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Zimbabwe cricket has appointed Mark Coles as the head coach of the Women’s team with immediate effect.

Coles is set to begin duties ahead of a five-match T20I series in South Africa Women tour of Zimbabwe 2026 starting in the second week of September.

Mark Coles is a New Zealand coach with a substantial international record. Previously, he has coached the Pakistan women’s national team across two separate stints, from 2017 to 2019 and again in 2023 and also coached the Scotland women’s team between 2021 and 2022.

Beyond the roles, he has worked with the Scotland men’s team, served as High Performance Manager at Cricket Papua New Guinea and held coaching consultancy positions in Australia.

Speaking on the appointment, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “Women’s cricket is entering an exciting new chapter in Zimbabwe following our admission into the ICC Women’s Championship, and it is vital that we have the right people in place to guide that journey.”

“Mark Coles brings extensive international coaching and high-performance experience, as well as a strong understanding of the demands of the women’s game.”

“Together with the technical and support staff appointed across our senior and Under-19 structures, we believe he will help us build a competitive team and establish a clear pathway for sustained success.”

“We are confident that this group will help Zimbabwe women’s cricket continue to grow and compete strongly on the international stage,” said Mukuhlani.

Mark Coles’ coaching staff will include assistant coach Rangarirai Mayande (batting), Trevor Phiri (Fielding) and Faith Dube (conditioning), Farai Mabasa (physiotherapist), analyst (Keith Kuling) and Mary Anne Musonda (team manager).

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket has retained Trevor Garwe as the head coach of the U19 women’s team, with Nonhalanhla Kamuteku as assistant coach (batting), Malcolm Chikuwa (bowling) and Susan Kudzibatira (team manager).

Meanwhile, Ishmael Senzere has joined the women’s selection panel as its fourth member, with Julia Chibhabha continuing as convenor alongside Emily Jinjika and Thandowenkosi Mlilo.