ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has opted for continuity at the top of its men’s programme, confirming that Justin Sammons will remain in charge of the senior national side after the board rubber-stamped a raft of coaching and selection appointments at a meeting in Harare on June 23.
The decision to keep Sammons in place comes off the back of Zimbabwe’s run to the Super Eight stage at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, a result the ZC board pointed to as justification for sticking with the coach rather than making a change.
Sammons will have a reshaped support staff around him, headlined by the appointment of former West Indies pace spearhead Courtney Walsh as the side’s full-time bowling coach.
Walsh’s elevation follows a stint as bowling consultant during the T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka, a trial run that has now translated into a permanent role.
Dion Ebrahim stays on as assistant coach with responsibility for batting, while Stuart Matsikenyeri continues in his fielding and lower-order batting role.
The rest of the senior set-up remains largely settled, with Curtly Diesel retained as strength and conditioning coach and Dilip Chouhan continuing as team manager.
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ZC also used the announcement to flag a succession plan within the team management structure, with Chamu Chibhabha, currently team manager for Zimbabwe ‘A’ and the Eagles, set to work under Chouhan and gain exposure at senior international level.
At age-group level, Elton Chigumbura has been kept on as head coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19 men’s team, another appointment the board framed as part of its push to build continuity into the country’s player pathway.
Donald Tiripano has been promoted into the Under-19 set-up as assistant coach for bowling, working alongside Chigumbura and batting coach Remembrance Nyathi.
ZC chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the board’s recommendations had come through its cricket committee before being finalised.
“The board is pleased to endorse these appointments following recommendations from our cricket committee,” he said.
“We believe they represent a strong blend of experience, expertise, continuity and fresh perspectives that will help advance our strategic objectives across our national teams and player pathway structures.”
Meanwhile, Sammons and his crew guided the Chevrons to an innings and 85 runs win inside three days of the five-day one-off Test at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday as their star continues to rise.
Focus now switches to the three-match One-Day International series beginning on Monday at the same venue.
The T20I series ached for Bulawayo will conclude the series.