Zimbabwe Cricket has appointed Mark Coles as head coach of its women’s team, confirming the decision on September 7, 2026 after a full recruitment process. His first assignment is the series against South Africa, starting this Friday at Queens Sports Club.
Coles’ background
Coles coached the Pakistan women’s team in two spells, from 2017 to 2019 and again in 2023, and led Scotland Women from 2021 to 2022. His career also includes work with Scotland Men, Cricket Papua New Guinea and high-performance programmes in Australia.
A step towards a permanent setup
Zimbabwe Women made their debut in the ICC Women’s Championship in 2026 and had been working under an interim coaching structure. The Championship, which serves as a qualification route for the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, brings fixtures against India, Bangladesh, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland.
Support staff and selectors
Julia Chibhabha convenes the selection panel, with Emily Jinjika, Thandowenkosi Mlilo and Ishmael Senzere. Coles’ team includes:
- Rangarirai Manyande, assistant coach (batting)
- Trevor Phiri, fielding coach
- Faith Dube, strength and conditioning coach
- Farai Mabasa, physiotherapist
- Keith Kulinga, analyst
- Mary-Anne Musonda, team manager
In the Under-19 women’s set-up, Travor Garwe continues as head coach, supported by Nonhlanhla Kamuteku, Malcolm Chikuwa and Susan Kudzibatira.
With a permanent coach and a fuller support structure, Zimbabwe will hope to build a competitive side and a lasting pathway.
