Hardlife Zvirekwi
Hardlife Zvirekwi
Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United vice captain Hardlife Zvirekwi says the Green Machine are ready to fight on two fronts as they gear up for an extremely demanding season in defence of the Castle Lager Premiership crown and the quest for greatness in the CAF Champions League.

Makepekepe will open their title defence against Shabanie this weekend, with spirits high following a successful campaign which has seen them making the group stages of the Champions League for the first time.

The priority for CAPS United this year is to defend their Castle Lager Premiership title.

But, from next month, they will also be involved in the gruelling Champions League matches after they booked their ticket at the expense of former champions TP Mazembe.

Zvirekwi said although they are anticipating a tough season, Makepekepe are still hungry for more podium performances. He said the victory over Highlanders in the final of the ZNA Charities Shield in Bulawayo at the weekend should serve as a warning of their intentions.

“The good thing is that when we won the championship last year we didn’t tell ourselves that we have reached our limits. This win over Highlanders is a clear message that we are not satisfied with what we have achieved so far.

“We are hungry for more and I am sure if we continue on the same path the Cup Kings tag will be revived. So I would take the ZNA Charities final as a huge morale-booster and I tell you it always feels good to be collecting silverware,” he said.

Makepekepe, however, should expect tough competition for the crown from clubs such as FC Platinum, who have been building quietly under Norman Mapeza over the years, Highlanders, Ngezi Platinum and Chicken Inn.

Highlanders will be aiming for continuity after retaining the core of the squad that gave Makepekepe a good run in the title race.

Ngezi Platinum Stars have built a formidable unit after Tonderai Ndiraya went for experienced players to transform the side from minnows to a competitive outfit.

Their participation in the Confederation Cup has given them an edge over the other teams in the league ahead of the start of the season.

Giants Dynamos, who are on a rebuilding exercise after parting ways with almost the entire starting team over the past year, will always be the dark horses.

Their coach, Lloyd Mutasa, believes he has assembled a competitive side.

But Makepekepe look the most competitive, which makes them the target of all teams.

“Of course, we are the team to beat this year. Everybody would want to prove a point by winning against us. So this will make each and every game that we play very difficult.

“But our guys are willing to work very hard. We all know that this season it’s not going to be easy, but we still want to do well,” said Zvirekwi.

CAPS United are likely to have a congested fixture programme with more mid-week games due to their participation in the CAF Champion League group stage which runs from May to September.

The Harare giants will only know their opponents when the draw is conducted on April 26, at the CAF headquarters in Egypt.

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TEAM ZIM . . . Zimbabwe junior golfers (standing from left) David Amm, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Roger Baylis, Rhoda Muridzo, Simon Chigorimbo, Justin Kersten and Thompson Masiya, while (sitting, from left) Rumbidzai Chisango, Emily Jones, Daniele Bekker and Margaret Nyamukondiwa

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE junior golf team captain Justin Kersten is confident they will do well in the qualifying championships which get underway at Royal Harare this morning.The Bulawayo Golf Club member will lead a four-man team that has David Amm, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa and Thompson Masiya.

Zimbabwe will, for the first time, field two teams for both boys and girls as they try to qualify for the Toyota Junior golf championships in Japan in July.

Twelve countries will be aiming for the two slots reserved for Africa and they include record 19-time champions South Africa, Morocco, Namibia, Kenya, Tunisia, Reunion Islands, Mauritius, Zambia, Botswana, Uganda and Malawi.

Zimbabwe have won the tournament twice — in 1995 and 1998 — and will be expected to use home advantage to win a slot for the world championships.

Kersten said they have a competitive side.

“We are prepared and we have been in camp for two weeks and everyone is looking forward to the tournament.

“We are well aware of the threat of South Africa but we will give them a good run, most of the guys know each other well and some are our friends so we will not fear them.

“I think playing at Royal is good as it is not a new course to all of us and so I think that is going to give us an edge.

“This is a big tournament and everyone would like to do well and that drive will see us giving our best,’’ said Kersten.

The skipper will be representing the country for the first time as he was not part of the team that qualified last time.

That team had Jack Allard, Kieran Vincent, David Amm and Bekithemba Ndlovu.

Former Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Danielle Bekker, will lead the girls team that also has Emily Jones, Margaret Nyamukondiwa and Rumbidzai Chisango.

The girls team will contest with three other teams — South Africa, Kenya and Zambia. Bekker said she is ready to leave a mark at the tourney.

“I think we are prepared as a team, everyone is looking forward to the competition, we played nine holes today (yesterday) and the course is playing well.

“We have a good team of three, four, and seven handicaps, which gives us a good chance to do well.’’

Veteran golfers Rhoda Muridzo is the team coach while Roger Baylis will be in charge of the boys team.

Simon Chigorimbo is the team manager.

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By Takudzwa Chitsiga

ZIMBABWE’S Africa Junior Golf Team Championship captain Justin Kersten led by example after yesterday’s opening round at Royal Harare.

The 19-year-old Bulawayo Golf Club amateur was in good form after carding an impressive five-under 67 in hot conditions.

Kersten was the best individual after his five-under took Zimbabwe to four-under, a stroke behind South Africa, in the team events.

David Amm shot a one over and Thompson Masiya was on level par.

“It was a good round and we hope to continue working as a team and see what happens tomorrow (today).

“The course was fantastic and I just kept focused which helped me and I will not relax because I am leading, but rather try and improve,” said Kersten.

Playing off plus one handicap, Kersten and his crew are in the mix to qualify for the prestigious Toyota Junior World Golf Championship if they continue with their fine form today.

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DAREDEVIL . . . Top Zimbabwean junior motocross rider Emmanuel Bako mid-air at Donnybrook in Harare ahead of next weekend’s second round of the 2017 South African National Championship series at Zone 7 in Cape Town. — Picture by Misty Batchelor

Collin Matiza Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE’S junior motocross champion rider Emmanuel Bako will return to action next weekend when he leads a group of local bikers during the second round of the 2017 South African National Championship series at Zone 7 in Cape Town.

Bako, a talented Grade Five pupil at Mai Grace Mugabe Primary School in Mazowe, missed the opening round of the South African nationals at Rover in Port Elizabeth on February 18 due to school commitments, but he will be back on his KTM bike on April 8 at the tough Zone 7 track in Cape Town, competing in round two of the seven-round series.

His father, Brighton, confirmed yesterday that his 10-year-old son will be heading to the Mother City next week to team up with fellow top Zimbabwean riders Kuda Mhene (Jnr), Daiyaan “D” Manuel, Davin Cocker, Tristan Grainger, Josh Gobey, Regan Wasmuth and Jayden Ashwell.

“Emmanuel is this year riding in the 65cc Class as well as in the 85cc Class (small wheel) and he will be competing in both classes in Cape Town on April 8 where he will be hoping to get a podium finish and pick up some points after missing the opening round of the South African nationals in Port Elizabeth last month.

“He (Emmanuel) is now a household name in the South African motocross circles as he has raced there for a number of years now and has gained some invaluable experience along the way and I’m quite convinced that he will once again make his presence felt during next weekend’s event in Cape Town,” Brighton “Bucks” Bako said.

Emmanuel will battle with top South African junior motocross riders Tyler Tarantino, Luke Grundy and Troy Muraour who took the first three places in this class at Rover in Port Elizabeth on February 18.

Tarantino, Grundy and Muraour are the early pacesetters in the 65cc Class Standings of the 2017 South African National Championship series with 47,40 and 39 points.

Sponsored by Harare’s Prolific Boreholes company, Emmanuel will be joined in the battle for the first step on the podium in the 65cc Class in Cape Town next weekend by Manuel who found the going tough at Rover in Port Elizabeth last month where he finished 11th overall, picking up 25 points.

Former Zimbabwean motocross champion rider Ashley Thixton also competed in round one of the South African nationals at Rover and came 14th overall in the MX2 Class with 18 points, but it could not be established by late yesterday whether he will be travelling back Down South to compete in next weekend’s competition in Cape Town.

But the other top Zimbabwean riders Ashwell (MX1 Class), Wasmuth (125cc High School Class), Cocker (Pro Mini), Grainger (Pro Mini) and Mhene (Jnr) (Pro Mini) are all expected to join Emmanuel Bako and Manuel in Cape Town.

At Rover, Zimbabwe’s champion rider Ashwell, who is back racing after missing most of last season due to injury, struggled with his game as he finished 10th overall (out of 16 riders) in the MX1 Class with 23 points while Wasmuth settled for 14th place in the 125cc High School with 18 points.

There were 20 riders in the 125cc High School Class.

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Kenny Mubaiwa

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS will finally benefit from player transfers after years of missing out on lucrative pickings as they are set to get about $100 000 following the move of two of their players to Tanzania.

Elisha Muroiwa and Wisdom Mutasa have joined top-flight club Singida United.

DeMbare have lost a considerable amount of money after failing to capitalise on the movement of their players.

Last month they missed out any opportunity to get a fee for Warriors goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, who moved to South Africa Premiership side Cape Town City as a free agent.

That was only a month after the expiry of his contract with the club.

The club did not benefit from the move of former skipper and junior development product Augustine Mbara, who moved to South Africa side Highlands Park in July last year, after he decided not to extend his contract.

There were no such problems for the former champions this time since the club had running contracts with the players.

The players will move to Tanzania during the mid-season transfer window.

Yesterday, club president Kenny Mubaiwa said it has not been entirely their fault that players leave as free agents.

“We are obviously happy that something will be coming into our coffers. It is a healthy situation for the club especially a big club like Dynamos and the money will help us a lot in the running of the club.

“If we are able to groom and sell at least two players each season it would be better for us.

“We were involved in the deals of these two players from the start, they have running contracts, we negotiated for the figures and we will be getting something,” he said.

Mubaiwa said they last benefited from such a transaction in 2014 when defender Partson Jaure moved to Pretoria University.

“As a club we don’t stand in the player’s way when a better offer comes up. But we have encountered problems with some of the players who drag their feet in renewing contracts until they finally leave for another club.

“If you look at Mukuruva’s case, he assured us that he would renew his contract while buying time because he knew some offers were being tabled for him.

“And that was the same with Mbara, we tried to exercise that six-month option to renew a contract, but because he knew he might leave it never happened.

“But we have had sincere players like Jaure.

“We tied him down even when he knew that he was getting enquiries from South African clubs. He told us that he wanted us to benefit as well from his move since he had been with us as a junior. And that was the same with (Washington) Arubi,” said Mubaiwa.

The Harare businessman believes players’ handlers have a lot of influence in these transactions.

“As a player does well, people come behind the scenes with many promises and when the club tries to engage the same player to renew the contract before expiry, he becomes difficult to deal with knowing there have been some enquiries and he might eventually move once the contract expires.

“I think these agents find it easier and cheaper to market a free agent compared to an attached player and, maybe, these agents dangle that carrot to foreign clubs that if you buy such a player during this period, he would be unattached and you would have saved at least $50 000 that was supposed to go to the club.

“I don’t really understand how these people operate and what they stand to benefit in the end,” he said.

Mubaiwa said they have now resolved to strictly tie down players to at least two years.

“If you look at the current players they each have two-year contracts. Even our new signings, we tied them to two years,” he said.

The club recently signed Cameroonian striker Joel Christian Epoupa Ntouba, Quality Kangadze and goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira.

However, Mubaiwa said at times it makes business sense to offer a player a one-year contract.

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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
ANTONIO BARRADAS, the leading representative of La Liga in Africa, is set to make a landmark visit to Harare on Friday to explore partnerships that could, among other things, open avenues for Zimbabwean footballers to ply their trade in the Spanish top-flight league.

La Liga clubs, led by their heavyweight brands Real Madrid and Barcelona, have dominated world club football in recent years with the last three winners of both the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League coming from Spain.

The Spanish top-flight league has also supplied winners of the last three UEFA Europa League titles, which have all been captured by Sevilla, while five of the last seven winners of the tournament have also come from La Liga in what has clearly been a ruthless domination of the European club football landscape.

But, for all its recent dominance of the world club football, La Liga still trails the vastly popular English Premiership in terms of both global appeal and the billions of dollars generated by England’s top-flight clubs, whose value as a business entity continues to soar as it feasts on its growing global popularity.

The La Liga leaders have been trying to counter the English Premiership’s appeal around the world and, two years ago, they opened an office in Africa — whose headquarters are in South Africa — as part of the initiatives to take their top-flight league around the globe.

They have since spread their tentacles to Nigeria and Kenya.

Now, the man who leads that project in Africa, Barradas, is coming to Harare this week for a landmark meeting with ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa to explore a number of business opportunities, including unlocking the doors for Zimbabwean football players to ply their trade in Spain.

“There are a number of issues on the agenda and Antonio is set to arrive in Harare on Friday and will meet the ZIFA boss Philip Chiyangwa and his team and explore areas that could be beneficial for both parties,’’ those who are organising the trip told The Herald yesterday.

“Clearly, La Liga have seen the potential that Zimbabwe provides, in terms of expanding its business around the world and also offering opportunities for Zimbabwean footballers to take their talents to Spain through established partnerships that will make it easy for them to pursue their dreams.

“Football is a huge industry around the world and it has been sort of stagnant in Zimbabwe, in terms of its evolution from the amateur to professionalism, and you can’t make that massive jump without having the right contacts around the world who only need just a phone call to open opportunities for you guys.

“The fact that Zimbabwe was the only country from Southern Africa at the recent Nations Cup finals caught the eyes of those who know what value means and there are a number of your players who also impressed even though you were knocked out in the group stages of that tournament.

“There has always been this question as to why it’s difficult for Zimbabwean players to crack it into the major leagues and I don’t mean playing for Barca or Real Madrid, but the smaller teams in La Liga and only a few months ago the whole continent was buzzing that Khama Billiat was a genius, but he is still in South Africa and these are the opportunities that we are talking about.

“La Liga is a big brand now and the game is technical and that is why the clubs from that league are dominating the game in Europe and in the world and it’s important that Zimbabwean players, the exceptional ones, also get a chance to play there instead of just focusing on playing in England.

“There is also the issue of academies and how talented young players from your country can be taken to Spain for the development of their talents at a very young age.’’

CAPS United’s success in the CAF Champions League this season, where they eliminated five-time African champions TP Mazembe, has also not gone unnoticed.

The Green Machine are reported to be close to concluding a three-year sponsorship deal with the country’s fastest growing mobile network provider.

The two parties are reported to have met on Monday although neither party was prepared to confirm the meeting.

The La Liga bosses have also warmed up to Chiyangwa’s rise in football on the continent and his growing influence in the game around the world and want to exchange notes with him.

“Clearly, your FA boss has enjoyed a stunning rise in the boardrooms of African football and the world has been watching what he has been doing, the mountains he has moved, and it’s natural that those who make decisions would want to interact with him and find ways of how they can move forward together,’’ the sources said.

“He has big connections at FIFA and CAF now and it’s only natural that those who have a vision for the future find a direct line to him and that is why you see all these heavyweights coming to your country and this is just a start.’’

Chiyangwa has denied social media reports claiming he had been appointed the CAF secretary-general.

“I understand that there is a story circulating on the social media, insinuating that I have been appointed to the position of CAF secretary-general. There is no such development, and these are absolute falsehoods,’’ he told the official ZIFA website.

“A CAF secretary-general is the head of CAF’s secretariat, and a full-time employee of the confederation.

“This is an inferior position to the ones I hold now, therefore, I do not harbour any ambitions whatsoever of landing that position.

“Above all, I currently hold far more superior positions to the vacant post, I am the President of both the Zimbabwe Football Association and COSAFA and it will be illogical for me to be appointed as the CAF Secretary- General.

“I am also an advisor to the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, who is also the Vice President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA); zvidiki here izvozvo?” (is that a small responsibility?) Dr Chiyangwa said.

CAF secretary-general Hicham El Amrani quit his post on Sunday.

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Minister Makhosini Hlongwane

Nqobile Tshili, Sports Correspondent
SPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane has urged former WBC silver welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi to pick himself from last Saturday’s defeat and focus on reclaiming his title.

Manyuchi was knocked out by Uzbekistan boxer Quadratillo Abduqaxorov in a fight staged in Singapore.

He said the Government fully supports Manyuchi despite the loss, adding that losing should be embraced in sport.

Hlongwane urged Zimbabweans to desist from proffering conspiracy theories to explain his loss.

“The Ministry is of the view that Manyuchi’s defeat represents an occurrence that is not alien in the world of sport as in any context all sportsmen are expected to either fall in or fall out as they defend their merits,” said Hlongwane.

However, these circumstantial positions of triumph and defeat must play an interchanging role in the journey of every sportsperson and should not be confused for destiny.

“Ultimately this unexpected defeat does not conclusively entail what the future holds for Manyuchi.

“While Manyuchi needs to embrace the outcome of his Singapore experience, our sport fans need to equally embrace the view that athletes are not entitled to unbridled victory.”

Manyuchi was knocked out in the first round of the match resulting in speculations that his showboating technique cost him the match.

The boxer declined to comment about his loss after landing into the country at the beginning of the week.

@nqotshili

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Charles Manyuchi

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
VETERAN boxer Ambrose Mlilo has come out in defence of Charles Manyuchi after he was pummelled by Qudratillo Abduqaxorov of Uzbekistan in a World Boxing Council welterweight silver title fight in Singapore on Saturday night.

It took just two minutes and 56 seconds for Manyuchi to surrender his title in the bout.

The Uzbek boxer capitalised on Manyuchi’s clowning in the first round to send him tumbling to the canvas twice before the referee stopped the fight.

Mlilo, a former Zimbabwe middleweight boxing champion, said people must not pressurise Manyuchi by talking too much, as he believes he had learnt from his mistakes.

“I just wish people could stop talking and putting unnecessary pressure on Manyuchi because once you get into the ring, it’s different from those watching.

“In every journey there are some potholes here and there, so we just need to move on. This is not the end of the world; Manyuchi must pick himself up and move forward. He will get another chance and I know he will rise again,” said Mlilo.

“I have been there in the ring and I understand the pressure associated with fighting in such competitions. I know every second of the first round in the ring and what I can say is that boxing is not like a penalty in soccer. People tend to use harsh comments but we cannot judge him from that loss.

“All along he has been doing well so let him work on his mistakes. That has always been his (Manyuchi) style of fighting, but Abduqaxorov is a clever guy and he can’t be fooled. I know some say that was a lucky punch that saw Manyuchi losing the match, but that was well calculated,” he said.

After a 15-year stint in boxing, Mlilo retired from the ring in 2004 and he boasts being the youngest Zimbabwe representative at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games at the age of 24.

He is also a former All-Africa Games champion and Zone VI champion.

Mlilo advised Manyuchi not to be overconfident when inside the ring and avoid clowning.

“I once told him that he must be serious when he gets into the ring. He must only relax when he is two steps outside the fighting zone because that’s what let him down.

“When you look at his last match, he started very well by attacking the opponent, but after two or three punches he relaxed and started clowning,” Mlilo said.

Saturday’s defeat saw Manyuchi’s record being dented to 20-3-1.

@khumzallen

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Omega Sibanda

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda has bemoaned the lack of female participants at the association’s Level One coaching course that started on Monday at Raylton Sports club in Bulawayo.

Sibanda said it was high time women got involved in such courses as their game is fast developing in the country.

“It is not a good thing that out of 40 participants we have only four women attending this programme. This is a cause for concern and I think women should start attending these courses because their sport is fast developing. As an association, we are going to organise their own coaching courses at very low fees so that we also empower them,” said Sibanda, while officially opening the course.

The beginners’ course being facilitated by veteran instructor Gibson Homela and Oscar Mazhambe is part of a series of training and development programmes targeting coaches, administrators and referees.

Sibanda also challenged aspiring coaches to exercise professionalism once they start coaching.

“This is a good step that you aspiring coaches are taking. Don’t stop at this level, but go all the way up. Once you get there, remember that you have a duty to develop soccer in the country and always remember to exercise professionalism. There have been reports of age cheating so we don’t want to see you being one of those. Some coaches go to the extent of facilitating bribes from players so that they get into their starting line-ups,” Sibanda said.

“You should also avoid arguing with your bosses as that can have a negative impact on your career. Your conduct as a coach will determine the kind of players you will produce. Always remember to choose your players on merit and do not hold grudges against players,” he said.

@khumzallen

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Prince Dube

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AFTER 17 weeks of inactivity, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League action returns this Saturday with an enlarged league of 18.

This means 306 matches will be played before the 2017 champions are crowned. This represents 66 more games than last year’s 240 when the league had 16 teams.

With so much action guaranteed, expectations are high that the 2017 season, which will see four clubs relegated at the end of the year, will even be more competitive as teams fight for the title and also battle against relegation.

Teams have been reinforcing their squads during pre-season and the start of the season means they have to translate those preps onto the field of play.

Champions Caps United had a head start having already played four competitive matches in the Caf Champions League that saw them ditching five-time champions TP Mazembe of the DRC out of the competition to qualify for the lucrative group phase.

The team’s players now shift their focus from continental competition to the domestic league.

Chronicle Sport looks at some of the players expected to play key roles in helping their teams either win the championship or survive relegation.

Bantu Rovers: The Premiership returnees won the 2016 Zifa Southern Division One title and certainly don’t harbour title aspirations with their hopes being to survive relegation. Rovers have been doing their pre-season preparations under the tutelage of director of coaching Methembe Ndlovu and Agent Sawu.

Rovers are staying true to their club policy of giving youngsters a chance to shine and Under-20 players form the backbone of the club. Young Warriors striker Bukhosi Sibanda, Obrey Chirinda and Gifford High School Upper Six pupil Michael Kutsanzira are some of the youngsters to look out for.

Experienced players, goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda, defenders Tapiwa Kumbuyani, Newman Sianchali and Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu are expected to guide the youngsters.

Black Rhinos: The army side bolstered their squad with the experienced former Dynamos duo of Sydney Linyama and Benjamin Marere. Coach Stanford “Stix” M’tizwa believes the two players will provide the necessary edge needed in the team. He also warned that they hadn’t returned to the top-flight to add numbers but to stay.

Bulawayo City: National Under-20 gaffer Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu was named head coach at the beginning of March. Mpofu will be hoping midfielder Sipho Ndlovu, who is only playing in his second topflight year, will shine. His 2016 performances earned him a national team call-up last week for the Warriors’ friendly against Zambia. Young striker Trevor Ndlovu, utility player Zephaniah Ngodzo, veteran forward Mkhokheli Dube, defender Zibusiso Sibanda and Douglas Sibanda are the notable players at the municipal team.

Caps United: The champions are in the groove and ready to roll after retaining 95 percent of their 2016 squad. New arrival Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo seems to have settled down quickly. Key men at Caps United will be defensive midfielder Devon Chafa, goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda and Phinias Bamusi.

Chapungu: The airmen from Gweru parted ways with their coach John Nyikadzino at the end of last season and brought in Tendai Chikuni. Chapungu retained some players they had loaned out to sister clubs, among them striker Brighton Mugoni, who was with Blue Swallows last season. Zifa Central Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year Ricky Bota, Livingstone Genti, Lloyd Gwerina, Blessing Sahondo, Kelvin Bingala and Nigel Papius are among the new faces at Chapungu. It is this mixture of new signings and the old guard that Chikuni believes will ensure his side makes an impact this season.

Chicken Inn: The 2015 champions had a slow start last season, but finished strongly. They retained most of their players, although it’s not clear whether the Gamecocks have made a decision on want-away defender Lawrence Mhlanga. Besides the unsettled Mhlanga, Chicken Inn have Teenage Hadebe, Moses Jackson and Ben Nyahunzvi to marshal their defence. They brought in striker Kudakwashe Gurure from relegated Mutare City as well as defensive midfielder Innocent Mucheneka from Hwange. How they fit into coach Rahman Gumbo’s plans will be key to their campaign. Soccer Star of the Year finalist Clemence Matawu, striker Obidiah Tarumbwa and goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze are among players to watch.

Dynamos: The Harare giants are on a rebuilding exercise under coach Lloyd Mutasa. They concluded their signings last week after capturing ex-Buffaloes goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira and Cameroonian striker Christian Joel Epoupa Ntouba on two-year deals. Some new faces at Dynamos include former Gunners and Bindura United striker Quality Kangadze, Emmauel Mandiranga and Cleopas Kapupurika. However, it’s the youngsters at Dynamos like Peace Makaha, Kudzanayi Nyakasaka, Tawanda Macheke and King Nasama that are expected to make a mark.

FC Platinum: They were not convincing in their 0-3 loss to Highlanders in the ZNA Charity Shield semi-finals. Winston Mhango, Rodwell Chinyengetere and new signing Bret Amidu will be key in midfield. Given a chance, Agrippa Murimba can score goals, while attacker Gift Mbweti, who joined from Hwange, needs to work harder to fit into coach Norman Mapeza’s system.

Harare City: They were quiet during the pre-season, preferring to conduct their preparations far from the madding crowd in the Eastern Highlands. Young Warriors and ex-Hwange striker Pritchard Mphelele is one of their new signings. Tendai Samanja, young Tatenda Tumba, ex-national team goalie Tafadzwa Dube seem to be the anchor of the Sunshine Boys.

Highlanders: Bosso have gone for a decade without a title and for the first time in a long time managed to retain the bulk of their players for the new season. That continuity should count for something if they are to be taken seriously in the title fight. They brought in eccentric striker Rodrick Mutuma from perennial rivals Dynamos. Mutuma’s presence should give young striker Prince Dube room to shine. Other players to watch are Soccer Star of the Year finalist Peter Muduhwa, Rahman Kutsanzira and the young duo of Bukhosi Ncube and Brian Banda.

How Mine: The gold miners’ coach Kelvin Kaindu has kept the names of “gems” he has captured off the spotlight. How Mine didn’t renew contracts for a number of players like Tawanda Muparati, Fungai Chirinda, Qadr Amini, Heritein Masuku, Thembani Masuku and Tapiwa Khumbuyani when they expired last season. Kaindu will unveil the unheralded players he hopes will drive their charge on Saturday against ZPC Kariba. Former Highlanders and national team playmaker Peter “Rio” Moyo, ex-Zim Leopards striker Tinashe Makanda, utility players Milton Ncube and Mukundika Sakala and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard are the gold miners’ trump cards.

Hwange: They lost a number of players that quit after going for months without pay. Tonisani Sibelo surfaced at Triangle United, Chicken Inn signed Mucheneka, Munyaradzi Mungadze is at Bulawayo City, Mbweti joined FC Platinum while Mphelele is now with Harare City. Hwange are likely to promote a number of youngsters from their developmental Under-20 side that was in the First Division. Veterans Gilbert Zulu and Obert Cobra Moyo will show the boys the ropes.

Ngezi Platinum Stars: They are championship dark horses. They bolstered their side for the Caf Confederation Cup where they bowed out in the first round. Some players they recruited include midfielder Xolisani Moyo from Bulawayo City, Amin (How Mine), utility player Godknows Murwira (Dynamos) and Tsholotsho FC’s MacClive Phiri. Dependable defender Patson Jaure, who captained the Warriors against Zambia last Sunday, Walter Mukanga and Liberty Chakoroma could help the Mhondoro side spring a surprise.

Shabanie Mine: The striking trio of Dylan Chivandire, Felix Kutswatuka and Farai Mupasiri should lead Shabanie Mine’s search for goals and survival fight. The Premiership returnees will also look up to the experience of ex-Monomotapa and Mutare City defender Brian Mapfumo, former national team and Orlando Pirates defender Zvenyika Makonese, attackers Tapiwa Maduma, formerly with Herrentials, and Wellington Taderera, who had a stint with Kwekwe Sables.

Triangle United: The Lowveld side hired Tawurayi Mangwiro as head coach and has been conducting its transfer business quietly. Former Dynamos defender Guthrie Zhokinyi is expected to lead Triangle’s campaign. It’s not clear if they signed Hwange defender Tonisani Sibelo.

Tsholotsho FC: Coach Lizwe Sweswe, who helped them survive relegation for two seasons, left the club to join FC Platinum. They also lost Zimiseleni Moyo to Zambian giants Zanaco and MacClive Phiri to Ngezi Platinum. Former Highlanders captain Felix Chindungwe and ex-Chicken Inn midfielder Canaan Nkomo are their major signings.

Yadah FC: Will the anointing oil work? The Premiership new boys’ coach Jairos Tapera believes the anointing from club owner Prophet Walter Magaya will shake the topflight league.

“We leave everything to God to help us with the anointing of our prophet Magaya,” Tapera told our Harare bureau.

Yadah FC’s signings include Wellington Kamudyariwa, Moses Gutu, Brian Chikwenya and former Chicken Inn forward Moses Demera. More will be known about them after their first few games.

ZPC Kariba: Sunday Chidzambwa’s side finished sixth last season and made two major signings that could influence their title fight. They reunited with midfielder-cum-striker Raphael Manuvire, who was at Harare City last season. They also signed bulldozing striker Francesco Zekumbawire and have brilliant goalkeepers in Tendai Hove and Takabva Mawaya, who was part of the Warriors’ Afcon squad.

@ZililoR

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Lloyd Chitembwe

Paul Mundandi Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe is confident the Green Machine will retain their Castle Lager Premier League title this season despite his camp hitting a patch of turbulence yesterday after a row over bonuses resulted in players choosing not to train.

The players, who were paid $400 each on Tuesday for capturing the ZNA Charities Shield, were demanding to be paid their stake from the club’s qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages.

CAPS United leaders struck a deal with the players to give them $500 each should they beat Lioli of Lesotho and another $500 should they beat TP Mazembe, with the players then set to share about $160 000 from proceeds of the club’s qualification into the group stages.

However, the Green Machine leaders are yet to honour the bonus payments for the victories over Lioli and TP Mazembe as they battle to raise funds to meet those commitments.

But, in an era where social media can be misleading, the players were told on Monday that the club had received their $550 000 for qualifying for the Champions League group stages and were holding on to the money without paying the players.

The reality is that the payment will only be effected at the end of the campaign.

The players felt their leaders were not being sincere and decided not to train yesterday.

Club president Farai Jere said there was a misunderstanding after his players were fed with wrong information claiming that their Champions League earnings had been transferred into the club’s account, but the case has since been resolved.

“It’s sad that there is a lot of misinformation right now and, sadly, if we are not careful we could end up being victims of our success and that will be tragic given that we are on the right path to greatness as a team and we should always look at the bigger picture,’’ said Jere.

“The players are being bombarded with incorrect information that the club is awash with money, that we have received money from CAF and we simply don’t want to pay them and it’s unfortunate because we have come a long way and we should be looking at creating a dynasty of success.

“There are some people who simply don’t want to see this club being stable, prospering and winning big tournaments and it’s also sad that we are not managing our success as well as we should be.

“The players knew that we will pay their winning bonuses for beating Lioli and TP Mazembe because that is a deal we have with them, there wasn’t a time frame to that payment but they know we will deliver very, very soon but some people have been sending wrong signals that we are awash with money from CAF.

“But as a club we have been telling our boys that we are even considering paying them the big chunk we agreed with them from the CAF money earlier, getting that money from somewhere, and we are still pursuing that because we are happy with what they have done for this club.’’

ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa also confirmed that the CAF proceeds will only come at the end of the year.

“As the ZIFA boss, I can tell you that the money from CAF will come at the end of the year and anyone who is spreading these rumours is not doing a service to this club which has represented our country very well in the Champions League and can even do more in terms of success this year,’’ said Chiyangwa.

CAPS United skipper Moses Muchenje told The Herald that there was a misunderstanding that has now been resolved.

“There was a misunderstanding between us and our officials but that has now been sorted and everything is okay,’’

Defender Dennis Dauda said everything was back to normal.

Coach Chitembwe backed his men to defend the title.

“For us, the 2016 season is over. We are way past it and it’s now only good for the archives. We won the championship and nobody will take that from us.

“What we are going to do in 2017 will be very important.

“Everything is quite good for us, the work and the ethics. We are very happy as a team and we are excited to be in this situation.

“I am relying on four key pillars this season, which include physical fitness and also the mental preparation. I am confident that my players will deliver.

“I am confident that they will remain at the top level and I have been very fortunate that the attitude of my players has been very good.

“This season I have a special team. I see the hunger of success in their eyes. I see the desire to succeed and as coaches we always try to make them remain focused and stimulate the kind of performance that we need.

“I want my players at CAPS United to continuously improve and they must surpass what they achieved last season.

“I know that the teams we beat last season also want to win against us,’’ said Chitembwe

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Charles Manyuchi

Sports Reporter
SPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane has leapt to the defence of Charles Manyuchi saying there was nothing unusual about his first round knock-out by Qudratillo Abduqaxorov in Singapore on Saturday night.

He urged Zimbabweans to respect and continue supporting the boxer, instead of turning against him and unleashing a lot of innuendoes that are hurting his profile despite Manyuchi’s failure to defend the WBC welterweight silver title last weekend.

Manyuchi, who held the title since May last year, was knocked out in just two minutes and 56 seconds by the 23-year old Uzbek sensation in a fight the Zimbabwean had been billed to dominate and win easily.

The boxer, who returned home on Tuesday, has been severely criticised for showboating in the first round.

Hlongwane said Manyuchi remains a distinguished sports ambassador for the country despite the defeat.

He said people should not condemn the 27-year-old after some had even suggested there was possibility of foul play in Singapore.

“Manyuchi’s defeat, in what seemed to be a technical knockout, has received a wide range of interpretations.

“However, the Ministry of Sport and Recreation is of the view that Manyuchi’s defeat represents an occurrence that is not alien in the world of sport, as in any context all sportsmen are expected to either fall in or fall out as they defend their merits.

“Government, through the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, assumes an empathetic position on Manyuchi’s unfortunate fate in Singapore. This is because in any tournament there must be a winner and one who bears defeat.

“However, these circumstantial positions of triumph and defeat must play an interchanging role in the journey of any sportsperson and should not be confused for destiny.

“Ultimately, this unexpected defeat does not conclusively entail what the future holds for Manyuchi. While Manyuchi needs to embrace the outcome of his Singapore experience, our sport fans need to equally embrace the view that athletes are not entitled to unbridled victory.

“Experiencing defeat is normal in the course of nurturing excellence and his fans must continue to support this esteemed Zimbabwean boxing ambassador.

“Above all else, we must acknowledge the outstanding effort exerted by Manyuchi to measure up to the world standards of sportsmanship within the boxing fraternity and support him in good and bad seasons in his quest to represent Zimbabwe in the international sporting arena.

“Against this background, I call on Charles Manyuchi not to despair, but have himself up to challenge for his belt and move on to work towards attaining the WBC gold title,” said Hlongwane.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
TOP South Africa amateur golfer Luca Filippi took control of the All-Africa Junior Golf Challenge championship at Royal Harare Golf Club after yesterday’s second round.

Filippi, who had a two-under on the first day, followed up with a one-under yesterday to take his overall tally to three-under.

Another South African, Jayden Schaper, was in second place.

Zimbabwe’s captain and first round leader Justin Kersten had a bad day in the office, carding a five-over to remain on level par. Kersten had an impressive first day show, carding a five-under par score, while countrymen David Amm remained consistent as he had another one-over to move into fourth place.

Reigning Sanlam SA Amateur champion Christo Lamprecht, who was expected to spearhead South Africa’s challenge, will go into today’s third round tied with Uganda’s David Kamulinda on three-over.

Another Zimbabwean, Thompson Masiya, also did well as he is in eighth place, a shot ahead of South Africa’s top-ranked amateur Garrick Higgo.

Antoine Sale of Reunion completed the top 10.

The girls saw very little changes as South Africa continued to dominate the top three places with Mistry Kajal, Simone Henriques and Telfer Kaleigh finishing the second round on first, second and third places respectively.

Zimbabwe’s Danielle Bekker and Emily Jones remained on fourth and fifth places on 15-over and 19-over par.

Kenya’s Kellie Wahito Gachanga, Zimbabwe’s Margaret Nyamukondiwa and Kenya’s Ashely Pouline Ouma completed the top 10. For the team events, the course was difficult yesterday as they recorded high scores with South Africa still leading Zimbabwe by one shot.

The tournament continues today.

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Zimbabwe internationals Onisimor Bhasera and Kingston Nkhatha could be part of ABSA Premiership historical records if SuperSport United avoid defeat at home against battling Baroka on Saturday.

The Zimbabwean duo features for United who will set a new record for the longest unbeaten league run in the 21-year history of the PSL if they do not lose on Saturday.

Right now SuperSport have gone 19 games without defeat in the league – a record that they share with Kaizer Chiefs who also went 19 games without losing under Stuart Baxter on their way to lifting the title during the 2014-15 season.

Baxter is now coach at SuperSport.

That task appears easily attainable for Baxter and his men as their next opponents are bottom of the table, and will have to stage an upset to avoid becoming the latest victims to be beaten at SuperSport’s adopted home Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon (15h00).

Matsatsantsa have been in a mean mood whenever they play at this venue in the Mpumalanga province – suppressing Bidvest Wits 2-0, humiliating Orlando Pirates 6-1 before again downing The Bucs by a single goal.

Since the opening day defeat away to Platinum Stars, Matsatsantsa have won nine and drawn 10, keeping themselves in the title-chasing pack with a third of the season to be played.

Just like he did while at Chiefs, Baxter is again proving difficult to beat with the league’s longest spells without defeat now possibly being extended by him again at a different club.

At club level prior to this run the longest run without defeat by SuperSport stood at 17 games set under Gavin Hunt between 12/9/2009-12/12/2009 as they went on to win their last league title.

Last year Mamelodi Sundowns came close to equalling this 19-game unbeaten record on their way to lifting the championship, but came unstuck on 18 games after being clogged by Bloemfontein Celtic.

Amakhosi also still hold the longest ever unbeaten run in the league (31 matches) – which was however recorded over two seasons (15/1/2005-29/10/2005) unlike SuperSport who will now set the new record in the same campaign.

After this weekend’s game against Baroka, SuperSport’s remaining list of opponents will read Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, Polokwane City, Cape Town City, Chippa United and Platinum Stars.

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WARRIORS winger Kuda Mahachi could become the latest Zimbabwean to join  Kaizer Chiefs as reports in South Africa indicate that Amakhosi appear to have rekindled their interest in the Golden Arrows attacker.

Chiefs could lure the exciting Mahachi to Naturena before the beginning of the 2017/2018 ABSA Premiership season, Soccer Laduma reported Wednesday morning.

The 23-year-old Bantu Rovers product, who scored a brilliant goal when Zimbabwe drew 2-2 against Algeria in a 2017 Afcon finals group game in January, was heavily linked with a move to the Amakhosi at the start of the season.

However, the player publicly explained that he turned the move down because of a loyalty that he felt to Arrows.

Mahachi has been pivotal for Arrows so far this season, after making his move from Mamelodi Sundowns permanent.

His performances have reignited interest from Kaizer Chiefs who remain convinced with what the Zimbabwean can produce.

It is also interesting  to note that Chiefs’ foreign quota is full due to the presence of Michelle Katsvairo, Edmore Chirambadare (both Zimbabwean), Gustavo Paez, Camaldine Abraw and Lewis Macha.

However, reports say one or more of them could potentially leave at the end of the campaign.

Chiefs will have to pump out a substantial amount for Mahachi who only signed for Golden Arrows this season.

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Taku Shariwa

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
RETURNING Castle Lager Premier Soccer side Shabanie Mine will play their season opener against champions Caps United without a coach after Zifa re-emphasised there would be no reprieve for unqualified coaches.

Shabanie Mine will play host to Caps United at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane on Sunday.

The Shabanie Mine executive met a fortnight ago and resolved to defy Zifa by confirming Taku Shariwa as head coach despite him falling short of the national association’s requisite qualifications to head a Premiership club dugout.

Zifa is this season enforcing a requirement that all Premiership head coaches be in possession of at least a Caf A Licence in line with the new club licensing system.

Shariwa, who was with Mutare City Rovers last season, is a holder of a Caf B coaching badge.

Emerging from a meeting held on March 16, Shabanie Mine chairman Elias Marufu reiterated his club’s earlier position of retaining Shariwa as head coach.

“We have faith in our current head coach and he is the one to take charge of the team in the Premiership. If there is going to be anything then we will cross the bridge when we get there,” Marufu said then.

However, on Wednesday Marufu declined to say what steps they will take now that Shariwa has officially been banned from the dugout.

“I have no comment,” was all Marufu could say before dropping his phone.

Zifa spokesman Xolisani Gwesela said the national association’s move to implement strict standardisation for local football coaching is part of a cocktail of interventions to improve the quality of the game in Zimbabwe.

He said the move is a basic requirement under the Fifa Club Licensing system and a person without a Caf A Licence will not be allowed to sit on a Premiership club bench.

“There is no room for leniency and we’re implementing Club Licensing to its fullest. No unqualified coach will be allowed to lead a club. There won’t be any special treatment. We’re not going back on that. Only Caf A Licence holding coaches and assistants will be allowed on the team’s technical bench,” said Gwesela.

Most PSL teams have moved to comply with Zifa’s directive.

The only people exempted to coach in the PSL without a Caf A Licence are championship winning coaches. Goalkeepers’ trainers are expected to have goalkeeping coaching certificates.

Under the new Zifa requirement, First Division coaches are required to have a Caf B badge as a minimum requirement, while their assistants should have a Caf C or Zifa Level Four licence.

In the Second Division, a coach should have a Caf C Licence, while assistants are required to have a Level Three qualification as a minimum standard.

The coaching standards have also cascaded down to Division Three, tertiary institutions and schools. For secondary schools, a Zifa Level Two badge is now mandatory and primary school football coaches should now hold at least a Level Two certificate.

Meanwhile, Bantu Rovers are yet to name their substantive coach after Zifa turned down Agent Sawu’s English FA International Coaching Licence, which according to the FA’s education services administrator Kelly Sharp, is equivalent to a Uefa B badge.

Sawu attained the qualification in 2007, but still chose to attend a Caf B coaching course in December last year in a bid to comply with local football authorities.

The legendary former Zimbabwe Saints, Dynamos and national team hitman has been conducting the Premiership returnees’ pre-season training sessions alongside Rovers’ director of coaching Methembe Ndlovu.

Ndlovu who won the championship with Highlanders in 2006 could be forced to return to the dugout.

Rovers held a meeting last night where they were expected to finalise the head coach issue after receiving a number of CVs.

Fixtures

Matchday One

Saturday, April 1: Harare City v Yadah FC (National Sports Stadium), ZPC Kariba v How Mine (Nyamhunga), Ngezi Platinum v Black Rhinos (Baobab), Chapungu v Triangle United (Ascot), Bantu Rovers v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Tsholotsho FC v Hwange (Dulivhadzimu)

Sunday, April 2: Dynamos v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium), Shabanie Mine v Caps United (Maglas), Highlanders v Bulawayo City (Barbourfields).

@ZililoR

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Takudzwa Chitsiga, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S boys and girls golf teams are on the verge of qualifying, for the fourth time, for the Toyota Junior Golf Championships in Yokohama, Japan, in June.

The Zimbabwean boys’ team of David Amm, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Justin Kersten and Thompson Masiya and the girls team of Danielle Bekker, Emily Jones and Margaret Nyamukondiwa are lying second to South Africa going into today’s final round.

The BancABC Africa Golf Confederation Junior Golf Team Championship, which is the qualifier for the World Championship, got underway on Tuesday and will finish today with a closing ceremony.

Both local teams are behind powerhouse South Africa whose boys’ team will be qualifying for a record 19th time.

In individual performances, South Africa’s Lucca Filippi is still in charge after he took his overall tally to five-under.

The event has seen 13 nations bringing their boys teams and four girls sides.

Speaking ahead of today’s final round, Zimbabwean golfer Amm said they were looking forward to make one final charge.

“I am happy we are almost there but we will not lose focus until the final hole. We have improved immensely as we would have been trailing South Africa by several shots in the past but I am happy that we managed to contain them.

“Everyone has contributed a lot and as a team we are going to finish on a high note.

“The course and weather has been favourable to us and we looking forward to going Japan,” said Amm.

Tournament co-ordinator Mike Baylis urged fans to come and support the country’s future golf stars.

Team Results after round three

1) South Africa     -6
2) Zimbabwe     +9
3) Reunion Island     +41
4) Uganda     +47
5) Morocco     +55
6) Zambia     +84
7) Kenya     +93
8) Mauritius     +105
9) Tunisia     +109
10) Namibia     +114
10) Malawi     +114
12) Botswana     +214

Individual results:

Boys
1) Luca Filippi RSA     -8
2) Jayden Schaper RSA     0
3) David Amm Zimbabwe     1
4) Christo Lamprecht RSA     2
5) Justin Kersten Zimbabwe     6
6) Garrick Higgo RSA     6
7) Alexandre Lasalarte Reunion     8
8) Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa Zimbabwe     9
9) David Kamulinda Uganda     11
10) Antoine Sale Reunion     12

Girls
1) Kajal Mistry RSA     -3
2) Simone Henriques RSA     1
3) Kaleigh Telfer RSA     13
4) Daniel Bekker Zimbabwe     26

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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Volleyball Association (ZVA) is planning to reduce the number of teams competing in the national league from 16 to 12 to make it more competitive.

Brian Manuel, ZVA vice-president, said the national association’s executive will meet in Harare tomorrow to finalise on the number of teams that will participate in the league that starts on April 22.

“We’re meeting in Harare to plan for the national league play-offs, as we hope to reduce the number of clubs from 16 to maybe 12 or even eight, which will be a manageable number. The major reason is that we want to have a competitive league and we also want to finish our season on time. Last year we nearly missed the deadline of sending or registering teams for the Zone VI Club Championships after finishing late,” said Manuel.

Harare teams dominated last year’s national league, with only four out of 16 clubs coming from outside the capital.

Out of Harare teams that were in the league were Bulawayo’s Spartans, Midlands State University, Chinhoyi University of Technology and Great Zimbabwe University.

Manuel said only Naba and Support Unit have been exempt from the play-offs to be held next week.

“Last year we invited a number of teams from outside Harare for the national league and they turned down the offer, preferring to compete in their provinces and ZVA organised competitions. Hopefully this time around teams will come forward for the national league play-offs, where between six and 10 teams will join Naba and Support Unit for the topflight,” Manuel said.

@ZililoR

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TWENTY-FIVE schools have signed up for next week’s Power Sales Schools Rugby Festival, the first major junior competition on the domestic calendar before the actual season begins.

A visit by Sportszone.co.zw to several school grounds in Harare witnessed the start of preparations as teams aim for accolades at one of rugby’s oldest school competitions.

Themba Phiri, the festival co-ordinator, said an unspecified number of teams from Botswana had also confirmed their participation by the registration cut-off date of March 20, 2017. The tournament runs between April 7 and 8 at Bulawayo’s main rugby arena Hartsfield and is organised by the Matabeleland Rugby Football Board.

Boys’ institutions like Milton and Gifford High schools from Bulawayo and their Plumtree Boys High counterparts are relishing the opportunity of locking horns against their Harare rivals such as Prince Edward, Ellis Robins, Churchill, Marlborough and Allan Wilson School.

Allan Wilson director of sports Livingstone Maurukira said “Dub” had already set in motion their preparations on Monday this week and were looking forward to an improved performance from last year.

“This year will be more like the Allan Wilson of old,’’ he told Sportszone.co.zw.

“Our old boys have come in strongly to support our teams with provision of kit, balls and other equipment and are also renovating our famous rugby pitch, the Graveyard, and this has extremely motivated the boys.’’

According to Phiri, each school will be allowed to enter three teams for the first team, second team and Under-16 categories.

“The programme and all other relevant information will be sent out to participating schools in due course. But coaches and managers will be expected to attend a meeting prior to the event to discuss all matters concerning the tournament,’’ he said.

The tournament takes place annually on the first weekend of the April school holiday, some three weeks before the Dairibord Rugby Festival goes on show at Prince Edward in Harare. It has seen the top rugby-playing schools in the country take part including private colleges like Falcon from Esigodini, Harare’s St George’s and St Johns as well as Peterhouse from Marondera and Hillcrest of Mutare.

“The idea of the tournament is to promote rugby and also to help schools prepare for the rugby season. A lot of teams go on tour and battle to find games in aid of their preparations and hence this tournament,’’ said Phiri.

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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
TWENTY-FIVE Bulawayo schools will tomorrow converge at Christian Brothers College (CBC) for the annual Equate Africa Chess Tournament.

Formerly known as the CBC Chess Tournament, the competition rebranded after acquiring sponsorship from Equate Africa, an independent South African-based property and construction consultancy providing managed solutions for clients investing in infrastructure, property and construction across the continent.

Event organiser Niva Songo said one of Equate Africa’s founding directors is a former CBC student Nhlanhla Mtobi, who decided to give back to his former school.

“All along the CBC chess competition has been a self-supporting annual event, but from now onwards it will be named after our sponsors.

“In every competition, the company will be supplying floating shields, medals, chess equipment, which includes game timers, T-shirts for officials and magnetic demonstration boards,”” said Songo.

Songo said 60 teams made up of four individuals had confirmed their participation in tomorrow’s event, with some schools coming from outside Bulawayo.

“The tournament is a four a-side event for boys and girls in the junior and senior categories. So far we have received a huge response from participants and we hope this will make the competition one of the largest and best organised in the country,” he said.

Mtobi said: “The highlights of my school years were involvement in multitudes of extracurricular sporting and club activities the college provided. I wish to continue contributing to their existence by helping with sponsorship.”

Mathe Primary School won gold in the junior girls’ category last year followed by Montrose A and Montrose B. Mpopoma High School came first in the senior girls’ category, while Njube and Sizane High schools were second and third respectively.

Mandwandwe Primary School won in the junior boys’ category and Gifford B were champions in the senior boys’ event.

@khumzallen

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