Zimbabwe Cricket high performance manager Steven Mangongo has heaped praise on Zimbabwe Women Lady Chevrons batter Loreen Tshuma for her outstanding performance in the recent bilateral series against the United States of America (USA).
Tshuma emerged as the highest run-scorer in the series, notching up a century and playing a key role in Zimbabwe’s success.
The Lady Chevrons clinched the T20 series 2-1 and drew the ODI series 1-1.
Tshuma scored 88 runs in the T20 matches and an impressive 137 runs in the ODIs.
Speaking upon their arrival in Bulawayo last Wednesday afternoon, Mangongo highlighted the impact of the tour and the players' strong performances.
The returning squad members from Bulawayo – Nomvelo Sibanda, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Tendai Makusha, Natasha Mtomba, Chiedza Dhurura, and Tshuma – were welcomed by family and teammates from the Matabeleland Tuskers Ladies team.
“We’re very grateful to have seen our girls compete in the USA for a bilateral series. The team performed admirably, but the standout was Loreen Tshuma. She’s been in the system for some time, and we’ve always known she had potential. Scoring a century shows she’s matured and is now ready for the big stage. Her dedication and commitment to the game are exceptional,” said Mangongo.
Mangongo stressed the significance of international exposure for the team, especially ahead of upcoming competitions.
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“This experience bodes well for our girls. We have the Africa qualifiers coming up in September, and the USA tour has prepared them well. It’s part of a broader developmental journey, and this kind of exposure is exactly what they need,” he said.
The final leg of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 22–29 September 2024. Matches will take place at Gahanga and IPRC Cricket Grounds. Group A includes Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda, while Zimbabwe is placed in Group B alongside Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, with the winner of the final securing the lone World Cup spot.
Mangongo believes the USA tour marked a turning point for women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.
“This series was a milestone. It proved we can compete and perform well at an international level. Importantly, we also exposed young talents like Natasha Mtomba to this level of play. This was not just about results, but about building depth in the squad.”
He also commended Zimbabwe Cricket for establishing the High-Performance Centre in Bulawayo.
“The High-Performance Program has been transformative. It’s now a school of cricket that ensures these girls get professional, structured preparation – something we didn’t have before.”
Mangongo urged young girls to view cricket as a serious career path.
“Cricket is no longer just a sport; it’s a profession. Our girls must take it seriously. It can be a ticket out of poverty and a path to a better life.”
Despite her modest demeanor, Tshuma was proud of her performance and credited teamwork for her success.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. It’s a big confidence booster. Hard work, practice, and a better understanding of my game have helped me get here,” she said.
Tshuma shared how recovering from injury made her more determined.
“I had a setback due to injury, but now I’m back and have embraced the opportunity as a batter. It’s given me confidence. I believe I have more to offer – both with the bat and the ball. I see myself as an all-rounder.”
She emphasized the importance of team support during key moments.
“I didn’t do this alone. Kellis Ndlovu was giving me positive feedback while I was batting. When Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano joined me, the encouragement continued. That kind of support helps you stay focused and believe in yourself. If we keep building these relationships, we’ll achieve even greater things as a team.”
Tshuma made history by becoming only the second Zimbabwean woman to score an ODI century. Her 137 off 149 balls – featuring 17 boundaries – is now the highest individual score by a Zimbabwean woman in the format. The innings propelled Zimbabwe to a dominant 128-run victory over the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Her performance, along with the overall success of the Lady Chevrons on the tour, is expected to inspire more young girls to take up cricket – a sport that continues to grow and put Zimbabwe on the global sporting map.
