Justin Sammons named Zimbabwe cricket team head coach ahead of India T20I series

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced Justin Sammons as the new head coach of the senior men’s team, marking a significant shift in leadership. The decision was made official on Wednesday, June 19, following a board meeting ahead of the India vs Zimbabwe T20I series.

The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series starts on July 6. The India squad announcement is supposed to happen next week. In this matter upcoming coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, could have a say in the selection of the players.

Transition after Dave Houghton

Justin Sammons steps into the role more than six months after Dave Houghton resigned following Zimbabwe’s failure to qualify for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

During the interim period, Walter Chawaguta and Stuart Matsikenyeri temporarily led the team in their respective tours of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Justin Sammons: Wealth of Experience

Before this appointment, Sammons was deeply involved with South Africa’s high-performance programme and served as the batting consultant for the South Africa national team from 2021 to 2023.

His extensive experience with domestic teams in South Africa has earned him a reputation for identifying and nurturing young talent.

Support from Dion Ebrahim

Joining Sammons as assistant coach is former Zimbabwe cricketer Dion Ebrahim. Ebrahim, who played 29 Tests and 82 ODIs for Zimbabwe, has built a notable coaching career in New Zealand and has also worked with the Black Caps.

Official Statements

“We are delighted to confirm Justin as Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team,” stated Tavengwa Mukuhlani, chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket. “He brings a wealth of coaching experience and a reputation of identifying, nurturing, and developing some of the best young talent in South Africa. His hard-working and passionate approach, as well as his values on and off the pitch, make him the ideal person to take us forward.”

In response, Sammons expressed his excitement about his new role: “It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach. I look forward to the road ahead and am excited to start working with this talented group of players.”

Strengthening the Youth Setup

Zimbabwe Cricket also announced the appointment of former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura as the head coach of the men’s Under-19 team. Chigumbura will be supported by Rangarirai Norbert Manyande, who will serve as both assistant coach and batting coach.

Manyande, a former first-class cricketer in Zimbabwe and Namibia, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Additionally, former South Africa spinner Paul Adams has been appointed as the bowling coach.

What’s ahead of Zimbabwe Cricket Team?

The appointments signal a new direction for Zimbabwe cricket, with a focus on developing both the senior and junior teams. The inclusion of experienced coaches like Sammons and Ebrahim, along with the strengthening of the Under-19 coaching staff, is expected to bring renewed vigour and strategy to the national teams.