ZIMBABWE Under-19 head coach Elton Chigumbura has expressed confidence that his team can make a mark at the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The games roar to life this morning, with the hosts taking on Scotland in the tournament opener at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare.
Zimbabwe are in Group C, which also has England, Pakistan and Scotland.
“The preparation has been good over the past 16 to 18 months. We’ve played more games, domestic and international, and the guys have managed to test the international standard,” Chigumbura told NewsDay Sport.
“We’ve played against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Ireland, and we also played Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Tri-Series, which we made it into the final.
“We then played against other formidable sides, just polishing up before the tournament during the practice matches.”
Chigumbura believes the team is ready to apply what they grasped throughout their preparations, with the warm-up games putting the icing on the cake.
“I feel we are ready. It’s now time to showcase what we have been preparing. We’re looking forward to this tournament,” he said.
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Once a budding player who went on to become an accomplished national team all-rounder and captain, Chigumbura is buoyed by the belief within the team, which he attributes to playing on home soil.
“The belief is there, obviously playing at home, we’ve got massive support, family will be close.
“It should bring lots of energy and passion so that we go out there and give it our best and make sure that the country is proud at the end of the day.”
Chigumbura, a former U19 player himself, is drawing on his experience to instil confidence in the youngsters.
“Most teams are almost on the same level.
“It’s just a matter of believing in ourselves, believing in our own game, and believing in our preparation.
“We just have to go out there and play fearless, positive cricket.”
When asked about his target for the tournament, Chigumbura was clear: “Obviously, it’s to win the World Cup.
“But to get there, you’re going to have to focus on processes one game at a time, making sure the guys do their best in terms of their roleplay and play as a team.”
The trophy has been doing the rounds in Zimbabwe, generating excitement among fans. Chigumbura’s enthusiasm is palpable as he looks forward to the tournament.
“With the way the guys are playing now, I’m very confident that we will go far.”
The Zimbabwe U19 team has been putting in encouraging performances in the warm-up games, and Chigumbura believes this will translate into success in the main tournament.
