Matthew Schonken rallies Under-19 team
ZIMBABWE cricket U-19 national team captain, Matthew Schonken has urged his teammates to be fearless and stick to their game plan at the forthcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa later this month.
Schonken, who was part of the Young Chevrons at the last ICC Under19 World Cup hosted by West Indies in 2022 has been trusted with leading the team at this year’s tournament.
Armed with the experience from the last edition of the World Cup, the 18-year old captain has asked his fellow teammates to be fearless as they play their first international tournament.
“For many of the boys this will be their first time playing at an international level in a tournament so it is a great opportunity.
“I have said to the guys is that there is no need to be scared, to play good cricket you need to enjoy yourself and therefore we cannot be fearful of other teams,” said the Young Chevrons skipper.
Schonken shared his experience from the last World Cup describing his recent appointment as the national team skipper as a role he also admired.
“From the last World Cup I learnt that when I’m bowling there is very little room for error because at this level you will be put away even if you miss you line and length by a little bit.
“Being tasked with leading the team means a lot to me, this is a role I have always wanted to have and I know this World Cup is going to be an experience that I will never forget,” he said.
The 18-year all-rounder challenged his teammates to take the tournament seriously as it is the foundation of their careers.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone to start their careers off and put their names out into the public, personally having been to a World Cup already I know how exciting it will be and know how good the level of cricket is,” he said.
The Young Chevrons are grouped in Group C together with Australia, Sri-Lanka and Namibia.
The Young Chevrons will start off their campaign with a date against Sri-Lanka on January 21 before taking on Australia four days later.
They will round of their group stages match against Namibia on January 27.