Lloyd Mutasa

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Mutasa is happy with a full house after key defender Obey Mwerahari recovered in time for their opening match against FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium this Sunday.

Mwerahari has shaken off an ankle injury that troubled him for much of pre-season and is now in line for selection.

The former Young Warriors man was a key player in DeMbare’s campaign last year when he stepped into central defence from right-back after Augustine Mbara had moved to South Africa.

“For now we have a full house. Everyone is up and about and I am sure we will choose our team from a big pool of all the registered players. I’m happy we do not have any injuries. Obey has recovered and has been playing in the practice games of late,” said Mutasa.

Mwerahari is one of the key players that have stuck with the Harare giants who parted ways with some of their big players during the off-season.

The defender nearly retraced his footsteps back to ZPC Kariba after his contract had ended last year, but had a change of heart.

His presence is a big boost to the new-look squad that has about 11 new faces among them Gift Saunyama, Cleopas Kapupirika, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Quality Kangadze, Phakamani Dube, Lincoln Zvasiya, goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira and Cameroonian striker Ntouba Epoupa Christian Joel.

“The competition is high. Everyone is itching to be part of the final 18 since this will be our first game. But I am sure it’s a good headache because we will be selecting our team from youngsters who really are eager to turn the corner,” said Mutasa.

The Glamour Boys coach believes the opening match against FC Platinum is a good test for his new-look side.

Mutasa, who has picked Biggie Zuze as his assistant, reiterated that DeMbare will be competitive this year despite the team going through a rebuilding exercise.

“We have always been saying by the time we get to the beginning of the season we will be okay. I am sure we are okay and ready for our first encounter.

“We have told the Dynamos supporters that what we are very sure of is that we are going to be better than what we did last year.

“It’s always nice for our faithful fans coming to witness the first match because there is a saying that goes with the line that the first cut is the deepest. So they mustn’t miss the first match because it can give them the picture of what we are all about going forward.

“I am sure we are playing one of the best sides in the Premier League and it being our first game I think it will give us a better dimension.

“So it means going into that fixture we are really determined, we really wanting to get a positive result and that can only, but enhance the confidence of the youngsters if we manage to collect three points from that game,” said Mutasa.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Harare City v Yadah (NSS), ZPC Kariba v How Mine (Nyamhunga), Ngezi Platinum v Black Rhinos (Baobab), Chapungu v Triangle (Ascot), Bantu Rovers v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Tsholotsho v Hwange (Barbourfields)

Sunday: Dynamos v FC Platinum (NSS), Highlanders v Bulawayo City (Barbourfields), Shabanie v CAPS United (Maglas)

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Warriors

ZIMBABWE’S Warriors, who were expelled from the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers without kicking a ball, could dream of making their maiden appearance at the biggest football festival in 2026 after Africa were allotted four extra slots for the showcase.

The FIFA Council provided Africa, which has five slots at the World Cup, an additional four slots, starting with the 2026 edition which will be a 48-team World Cup.

The FIFA Council’s move is set to be endorsed by the FIFA Congress when it meets in Bahrain later this year.

Meanwhile, Kwesé Sports have secured additional rights for its viewers by adding the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 to their roster.

“As the world’s best compete for football’s most prestigious title, and living legends like Neymar, Messi, Ronaldo and Toure compete for their nations’ pride, Kwesé will give Africa a front-row seat,’’ the company said in a statement.

“Will Germany retain top honours or will 2018 be the year when an African nation hoists the trophy for the first time?

“Whatever the outcome, a record number of African sports fans will be able to catch all the action LIVE on Kwesé.

“The broadcaster has secured exclusive free-to-air (FTA) rights for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). Kwesé will broadcast the tournaments through its pan-African FTA channel Kwesé Free Sports (KFS), currently Africa’s largest FTA channel, which boasts a potential audience in excess of 100 million.

“African viewers who would otherwise not have seen football’s greatest showcase will be able to view it live on KFS!”

The president and chief executive of Econet Media, Joseph Hundah, said they were delivering on their promise.

“There is no doubt that the FIFA World Cup is a highlight for sports fans all over the globe and Africa is home to some of the game’s biggest fans. We had to have these major sporting events on our platforms.

“With exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament free-to-air, we are staying true to our intention to deliver the best sporting programming to as many people as possible across the continent,” said Hundah.

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Paul Mundandi Sports Reporter
FC PLATINUM will this morning unveil new acquisitions at Mandava before the team leaves for Harare for an opening day Castle Lager Premiership championship date with Dynamos on Sunday.

The Zvishavane giants have had a busy pre-season in which they have snatched the signatures of former Hwange striker Gift Mbweti, Talent Chawapihwa from ZPC Kariba, Brett Amidu (Dynamos) and Agrippa Murimba (Mutare City).

The Herald can also reveal that the club are likely to unveil Lawrence Mhlanga who has been at the centre of a wrangle with his former club, Chicken Inn.

Mhlanga seems to have won the battle after taking his matter to the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe who proved that he had no contract with the Gamecocks.

FC Platinum will also unveil former Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe who joined their coaching staff at the beginning of the season.

He is one of the club’s assistant coaches.

The ambitious club, who want to win their first league title after coming close on a number of occasions, will be under the guidance of head coach Norman Mapeza.

“At the beginning of each season, it is important to unveil to all our stakeholders the new team. This is a standard format and one which we have done every year. This is an opportunity to clarify various issues before we begin the season,” said Chido Chizondo, the club spokesperson.

FC Platinum, who are bankrolled by FC Platinum Holdings, will also unveil a new state-of-the-art team bus that will be used by players and coaching staff.

The company which bankrolls the football club purchased four buses at the beginning of the year.

FC Platinum Holdings will be using the three buses to ferry employees from Zvishavane town to Mimosa Mine on daily basis.

FC Platinum have come close to winning the league championship in recent years only to falter at the final hurdle.

However, analysts believe the club presents the best chance for a team, outside the country’s two biggest cities of Harare and Bulawayo, to win the championship for the first time since 1966.

Run on very professional lines and led by one of the best administrators in domestic football, club president George Mawere, FC Platinum are a model for local Premiership.

They have been renovating Mandava, one of the best grounds in the country, and could be forced to play elsewhere.

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Thulani Sibanda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER champions, Bulawayo Chiefs will open their Southern Region Division One Soccer League account with a derby against Bosso 90 on April 15 at Barbourfields Stadium.

Chiefs finished last season second on the table behind Bantu Rovers who beat them to the title on a superior goal difference.

The near title miss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Chiefs family, with rumours flying out that the club was on the verge of collapse as their president and benefactor Lovemore Sibanda had not taken the loss well.

However, Chiefs seem to have put behind their hideous end to the 2016 season, with their coach Thulani Sibanda who guided them to the 2013 title assembling what looks like a strong squad that can put a strong championship challenge.

Veteran midfielder, Mthulisi Maphosa, has been given a lease of life at Chiefs and is expected to play a key leadership role in guiding the ambitious side to the title.

Besides Maphosa, Chiefs’ coach Sibanda has also lured ex-Quelaton, Highlanders and ZRP Bulawayo utility player Patrick Mpofu, goalkeeper Josphat Sibanda formerly with Highlanders and Border Strikers, former Chicken Inn and Bulawayo City midfielder Makhosi Ncube and unheralded Musa Phiri who played for Chicken Inn’s Division Two side last season.

Joshua Wilson, a vital cog for Rovers’ title run is also at Chiefs and the club has reunited with attacking winger Tatenda Madzingo who spent the last half of 2016 trying his luck in Dubai.

Chiefs’ coach, Sibanda has made a bold declaration that they are going for the title.

“Look, we’re in this race to compete and win. It’s every coach’s dream to lead his side to a title, I’m not different and I’m not a pessimist. I know it won’t be an easy walk in the park but I think we’re on the right track,” Sibanda said.

Some of the teams expected to give Chiefs a good run for their money are ZPC Hwange, Talen Vision and Amagagasi.

Southern Region Division One Soccer League fixtures

Week One, April 15: Black Boots v Casmyn (Fairbridge), Makomo v TBA, Bosso 90 v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), ZPC Hwange v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Ingagula), Amagagasi v Talen Vision (Chinotimba), Chiwororo v Mosi Rovers (White City), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Zim Leopards (Brady Barracks), Victoria Falls Tigers v Moto Moto (Chinotimba)

WEEK Two, April 22/23: ZRP Bulawayo Province v Victoria Falls Tigers (Fairbridge), Casmyn v Amagagasi (Turk Mine), Talen Vision v Chiwororo (Luveve), TBA v    Indlovu Iyanyathela, Bulawayo Chiefs v ZPC Hwange (Hartsfields), Moto Moto v Black Boots (Old Hwange Stadium), Zim Leopards v Bosso 90 (White City), Mosi Rovers v Makomo (Chinotimba)

WEEK Three, April 29/30: Bosso 90 v TBA, ZPC Hwange v Zim Leopards (Ingagula), Victoria Falls Tigers v Bulawayo Chiefs (Chinotimba), Black Boots v ZRP Bulawayo Province Fair Bridge, Amagagasi v Moto Moto (Chinotimba), Chiwororo    v Casmyn (White City), Makomo v Talen Vision (    Old Hwange Stadium), Indlovu Iyanyathela     vs Mosi Rovers    (Brady Barracks)

Week Four, May 6/7: TBA v ZPC Hwange, Zim Leopards v Victoria Falls Tigers (White City), Bulawayo Chiefs v Black Boots (Hartsfield), Moto Moto v Chiwororo (Old Hwange Stadium), Casmyn v Makomo (Turk Mine), Talen Vision v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Luveve), Mosi Rovers v Bosso 90 (Chinotimba), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Amagagasi (Fair Bridge)

Week Five, May 13/14: Chiwororo v ZRP Bulawayo Province    (White City), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Casmyn (Brad Barracks), Bosso 90 v Talen Vision (Barbourfields), ZPC Hwange v Mosi Rovers (Ingagula), Victoria Falls Tigers v TBA, Black Boots v     Zim Leopards    (Fair Bridge), Amagagasi v Bulawayo Chiefs (Chinotimba), Makomo v Moto Moto (Old Hwange Stadium)

Week Six, May 20/21: ZRP Bulawayo Province v Makomo (Fair Bridge), Moto Moto v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Old Hwange Stadium), Casmyn     v Bosso 90 (Turk Mine), Talen Vision v ZPC Hwange (Luveve), Mosi Rovers v Victoria Falls Tigers (Chinotimba), TBA v Black Boots, Zim Leopards v Amagagasi (White City), Bulawayo Chiefs v Chiwororo (Hartsfield)

Week Seven, May 27/28: Indlovu Iyanyathela v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Brad Barracks), Makomo v Bulawayo Chiefs (Old Hwange Stadium), Bosso 90 v Moto Moto (Barbourfields), ZPC Hwange v Casmyn (Ingagula), Victoria Falls Tigers v Talen Vision (Chinotimba), Black Boots v Mosi Rovers (Fair Bridge), Amagagasi v TBA, Chiwororo v     Zim Leopards    (White City)

Week Eight, May 03/04: TBA v Chiwororo, Zim Leopards v Makomo (    White City), Bulawayo Chiefs v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Hartsfield), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Bosso 90 (Fair Bridge), Mosi Rovers v Amagagasi (Chinotimba), Moto Moto v ZPC Hwange (Old Hwange Stadium), Casmyn v     Victoia Falls Tigers (Turk Mine), Talen Vision v Black Boots (    Luveve)

Week Nine, June 10/11: Moto Moto v Casmyn (Old Hwange Stadium), Victoria Falls Tigers v Black Boots (    Chinotimba), Bulawayo Chiefs v Mosi Rovers (Hartsfield), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Makomo (Brad Barracks), Bosso 90 v Chiwororo (Barbourfields), ZPC Hwange v Amagagasi (Ingagula), Zim Leopards v TBA, ZRP Bulawayo Province v Talen Vision (Fair Bridge)

Week 10, June 7/18: Makomo v Victoria Falls Tigers (Old Hwange Stadium), Mosi Rovers v Zim Leopards (Chinotimba), Talen Vision v Bulawayo Chiefs (Luveve), Casmyn v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Turk Mine), TBA v Moto Moto, Chiwororo v Indlovu Iyanyathela (White City), Amagagasi v Bosso 90 (Chinotimba), Black Boots v ZPC Hwange (Fairbridge)

Week 11, June 24/25: ZPC Hwange v Makomo (Ingagula), Victoria Falls Tigers v Chiwororo (Chinotimba), Bosso 90 v Black Boots (Barbourfields), Zim Leopards v Talen Vision (White City), Bulawayo Chiefs v Casmyn (Hartsfield), ZRP Bulawayo Province v TBA, Moto Moto v Mosi Rovers (Old Hwange Stadium), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Amagagasi (Brady Barracks)

Week 12, July 1/2: Makomo v Bosso 90 (Old Hwange Stadium), Chiwororo v ZPC Hwange (White City), Amagagasi v Victoria Falls Tigers (Chinotimba), Casmyn v Zim Leopards (Turk Mine), TBA v Bulawayo Chiefs, Mosi Rovers v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Chinotimba), Black Boots v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Fairbridge), Talen Vision v Moto Moto (Luveve)

Week 13, July 9/10: Victoria Falls Tigers v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Chinotimba), Bosso 90 v     ZPC Hwange (Barbourfields), Amagagasi v Chiwororo (Chinotimba), Bulawayo Chiefs v Zim Leopards (Hartsfield), Mosi Rovers v TBA, Moto Moto v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Old Hwange Stadium), Makomo v Black Boots (Old Hwange Stadium), Casmyn v Talen Vision (Turk Mine)

Week 14, July 15/16: Talen Vision v Mosi Rovers (Luveve), Chiwororo v Makomo (White City), ZPC Hwange v Victoria Falls Tigers (Ingagula), Black Boots v Amagagasi (Fairbridge), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Bulawayo Chiefs (Fairbridge), Zim Leopards v Moto Moto (White City), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Bosso 90 (Brad Barracks), TBA v Casmyn

Week 15, July 22/23: Bosso 90 v Victoria Falls Tigers (Barbourfields), Talen Vision v TBA, ZPC Hwange v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Turk Mine), Casmyn v Mosi Rovers (Chinotimba), Amagagasi v Makomo (White City), Chiwororo v Black Boots (Hartsfield), Bulawayo Chiefs v Moto Moto (Fairbridge), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Zim Leopards (Fairbridge)

— @ZililoR

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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Staff College (ZSC) will next month meet ex-Zipra freedom fighters and people who witnessed battles against Rhodesian Forces in Hwange District to get an account of major battles fought in the area.

The programme is aimed at collecting first-hand accounts of the war, which are then documented into history before the battlefronts are declared national monuments.

ZSC Deputy Commandant, Group Captain Winnie Mandeya, said the event would be held on April 24 at Sidobe Primary School on the outskirts of Victoria Falls.

She said the main purpose of the programme is to get first-hand accounts of battles and events during the war which are then documented as part of history before such battle areas are declared national monuments.

“As Staff College we have a time when we do low intensity operations. Previously we were doing it theoretically but now we identify major battles that were fought during the war of liberation in various parts of the country and visit them,” said Dept Commandant Mandeya.

She said the process involves identifying witnesses of major battles and those who were involved in the battlefront as well as traditional leaders to give an account of events.

“This is part of history which we document as it helps in reminding people especially the young generation about the struggle for liberation,” said Dep Commandant Mandeya.

The programme involves identifying battlefronts countrywide and this time focus is on Sidobe area where Zipra forces had an encounter with the Rhodesia Front soldiers whose war plane they shot down at Jafuta. Dep Commandant Mandeya said they had identified some individuals who will give account of wars fought by Zipra forces in the Zambezi Valley.

The previous event was held in Masvingo province, she said.

Minister of State for Matabeleland North Province Cain Mathema will be guest of honour while members of the Joint Operating Committee and local leadership will attend.

Foreign students who are studying at the Staff College will also be part of proceedings.

A local organising team has been set up to prepare for the day.

— @ncubeleon

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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
FOR the first time in many years, referees have not increased their appearance fees ahead of the start of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer league season this afternoon.

According to the Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee vice chairperson, Gladmore Muzambi, the match referee will be paid $180, the same figure that a match commissioner will receive while the first, second and fourth referees will each be paid $160.

“We are not increasing the referees’ fees, they remain the same like last season. The decision was taken in view of the plight of our clubs who are reeling in serious financial doldrums,” said Muzambi.

With the home team responsible for the referees’ fees, each of the 18 clubs in the Premier Soccer League will need to budget $14 280 for their 17 matches, translating to $840 per match.

Unlike in other countries, especially in England where referees are paid from a specific fund instead of clubs paying them as the tendency can breed corruption, Zimbabwe still sticks to that system with observers saying future sponsorship of the league must also carter for referees’ fees.

Zimbabwe has 72 referees, a number which according to the respected and retired Muzambi, is ideal for an 18-team league.

“A referee must be in charge of a match and be given a week off before being assigned again, so 72 is a proper number for our league,” he said.

Expectations are high that the match officials will not hog the limelight for the wrong reasons as has been the case in years gone by, with complaints from clubs almost every weekend of football.

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Norman Mapeza

Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE and Eddie Chikamhi in HARARE
FOR years they have been knocking on the door, hoping to transform themselves into the immortals who would finally end the dominance of Harare and Bulawayo clubs, in the Castle Lager Premiership championship race, which has now stretched for 51 years.

In their six seasons in the top-flight league, FC Platinum have come second twice, third once, fourth twice and their worst performance was when they finished seventh in 2012 as they struggled to recover from the hangover inflicted by the pain of collapsing on the final hurdle in the previous race when victory appeared certain.

Last year, they again finished as the bridesmaids as Caps United won their first league championship title in 11 years.

But FC Platinum, who have repackaged themselves as the best professionally run football club in the country, believe they could clear the final hurdle and win the league championship this year.

No football club, from outside Harare and Bulawayo, has been crowned domestic champions since St Paul’s Musami won the title in 1966.

The Zvishavane miners took their pre-season preparations to South Africa where coach Norman Mapeza received some tips of how he can inspire his men to glory, from Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane and his coaching staff who include Zimbabwe legend Peter Ndlovu.

Mosimane inspired the Brazilians to their first Caf Champions League title last year and was named the Caf Coach of the Year.

The former Bafana Bafana coach leads a technical team that has Rulani Mokwena and Manqaba Mngithi — who are good enough to be taking charge of clubs on their own — as his assistants.

FC Platinum lured former Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe, a young coach who is regarded as a tactician, into their coaching staff as one of Mapeza’s assistants.

Mapeza yesterday said there was need for Zvishavane to unite, for a common cause, for his men to take on the giants from the country’s two biggest cities and beat them in the championship race this year.

The Warriors’ caretaker coach was speaking at Mandava yesterday when the club unveiled their new acquisitions, and additions to their coaching staff, while also parading the new luxury team bus that they have acquired.

FC Platinum president George Mawere, arguably the best football administrator in the country today, unveiled Talent Chawapiwa, Brett Amidu, Agrippa Murimba, Gift Mbweti and Lawrence Mhlanga who received a resounding applause from the fans.

“We need to be very united, we do not want wars and we must not have divisions if we are looking forward to winning the championship,” said Mapeza who won the title with Monomotapa in 2008.

“I will remind you of what Stephen Kompela always says. When you win you are the father, when you lose                        you look like an orphan. If we are to bring results we have to be a team, we have to be a family and we have to be strong.

“In the match with Dynamos, we are not under pressure. Those who say we are under pressure, it is their opinion but we have an objective as a club. The game on Sunday (tomorrow) will be a massive game and we are going there to try and get a positive result.

“Every club in the Premiership plays for the championship, if the club wins it’s not about Mapeza but it’s about the institution.”

Evans Mtombeni, the new club chairman, said they believe in Mapeza and their target was to win the league championship.

“We want to improve our position from number two last seasons to number one. Our vision remains to become the leading brand in football not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa.

“We also hope that Caps United will go all the way in the Champions League and earn two slots for Zimbabwe as it is our  wish that our football must always dominate in Africa,” said Mtombeni.

FC Platinum will play their next home match at Maglas as their home ground is being renovated.

DeMbare skipper Ocean Mushure is sounding more like his defiant coach Lloyd Mutasa as he believes that the new-look Glamour Boys will be a force to reckon with this year.

With about 11 fresh faces coming through trials, DeMbare are likely to have a different outlook this year with no recognisable characters like showman Rodrick Mutuma, Godknows Murwira, Stephen Alimenda and goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva who formed the core of the side last year.

Instead, many will be trying to familiarise with the new players who include Emmanuel Mandiranga, Gift Saunyama, Quality Kangadze and Cameroonian Ntouba Poupa Christian Joel.

Mushure is among the experienced players in a line-up that also has Denver Mukamba, Masimba Mambare, Elisha Muroiwa, Valentine Ndaba and Obey Mwerahari.

“We have a new team packed with some inexperienced youngsters and the good thing is that we have played a lot of preparatory games so that we get used to playing together,’’ said Mushure.

“We are looking forward to competing for the championship and the other cups that we may come along the way. We will see how we will have fared after the first five to six games but I think we are there.’’

Mushure said the platinum miners should brace for a tough game against the Glamour Boys.

“We cannot single out one game. Football is all the same. You only need to do the right things on the pitch. If we can work as a team I think we may achieve our goals.

“Our fans should rally behind us always so that we maintain the focus.

“But this is going to be a very competitive season. There are many teams in the league this year and it makes the competition exciting.”

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Ahmad Ahmad

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
IN what is a clear sign of paying back by the recently elected Caf president Ahmad, Zimbabwe and Bulawayo will this morning witness the Caf Champions League group phase draw at the Large City Hall where Caps United will be hoping for a favourable draw.

Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa, who was Ahmad’s campaign manager that successfully ended a 29-year reign by Cameroonian strongman, Issa Hayatou, said Africa’s elite former footballers will descend on the City of Kings where he also ironically launched his campaign for the Zifa presidency in 2015.

“It’s an exciting moment for the country and indeed for Bulawayo as a city, we expect proceedings to get underway at 8AM so that some of the guys can get the afternoon plane to their respective countries. We urge football fans and Caps United supporters in particular to come in their numbers and if possible clad in their club colours for this occasion,” said the Harare businessman.

Also set to be in Bulawayo is a renowned Indonesian artist  Bodoh Hari who arrived in the capital last night.

Makepekepe, who knocked out giants and five time African champions TP Mazembe on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline, will be hoping for a favourable draw so as to progress to the knockout stages of the  tournament.

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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach, Erol Akbay, has threatened to pack his bags and head back home in frustration over the country’s restrictive foreign exchange control regulations as his bank has allegedly not transferred a single cent back of his salary to his homeland over the last seven months.

Akbay claims intolerance, his employers, Highlanders claim innocence while captains of finance cite the law.

“The bank has not sent any money to my home in Netherlands and it’s now seven months and if this continues I will rather go back home,” said Akbay in an unsolicited interview with Chronicle Sport.

“I don’t even know the exact reason but they always tell me it’s the Government laws but I don’t believe that.”

Highlanders’ secretary general Emmett Ndlovu, while acknowledging the coach’s dilemma, said the issue was beyond their control as they have been paying him on time.

“I am not aware of his threat to go back home but what I know is that as Highlanders, we have been paying his salary timeously, that I can confirm. Akbay has got an account with his bank, BancABC and what his bank does or does not do is surely not in our hands and I believe it could be something to do with the country’s financial laws in as far as exporting foreign currency is concerned,” said Ndlovu.

An expert in finance, Godwin Takundwa said Akbay’s situation was not unique to him only but was very much in line with national laws.

“The country, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, has a list of priority issues when it comes to exporting the scarce foreign currency, of the things that can be allowed to have foreign currency leave this country. There are a lot of things that are looked at before the RBZ okays that money leaves Zimbabwe and salary might not be one of those top priorities,” said Takundwa.

He said big companies have foreign currency quotas given to them and even with that, it’s not automatic that requests are consented to.

“We have big companies that have had their requests for telegraphic transfers taking even up to four months, all this is because of the priorities I talked about earlier,” he said.

BancABC spokesperson, Muriel Dowa, had by late yesterday not responded to questions emailed to her on Thursday afternoon.

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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League 2017 season roars into life this afternoon, with six matches lined up.

The country’s traditional giants, Highlanders, Dynamos and defending champions Caps United who play their respective games tomorrow will be following today’s action with keen interest as they hope to get off to good starts.

Caps United who are under the guidance of Lloyd Chitembwe are favourites to retain the title but they should expect stiff competition from clubs like Highlanders who are coached by Dutch expatriate Erol Akbay, Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum and 2015 champions Chicken Inn who are under the tutelage of Rahman Gumbo.

Tonderai  Ndiraya’s Ngezi Platinum Stars are the championship dark horses alongside rebuilding Dynamos who are under the stewardship of Lloyd Mutasa as well as  ZPC Kariba.

How the traditional giants and championship dark horses start their campaign will be key to their title ambitions.

Clubs like Bulawayo City, Harare City, How Mine and Triangle United will also fancy chances of winning the title with the likes of Chapungu, Bantu Rovers, Tsholotsho FC, Hwange, Black Rhinos and Yadah FC all hopeful to move away of the murky relegation waters.

Below are the opening weekend matches:

TODAY

Bantu Rovers v Chicken Inn (Luveve): This is more of a “David and Goliath” affair, with Chicken Inn, 2015 champions eyeing a good start. Chicken Inn, affectionately known as the Gamecocks are hard-pressed for the title and their veteran gaffer Rahman Gumbo, who won championship titles with Highlanders at the beginning of the millennium will be hoping to get his mojo on.

On paper, Chicken Inn have a stronger squad, made up of experienced players compared to Rovers who have declared that their focus is on giving youngsters an opportunity to shine. Players to lead Gumbo’s search for maximum points today include goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, defenders Moses Jackson, national team’s Teenage Hadebe and Divine Lunga. Newly signed defensive midfielder Innocent Mucheneka, Thabani Goredema, Chris Samakweri and Clemence Matawu are expected to keep strikers Obidiah Tarumbwa and Kudakwashe Gurure well supplied.

Chicken Inn face youthful Rovers whose only senior players are goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda and defenders Tapiwa Khumbuyani and Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu.

Rovers have an apt tactician in Methembe Ndlovu, who will guide the team at a time when the club is still hunting for a permanent gaffer with a Caf A licence to take over.

A firm believer in young talent, Ndlovu will field among other youngsters Michael Kutsanzira, Kudzaishe Dzingwe, Nyasha Garayi, Shadreck Nyahwa, Lucky Ndlela, Stephen Chimusoro, Jileni Nsingo, Fortune Sibanda, Bukhosi Sibanda, Munyaradzi Chitambwe and Obriel Chirinda.

Both teams are in dire need of maximum points, with a victory for Rovers set to boost their confidence while a Chicken Inn win sets them on a right track in as far as the title race is concerned.

Tsholotsho FC v Hwange (Dulivhadzimu): Tsholotsho FC will want to start their season at their newly adopted home, Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge with a positive result. Iziqolo zeZhwane who have twice survived relegation by a whisker elevated Farayi Tawachera to the position of head coach after Lizwe Sweswe left the club to join FC Platinum.

In their previous four meetings with Hwange, Sweswe led Tsholotsho to two victories, a draw and a defeat. The odds favour Tsholotsho but it won’t be an easy ride as Hwange who have just reunited with coach Nation Dube are eager for a perfect start.

Hwange who lost a number of players like Tonisani Sibelo, Mucheneka, Munyaradzi Mungadze, Gift Mbweti and Pritchard Mphelele will bank on veterans Gilbert Zulu and Obert “Cobra” Moyo to show the boys the ropes. Former Highlanders captain Felix Chindungwe and ex-Chicken Inn midfielder Canaan Nkomo are Tsholotsho’s major signings.

Chapungu v Triangle United (Ascot): It’s a clash of new coaches, both eager to impress their paymasters by winning their opening match. Tendai Chikuni who replaced John Nyikadzino will be hoping to get the better of seasoned gaffer Tawurayi Mangwiro who took over from David Mandigora and Biggie Zuze.

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.

Mangwiro said: “I’m pleased to note that my players are focused and their concentration level is high, which could lead to a great start.”

ZPC Kariba v How Mine (Nyamhunga): Last season How Mine collected four points out of a possible six against ZPC Kariba. The goldminers beat ZPC Kariba 2-0 in Bulawayo and played to a 0-0 in the return fixture at Nyamhunga.

Even though their clubs have given them a vote of confidence, both Chidzambwa and How Mine’s Kelvin Kaindu are hard-pressed for silverware, meaning that a positive result today will be key towards shaping their direction.

Former Highlanders and national team playmaker Peter “Rio” Moyo, ex-Zim Leopards striker Tinashe Makanda, utility players Milton Ncube and Mukundika Sakala, leftback Brian Mbiriri and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard are the gold miners’ trump cards.

Ngezi Platinum v Black Rhinos (National Sports Stadium): Ngezi Platinum have a little advantage going into this encounter having had an early season start because of their participation in the Caf Confederations Cup. The platinum miners have assembled a strong squad, which has a wealth of experience and are capable of causing major upsets. Ngezi Platinum have a brilliant goalkeeper in Nelson Chadya with defender Patson Jaure who captained Zimbabwe when they played a 0-0 draw against Zambia leading the backline. Captain Liberty Chakoroma, midfielders Xolisani Moyo and Walter Mukanga, leftback Qadr Amini and utility player MacClive Phiri are some of the players to watch from the platinum miners.

Black Rhinos 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.

l The best result that Rhinos can get from Ngezi is a draw.

Harare City v Yadah FC (National Sports Stadium): Harare City coach Mike Madzivanyika has declared his team ready for the Premiership newboys. He ruled out complacency ahead of the clash saying; “Yadah are coming from Division One and we cannot underrate them. We don’t know much about them, but we have prepared for that match. Our expectations are high. We hope it is going to be a good season for us. We want to finish as high as possible. Every team wants to win the championship”.

City’s newboys Malvern Gaki, Pritchard Mpelele, former ZPC Kariba forward Protasho Kabwe, Munyaradzi Sakho and Tinashe Vilakazi will be expected to immediately deliver at the Sunshine City boys.

Yadah, coached by Jairos Tapera who believes the anointing from club owner Prophet Walter Magaya will shake the topflight league, will be hoping that divine intervention work in their favour.

“We leave everything to God to help us with the anointing of 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.

TOMORROW

Highlanders v Bulawayo City (Barbourfields): What a way for Bulawayo-based fans to start a season other than a derby!

A big turnout is expected at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow with multitudes of Highlanders’ fans looking forward to their team’s perfect start. It won’t be easy for Bosso because Bulawayo City are also keen for a promising start, with their gaffer Mandla Mpofu stating that they are in the league to compete and will not give Highlanders points on a silver platter.

“We respect Highlanders for being a big club but on Sunday there won’t be any respect for those 90 minutes as we’re coming to fight for the points. We’re in the race to compete, not just to make up numbers and I’m sure everyone is in the right frame of mind,” Mpofu said.

Highlanders’ coach knows City’s capabilities and is wary of their rivals.

“This year they (Bulawayo City) are a much better team. We had a training game with them and they work very hard. Their players are good compared to last year, so I think they might surprise everybody,” said Akbay.

Bosso will be without injured playmaker Rahman Kutsanzira for tomorrow’s encounter, presenting youngster Brian Banda an opportunity to fill the void and be part of Highlanders’ midfield unit.

Goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, eccentric striker Rodrick Mutuma, Prince Dube, 2016 Soccer Star of the Year finalist Peter Muduhwa and young Bukhosi Ncube are some of the players expected to lead Highlanders’ search for maximum points.

City’s hopes will be pinned on veterans Zephaniah Ngodzo, Mkhokheli Dube, Liberty Chirava, and Morris Kadzola, with young Sipho Ndlovu, Trevor Ndlovu and Humphrey Ncube also being vital cogs of the squad.

Dynamos v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium): Rebuilding Dynamos are facing a tricky season opener against pre-season favourites FC Platinum who maintained the core of their squad, making a few additions. The platinum miners who have come close to winning the league championship in recent years only to falter at the final hurdle go to Harare seeking to return to Zvishavane with maximum points.

During pre-season, the Zvishavane giants were busy on the market and snatched the signatures of former Hwange striker Gift Mbweti, Talent Chawapihwa from ZPC Kariba, Brett Amidu (Dynamos) and Agrippa Murimba (Mutare City).

Dynamos coach Mutasa believes the opening match against FC Platinum is a good test for his new-look side.

The new-look squad has about 11 new faces among them Gift Saunyama, Cleopas Kapupirika, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Quality Kangadze, Phakamani Dube, Lincoln Zvasiya, goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira and Cameroonian striker Ntouba Epoupa Christian Joel.

Shabanie Mine v Caps United (Maglas): Could this be baptism of fire for Premiership returnees Shabanie Mine?

Shabanie Mine face a side that is bubbling with confidence following their brilliant Caf Champions League run where they booked a place in the group stages of the continental clubs competition at the expense of TP Mazembe.

However, the Zvishavane side is not intimidated at all with their technical manager Taku Shariwa saying they draw inspiration from Caps United’s continental feat.

“David will be meeting Goliath on Sunday. We are going to play a team that beat the highly-fancied TP Mazembe and knocked them out of the Champions League. We are playing a team that has qualified for the Champions League group stage and to us they are an inspiration. They make us believe that everything is possible,” Shariwa told our Harare Bureau.

He vowed to give Caps United a good run for their money. Shabanie Mine’s new recruits William “Munhumutema” Mapfumo, Dylan Chivandire, Farai Mupasiri and Nelson Maziwisa are experienced enough to stand the heat against Caps United.

On the other hand, Caps United’s key men will be defensive midfielder Devon Chafa, goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda and Phinias Bamusi. Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo is also expected to be a thorn in the flesh for Shabanie Mine.

-@ZililoR

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S boys junior golf team has, for the second time in a row, qualified for this year’s Toyota Junior Golf Championship to be held in Hiroshima, Japan.

They came second to South Africa at Royal Harare yesterday.

The team, led by Justin Kersten, could not dethrone African powerhouse South Africa but their second place finish was enough to book them a ticket to Japan.

South Africa finished the four rounds on 23-under-par after a six-under final round.

Zimbabwe finished on 13-over.

The local girls’ team, however, missed the only slot available to the World Cup after they lost it to South Africa.

South Africa team finished on three-over par after a five-over par final round.

Zimbabwe ended their campaign in 66-over par.

Kersten, the 19-year-old Bulawayo Golf Club amateur, was pleased his team made the cut to Japan.

“We played as a team and we are happy that we qualified for the tournament in Japan. We will now work hard to have better chances at the tournament.

“The team had a good mixture, we would have liked to give South Africa a good run but they have once again managed to show their class.

“The course was fantastic and we just kept focused which helped us,” he said.

Reunion came third on 53-over par.

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GOING PLACES . . . ZIFA president Phillip Chiyangwa (right) stresses a point as he addresses the media in the company of La Liga director for Africa Antonio Barradas in Harare yesterday

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
IMAGINE, a few years from now, a Zimbabwean player making waves in the Spanish La Liga?

This is exactly the dream that ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa and La Liga Africa office director Antonio Barradas have following a discussion yesterday that sought to promote football development in the country.

Barradas, who is based in South Africa, yesterday said his superiors at La Liga have mandated him to explore possibilities for football exchange programmes between Zimbabwe and Spain, engineer grassroots development, foster training of trainers, raise development projects and to support with football equipment.

The La Liga official cemented his commitment yesterday when he donated 1 000 soccer balls to be used by ZIFA in the grassroots programmes that are earmarked to start across the country under the Government’s initiative of community sports clubs.

Barradas also revealed the possibility of La Liga Stars coming to Zimbabwe in the future to inspire the young generation of players while plans are afoot to get top Spanish football club Malaga visit Zimbabwe in July when they come for their pre-season tour in South Africa.

“Through La Liga we want to work with the federation of Zimbabwe football and we think it’s the right place, it’s leading at the moment. Our vision as La Liga is not to get to not only in Zimbabwe but to other countries as well and we want to bring what we know best in Spain – which is football.

“We have something which is proven and it’s successful over the world. So we can come in and help with the new technologies in football; bring in the trainers to train the trainers at school level. We are not going to come and compete with the clubs. La Liga is not here to make money, we are here to help by going to the grassroots and to the women’s league as well to help them with football development.

“Africa are football lovers. About 80 percent of the population love football. As the Spanish league we want to be near our fans as well. If we can bring on our experience it’s going to be great.

“We are bringing seven people from La Liga as from next month to go to different countries and work with those countries to develop football because I can’t be in many countries at the same time.

“In the future we would love to have some African players to play in Spain that is number one and then obviously bring some teams from Spain. Of course, Real Madrid and Barcelona will be almost impossible for now but the other medium clubs will be a possibility for some games here.

“We are bringing Malaga down to Cape Town but for here I can’t commit myself at the moment but definitely I will do my best. It was discussed in the afternoon and I will work on it,” said Barradas.

According to Barrads, the main aim of the La Liga African project is to unearth future Cristiano Ronaldos and Lionel Messis.

Chiyangwa was excited by Barradas’ visit and La Liga commitment to the development co-operation. Chiyangwa said he will vigorously pursue the possibility of Malaga visiting Zimbabwe in July.

“As you are aware he has already given us 1 000 balls which we are going to collect I think next week and then we start more and more co-operations as we discussed.

“The idea of getting Malaga coming here in July is on the top of my priority, that they fly in through Cape Town, Durban and Harare and Victoria Falls. It’s a beautiful place, Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They will love it,” said Chiyangwa.

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Willard Manyengavana

Sports Reporter
THE ZIFA club licensing committee say they are not trying to intimidate Premier Soccer League clubs but only want to professionalise the football set-up in the country.

Speaking at a workshop organised for PSL clubs in Harare yesterday, the committee’s vice-chairperson, Willard Manyengavana, said they understand some of challenges that are being faced by the clubs.

“We visited all but one stadiums that host PSL matches. Ideally, our intention when we were visiting these clubs was not to make life difficult for any club. The idea is to make sure that we professionalise football in Zimbabwe. When we visited some of the facilities being used by the PSL clubs, some of them were in very bad state.

“I could not believe some of the stadiums we were seeing, they cannot even host Division One matches in Northern Region.

“But I believe that after some meetings we had with stakeholders, clubs and the stadium owners, we believe that there is going to be a lot of improvement.

“Club licensing is here to stay and we all have to meet the minimum requirements in order for us to get the licences,” he said.

The administrator said only two clubs – CAPS United and Ngezi Platinum – have met the minimum requirements.

Meanwhile, CAF have given ZIFA the greenlight to conduct nine CAF courses this year.

ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said the extensive programme comes at a time when the association was enforcing the standardisation of coaches’ qualifications for various levels of coaching.

“Bindura will host two courses – a CAF C Licence programme to be conducted between 22 April and 5 May and a CAF B licence from 5 December to 23 December.

“Four other CAF C Licence coaching courses will be held in Gwanda (7 May to 22 May); Mutare/Masvingo (5 June to 19 June); Mashonaland West (11 July to 25 July) and Bulawayo (7 October to 22 October).

“The first of the two CAF B Licences for this year will be held in Zvishavane from the 7th of May to the 22nd, while a CAF B equivalence course reserved for legendary players will be conducted in November, from the 7th to the 22nd,’’ said Gwesela.

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Caps United

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe wants his Green Machine to take off from where they left last year as they begin the defence of their Castle Lager Premiership title away to Premiership returnees Shabanie Mine at Maglas tomorrow.

The Harare giants have transformed themselves into the team of the moment after ending 11 years of waiting for the league title by powering to a deserved triumph last year in which they completed the season unbeaten at home.

They have also become the toast of domestic football, with analysts saying they are the best team in the country today, following an impressive run in the CAF Champions League.

The Green Machine became the first Zimbabwean side to eliminate five-time African champions TP Mazembe from the CAF Champions League after defeating the Congolese giants on away goals rule.

Their fans believe that if Makepekepe can stand the heat, in the cauldron of Lubumbashi where they emerged with a draw against TP Mazembe, they can prove too powerful for most of their domestic opponents.

But football is a funny game and doesn’t usually work that way.

And Maglas has always provided a tough test for opposition teams even though Shabanie have been facing their challenges and haven’t recruited the kind of players who could spoil the party for the Green Machine.

There is concern in the CAPS United camp that the club could be victims of their success as some players have started to treat themselves as superstars, who deserve five-star treatment, after they elbowed TP Mazembe out of the Champions League.

Club president Farai Jere warned his players this week that they need to keep their feet on the ground and keep fighting for honours, in a season that is promising on all fronts.

There is a possibility CAPS United could get a corporate partner into their corner after the club’s leaders held talks with a potential sponsor in Harare this week.

Chitembwe believes their main threat could be complacency.

“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.

The league programme will get underway this afternoon with an exciting line-up of matches.

The championship got a huge boost last week when traditional sponsors Delta Beverages announced a fresh three-year partnership with the Premier Soccer League.

Harare City will start the ball rolling in the capital when they welcome ambitious newboys Yadah Stars at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.

The game starts at 3.30pm.

Yadah Stars defied the odds to win the ticket into the Premiership, at the first time of asking, when they conquered the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League.

They have a new coach, Jairos Tapera, who has just returned from a short stint in South Africa, but it is the club’s president, Prophet Walter Magaya, who will be attracting a lot of attention.

The charismatic prophet says he is also the club’s technical director, saying he draws his coaching powers from the blessings he receives from praying, and has played a big role in trying to shape a very competitive side which he says could even win the league title.

Tonderai Ndiraya’s Ngezi Platinum Stars will also be at home in the opening match against Black Rhinos at Baobab.

How Mine will be on the road and their coach Kelvin Kaindu is praying for a bright start when they face ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga this afternoon.

“I think a good start will give us an edge going forward. If you start well it boosts the confidence, but ZPC Kariba as you know are strong at their backyard. But we are ready,” said Kaindu.

Castle Lager Premeirship Fixtures

Today: Harare City v Yadah (NSS), ZPC Kariba v How Mine (Nyamhunga), Ngezi Platinum v Black Rhinos (Baobab), Chapungu v Triangle (Ascot), Bantu Rovers v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Tsholotsho v Hwange (Barbourfields)

Tomorrow: Dynamos v FC Platinum (NSS), Highlanders v Bulawayo City (Barbourfields), Shabanie v CAPS United (Maglas)

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Zimbabwe Cricket has recalled a senior manager it suspended earlier this month, but his lawyers have rejected a condition in the lifting of the suspension that their client cannot pursue the case in future to claim damages.

ZC reinstated procurement and services manager Anesu Kafesu on a “without prejudice basis”, which means the employee cannot claim to have been prejudiced due to his suspension or use the suspension lift as legal ammunition before the courts if the employer was to bring out the charges again.

In a letter seen by Nehanda Radio, Kafesu’s lawyers say reinstatement without prejudice was illegal and warned that they will file a lawsuit if their client was to be charged again in future.

“We welcome the development as it was always clear that our client had not committed the offences that he was being charged with,” wrote Kafesu’s lawyer, E Jera, of Moyo and Jera Legal Practitioners.

“As such, we take it that our client has been reinstated without any conditions thereto. If in future these or any other unsubstantiated charges are raised or the conduct of the employer shows any inclination to terminate the contract unjustifiably and before its expiry, we will definitely raise the complaint of an unfair labour practice against the employer.”

Kafesu will resume work on Monday.

As reported by Nehanda Radio earlier this month, Kafesu was suspended on conflict of interest charges (criminal abuse of office), three months after the board did not renew the contract of finance director Esther Lupepe following an audit scandal.

Charges against Kafesu emanated from accusations that he contracted jobs to a private company he co-owns with his wife – for personal benefit.

Kafesu was suspended following an internal investigation.

House of Azalea, a fledgling Harare-based women’s fashion company run by Kafesu’s wife, started getting printing jobs from the cricket association five years ago.

Interestingly, House of Azalea would not itself perform the jobs it was contracted to do by ZC through Kafesu. It would subcontract a leading Harare printing company (named) and place a mark-up.

Charges are that ZC could have been prejudiced several thousand of dollars due to this practice.

The fashion company made a killing during international games hosted by Zimbabwe. For international games, ZC needs to print such material as accreditation cards, tickets and pitch-side billboards.

Some of the pitch-side billboards are bought by international corporates for several thousands of dollars for advertisment, especially during televised games when the top international sides tour.

Said a top insider: “A quick look at one of the manager’s Facebook account shows that he lives a life of luxury that is not consumate with most Zimbabwean salaries.”

“He flies first-class when players fly economy. His family does regional and international  holidays. Kids go to private schools.”

What also raised suspicion was the discovery that several ZC assets, including a bus, could have been missing from the association’s asset register.

A source, meanwhile, has told Nehanda Radio that ZC has decided against taking on Kafesu in the courts due to the association’s bad record in legal disputes.

ZC has previously been forced to compensate former employees after losing at the courts.

In Kafesu’s case, its said ZC still believes it still has a case against him, therefore the lifting of the suspension with the “without prejudice” clause.

“They rushed to suspend him without ample evidence, but they are convinced his offence was dismissible,” said an insider.

Another source said ZC was advised by its lawyers to let Kafesu’s contract runs out and not renew it when it expires.

The contracts of all ZC employees expire as some stage.

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Ishemunyoro Chingwere —

Harare City. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .0

Yadah FC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

YADAH FC technical adviser Prophet Walter Magaya was missing from the bench as the Castle Lager Premiership debutantes held Harare City at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

However, the absence of Magaya gave one starlet a chance to steal the show.

Leeroy Mavunga was the toast of the afternoon as the teenager ran rings around the Harare City defenders much to the crowd’s delight and it was unfortunate that he could not cap the fine show with a goal.

Yadah FC coach Jairos Tapera was full of praise for his charges and singled out Mavunga for special mention.

“We have a good foundation to work on,” said Tapera. “We had two or three chances which I think we should have taken and scored maybe one. I am happy with his (Mavunga) performance. He is one for the future. A future national team player, if I may say,” he said.

City used the match to prove Mike “Dread” Madzivanyika was the real head coach and not a decoy after he was elevated to take over from Mkhupali Masuku, who doesn’t have the mandatory CAF A coaching license.

Masuku was glued to the bench for the entire duration of the match as Madzivanyika barked instructions as a head coach ought to.

The former Black Aces midfielder also faced the media in post-match interviews.

“We have a lot of work to do to get to where we want,” said Madzivanyika. “But it’s only our first match and we will keep on working hard.”

 Teams

Harare City: M Nyamupanedengu, T Chimwemwe, P Mpelele, J Tigere, R Uchena, E Madhanhanga, J Jam, P Kabwe (Tumba, 89’), M Vengesai (W Muvirimi, 55’), M Gaki, T Balakasi (G Kufandada, 89’)

Yadah: T Dube, M Demera, B Chikwenya, J Dzingai, R Dongo, B Mapfumo, W Kamudyariwa, D Svanhu, L Mavunga (M Meleka, 78’), M Musiyakuvi (L Murape, 49’), J Sibanda (L Chibwiro, 90’)

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. . . Bambo will never be a great coach
. . . New book reveals nasty fall out

Sports Reporters —
LEGENDARY former Dynamos captain Memory Mucherahohwa has sensationally claimed that Moses “Bambo” Chunga will never be a great coach because he lacks professionalism.

In his upcoming biography titled “The Soul of Seven Million Dreams”, excerpts of which have been exclusively availed to The Sunday Mail Sport, Mucherahowa reveals why there is no love lost between himself and Chunga.

The man nicknamed Mwendamberi during his playing days describes Chunga, who won the league title with Gunners in 2010, as lucky.

“While Chunga at a personal level is a very good person I don’t think he can be in the mould of Sunday Chidzambwa as a coach,” writes Mucherahowa.

“He is just a lucky because his teams win because players play for him but he is not serious at all. Chunga has his own merits like the way he stands up for his players but his approach to issues lacks professionalism.”

Mucherahohwa adds that he suffered at the hands of Chunga’s alleged lack of professionalism during his short stint as Dynamos team manager.

“I remember during my short stint as the acting team manager he used to come late for training without communication at all. Sometimes he would arrive as late as 14:30 hours with just 30 minutes remaining before match kick-off and we would be forced to pick the team on his behalf.

“Chunga’s other big let-down is his lack of knowledge on boundaries and jurisdiction. Perhaps this is driven by his desire to stand up for his players who in most cases are at the receiving end of poor treatment from the executive members.”

Mucherahowa discloses that his bad relationship with Chunga can be traced back to the boardroom squabbles that rocked DeMbare towards the start of the 2002 season.

“Chunga had teamed up with Chidzambwa to prepare for the 2002 season and this did not go down well with the (Ignatius) Pamire-led executive. They were afraid that Chunga and Chidzambwa might usurp their powers.

“They hatched a plan to destablise the duo’s training session at the National Sports Stadium. I was caught in the crossfire because I was a relative of Pamire’s driver Jonathan Mutemasango who was tasked to hire thugs to disrupt a training session…”

When the fight got nasty and Chunga’s house was vandalised by “unknown assailants”, Mucherahohwa found himself having to answer some uncomfortable questions.

“Unfortunately Chunga thought I had something to do with it because of my closeness to Mutemasango. Chunga called me that day to enquire if I was at home. He later came to my home in Kambuzuma and accused me of being part of a group working against him. I professed my innocence but he did not buy my words,” reads the account.

The breakdown in his relationship with Chunga marked the beginning of the end of Mucherahohwa’s reign as Dynamos team manager.

“My contract as acting team manager had expired so I went to Pamire to ask about the club’s position. ‘Talk to the head coach,’ Pamire referred me to Chunga. From the way Chunga received me it was obvious the relationship had been tainted. ‘I will think about it,’ he told me.

“It became clear to me that Chunga was not interested in hiring me so I decided to embark on a career change,” recalls the DeMbare legend.

But he yearns for a thawing of ties.

“In him I saw a brother and he treated me as such. I still see him as such and yearn for this nightmare to end one day. To wake up and him tell me it was one long bad dream and that he is still my brother,” writes Mucherahohwa.

“The Soul of Seven Million Dreams” by former Dynamos captain and team manager Memory Mucherahohwa will be available in local book shops in the coming weeks

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Ishemunyoro Chingwere —
Kallisto Pasuwa will not be on the touchline when Dynamos and FC Platinum clash at the National Sports Stadium today, but his shadow hovers over this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash.

Pasuwa is out of employment after Zifa decided not to renew his contract following a poor Warriors show at the Africa Cup of Nations.

His availability has not gone noticed at both DeMbare and Pure Platinum Play.

Dynamos president Kenny Mubaiwa has not been emphatic in his backing of current coach Lloyd Mutasa while FC Platinum appreciate that the Warriors job will be difficult to resist for their gaffer, Norman Mapeza.

Mapeza took charge of the Warriors in last weekend’s friendly against Zambia and reports are that Zifa are mulling offering him the job on a permanent basis.

FC Platinum desperately want to win the league and have invested heavily again as they seek the right to be called the kings of Zimbabwean football.

The miners, as has become the norm, have been active in the close-season, bringing in Lizwe Sweswe from Tsholotsho to assist Mapeza. They also signed highly-rated midfielders Brett Amidu and Talent Chawapiwa as well as striker Gift Mbweti, who scored nine goals for Hwange last term.

But on the eve of a campaign in which they have demanded “total commitment”, their coach’s head has been turned by the prospects of rejoining the Warriors.

Mapeza refusal to rule himself out of the national team job has complicated matters at a time a coach boasting of four league crowns on his CV like Pasuwa is available.

FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo insisted that the Zvishavane-based outfit would only make a decision if Mapeza asked to end his contract and join the Warriors.

“There is nothing much we can say for now. We have resolved as a club that we will only cross that bridge when we get to it,” she said.

DeMbare’s Mubaiwa, although reiterating his support for Mutasa, conceded that the availability of a coach like Pasuwa on the market was difficult to ignore.

“As an executive we have a duty to show support to our coaches and give them all the confidence going into the new season,” Mubaiwa said. “But just as you speculate, there is no denying the fact that if what we planned does not materialise, Pasuwa will be the first person any ambitious club will consider although for now I must emphasize we are not interested in his services.”

DeMbare open the 2017 season licking the wounds of a 2016 in which they failed to finish in the top two for the first time in a decade.

The Glamour Boys had finished as either league champions or runners-up since 2007, but their fortunes plummeted in 2016 with their decision to hire unknown Portuguese coach Jorge Silva.

Silva was fired mid-season and Mutasa was elevated to the top job.

While the former Dynamos midfielder has not been a disaster, he is yet to earn the confidence of the Dynamos executive.

Last season FC Platinum completed a double over Dynamos and this clash has all the hallmarks of a potential thriller.

Fixtures: (All matches kickoff at 3pm)
Highlanders vs Bulawayo City (Barbourfields), Shabanie Mine vs CAPS United (Maglas), Dynamos vs Platinum (NSS)

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Langton Nyakwenda —
CHARLES MANYUCHI is a broken man. The prize fighter is crying a lot as he struggles to come to terms with his shock loss to Qudratillo Abduqaxorov of Uzbekistan last weekend, the boxer’s close associates have revealed.

Manyuchi surrendered his World Boxing Council silver welterweight title to Abduqaxorov in 2 minutes 56 seconds at Singapore’s OCBC Arena on March 25.

The technical knockout plunged Zimbabweans into apathy.

The 27-year-old boxer had grown accustomed to grand receptions after international excursions, but last Thursday he quietly drove into the country from Zambia.

Manyuchi has been gagged by his manager Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries.

Malunga is expected to issue a statement in Harare this week when he returns from Mexico where another of his pugilists, Catherine Phiri, was set to defend her WBC gold bantamweight title against Mariana Juarez last night.

Those close to Manyuchi say the former world champ feels like he has let down his country.

“He is not himself, he is crying a lot and these allegations that he could have thrown away the fight are really hurting him,” said an associate.

“When he arrived back home he cried for close to two hours and once he had collected himself the first thing he highlighted was that he would never throw away a fight because of money. He highlighted that he could have taken up Zambian citizenship if he was all about the money.”

Manyuchi is based in Zambia.

His local sponsors, Mr T35, reaffirmed their support for the boxer while Government – through the Sport and Recreation Ministry – has also backed Manyuchi.

“We are Manyuchi’s local sponsors but as you are aware he has a contract with Oriental Quarries of Zambia, so they are mandated to comment about the boxer. However, as Mr T35 we will stand by the boxer because we have come a long way and we know Manyuchi can rise again,” said an official.Manyuchi is said to be pushing his handlers to invoke a rematch clause said to be in the contract signed with Cartel International Promotions of Singapore who manage Abduqaxorov.

“The thinking is that Manyuchi as the previous holder of the title should be given first preference and that was also discussed during the talks prior to last weekend’s fight,” said a source.

However, an immediate rematch might not be possible because Dmitri Mikhaylenko of Russia won the right to fight the winner between Manyuchi and Abduqaxorov when he defeated Colombia’s Breidis Prescott in November 2016 to land the interim WBC silver welterweight title.

Manyuchi defeated Mikhaylenko in May last year to claim the then vacant WBC silver welterweight belt.

The Zimbabwean star failed to defend the belt in time and his loss in Singapore last weekend could affect his WBC ratings when the sanctioning body releases the April rankings.

Manyuchi is currently ranked sixth in the world by the WBC, behind former gold champion Danny Garcia (US), Amir Khan (Great Britain), Shawn Porter (US), Andre Berto (US), and Timothy Bradley (US).

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Langton Nyakwenda —
CAPS UNITED midfielder Abbas Amidu was involved in an accident last Tuesday but the forward reported for training the next day, something coach Lloyd Chitembwe says epitomises the fighting spirit at the league champions.

Amidu was travelling from Zvishavane, where his soccer playing brother Brett is now based, when the bus he was on veered off the road and overturned near Norton.

Despite that harrowing experience, Amidu wants to be part of the club’s league opener against Shabanie Mine at Maglas.

Chitembwe says the player’s attitude is something his charges have developed since knocking out TP Mazembe from the Caf Champions League.

Amidu – who had a short stint at Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa – scored the away goal in Lubumbashi which saw the Green Machine hold TP Mazembe 1-1 in a first round first leg encounter.

Makepekepe restricted Mazembe to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Harare to book a maiden berth in the money-spinning group phase.

The champions begin the defence of their Premiership crown having addressed an industrial action that disrupted midweek training.

And they will need to be at their best when they face a Shabanie Mine they have not beaten at Maglas on their last six visits.

The last time Caps United beat Shabanie Mine in a league match was on April 24, 2005 when Leonard Tsipa scored the solitary goal.

However, Chitembwe believes his boys are up for the task

“I wouldn’t want to talk about the past, neither am I at liberty to comment about (Shabanie Mine) but what I can only talk of is my boys’ capabilities. My boys now have the kind of attitude that I want. You look at Abbas (Amidu) he was in pain but he still reported for training. This is what I expect from fighters, I liked the boy’s attitude he is quite an exceptional player,” said Chitembwe.

“Belief, yes belief is what that game brought into my camp. The Mazembe game has changed the way they (players) see things. I think now they are believers of their own capabilities which is good for their confidence.”

Chitembwe has an array of stars to choose from and once again he will have to decide on whom to start at left-back between Ronald Pfumbidzai and the fast-rising Valentine Musarurwa.

Musarurwa started both legs against Mazembe in the absence of an injured Pfumbidzai but the latter has now fully recovered.

“Vale is a brilliant player and he has brought the kind of competition we want in the team. In fact, all our wing backs have given us what we expect of them. We are where we are because of their contribution,” Chitembwe said.

Reigning Soccer Star of the Year Hardlife Zvirekwi has also been kept on his toes by Mufakose-bred right-back Zvikomborero Bizeki.

Caps United’s continental success doesn’t worry Shabanie Mine’s coach Taku Shariwa who has declared that Makepekepe will get a rude awakening at Maglas.

“People are not giving us a chance and I will put it on record that we are fighting relegation. But the truth is we are going to upset some big boys because we want to bring back the good old days at Shabanie Mine,” he said.

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