Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe Cricket has appointed experienced New Zealand coach Mark Coles as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe senior women’s national team, as the Lady Chevrons enter a crucial phase in their international programme.
Coles takes over with immediate effect and is expected to begin work ahead of Zimbabwe’s historic five-match T20 International series against South Africa, starting on Friday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The appointment follows a recruitment process by Zimbabwe Cricket aimed at establishing a permanent high-performance structure around the women’s national side.
Coles brings considerable international experience to the position, having previously coached the Pakistan and Scotland women’s teams. He has also worked with Scotland’s men’s side, served as High Performance Manager at Cricket Papua New Guinea and undertaken coaching consultancy roles in Australia.
His appointment comes at an important time for Zimbabwe women’s cricket following the team’s historic admission into the ICC Women’s Championship earlier this year.
Zimbabwe made their debut in the Championship under an interim coaching arrangement, playing away assignments in New Zealand and Pakistan.
The four-year Championship cycle is significant because it provides a qualification pathway to the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Zimbabwe are scheduled to tour India and Bangladesh during the cycle and will also host South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the appointment was part of efforts to build a sustainable high-performance environment for the women’s game.
“Women’s cricket is entering an exciting new chapter in Zimbabwe following our admission into the ICC Women’s Championship,” Mukuhlani said.
He said Coles brought international coaching and high-performance experience, as well as an understanding of the demands of women’s cricket.
“We believe he will help us build a competitive team and establish a clear pathway for sustained success,” Mukuhlani said.
Coles will be supported by a technical team that includes Rangarirai Manyande as assistant coach in charge of batting and Trevor Phiri as fielding coach.
Faith Dube has been appointed strength and conditioning coach, while Farai Mabasa will serve as physiotherapist. Keith Kulinga will work as analyst, with Mary-Anne Musonda continuing as team manager.
Zimbabwe Cricket has also retained Travor Garwe as head coach of the Under-19 women’s team. He will be assisted by Nonhlanhla Kamuteku, Malcolm Chikuwa and Susan Kudzibatira.
The women’s selection panel has also been confirmed, with Julia Chibhabha as convener and Emily Jinjika, Thandowenkosi Mlilo and Ishmael Senzere as selectors.
Coles’ first major assignment will be against South Africa, with the five-match T20I series scheduled to begin in Bulawayo on Friday.
