ZIMBABWE Cricket are doing everything possible for the Under-19 squad to get professional exposure like what other ICC Full-members and top Associate nations are going through.

On top of arranging intense international cricket, ZC have a psychologist having sessions with the Under-19 squad as part of their mental preparation.

Steve Mangongo, the Zimbabwe Under-19 coach, reckons the professional and international standards being applied to the youngsters will equip them to produce the desired results and most of all become better cricketers.

“The boys day in day out they go through a specific well-structured training programme where they do a lot of skills and a lot of fitness.

“And now we have also incorporated the mental coaching where we are having a psychologist coming and talking to them on mental approach, mental preparedness and how to play under pressure dealing with things like anxiety and pressure of performing at the highest level.”

The Under-19 squad is busy with preparations for their upcoming home tour against Namibia in Harare from April 23.

The squad has been playing practice matches against franchise sides notably Harare Metropolitan Eagles and Manicaland Mountaineers.

“We are leaving no stone unturned and we are having a lot of match practice. This is what the guys need to become proper cricketers,” he said.