Justin Sammons reflects on time with Proteas as he readies Zimbabwe for Super Eights

Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons' journey has been filled with ups and downs, from having lost his job as Proteas batting coach under the Mark Boucher regime, to now being the first coach to lead The Chevrons to their first-ever ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight stage. 

Zimbabwe topped Group B of the ongoing T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, having beaten Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka, to progress to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. 

Sammons has been the man behind the Chevrons' recent success, leading a side with very few resources, as they shocked the world.

However, Sammons journey started here in South Africa, where he was appointed as the Proteas batting coach during Mark Boucher's regime. 

During that phase, Sammons was under immense pressure, as the Proteas batting unit went through what felt like a never-ending dip, with the group unable to post 300-plus totals in Test cricket. 

Many questioned his credentials and asked whether he deserved the post, as he did not play international cricket during his career. 

That chapter was closed when Boucher stepped down as Proteas head coach. 

"My journey has been very different to those of most international coaches in that I never made it as a cricketer. I had dreams and aspirations to, but things didn't work out," Sammons told Independent Media. 

"Sometimes God has a different plan for your life than the one that you would have initially envisioned. I must say, it's been an incredible journey, one with lots and lots of downs, tough days and some good days in between. Those good days make all the tough days worth it."

Sammons described his time working under Boucher as a turning point in his career, as he got to learn from one of South Africa's legends. 

"I think from a learning and growth point of view, my time with the Proteas was immense. To be under Mark Boucher was an honour and I learned so much from him and the way he went about it," said Sammons.

"He has such an incredible cricket brain, and you're learning from him every day. I was really lucky to have that experience, and I'll forever be grateful for the learnings that I was able to take during that period."

Now, as head coach of Zimbabwe, Sammons has achieved what many would have deemed impossible, topping a group in a World Cup. 

Sammons described his experience coaching Zimbabwe as one that has taught him to embrace, treasure and celebrate moments. 

"With Zim, you learn to really embrace and treasure certain moments and celebrate moments. This team has put in a tremendous amount of hard work behind the scenes. They take a lot of criticism, and it's not always the easiest path for them," he said.

"The team is now over the moon with the Super 8 qualification. I think it's the first time in their history they've got to Super 8. Obviously, having not qualified for the last two 50-over World Cups and the last T20 World Cup, to now get to Super 8 and avoid actually having to go back to qualifiers is such a big thing for the country.

"But we're not satisfied. We really want to keep playing good cricket and to do Zimbabwe and the country proud. The guys are determined, and as I said, for me, I'm just very grateful and honoured to be in a position like this."

Zimbabwe are in the same Super Eight group as the Proteas, India and West Indies. 

Ongama Gcwabe is a prominent sports journalist. Writing for Independent Media as a senior contributor, and is recognised for his expertise in SA cricket.