By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe Under-19 coach Elton Chigumbura says he is satisfied with the balance, depth and character of his squad after Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the 15-man team for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6.
Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere will lead the Young Chevrons as they prepare for a demanding Group C campaign against England, Pakistan and Scotland, with all matches set for Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare.
Chigumbura said the final squad reflects months of hard work and steady development within the youth system.
“I’m very pleased with the squad. We have a well-balanced team with good depth in all departments,” he said.
“This group has worked extremely hard over the last 16 to 18 months and they have shown consistent growth.”
The former national captain admitted that some in-form players missed out, but stressed that final selections were made with the demands of World Cup cricket in mind.
“A few players who performed well missed out, but final decisions were based purely on team balance and the combinations we need,” Chigumbura explained.
He emphasised that selection was not based on statistics alone, but on building a resilient and adaptable group.
“We focused on building a team with strong character and clear role clarity. Performance, attitude, commitment, fitness and adaptability were all key – and this squad reflects those standards very well.”
With Zimbabwe’s youth structures continuing to improve, Chigumbura said trimming the squad to 15 was one of the toughest tasks.
“Selecting the final 15 was tough because the entire 20-man training group performed well. It shows that our youth structures are producing competitive players and that the gap between players at this level is narrowing – a positive sign for Zimbabwean cricket.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Chigumbura believes his team is capable of challenging the world’s best.
“We are going in with a winning mindset. This group can compete with, and beat, the best teams. Success will come from executing our processes, staying disciplined and sticking to our roles.”
With Zimbabwe playing at home, expectations will be high – but the coach views it as an advantage rather than pressure.
“Playing at home is an advantage – we understand the conditions and we will have great support behind us.”
“We are helping the players stay calm, play their natural game and trust the work they have put in. Mentally preparing them to manage expectations is key so we represent our country well.”
Zimbabwe will play warm-up matches against the USA on Wednesday at Old Hararians and New Zealand on Friday before opening their World Cup campaign against Scotland on January 15.
Zimbabwe Squad
Simbarashe Mudzengerere (Captain), Kian Blignaut, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Takudzwa Makoni, Panashe Mazai, Webster Madhidhi, Shelton Mazvitorera, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Brandon Ndiweni, Dhruv Patel, Benny Zuze