TANZANIA Cricket Association (TCA) has appointed Rivash Gobind as the new head coach of the senior men's cricket team.

The association's Information and Media officer Atif Salim stated in a recent statement that with a Level Four coaching qualification and an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Gobind brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, poised to lead Tanzania to cricketing success.

Gobind's coaching journey, Salim pointed out, is adorned with notable achievements and impactful contributions to various cricketing establishments globally.

The TCA official disclosed that in 2012, Gobind served as an assistant coach of the Dolphins team, which was under the tutelage of Lance Klusener, playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory in the 2013-14 Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

His coaching prowess was further showcased when he assumed the position of head coach for the Dolphins during the last six weeks of the 2015-16 Sunfoil Series, demonstrating his ability to lead teams to excellence.

In August 2016, Gobind embarked on a new chapter in his coaching career as he was appointed as an assistant coach of the Warriors on a three-year contract, keeping on honing his strategic acumen and mentorship skills.

His journey took an international turn in October 2019 when he joined the coaching staff of the Afghanistan national cricket team as an assistant coach, contributing to the development of cricketing talent on the global stage.

Gobind's dedication and expertise were further recognized in January 2021 when he was appointed as South Africa's Performance Analyst, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the cricketing landscape.

The coach has moreover served as an assistant coach for Cape Town Samp Army in the ZimAfro T10 league and Team Abu Dhabi in the AD T10 league in 2023, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in different cricketing formats.

In 2024, he took on the role of coach at Durban Super Giants in SA20 and served as a consultant to the Titans Cricket Team in South Africa, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the world of cricket coaching.

Salim stated that the new coach will start his new role immediately, commencing with a camp for the U-19 Boys at the TCA’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam to prepare the national U-19 team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying tournament.

As Gobind assumes the role of head coach of Tanzania's national cricket team, his impressive credentials and unwavering commitment to excellence promise to usher in a new era of success for Tanzanian cricket.

With his strategic vision and proven track record, Gobind is poised to inspire and nurture the nation's cricketing talent, paving the way for Tanzania to emerge as a formidable force in the international cricketing arena.

Meanwhile, TCA Operations Manager, Kanute Masanja, and Players Pathway Officer Khalil Rehemtullah recently engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the trajectory of cricket players in TCA programs.

Their conversation, aired on a sports program run by a domestic Television station, shed light on the journey from grassroots leagues like the Chanzo League to school competitions such as the Junior League, and the eventual transition to competitive club cricket that offers the players a chance to catch the eye of selectors.

This pathway underscores TCA's commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up, ensuring a robust pipeline for the national team.

Looking ahead, the new management of TCA has set ambitious goals for the expansion of cricket across Tanzania.

TCA aims to, 2025, have cricket actively played in a minimum of 15 regions, significantly broadening the sport's reach and accessibility.

To support this endeavour, plans are underway to increase the number of coaches across various centers, facilitating the teaching and development of cricket at the grassroots level.

These initiatives reflect TCA's dedication to fostering a thriving cricket culture nationwide and creating opportunities for aspiring players to excel.

During the show, Masanja and Rehemtullah also fielded questions from callers, delving into various aspects of cricket development at the grassroots level.

From talent identification to infrastructure development, the discussion underscored the multifaceted approach TCA is taking to strengthen the foundation of cricket in Tanzania.

Through strategic planning, community engagement, and investment in coaching resources, TCA is poised to realize its vision of cricket as a prominent and inclusive sport across the nation.