Mary-Anne Musonda to lead Zimbabwe Women against Namibia

The 27-year-old Musonda played her first international as a teenager back in 2006 before taking a break from the game until 2011 to complete her schooling. Mugeri-Tiripano has held the role of captain since 2013, and remains in Zimbabwe’s squad.

Musonda’s first assignment will be leading the side in a five-match T20I series against Namibia in January. Zimbabwe are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2018, which saw them fail to qualify for the Women’s World T20 Qualifier, missing out to Uganda.

Despite this, Musonda was in confident mood ahead of Zimbabwe’s departure. “We have played Namibia before and we are quite a stronger team, but we are not complacent,” she said. “Definitely we are expecting five wins. Our attitude is winning.”

Longer term, Musonda has her sights set on bigger goals. “We are looking forward to qualifying for the World Cup,” she said. “We have always managed to go through the regionals and our huge hiccup always comes at the global qualifiers.”

**Zimbabwe squad for Namibia:**Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Precious Marange, Anesu Mushangwe, Ashley Ndiraya, Josephine Nkomo, Nomvelo Sibanda, Sharne Mayers, Loreen Phiri, Lorraine Tshuma, Chiedza Mzembe, Francesca Chipare, Leanne Chibunhe, Chiedza Dhururu, Esther Mbofana, Nomatter Mutasa, Tasmeen Granger, Ellen Tshuma, Christabel Chatonzwa, Audrey Mazvishaya