Zimbabwe Cricket vice chairman Sylvester Matshaka has died at the age of 76 following a short illness, the organisation has announced.
Matshaka passed away on Friday, 24 July 2026, at West End Clinic in Harare.
Zimbabwe Cricket described his death as a major loss to the game, noting that he had served on the ZC Board since 2006 before being appointed vice chairman in 2015.
The veteran educationist and sports administrator played a key role in the governance of Zimbabwe Cricket during a period of significant transformation. During his tenure, he was part of the leadership that oversaw Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket in 2011 after a six-year absence, while also supporting the expansion of grassroots cricket programmes and efforts to stabilise the organisation financially.
Before joining Zimbabwe Cricket, Matshaka built a distinguished career in the civil service, rising through the Ministry of Education to become Provincial Education Director for Mashonaland East before serving as Deputy Director of Sport and Culture.
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He was also widely recognised for his contribution to education as headmaster of Marlborough High School and as president of the National Association of Secondary School Heads, where he championed the development of school sport and nurtured young sporting talent.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani paid tribute to Matshaka, describing him as a principled leader whose wisdom, humility and commitment helped shape the organisation.
"Today, Zimbabwe Cricket has lost not only a distinguished vice chairman, but also a wise counsellor, a principled leader and a dear friend whose service to the game was defined by humility, integrity and selfless devotion," Mukuhlani said.
He said Matshaka's guidance had been invaluable during some of Zimbabwe Cricket's most defining moments, adding that his contribution extended beyond cricket through his dedication to education and the promotion of school sport.
Mukuhlani conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, management, staff, players and the wider cricket fraternity to Matshaka's family and loved ones.
Zimbabwe Cricket said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
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