ZC Appoints Rainsford as NPL Manager as Southern Rocks Clinch Logan Cup Title

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has appointed former international cricketer Edward Rainsford as National Premier League (NPL) Manager, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening the country’s premier club competition and enhancing player development pathways.

Rainsford, who is also a well-respected cricket commentator, brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field to the role. The appointment marks a significant step in ZC’s efforts to professionalise and expand the NPL, which is Zimbabwe’s flagship club cricket competition.

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni welcomed Rainsford into the role, citing his experience and deep understanding of the domestic game.

“We are delighted to appoint Ed Rainsford as NPL Manager,” he said.
“His experience as a former Zimbabwe international and his deep knowledge of the domestic cricket landscape make him well-suited to lead the next phase of the league’s development.
“This appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening club cricket structures, improving standards of competition, and creating sustainable pathways for emerging talent across the country.”

Rainsford will oversee the growth and administration of the NPL, with a strong focus on enhancing competitiveness and aligning club structures with long-term development goals.

A key early priority will be the introduction of structured NPL age-group competitions. The initiative will initially involve the league’s top eight clubs, along with two additional teams to ensure broader geographical representation.

Participating clubs will be required to establish and maintain junior teams across three core categories: Under-13 boys; Under-15 girls and boys; and Under-17 boys and girls.

In addition, clubs will be expected to recruit qualified coaches and managers to oversee these age-group structures, ensuring effective player development and talent identification. To support implementation, ZC will provide financial grants to participating clubs through their respective provincial associations.

Makoni said the introduction of age-group competitions is central to the organization’s long-term vision. “This initiative is about building a strong pipeline for the future,” he said.
“By investing in youth structures at club level, we are not only giving young players valuable game time but also strengthening the foundation of our domestic cricket system.”

Meanwhile, on the field, Southern Rocks have been crowned 2025/26 Logan Cup champions after asserting their dominance over nearest rivals Eagles in a decisive drawn encounter at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

The championship was effectively sealed by a superb century from wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga, whose innings underpinned Rocks’ control of the contest and extinguished Eagles’ lingering hopes.

Rocks completed the season unbeaten, recording four wins from eight matches to finish on 110 points. Eagles, who also secured four victories but suffered one defeat, ended on 103 points. The title triumph marked Rocks’ second Logan Cup success, following their maiden win in the 2020/21 season.

Resuming on 471 for five, already 76 runs ahead, Rocks tightened their grip through Tsiga and Ali Asfand. Tsiga, who began the day on 48, went on to produce a composed and authoritative innings, becoming the third centurion of the innings.

In the process, Rocks achieved a remarkable milestone, with six consecutive batters registering scores of 50 or more – a first in Zimbabwean first-class cricket.

Captain Roy Kaia then declared the innings on 564 for eight, giving Rocks a formidable lead.

With victory no longer a realistic prospect, Eagles were left to bat for pride and survival. Dion Myers top-scored with 55, while Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Rodney Mupfudza each scored 27.

The match was eventually called off by mutual agreement, confirming Southern Rocks’ supremacy and their deserved Logan Cup triumph.