but we need to polish one or two things and I am happy with what we have done so far in line with our preparations for this tour. Also, going forward, we will be focusing on getting more game time and we have planned over 100 games from now until the next Under-19 World Cup in 2026.

“There will be lots of games, both local and international so that the boys get the necessary experience. So, we are looking forward to it and I am sure it will be a very good preparation for us as we will also be trying to get used to our home conditions ahead of the global tournament in our own country,” said Chigumbura.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) said their squad had a three-day camp at their Centre of Excellence in Pretoria which started on Sunday and ended on Tuesday. They left for Zimbabwe on Wednesday upon completion of their camp.
“This tour is part of CSA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing young cricketing talent in preparation for future tournaments, including the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.

“Under the guidance of SA Under-19 head coach Malibongwe Maketa, the tour will provide the selected group of 16 and 17-year-old players with an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in high-pressure match situations against competitive opposition,” read a statement from CSA.

With the opening game slated for today, the other four games are penciled in for September 22, 25, 27 and 29. All matches are free of charge to spectators.

Zimbabwe Under-19 Emerging shortlist:
Nathaniel Hlabangana, Fergus Watson, Dhruv Patel, Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Rowyn Konson, Kohl Viljoen, Ambitious Muduma, Brandon Senzere, Brandon Ndiweni, Tafadzwa Piti, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Samuel Muyambo, Naweji Mutumwa, Benny Zuze, Othaniel Makuzo, Keith Mabhena, Marshall Mashava, Matthew Martell, Ryan Moyo, Tatenda Chimugoro, Darren Ncube, Abhiraj Singh, Cole Mukoko, Tatenda Banda, Kirby Madharamete.

CSA Under-19 Emerging Men’s squad against Zimbabwe:
JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Dayalan Boyce (Dolphins), Muhammed Bulbulia (North West), Ben Hockly (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Luke Kleinsmith (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Dakalo Leketa (Free State), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Rowen Rajah (KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntando Soni (Dolphins) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).
– @brandon_malvin