Nigeria Cricket Federation appoints Stephen Mangongo as new Yellow Greens Head Coach
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has appointed experienced Zimbabwean coach Stephen Mangongo as the new head coach of the Yellow Greens and the federation’s High Performance Manager.
Mangongo’s appointment was confirmed on Sunday ahead of his official unveiling, scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at the TBS Cricket Oval.
The veteran tactician succeeds Kenya’s Steve Tikolo, who spent more than three years in charge of the national team between October 2022 and January 2026.
His arrival brings an end to the NCF’s four-month search for a replacement as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the ICC 2028 T20 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished cricket coaches, Mangongo arrives with close to three decades of coaching experience across various levels of the game.
Over the years, he has managed Zimbabwe’s U-15 and U-19 teams, the Zimbabwe ‘A’ side, and the senior men’s national team, building a reputation for discipline, player development, and tactical excellence.
One of the defining moments of his coaching career came in 2014 when he guided Zimbabwe to a famous victory over Australia in a tri-series, a result that elevated his profile on the international stage.
Mangongo has also been heavily involved in global cricket competitions, participating in three ICC U-19 World Cups and serving as assistant coach at four ICC Men’s World Cups. He previously oversaw Zimbabwe Cricket’s High Performance Programme, a role closely aligned with his new responsibilities in Nigeria.
Beyond national team duties, the Zimbabwean established and ran a private cricket academy in Johannesburg for six years, where he focused extensively on youth development and talent grooming.
His influence on Zimbabwean cricket is reflected in the careers of several top players he mentored, including Hamilton Masakadza, who became the youngest player to score a century on Test debut, and Tatenda Taibu, Zimbabwe’s youngest-ever national team captain.
Mangongo’s impressive résumé also includes leading Zimbabwe ‘A’ to the ICC Intercontinental Trophy title in 2008 and guiding the Mountaineers to victory in the inaugural Stanbic T20 Tournament in 2010.
His contributions to cricket development earned him the Best Cricket Coach award in Zimbabwe in 2009, before he was recognised as the country’s overall Best Sports Coach in 2010.
Academically and professionally, Mangongo holds an ICC Level Three Coaching Certification, a Senior Instructor’s Cricket Certificate, and a diploma in Marketing.
With Nigeria aiming to strengthen its position on the global cricket stage, the federation will hope Mangongo’s vast experience and developmental expertise can usher in a new era for the Yellow Greens.
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