ZIMBABWE Under-19 cricket head coach Elton Chigumbura is confident his side will rise to the challenge at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, which the country will co-host with Namibia next month.
The former national team captain believes an intensive 18-month preparation programme, coupled with the advantage of playing at home, has placed Zimbabwe in a strong position to compete with the world’s best emerging talent.
The global showpiece gets underway on January 15, with Zimbabwe opening their campaign against Scotland at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Chigumbura said the squad was brimming with confidence and enthusiasm following extensive training and valuable international exposure.
“The boys are really looking forward to the tournament. We have worked hard over the past 16 to 18 months,” he said.
“We have had good international exposure, playing against other countries. Before the tournament, Pakistan and Afghanistan will also help us prepare. Preparations have been going well, the guys are eager, and I am excited and looking forward to this tournament. I am sure it will be a very good one and everyone is ready.”
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Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B alongside Pakistan, England and Scotland, and are keen to maximise the benefits of familiar conditions. All of Zimbabwe’s group matches will be staged at Takashinga Cricket Club, a venue central to the country’s cricket development.
Chigumbura believes home support and local conditions could provide a crucial edge.
“Definitely, it is an added advantage. Playing in front of families and having the home advantage is something that we are really looking forward to,” he said.
“We will try to bring more energy to the boys and make sure they give their 110% and make the nation proud.”
Having featured at the Under-19 World Cup during his own playing career, Chigumbura is careful not to make bold predictions, instead advocating a process-driven, match-by-match approach.
“Obviously, one game at a time. We just have to make sure that we do our process as well. If we take care of that, we will come up on top.”
The coach also praised the depth of talent within the youth setup, expressing optimism about the future of Zimbabwean cricket.
“There is a lot of talent. All 20 players in camp are capable of making the final 15,” he said, underlining the tough selection decisions facing the technical team.
“When it comes to the future of Zimbabwe cricket, we need numbers. These boys are our future. I am looking forward to seeing them perform, not just at the Under-19 level, but hopefully at the highest level as well.”
Reflecting on his own Under-19 World Cup experience, Chigumbura said he is keen to pass on lessons to help players cope with the pressures of a global stage.
“Obviously, it brings me good memories. The way I used to think when I was their age,” he reflected.
“I just have to make sure that I share and help them to prepare and to be ready for this tournament. As I said, we have done lots of work. I am happy now that we have reached this far and are well prepared.”
The tournament’s final will be played on February 6 at Harare Sports Club.