Sammons to step down as Zimbabwe's head coach after UAE tour
Sammons has stated his desire to head back to South Africa in order to spend more time with his family
Justin Sammons will step down as Zimbabwe's head coach after the ongoing UAE tour, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Saturday (November 14). Sammons has stated a desire to return home to South Africa in order to spend more time with his family.
“Leading the Zimbabwe men’s national team has been an incredible experience, one that I will always look back on with great memories,” Sammons said on his resignation. “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. Importantly, I must thank the players and technical staff for their continued commitment in striving to improve – they made my time in Zimbabwe one that I will always be grateful for."
Sammons took charge of Zimbabwe in June 2024 and under his tenure the team reached the Super Eight stages of the T20 World Cup for the first time in their history earlier this year. Zimbabwe also recorded memorable Test wins during this period. The ongoing second Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be Sammons' final assignment.
“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,” ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said. “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"
