Mark Coles takes charge as Zimbabwe Women’s head coach

New Zealand coach Mark Coles has been appointed head coach of the Zimbabwe women’s cricket team ahead of their upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Coles brings considerable international coaching experience to the role, having previously coached the Pakistan and Scotland women’s teams. He has also served as interim coach of Papua New Guinea’s men’s side and held several coaching positions in domestic and franchise cricket.

His first assignment with Zimbabwe will be the five-match T20I series against South Africa, beginning on September 11 in Bulawayo.

Coles will be supported by a coaching and support staff that includes Rangarirai Manyande as assistant coach (batting), Trevor Phiri as fielding coach, Faith Dube as strength and conditioning coach, Farai Mabasa as physiotherapist, Keith Kulinga as analyst and Mary-Anne Musonda as team manager.

Zimbabwe Cricket has also retained Trevor Garwe as head coach of the Under-19 women’s team. He will work alongside assistant batting coach Nonhlanhla Kamuteku, bowling coach Malcolm Chikuwa and team manager Susan Kudzibatira.

Meanwhile, Ishmael Senzere has joined the women’s selection panel as its fourth member. Julia Chibhabha will continue as convenor, working with Emily Jinjika and Thandowenkosi Mlilo.

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said Coles’ international and high-performance experience would help strengthen the women’s programme and provide a clearer pathway for long-term development.

The appointment comes as Zimbabwe look to build a stronger and more competitive women’s side capable of making greater strides on the international stage.

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