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Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MOUNTAINEERS’ bowler Frank Mwashita is aiming at making a huge impact in the performance of the Zimbabwe Under 19 squad during the age group World Cup early next year.

The Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team left on Sunday for Australia where they will intensify their 2018 World Cup preparations.

“To me it is a great honour to be part of this team. I just hope and pray I will make it and possibly have my impact felt in the World Cup. It is a dream come true for me. So far I have played a total of three games where I have come in as an opening bowler. I just hope that I will continue with my fine form.

“I want to achieve my goal of being one of the world’s fine cricketers. I know very well that there are so many stages before I get to the top, I am ready to learn. I am confident that I will play for the senior national team,” he said.

Mwashita started playing cricket at Chirowakamwe Primary School in Dangamvura when he was in grade three.

He continued with the sport at Nyamauru High School in the same suburb before joining Mountaineers last year. He was inspired by national team and Mountaineers star Donald Tiripano.

Team manager Nick Singo told The Herald Sport that the team will be camped in Brisbane until they leave for India. Singo said the 40 days long practice stint will help them gain more confidence.

“We have assembled a strong and competitive team that we will use for the 2018 Under-19 ICC World Cup in New Zealand. We will camp in Brisbane from today till August 28. We will play against Queensland State side. We will then leave for India where will stay until September 22.

“The team will play five one day international against Australia’s Queensland from August 14-28. They will tour India from August 28-September 22. They will play five one day international against India Under-19 Academy and another five one day international against India Under-23 Academy.

“Everything went on well in our camp and we are very confident with the team that we have. Everyone in the camp is fit and we have no injuries,” he said.

Mountaineers coach Shepherd Makunura has expressed delight that his bowler Mwashita has been included in the team.

The Mountaineers and former Nyamauru High school boy made his debut into the National Under-19 side this year. His first game was against Mashonaland Eagles.

He came in as an opening bowler and managed to take two wickets. He continued again with his fine run against West Indies. Unfortunately they lost 2-1. The match was played at Harare Sports Club. Mwashita was also part of the squad that won by 156 runs against Kenya at Kwekwe Sports Club.

Mwashita, who has been with Mountaineers since last season, has won the admiration of his coach.

“I am very happy for Mwashita. We have been with the lad since last year and we offered him a contract this year. He has been a very hard worker and he is destined for greatness. As a coach I feel he is reaping the fruits of his hard work. Somehow he deserves to be where he is now. He deserves a place in the under 19.

“As a club we will benefit a lot by having one or two of our players playing high level cricket. It will inspire other youngsters that we have at the club. I foresee a great future lying ahead of him if he continues working hard as he has always done,” he said.

Zimbabwe Squad:

Marshal Takodza, Milton Shumba, Roche Liam, Dion Myers, Jayden Schadendorf, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wesley Madhevere, Tino Jakachira, Alvin Chiradza, Gordon Moore, Frank Mwashita, Kieran Robison, Gregory Dollar and Manson Chikowero.