Justin Sammons, serving as the head coach of Zimbabwe’s cricket team, has confirmed he will relinquish his duties following the current Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah. This decision marks the end of his coaching chapter in Zimbabwe as he prepares to return home to South Africa.
Having taken the helm in June 2024, Sammons has played a pivotal role in revitalising Zimbabwe’s cricket performance across various formats. Initially contracted until 2028, the need to prioritise family time has prompted his earlier departure.
Under Sammons’ guidance, Zimbabwe recorded significant achievements, including three Test victories. Notably, they secured a remarkable away win against Bangladesh in April 2025, their first such triumph since 2021. Additionally, they celebrated successive innings victories at home over Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Despite a setback, not qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe bounced back with an impressive eighth-place finish at this year’s competition. They remained unbeaten in Group B, triumphing in memorable matches against Australia, Sri Lanka, and Oman.
Expressing his sentiments, Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni stated, “It was very difficult for us to accept Justin’s resignation, but we understand and respect his decision to return home to be with his family. Justin has worked hard to help our players improve, and the team’s progress under his leadership was evident in some memorable Test wins and in the way Zimbabwe competed at the T20 World Cup.”
Before joining Zimbabwe, Sammons had an illustrious coaching career in South Africa. He contributed to several domestic teams and was part of Cricket South Africa’s high-performance unit, as well as serving as the national team’s batting consultant from 2021 to 2023.
Reflecting on his time in Zimbabwe, Sammons remarked, “Leading the Zimbabwe men’s national team has been an incredible experience, one that I will always look back on with great memories. I must thank the Zimbabwe Cricket board for allowing me the opportunity to work with this team, as well as everyone within Zimbabwe cricket – from the administration to the ground staff – who have always given their all in helping the team move forward.”
Sammons concluded by thanking the players and technical staff for their unwavering dedication and expressed confidence in the team’s future success. “However, it is important for me to now move back home to allow for time with the family. I know the team will continue to improve moving forward, and I wish them all success,” he added.
As Zimbabwe closes this chapter, eyes will be on the future trajectory of the team post-Sammons’ leadership.
