Zimbabwe captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere has sent a bold message to the cricketing world: the Young Chevrons are not just participants; they are playing to win the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 which kick off this week.
The global showpiece, which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with Namibia, is set to kick off on January 15.
For Mudzengerere and his teammates, the tournament represents the culmination of almost two years of intensive preparation and a rare opportunity to clinch global glory on home soil.
Speaking ahead of the opening week, Mudzengerere did not mince his words regarding the team’s ambitions.
While Zimbabwe has often been cast as the underdog in international cricket, the skipper believes this crop of players is ready to shift the narrative.
"I'm very excited. It's been long since we've been preparing for the World Cup," Mudzengerere said.
"The previous two years as a team preparing for the World Cup and hopefully we're going to have the World Cup in our hands.
“Actually, the potential is high. I don't know, but we might actually surprise people.
- In Full: Nineteenth post-cabinet press briefing: July 05, 2022
- Muzarabani eager for Chevrons to qualify for Australia 2022
- R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
- Cops Arrested For USD 10 Fraud
Keep Reading
“This team is very strong, I believe in it. We want to win the World Cup, simple."
Zimbabwe finds itself in Group B, a challenging pool that includes traditional powerhouses England and Pakistan, as well as Scotland.
All of the host nation’s group matches are scheduled for the Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, a venue steeped in local cricket history.
Mudzengerere acknowledged that while hosting a World Cup brings a unique level of expectation, the familiarity of the local pitches provides a strategic edge.
"I can say it's a little bit of pressure (being hosts), but it's very good playing with the conditions, knowing the conditions of the wickets and the fields you've played before," he explained.
This sentiment echoes that of head coach Elton Chigumbura, who has spent the last 18 months drilling a process-oriented philosophy into the squad.
Chigumbura, a former national captain himself, has emphasised taking the tournament one game at a time, starting with the opener against Scotland.
The atmosphere in Harare and Bulawayo is reaching a fever pitch as the trophy tour concludes and warm-up matches wrap up.
Mudzengerere is counting on the local supporters to turn Takashinga into a fortress.
"The message to cricket fans out there is just come and support, come in numbers and we're going to put a show on for you," the captain promised.
With a final squad that blends explosive batting talent like the Blignaut twins with disciplined bowling options, Zimbabwe looks ready to test the world’s best. The tournament will conclude with the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe Under-19 World Cup Squad
Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Kian Blignaut, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Takudzwa Makoni, Panashe Mazai, Webster Madhidhi, Shelton Mazvitorera, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Brandon Ndiweni, Dhruv Patel, Benny Zuze.
