BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
ZIMBABWE women’s cricket team coach Gary Brent has expressed delight at the performances of teenagers Kelies Ndhlovu and Michelle Mavunga who were impressive after making their debuts during the successful tour of Namibia.
The Lady Chevrons wrapped up the Capricorn Women’s Tri-series title on Tuesday after cruising to a seven-wicket victory over hosts Namibia in Windhoek.
Uganda is the other team that took part in the competition.
The 16-year-old Ndhlovu impressed with the bat playing as an opener as she finished second on the batting charts managing 147 in seven innings including a high score of 58 against Namibia on April 24.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano had the most runs in the competition with a total of 172 in five innings.
Mavunga, who is just 17 caught the eye with her discipline as a seam bowler, was the sixth best bowler claiming seven wickets in five matches with best figures of 2/10 on debut.
“I was very happy with Kellies, with her batting and with the way she took to the game plan and she executed really well. And then Mitchell on her debut getting 2 for 10 in four that’s an amazing performance and it just bodes well for the future of the women’s game in Zimbabwe,” Brent told StandardSport.
“And I know during the franchise tournaments there were quite a number of teenagers that were in the squads so it’s great and with hard work it won’t be long before more of them will be making debuts in the national team,” he added.
It was Brent’s maiden tour in charge of the team after replacing Adam Chifo earlier in the year and the former national team medium pacer is excited about the future of the team.
“It was a great tournament and a good start to the year. We have a very strong team. It’s a very good team and the potential is massive for this group of girls and I look forward to working with them.
“We still have got lots and lots of work to do and I think it is going to be an enjoyable journey and I look forward to it culminating in the World Cup qualifiers in September,” Brent said.
Australia-based Anesu Mushangwe also made an impressive return to the Lady Chevrons set up and was the team’s best bowler with 10 wickets and second in the tournament, one behind Uganda’s Janet Mbabazi.