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West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh has been appointed to a permanent coaching position with the Zimbabwe national cricket team following the team’s recent success. They recently registered a historic win over Bangladesh in the only Test at home.
Amid the ongoing white-ball series against Bangladesh, the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) board approved the recommendations made by its cricket committee led by Blessing Ngondo. The Board confirmed the coaching and support staff for the senior men’s team, the coaching team for the Zimbabwe Under-19 men’s team and the national selection panel.
Courtney Walsh gets permanent role in Zimbabwe
One of the biggest demands was to appoint legendary West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh as the full-time bowling coach of the Zimbabwe national cricket team. Courtney Walsh was appointed full-time bowling coach after impressing as the team’s bowling consultant.
During the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Courtney Walsh’s work with the bowlers impressed ZC, and they have now decided to give him a role on a full-time basis. Zimbabwe had a fantastic T20 World Cup in 2026, Courtney Walsh was the main man behind its success.
They surprised many by defeating Australia and Sri Lanka, topped their group, reached the Super Eights and also secured qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Bangladesh announced T20 squad for Zimbabwe; Tauheed Hridayoy will remain the captain.
Justin Sammons and his coaching staff retained by ZC board
Zimbabwe Cricket has also decided to retain most of the coaching staff. Head coach Justin Sammons will continue to lead the senior team. He will be joined by batting coach Dion Ibrahim, bowling coach Walsh and fielding and lower-order batting coach Stuart Matsikaneri.
Additionally, Curtly Diesel will remain fitness coach and join the national team support staff alongside team doctor Dr. Solomon Madzogo, team manager Dilip Chauhan, logistics manager Lovemore Banda and media manager Darlington Majonga.
Zimbabwe Cricket has also announced that former Zimbabwe all-rounder Chamu Chibhabha, who is currently working with the Zimbabwe ‘A’ and Eagles teams, will now work with senior team manager Dilip Chauhan to prepare him for a bigger role in the future.
Hamilton Masakadza and Christopher Mpofu join new selection panel
The board has also made changes in the senior men selection panel. David Mutendra will remain the coordinator, while former Zimbabwe cricketers Hamilton Masakadza and Christopher Mpofu have joined the panel as selectors.
At the junior level, former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has been retained as the head coach of the under-19 men’s team. Former fast bowler Donald Tiripano has been promoted as assistant bowling coach. He will work with batting coach Remembrance Nyathi, strength and conditioning coach Clemence Rizhibhowa, physiotherapist Munashe Dengue and team manager Frank Mawoza.
ZC President Tavengwa Mukuhlani lauds the appointments
Zimbabwe Cricket has also announced the new Under-19 selection panel. Jestino Gwatiringa will lead the panel, while Leslie Makirimani, Brandon Timony and Tony Mupariwa will work with him to identify and develop the next generation of cricket stars for Zimbabwe.
“The Board is pleased to support these appointments following the recommendations of our Cricket Committee. We believe they represent a strong mix of experience, expertise, continuity and fresh perspectives that will help advance our strategic objectives across our national teams and player pathway structures,” ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said in an official statement.