ZC Appoints Interim Staff for NZ Tour

19 February 2026

By Andile Vundla

Zimbabwe Cricket has reshuffled the Zimbabwe Women’s technical team ahead of their first-ever participation in the ICC Women’s Championship, a key qualification pathway for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup, as the side prepares for a historic tour of New Zealand.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the appointment of an interim technical team to lead the national women’s side on the upcoming tour.

Former New Zealand Women international Kate Ebrahim has been named interim head coach. She will be assisted by Travor Phiri as interim assistant coach, while Debu Banik joins the squad as bowling consultant.

Pamela Moyo has been appointed physiotherapist, with former Zimbabwe Women international Thandolwenkosi Mlilo serving as team manager.

The interim appointments follow the decision by ZC to ask the Walter Chawaguta-led coaching and support staff to step aside after Zimbabwe Women’s performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier held in Nepal in January 2026.

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the changes were aimed at providing stability and renewed direction.

“We felt it was important to act decisively following the recent T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign,” Makoni said.

“As we enter the ICC Women’s Championship for the first time, this is a significant moment for Zimbabwe Women’s cricket and it demands renewed focus, energy and accountability.

Kate Ebrahim brings valuable international playing experience, including deep knowledge of New Zealand conditions. We believe she is well placed to guide the team during this important tour while we finalise permanent appointments.”

ZC said substantive appointments to the Zimbabwe Women’s technical structure will be announced in due course.

Experienced left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda has been named interim captain for the tour.

Zimbabwe Women departed for New Zealand on Wednesday for their maiden appearance in the ICC Women’s Championship, which runs from 2025 to 2029 and serves as the primary qualification route for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The tour begins with a three-match T20 International series against the New Zealand women’s team at Seddon Park in Hamilton on 25 and 27 February and 1 March. The focus then shifts to Dunedin for three One-Day Internationals at the University of Otago Oval on 5, 8 and 11 March 2026. The ODIs will count toward the ICC Women’s Championship standings.

Zimbabwe Women secured their place in the competition following its expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024.

Under the current format, each of the 11 teams will play eight three-match ODI series, four home and four away, across the cycle. According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Zimbabwe Women are set to travel to New Zealand, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while hosting South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

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