By Tadious Manyepo

TOP New Zealand and South African rugby teams are reportedly jostling for the signature of Old Georgians teenage sensation Neil Mawere who has just capped a flying debut top-flight season by winning the Player of the Year Award at the Grant Mitchel-coached side.

The 19-year-old flanker and hooker had a terrific season for Old Georgians who finished the 2018 marathon as runners-up to Harare Sports Club.

Too good was the former Lomagundi captain that he was voted for the club’s top accolade ahead of veterans Fortune Chipendu, Shingirai Katsvara, Ngoni Chibuwe and David Makanda.

Yet Mawere only found the chance to showcase his prowess when the bulk of the team was on national duty with the Sables for the Africa Gold Cup.

He was subsequently promoted to the senior team on the recommendation of the team’s Under-21 coach Golden Pangeti.

After the promotion, the speedy Mawere never looked back and rose to be the most-sought-after player in the local league.

At the moment Mawere, whose only national team call-up came when being selected for the Zimbabwe “A” side which lost a Test match to Zambia in June, is being pursued by a number of clubs in South Africa and New Zealand. Although he was last year named in the Zimbabwean Craven Week team, Mawere couldn’t make the trip to South Africa as he suffered an injury while preparing for the tournament.

The Under-21 league is commencing late January but Mawere will most likely be out of the Old Georgians squad as the foreign clubs are closing in on him. A French Academy side Vannes is also understood to be chasing for Mawere’s signature.

But he is not rushing to accept offers as he believes he still has a lot of learning to do in the domestic league.

“I am happy with the recognition I received in my debut season at Old Georgians. In a way, I was actually surprised, I was shocked to win the Player of the Year award ahead of the seasoned players at our team. I am very happy, the award serves as an inspiration for me to continue aiming high,” said Mawere.

“Of course I know there are a lot of clubs outside the country who are interested in taking me aboard but I have known the fundamentals of development. I know development is systematic. I should fine-tune my skills at Old Georgians but if something concrete comes then it’s everyone’s dream to take his career to a higher level. “At the moment I am concentrating on improving my play. I am being helped by George Sawezy. My parents are also supportive and I should do well in rugby. I’m just waiting to see what comes on the table.”

Mawere credits his achievement to senior players like Takudzwa Kumadiro as well as the technical bench at his club Old Georgians.

Mawere is son to Dynamos Football Club vice-chairperson Ester Mawere.

Also winning accolades at the club’s awards ceremony was Daniel Capsopoulos who went home with the 7s Player of the Year award with Tendai Dhliwayo grabbing the Best Under-21 Player’s prize while Megan Cormie was the Ladies Player of the Year winner.

Source : The Herald

The post Foreign Teams Hunt for Zim Rugby Star appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Sports Reporter

FORMER Zimbabwe Cricket captain Tatenda Taibu is not ruling out another sensational return to the national team following his surprise return from retirement recently to play for Sri Lankan first class cricket side Baduraliya Sports Club.

The 35-year-old Zimbabwean wicket-keeper batsman appears to have got his comeback to first class cricket off to a promising start after scoring 13, 57, 39 and 13 in his first four innings scores in Sri Lanka.

And when asked if he would consider a national team return, Taibu said his target was to establish himself in the Sri Lankan scene before considering a return to international cricket.

“I haven’t thought that far. Because to start thinking about international, I have to be comfortable in first-class and I have to have the confidence that my body is still in shape,” Taibu said in an interview with the Indian news and media website Firstpost.

“I have to have the confidence that I will score hundreds, I have to have the confidence that I will take not only good catches but great catches. So it’s a little bit too early to be thinking about that.”

Taibu, who revealed that he had made a comeback as a player to fulfil his son Tatenda Jnr’s desire to see him play, said he considered himself one of the fittest cricketers in the world after working hard to keep fit during his retirement.

“Look, when I stopped playing cricket, I never really stopped training, even physical training. When I made the decision (to come back to competitive cricket), my schedule included running 7 kms on the beach, twice a week and then the other days in between, I would be doing sprints on the beach. I did all my fitness on the sand.

“So, in terms of fitness, it’s probably the easiest thing for me. I would not be lying if I said I am probably one of the fittest cricketers in the world. Without a doubt,” he said.

The legendary wicketkeeper batsman, who turned out in 28 Tests, 150 one-day internationals and 17 Twenty20 Internationals for the Chevrons, also explained his decision to make his recent comeback in Sri Lanka and not in Zimbabwe.

“I knew that I would walk into the domestic arena of Zimbabwe and score runs. I wanted something challenging. I like a challenge and I like to overcome a challenge,” Taibu explains.

“I never played first-class cricket in Sri Lanka. I don’t know most of the bowlers. I have only faced one or two that I have played with before.

“So, I am facing new bowlers, new conditions, new team, and new environment. Everything is new. So, for me, it’s a proper test of my ability. If I do well in that, I will have the satisfaction that I can still play the game.”

Taibu became the youngest ever Test captain in 2004 when he was 21.

But before his comeback early this month, he had last played representative cricket in February 2012 before retiring from all forms of the game to focus on church work.

Despite moving away from cricket in 2012, he made a comeback to the game in 2016 when he joined Hightown St Mary’s Cricket Club in the UK as player and coach.

Then, in 2017, he was appointed convener of selectors in Zimbabwe, but was removed from the position in early 2018 after Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.

Source : New Zimbabwe

The post Tatenda Taibu Hints On Zim Cricket Comeback appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Zimbabwe’s boxing superstar, Charles Manyuchi, is set to hang his gloves, putting to an end an impressive career that has given him fame and fortune.

BY HENRY MHARA

The former World Boxing Council (WBC) silver welterweight champion said his career in the ring was ending in the next 12 months and is currently organising his “bye-bye” bouts.

He said he had achieved everything that he wanted and now want to concentrate on his business.

“I want to retire while I’m still at the top. I don’t want to be embarrassed out. A good dancer knows when to leave the dance floor. I will have my last four fights, and after that there will be no more fighting for me,” Manyuchi said.

The first of the last four fights for the 29-year-old wouldbe against an Argentinean opponent on April 20 in Harare before he travels to Zambia for another bout five months later.

“The opponent for the first fight is already there, and the second one is yet to be confirmed. Then the last two are still being sorted out by my managers.”

“I think I have achieved what many boxers will dream of, and I have inspired many. I’m happy with what I have done for the sport, and it is time to give others a chance.”

Manyuchi said he was now concentrating on his boxing academy as well as building his business empire.

“I have a flourishing boxing academy, and I’m planning on expanding it. I’m also into farming and transport business, so that will take much of my time.’

Manyuchi will be looking to bow out in style and improve his impressive record of 21 wins from his total of 25 fights, of which 12 were knockouts.

He lost just three fights and drew once since making his professional debut in 2009.

It didn’t take him long to make his mark, winning the WBC international welterweight title after beating current African welterweight champion Patrick Allotey in 2014.

He would go on to defend the title against Devis Careces that same year, which he capped by winning the Zimbabwe Sportsperson of the Year Award. He made another successful defence of the WBC international belt against Gianluca Frezza, in the latter’s native Italy.

But the crowning moment of his career came in Ekaterinburg, Russia, two years later when he beat local hero Dmitry Mikhaylenko, by unanimous decision to lift the WBC silver welterweight title.
“I have had good memories of my boxing career, but that was the proudest moment,” Manyuchi said.

His run of 17 consecutive victories came to an end last year when he was knocked out by Quadratillo Abduqaxorov to lose the title.

In between, he had other memorable fights, including a brutal first round knockout of Jose Feria at the Harare International Conference centre, in his first major fight at home.

“Losing the WBC silver title was obviously the lowest point of my career, because I feel I could have done better in that fight.”

Manyuchi was heavily criticised for his casual approach in that fight in Singapore and was caught hard by a jab in the initial round from which he never recovered.

After the defeat, he lay low for some months before coming out in the public.

His last major fight was a non-title fight against Russian Magomed Kurbanov in Ekaterinburg, which he lost.

Manyuchi earned a lot of money from the sport and went on to build himself a large house in his home area of Chivhu, while establishing a transport business after he acquired brand new vehicles.

Source : News Day

The post Manyuchi’s final four appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

NEWLY-promoted side Manica Diamonds have launched a bid to lure FC Platinum forward Marshal Mudehwe as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of their maiden season in the topflight.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

The 2018 Eastern Region Champions are understood to have already tabled an offer for Mudehwe, whose contract with the Zvishavane-based miners expired yesterday, but the forward is still pondering his future.

However, the talented winger could be forced to part ways with the Premier Soccer League Champions, having been reduced to a bit-part player for the better part of last season.

Mudehwe rose to stardom upon joining the platinum miners in 2013 together with Gerald Takwara, where he earned several call-ups to the Warriors squad, then under Kalisto Pasuwa.

But of late, a number of injuries and lack of game-time have seen his form dip.

Manica Diamonds chairman Masimba Chihowa told Newsday Sport yesterday that Mudehwe was on their wish-list as they make frantic efforts to bring on board experienced players ahead of the 2019 season.

“We are waiting for the technical team to bring forth their final recommendations this week so that we finalise.

“They want the player, so it is left to us to decide and see if he is available to join us and as well see if we can meet the demands,” Chihowa said.

With their prime target Phineas Bamusi opting for a return to Caps United, the diamond miners will be hoping to get Mudehwe’s signature. They are on the prowl for top players and have been linked with former Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars defender, Patson Jaure.

The Mutare-based side will be looking to make an immediate impact in the topflight.

Source : News Day

The post Manica Diamonds target Mudehwe appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

NEWCASTLE. — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joined Matt Busby in the Manchester United record books in his team’s 2-0 win at Newcastle on Wednesday night and admitted he does not want to leave the club in the summer.

The United interim manager, in charge until the end of the season when he is scheduled to return to his Norwegian club Molde, has now won his first four games in charge.

In United’s history, only the legendary and iconic Busby has matched that achievement and Solskjaer celebrated enthusiastically with his club’s travelling supporters after goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford secured the win. “I don’t want to (leave),” said Solskjaer when asked about his future beyond this season.

“It is such a great bunch of players, a fantastic atmosphere. But it is the next game, the next game and I am doing my job for as long as I am here.” United will now move on to much tougher challenges, starting with the Premier League visit to Tottenham a week on Sunday. But, given the manner of Wednesday’s victory, Solskjaer has the look of a manager at the top of his game after his decision to throw on Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, two of the biggest under-achievers under former manager Jose Mourinho, after 63 minutes. — AFP

Source : The Herald

The post Ole wants to stay appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Accusations of financial misappropriation have torn apart the Dynamos administration, with club president Solomon Sanyamandwe getting the boot.

By Tawanda Tafirenyika

Sanyamandwe is said to have been advised by the board that his position had been abolished.

The move, according to sources, was made following clashes over the club’s handling of finances with board president Bernard Marriot accused of pocketing the bulk of the club’s gate-takings in home matches.

It is said Marriot also helped himself to the sum of $18 000 that was deposited into former DeMbare player Christian Epoupa’s mobile money account by NetOne, with the Cameroonian rejecting the money as he preferred to be paid in foreign currency.

Yesterday, Marriot declined to be drawn into any discussion over the allegations, accusing the media of concentrating on negatives.

He also refuted reports that his board had abolished the post of club president.

On the other hand, Sanyamandwe confirmed having been shown the exit door, but declined to give further details.

Marriot and Sanyamandwe are said to have fallen out over the handling of gate-takings as well as the Epoupa funds.

Last year, Sanyamandwe fired the duo of club secretary Webster Marechera and treasurer Moses Chikwariro before their immediate reinstatement by the board.

The two had been accused of misappropriating the team’s funds, but the matter was not pursued after the two were restored to their positions.

There are allegations that Marriot and Chikwariro are conniving to milk the club of funds, and Sanyamandwe is said to have raised the red flag.

DeMbare endured a difficult season last year, where despite the club getting financial help from NetOne, they still struggled with the team’s winning bonuses.

Their struggles started just before the season started as they lost some of their best players while they failed to compete for good players on the transfer market.

DeMbare eventually lost Epoupa early in the season, while captain Ocean Mushure sat out part of the season as he pressed for his signing-on fees.

Towards the end of the season, the club also suspended the quartet of Obey Mwerahari, Kingston Nkhatha, Peace Makaha and Marshall Machazane, who were accused of leading a revolt over non-payment of some of their dues.

source: newsday

The post DeMbare empire on fire appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Inform Harare City Hornets are on the verge of parting ways with newly-appointed head coach Samuel Mutsvanga, whose contract ran out last year.

BY GARISH PHIRI

Club chairperson Sunny Mbofana told NewsDay Sports that they would have a meeting today to decide the coach’s fate.

“His (Samuel Mutsvanga) contract expired on December 31, 2018. The executive is sitting today and this issue will be discussed. As usual, we will make assessments, look at recommendations and take a decision” he said.

Mutsvanga replaced Langton Moyo, who had finished last season in second position behind Foxes in the Harare Basketball Association (HBA) league.

He took over from Moyo, who left the Harare City Council-owned team after a hugely successful two-year spell, during which he won the national championships and some international tournaments.

Ever since Hornets roped in Mutsvanga’s services, they have not tasted defeat.

They currently sit at the top of the Harare Basketball Association (HBA) League.

While Mutsvanga’s fate is yet to be decided, assistant coach Mike Nhira has been taking the team through their drills.

The HBA league resumes this weekend after taking a break for the festivities.

Fixtures

Women: Vixens Vs JBC, Arcadia Bucs Vs Hornets Development, HLF Raiderz Vs Black Rhinos Hornets Developmental Vs Harare City Hornets, G. Academy Vs Mabvuku, FML Vs Greenstars

Men: JBC Vs Hustlers, Harare City Hornets Vs GV Rockets, Arcadia Bucs Vs Cameo, HLF Raiderz Vs Black Rhinos, Cheetahs Vs Foxes

source: newsday

The post Hornets to decide coach’s fate appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

FOLLOWING a botched move to Algerian giants USM Alger in June last year, former Warriors and Jomo Cosmos striker Charlton Mashumba has joined Polokwane City, marking his return to the Absa Premier Soccer League.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Mashumba (25) joins Polokwane City on a three-year deal.

The move was confirmed by his former club, Jomo Cosmos on Twitter on Wednesday.

“Done deal @Jomo CosmosFC would like to wish Charlton Mashumba the best of luck as he joins @polokwane city on a three-year deal,” the official Jomo Cosmos Twitter handle reported.

Mashumba was instrumental in Jomo Cosmos’ promotion to the Absa Premiership in the 2014-15 season, scoring 17 goals in the First National Division, and went for unsuccessful trials in Portugal and Switzerland.

He returned to Jomo Cosmos in 2016, where he scored some important goals for the club.

In July 2016, when Jomo Cosmos was demoted, he joined Highlands Park on loan, but did not enjoy his stay at the club.

Mashumba was part of the Warriors Cosafa Cup squad in 2016 and has played for the Under-17 and Under-20 Young Warriors.

The Chitungwiza-born forward joins fellow Warriors’ goalkeeper George Chigova and striker Walter Musona at the club.

The post Mashumba joins Polokwane City appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Caps United have completed the signing of former Highlanders striker Gabriel Nyoni, who has been a free agent since December 31.

by Tawanda Tafirenyika

Nyoni declined to extend his stay with Highlanders, opting for the Green Machine where he has since signed a three-year deal.

The club leadership that includes president Farai Jere and vice-president Nhamo Tutisani had a hectic day yesterday, where the Lloyd Chitembwe-coached side signed a new three-year deal with forward Ronald Chitiyo, whose contract with the club ran tothe end of last year.

Also extending their stay at the club are midfielder and Soccer Star of the Year finalist Joel Ngodzo, who inked a one-year deal, and goalkeeper Chris Mverechena who signed a three-year deal. Striker John Zhuwawo also committed himself to the club by renewing his contract.

There was also another new arrival as former ZPC Kariba leftback Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe also penned a three-year deal as the Green Machine step up preparations for the new season.

It is, however, the signing of Chitiyo and Nyoni that is likely to excite the Caps United fans, particularly after the club snapped up Phenias Bhamusi in what will be perhaps the deadliest attack on the domestic soccer scene.

Chitiyo sat out the whole of the 2018 season, recovering from surgery after he sustained injuries in a road accident.

He has since stepped up his road to recovery, and started working on his fitness.

Chitiyo, who starred for Caps United in their Caf Champions League campaign in 2017, is expecting to start pre-season training with the rest of the Green Machine squad.
He was identified as one of the priority signings by Chitembwe, and yesterday he was one of the players that the club finalised terms with.

Nyoni, on the other hand, ended speculation about his future by committing to Caps, having been linked with Ngezi Platinum Stars at some point.

Although he is only extending his contract, Ngodzo’s signing feels like a major new addition, considering the form that he was in last year.

Jere said they wanted to see a better Caps United next season. “We are taking our preparations for the next season seriously. We want to see a better Caps United this term. We are good to go. We are only left with perhaps three or four players as we beef up,” Jere said.

Tutisani said their focus was not just about winning silverware, but to create revenue streams for the club and also put more emphasis on developing their junior football structures.

The Green Machine are looking to strengthen their squad in the hope of fighting for honours this year after a troubled 2018, where they finished eighth on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League; a massive 36 points behind champions FC Platinum.

The post Caps sign Nyoni, Chitiyo appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

PSL Champions FC Platinum have acquired the services of Soccer star of the year finalist Godknows Murwira from Ngezi Platinum as well as Tatenda Perfect Chikwende from Bulawayo Chiefs on two-year contracts.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

Having lost the duo of Winston Mhango and Rodwell Chinyengetere to Zambian side Kabwe Warriors and Boroka Stars in South Africa’s ABSA Premiership respectively, the platinum miners are looking to bolster their squad, with much of their focus on the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League.

The talented defender-cum-midfielder, Murwira, will be a good addition to the Norman Mapeza-coached side as they approach the group stage of the Champions League.

The 25-year-old is no stranger to Zvishavane, having featured for FC Platinum’s cross-town rivals, Shabanie Mine, in 2014 before joining Harare giants Dynamos.

Chikwende, on the other hand, charmed the platinum miners, having enjoyed fine form in Bulawayo Chiefs’ maiden season in the topflight.

The 23-year-old playmaker was a vital cog as the Bulawayo side posted impressive results on the local front, accounting for the scalps of big names such as FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum and Highlanders.

FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo confirmed Murwira and Chikwende’s coming on board.

“We completed the signing of Godknows Murwira from Ngezi Platinum and Perfect Chikwende from Bulawayo Chiefs yesterday (Wednesday), with the hope that they will add value to the team. We will also try to register them for the on-going Caf Champions League,” said Chizondo.

The duo are FC Platinum’s latest acquisitions following the capture of forwards Lameck Nhamo from Triangle and Ransome Pavari from relegated Bulawayo City last year.

The platinum miners have already resumed training as they prepare to host Orlando Pirates at Barbourfields in Bulawayo next week, Saturday, in their first group stage fixture.

source: newsday

The post Murwira joins FC Platinum appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Leopold Munhende

New Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) boss Felton Kamambo is set to move the association offices from controversial predecessor Philip Chiyangwa’s $10,000 per month offices in Chisipite to the National Sports Stadium.

An impeccable source at ZIFA indicated Wednesday that Kamambo had already made arrangements to move all operations and staff to the giant stadium over this coming weekend from its current base.

“Arrangements are already in place for the association to move its operations to offices at the National Sports Stadium because returning to ZIFA House is definitely out of the picture,” said the source.

“Returning to ZIFA House will mean that the association is bedevilled by debt collectors which I am sure is what Kamambo is fleeing from like Chiyangwa did when he took over from Cuthbert Dube.”

ZIFA’s January 2016 audit report revealed that one of Chiyangwa’s companies Hansporte Investments had been awarded a $50,000 tender to renovate and furnish ZIFA House.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela confirmed that they will be vacating Chiyangwa’s premises ‘soon’ but declined to confirm whether they were heading to the National Sports stadium.

“Yes, I can confirm that we will be leaving the Chisipite offices soon, but I am not yet in a position to share with you details of where we will be going from here, those will be shared in due course,” said Gwesela.

Chiyangwa moved the association’s headquarters from its 53 Livingstone, Harare offices in 2015 to his private Chisipite offices to flee the growing number of debtors seeking redress by ZIFA.

ZIFA debt ballooned from about $5 million to $8 million between 2015 and 2018 under Chiyangwa.

He was not impressed by NewZimbabwe.com’s efforts to ascertain whether or not ZIFA was finally vacating his premises.

“Why do you call me to ask whether or not ZIFA will be leaving my premises? I do not want to talk to any one concerning that issue, not you or any other reporter.

“Talk to Kamambo, he knows best what he will do. Why do you want to continue pestering me like this?” said an emotional Chiyangwa who was allegedly charging the association $10,000 per month as rent.

He added; “My life cannot be defined by an office; I do not want to talk to you or anyone concerning ZIFA or Kamambo; talk to him.”

The flamboyant businessman was toppled in December by Kamambo who was part of his board until February 2017.

His ouster ended a turbulent three years at the helm of Zimbabwean football characterised by accusations of financial mismanagement, bribery, corruption and abuse of office.

Though there was massive approval from sections of Zimbabwe’s footballing circles who believed the ZANU PF Member of Parliament (MP) had personalised the association, very few people know about Kamambo.

The stadium Kamambo is moving the association to also houses the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) and premiership giants Dynamos on its Mezzanine Floor as well as the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) just behind the VIP area.

Source : New Zimbabwe

The post New Zifa Boss Dumps Chiyangwa’s Offices – Opts for National Sports appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Kudzai Chingwere in Gweru and Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Bulawayo

FC PLATINUM’s worst fears were confirmed yesterday after they were orphaned out of their fortress, Mandava, to an alternative venue, Barbourfields, following the condemnation of their base to host the Champions League group stage matches by the Confederation of African Football.

CAF raised reservations on Mandava’s eligibility to host matches at this level of the competition with fears over the lighting at the stadia and the size of the media area to host an army of journalist which usually accompany teams at this level.

When it became inevitable that their fortress will not be allowed to host the Champions League mini-league matches, FC Platinum on Monday expressed their disillusionment, saying such a move is a violation of the underlying principles behind the formation of the club.

The Zvishavane-based miners are in the same pool with South African premiership heavyweights Orlando Pirates, Esperance of Tunisia and Horoya AC of Guinea.

But drawing Orlando Pirates and being asked to move out of Zvishavane for their home matches is likely to come as a nightmare with the visitors likely to enjoy a larger following contrasted to the host.

The Buccaneers penchant for local talent has won them several Zimbabwean hearts with the likes of Innocent Chikoya, Zvenyika Makonese, Edelbert Dinha, Charles Yohane and Takesure Chinyama having previously played for them.

In their current squad they have Warriors stars Kudakwashe Mahachi and Marshal Munetsi, the duo is guaranteed local support if they come to the country.

But the decision to move the match to Barbourfields comes even before the continental football mother-body has done the inspection of Mandava to see if it meets expected standards of playing host to pool games which also include floodlights.

CAF had confirmed yesterday that it will be sending an inspection team to Mandava ahead of the start of the Group B games.

But ZIFA later indicated yesterday through their communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela, that the FC Platinum’s Champions League Group B opener against the Buccaneers will be played at Barbourfields on January 12.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) advises the football family that FC Platinum’s Total Champions League group match against Orlando Pirates will be played at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) advised ZIFA that FC Platinum’s traditional home ground, Mandava Stadium, does not meet minimum requirements for this stage of Africa’s prestigious club competition.

“The other stadium homologated by CAF to host group stage matches for inter-club competitions is the National Sports Stadium but FC Platinum selected Barbourfields Stadium for convenience.

“The match between FC Platinum and Orlando Pirates will be played on 12 January 2019 at 3pm.

“CAF will conduct further inspections for Mandava Stadium, Barbourfields Stadium and the National Sports stadium going forward.

“We wish FC Platinum all the best,” Gwesela said in a Press release late yesterday afternoon.

And FC Platinum were naturally disappointed by CAF’s decision to move their high profile match against Orlando Pirates from their Mandava fortress to Barbourfields.

“We are naturally depressed because it came as a surprise in the 11th hour that our Mandava venue might not meet the requirements of CAF. Both our players and supporters will have to take it positive so that as a team we don’t lose focus. We, however, take solace in that Barbourfields was our alternative venue for any eventualities on Mandava and we will urge all our fans who can travel to do so in numbers,” said the club’s media relations officer Chido Chizondo in a statement yesterday.

She urged football-loving fans in the City of Kings and Queens to come in their numbers and cheer the platinum boys as they will be representing the greater nation, Zimbabwe.

“We also appeal to fans in Bulawayo and all over Zimbabwe to come in numbers to support FC Platinum who are flying the flag of the country,” said Chizondo.

Pure Platinum Play resumed their preparations for the Champions League group stages yesterday and are now likely going to shift their training base from Zvishavane to Bulawayo.

After playing host to the Sea Robbers, FC Platinum will fly out to Tunisia to take on Champions League defending champions Esperance.

The Zvishavane miners played their two qualifying matches at Mandava, beating Madagascar’s CNaps 1-0 to eventually knock them out 2-1 on aggregate while they played to a goalless draw with Republic of Congo’s AS Otoho to sail through on away goals rule after holding the Congolese side to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the first round tie in Owando.

The top two sides from the group will progress to the quarter-finals of the lucrative continental club tournament.

source: the herald

The post CAF Condemn Mandava appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Tadious Manyepo

HARARE City captain Tendai Samanja has called it a day in the top-flight league as he drops to be the ambitious team’s developmental side Harare City Cubs where he will be a player-coach.

Since breaking into the Premiership football with Monomotapa over a decade ago as a schoolboy, Samanja has never played in the lower division but he has become the latest man to be part of the ongoing developmental programmes at Harare City.

The Sunshine City Boys have set a massive developmental plan for players reaching their sale-by date where they are either sent to school to pursue fields of their choice or they are retained in the system to help the team attain its vision.

And Samanja, who just completed his first level ZIFA coaching badge, will be entrusted with helping the Cubs stay afloat in Division One whilst develop players for the senior team.

The dreadlocked defensive midfielder was recommended for the post by coach Mark Harrison.

Samanja was a bit-part player for the club last season as Moses Muchenje and Tellmore Pio formed a solid partnership in front of defence.

He was honoured as the club’s Most Loyal Player last December.

Harare City secretary-general Mathew Marara confirmed the development and said his team will not be discarding senior players who would be retiring or those who get injured but will retain them into the system.

“Our captain Tendai Samanja has retired from top-flight football as we want to develop him into a future coach for the club. “He has served us with distinction and deserves every support from the club. We will be helping in coaching the Harare City Cubs in Division One,” said Marara.

“He could also be playing if he so wishes because we believe he still has what it takes to be playing competitively at any level. The only reason why he has stepped down from the Premiership is to concentrate on developing his coaching career whilst he is still physically fit and young.

“We can recall him into the senior team if the need arises but we feel he can help us develop young players and sooner he will be joining the senior team’s coaching department.” Samanja helped Harare City win the Chibuku Super Cup in 2015 and 2017 and led the team to silver medals in 2014 and 2018 in the same competition.

Harare City were relegated in 2017 before they were given a second bite at the cherry after the disbandment of How Mine early last year.

The team went on to give a good account of themselves finishing then league marathon on the upper half as well as reaching the final of the Chibuku Super Cup.

They have been very active in the transfer market and have so far signed four high-profile players as they bid for the title this coming season.

Harrison has refused to put himself under pressure saying he will not be gunning for the title but his thrust was on being more competitive than his team was last season.

Former Dynamos captain Marshal Machazane, Ngezi Platinum Stars midfield dynamo Walter Mukanga, CAPS United’s Milton Ncube and Collins Mujuru of Aces Youth Academy have all joined the municipal club while Arnold Mkuli and Denoleen Masukuta have been promoted from the feeder side Harare City Cubs.

Bulawayo City’s Tatenda Tavengwa is also linked with the side but nothing concrete has yet been agreed to.

The team is expected to regroup in the next few days for the commencement of the 2019 season which is scheduled to start in late March.

Harare City played a passing brand of football and were one of the only four teams to have beaten champions FC Platinum. The coming of more players to bolster the squad means more work for the team as there will be more competition for places. Left backs Pritchard Mbelele and Bright Chayambuka know fully well the coming of Ncube will be a challenge for them.

Source : The Herald

The post Tendai Samanja Hangs Boots appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

CAPS United chief executive officer, Cuthbert Chitima, has resigned from his role at the Harare giants after almost three years at the club.

Chitima, who joined CAPS United in 2015, said he was stepping down from his current role with the club to “pursue emerging business opportunities and commitments.”

“This serves to confirm and advise the CAPS United Football Club, its valued stakeholders and the entire football fraternity that I have resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of the institution with effect from the 31st of December 2018,” Chitima said in a statement.

Chitima said he was leaving Caps United to pursue other business opportunities despite speculation that his resignation came after a fallout with the club’s vice-president Nhamo Tutisani.

“This has been necessitated by emerging business opportunities and commitments that I intend to pursue and that won’t be allowing me to perform my duties well considering how demanding the position is.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the CAPS United shareholders, the board, the secretariat, the playing staff and most importantly the CAPS United supporters, for all the unlimited support and encouragement rendered during the three years that I served.”

Chitima added: “It is worth mentioning that I am a passionate football lover, a football supporter, a football professional and will always unveil myself and provide all the support required for the Club to successful achieve its vision.”

He first served as acting CEO of CAPS United during his first year in 2015 before becoming substantive in 2016 when the new board was appointed.

Chitima, who has now won two league titles in the past seven years, first as the director of the now defunct Gunners Football Club in 2009 and in 2016 with CAPS United.

source: new zimbabwe

The post Caps United Chief Executive Chitima Quits Club appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
AFTER a trying year in which he battled intense pain inflicted by a nagging groin injury which ultimately required delicate surgery in Spain, Nyasha Mushekwi is smiling once again as he starts a New Year pregnant with a lot of promise and positivity.

The 31-year-old Zimbabwe international striker top-scored for his Chinese Super League football side Dalian Yifang, with his goals helping them avoid relegation in their fling with the big boys of one of the world’s most lucrative top-flight leagues whose stars earn a considerable fortune.

But Mushekwi revealed that beyond all the goals and the celebrations was a man with a tortured soul who was playing through the pain barrier — needing pain-killing injections before every game — just for him to express himself on the pitch as he battled a serious groin injury.

His club, which needed his goals to have a chance to secure survival, pushed his broken body to the limit and he replied with a glut of goals to help them avoid the chop and secure another dance with the aristocrats of the Chinese Super League.

However, by November last year, it became clear Mushekwi needed specialist treatment and was airlifted to Madrid, Spain, for the delicate surgery with the operation coinciding with the end of the season in the Chinese top-flight league.

And, now, Mushekwi is smiling again.

Not only is his recovery, which has seen him undergoing rehabilitation in South Africa, on course, but his love life is also blooming once again.

The reason?

Well, he has just got engaged to his beautiful Swedish sweetheart Arsema Ghebrehiwot and life couldn’t be any better for the duo.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST . . . Nyasha Mushekwi enjoys the company of his new Swedish wife Arsema Ghebrehiwot after he proposed to her whilst on holiday in Seychelles in November last year

Mushekwi went down on one knee on a scenic Seychelles mountainside on November 31 last year and planted the engagement ring on his Swedish beauty.

In a scene that would have made the script for a blockbuster romantic movie, Mushekwi chose the paradise countryside of the Seychelles, to formalise the engagement to the beauty.

The two were on holiday in the Seychelles and took a helicopter ride to one of the Indian Ocean island’s most beautiful spots, sandwiched between mountains, for the engagement ceremony.

Pictures have since emerged showing Mushekwi on one knee and about to plant the engagement ring into the finger of his Swedish sweetheart.

Other pictures show the two lovebirds, with their arms locked to each other, having the time of their life against a backdrop of a beautiful waterfall.

And Mushekwi says he is a happy man.

“Besides her love, focus, she appreciates, she loves my family, she’s focused, an amazing woman,” he exclusively told The Herald.

“Her personality, just the way she is, is what you look for in a woman.

“Very calm. Her beauty is just a plus of how beautiful she was raised.” Arsema is a Swedish beauty whose parents came from Eritrea in East Africa.

The two might have met during the time when Mushekwi played for Swedish side Djurgadens before his move to China.

The Zimbabwean forward was a hit at the club where he scored lots of goals and opened the door for Tino Kadewere who later moved to France.

Mushekwi’s first marriage to Luminitsa Dumbisa Jemwa, sealed on December 31, 2011, collapsed after sharp differences between the two.

The striker has since moved on and told The Herald he was happy to be engaged to his new love whom he described as a “beautiful girl.”

Mushekwi is set to return to his Chinese base next week and join his teammates for pre-season training.

The initial indications are that they will fly to Barcelona for their pre-season training, bringing Mushekwi back to Spain where he recently underwent surgery.

The owners of Dalian Yifang have strong business connections in Spain, notably with Atletico Madrid, from where they secured Belgian World Cup star Yannick Carrasco and Argentine midfielder Nico Gaitan.

Carrasco, who combined well with Mushekwi last season, is reported to be a target of Italian giants AC Milan.

Other reports have suggested Dalian Yifang could also try to break the bank and bring in Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa to the Chinese Super League.

Mushekwi wants to be in prime shape for both club and country and is eyeing a return to the Warriors for their 2019 AFCON final qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville in March this year.

The Warriors need just to avoid defeat in that game to seal their place at the 2019 AFCON finals.

Source: The Herald

The post SWEDISH SWEETHEART . . . Mushekwi all smiles again as he engages his beauty from Sweden appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
VETERAN boxing promoter Stalin Mau Mau, who returned to promote the sport last year, has vowed not to look back in 2019 and promised more tournaments after his redemption.

Mau Mau, who has seen it all in as far as local boxing is concerned, was the man behind Arifonso Zvenyika’s ascendancy to the Commonwealth flyweight title in 1998 and equates his return to boxing promotion to an awakening phoenix and plans to host monthly bouts across Zimbabwe this year.

The hard talking businessman believes boxing in Zimbabwe has opened a new chapter, especially last year, a thing which his heart longed for in the past years when the sport was in the doldrums.

“I think we are moving in the right direction and 2019 should not be an exception but a massive revival for the sport. We have managed to host several tournaments which were very successful and that proved we can do it so we are not going to look back.

“We managed to hold the Boxing Graduation Night as well as the Night of Champions’ fights which were all successful and that gave us the confidence. I can assure you that the spirit I had before the disappointments is the same spirit that I still have,” Mau Mau said.

Turning to his boxing stable, the promoter had advice for some of his boxers who he said should put discipline ahead.

“Our intention is to have as many continental and inter-continental matches for the boxers as we target the 2020 World Championships and the ground should be prepared now.

“The only advice I would like to give to the boxers for this coming year is to work hard and maintain discipline which is vital in any sport code. We have seen many athletes who had potential but fell by the wayside because of disciplinary issues so I say this is not for my boxers alone but for everyone as they have the potential to bring back our nation on the world map.

“With the meagre budgets we have, we will try our best to have a representative fighting for a reputable tittle like the IBF and WBF in the near future,” added Mau Mau.

Boxing in Zimbabwe had a sudden redemption in 2018 as many promoters came on board.

The year saw Charles Manyuchi forming an academy, Kalakoda hosting high profile tournaments, Deltaforce coming on with several others and Mau Mau was not to be left out.

Source: The Herald

The post Mau Mau revives boxing appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
THERE will be a “Dream Team” flavour in the Warriors squad after Reinhard Fabisch’s son Jonah committed to play for Zimbabwe.

The 17-year-old already has a Zimbabwean passport.

Reinhard Fabisch, who died in Germany on July 12, 2008 after a battle with cancer, rose to fame after assembling what became to be known as the “Dream Team”, a side which played a beautiful brand of football and attracted bumper crowds whenever playing at home at the National Sports Stadium in the early 1990s.

In fact, the late Reinhard Fabisch, easily the most celebrated coach of Zimbabwe’s national side, was in charge of the Warriors between 1992 and 1995. His “Dream Team” galvanised the patriotic fervour of a nation, although success eluded him.

The team comprised the likes of the late Benjamin Nkonjera, Francis Shonhayi (late), legendary goalkeeper Bruce “Jungleman” Grobbelaar, Peter Ndlovu, Ephraim Chawanda, John Phiri, Norman Mapeza, Rahman Gumbo, Agent “Ajira” Sawu, Henry “Bully” McKop, Vitalis “Digital” Takawira, Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda (late) and Willard “Mawiii” Mashinkila-Khumalo (late) and Adam Ndlovu (late), amongst others, and so good was the team that even the mighty Indomitable Lions of Cameroon couldn’t break it easily.

Though the team never qualified for a major tournament, the epoch remains perched on the uppermost of those who saw them in action.

The team also laid a strong foundation for subsequent sides and qualification for the African Cup of Nations finals has now become a routine for Zimbabwe.

And Jonah Fabisch’s availability for the national team will inevitably evoke Reinhard Fabisch memories among local football fans.

Warriors technical team, led by team manager Wellington Mpandare, have been on a crusade to take aboard all players with Zimbabwean roots who ply their trade in different parts of Europe and convince them to represent the country.

Such efforts have already bore fruits with the likes of Tendayi Darikwa and Alec Mudimu having since been drafted into the senior national team where they have played key roles in the Warriors’ quest for qualification in this year’s AFCON finals to be staged between June and July at a venue to be determined by CAF next week.

Zimbabwe need to avoid defeat against Congo Brazzaville at home on March 22 to be assured of progression to the biannual showpiece.

After marathon meetings with Mpandare, Jonah Fabisch has expressed interest in playing for the Warriors.

He is currently one of the most sought-after prospects at Hamburger SV Under-19 side in Germany, having come through that team’s age-group teams since he was just 14. The team extended the contract of the teenager by four-years early last year in a bid to keep him as there was increasing interests from other clubs who wanted to sign him.

Jonah Fabisch has already represented Germany in the Under-18 age-group but has reportedly expressed his keenness to play for Zimbabwe.

He has a Zimbabwean mother, Chawada Kachidza, who is a former hurdler from Mutoko but now lives in Hamburg, Germany.

She was at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as a member of the International Athletics Associations Federation (IAAF)’s Future Stars programme.

Amid claims by one Mistry Chipere that he is the one who is facilitating for Jonah Fabisch to be in the Warriors team, Mpandare has come out strongly saying he should not seek relevance by claiming that they are the ones who are bringing all these stars from abroad.

“I can confirm that Jonah Fabisch’s papers are in order and he is ready if the Warriors technical team thinks that he can play a role in the team. But we have had problems with people who claim that they are the ones who are bringing these stars here,” said Mpandare.

“We have always had programmes to take aboard our players dotted around Europe. We have since managed to bring the likes of Darikwa and Mudimu.

“No one should claim credit for our efforts. In the case of Darikwa and Mudimu, let me put it on record that everyone knew well before that they were Zimbabweans but maybe it was just a case of the technical teams then not wanting to pick them.

“The current technical department has chosen to have them aboard and we made efforts to get them the documents and you hear some people claiming that they are the ones who brought the players.”

The former Gunners manager said he didn’t want to become personal but people ought to know that they do not own players.

Source: The Herald

The post The reincarnation of Reinhard Fabisch appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe defender Ocean Mushure had a year to forget last season but things are beginning to shape up for the ex-Dynamos captain who hopes to perform his swansong in Zambia.

The 2017 Soccer Star of the Year runner-up signed a two-year contract with Zambian Super League club Lusaka Dynamos and immediately joined the side on their pre-season trip to South Africa where he also featured in three practice games over the festive holidays.

The 33-year-old briefly returned home before going back to Zambia on Thursday to prepare for the transitional MTN/FAZ Super League which kicks-off later this month.

By his own admission, his final year at Harare giants Dynamos was largely frustrating. He played a small part in the campaign and eventually forced his way out after the club failed to settle his dues amounting to $26 000 in signing-on fees and bonuses.

“Dynamos always has a special place inside my heart. I had no choice but to leave because I have a family to look after. It wasn’t wise to continue playing for nothing because I am nearing the end of my career.

“I know I have taken a new challenge but this is also an opportunity to demonstrate what I am capable of because I feel I need to take my career back to the top. The coaches are happy with the way I play and I am training hard.

“Last year it was depressing for me because of things that were happening at Dynamos. I am in a new environment and I am enjoying it. I would like to give my all for the team to attain its objectives.

“I am happy we also have (another Zimbabwean player) Dennis Dauda. He is making everything easy because he is playing in the central defence and I am on the left but sometimes I am pushed into the link.

“We had a very good camp in South Africa and it has really helped us in terms of bonding with our teammates. I must say the club is a bit organised.

“Things are a lot different here. Almost everything is done by the book. If you are late for training, your match fees are deducted and so on,” said Mushure.

The former DeMbare captain is aiming to win silverware with the modest Zambian club that is owned by businessman Hanif Adam.

Many Zimbabwean players have of late been flocking to Zambia, which previously has not been a favourite destination for many.

Mushure had no kind words for his former club DeMbare who have been in decline over the last few years. The defender believes the management has been letting down the former champions, who had to fight hard to survive relegation last year.

“The players should keep fighting to save the brand. But Dynamos should strive to do things in a professional manner.

“I think the executive let us down last year. We had finished second in 2017 and we were all convinced that we were going to fight for the title.

“But they did the unthinkable by letting our key players go when we needed to maintain the team and then add one or two players to fight for the title.

“We were beginning to understand each other and for us to lose all those players it was a big blow.

“Look at the likes of FC Platinum, they are winning trophies because they have had basically the same team for the past four or so seasons.

“The argument that the club has no money to keep players shouldn’t be tolerated at a club like Dynamos. That team is a big brand and is capable of making money because it needs the stability.

“It is the management’s duty to look for the ways to make the money and the players’ duty is to deliver on the pitch.

“It’s like a see-saw where both sides have to give their input to keep it rocking. But if the failure starts with management then what do you expect from the players?

“In 2017 we even competed for second place with a club like Ngezi Platinum who have everything yet we were not paid bonuses for 14 of our games by the time the season ended.

“We just played for the love of the club,” said Mushure.

Source: The Herald

The post Mushure’s Zambia swansong appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Pep Guardiola saluted his “fearless” Manchester City stars after the champions kept their English Premier League football title bid alive with a vital 2-1 win over leaders Liverpool on Thursday night.

Guardiola’s side had no margin for error as a defeat would have left them 10 points behind the Reds and in danger of surrendering the title they won in record-breaking fashion last season.

But they rose to the challenge in thrilling style, beating Liverpool for the first time in five meetings thanks to Leroy Sane’s superb strike in the second half.

Sergio Aguero had put City ahead in the first half and although Roberto Firmino equalised after the interval, City held their nerve with a courageous display that had Guardiola singing their praises.

“I am proud of them. We knew that it was a final today, if we lose it is almost over,” Guardiola said.

“All credit to these incredible players. We had a lot of pressure but we were not scared, we had no fear.

“We beat an incredible team. We were outstanding from the first minute.

“Liverpool don’t concede goals, and we scored two. We played with courage, so aggressive in our pressing.

“We are happy for this victory to reduce the gap. Everything is open.”

Guardiola reserved special plaudits for Aguero after the Argentina forward scored his 250th career league goal with a sublime strike in the 40th minute.

City’s all-time leading scorer has now netted in all seven of his home league games against Liverpool.

Source: The Herald

The post Pep salutes his fearless City appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Albert Marufu in LONDON, England
ZIMBABWEANS based in the United Kingdom have formed an organisation to assist in mobilising resources for the Zimbabwe senior netball team that is set to participate at the 2019 Netball World Cup finals in Liverpool, England.

The tournament will run from July 12–21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

Zimbabwe earned a place at the global showpiece after finishing second to Uganda at the African Netball Championship held in Zambia in August last year. That feat saw them becoming the third team from this country to qualify for the World Cup of a team sport after the senior rugby and cricket national teams.

The association, named UK-Zim Netball Association and chaired by Barbra Chakanyuka-Siyachitema, aims to source uniforms and resources for the general upkeep of the players and officials during their stay in the United Kingdom.

According to one of the association’s officials, Tomson Chauke, they will line up a number of fundraising activities for The Gems and have also approached a number of companies to assist.

“The main objective is to fundraise for the netball team and galvanise support within the Zimbabwean community based in the United Kingdom. The girls did a wonderful job in qualifying for the Netball World Cup so they need our support. Companies such as Senditoo and Cassava have pledged to work with us,” he said.

Chauke also revealed that the UK-Zim Netball Association is working with a number of musicians based in Zimbabwe to come up with a theme song for the senior netball team.

“We are working with a number of musicians such as Selma M’tukudzi, Mathias Julius and Josh Meki to come up with a theme song in support of the girls. Proceeds from the sales of the song will go towards the welfare of the players. The netball players will appear in the video,” he said.

CAPS United Legends UK, who are advocates of junior football development, have also pledged their support for The Gems when they come to England.

“We are definitely going to do something for the girls and also drum up support within the Zimbabwe community living here in the UK. We support sports development in Zimbabwe,” said their spokesperson Timmy Chirozvani.

His sentiments were echoed by former Zimbabwe Footballers UK chairman Memory Mucherahowa who said they will work with others in drumming up support for netball team.

Making their first appearance at the Netball World Cup, Zimbabwe joins three other African countries – Uganda, Malawi and South Africa – at the world netball showcase.

South Africa and Malawi were among the five teams to be given automatic qualification by virtue of their high-ranking positions in the International Netball Federation World Rankings together with Australia, New Zealand Jamaica and hosts England.

Ranked number 13 in the world, Zimbabwe are in Group A that includes world top-ranked side Australia, Northern Ireland and the reigning Asian champions Sri Lanka.

Australia are the current Commonwealth silver medallists and they have a winning percentage of 88 percent having won 15 and lost only two of their 17 games played in 2018.

Sri Lanka are on an unbeaten run and emerged as the country with most Asian Netball Championship wins after bagging their fifth title in September.

Malawi, who are ranked at number six in the world, are in Group B that includes the second-best team in the world New Zealand, Barbados and Singapore.

Africa’s top ranked nation South Africa, who occupy position five in the world, are in the same pool as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji.

The She Cranes of Uganda, who are the current African champions, are in Group D and will face the hosts England, Scotland and Samoa.

The top three teams in each group advance to a second group stage. The top two teams in the two groups of six in that second phase will then face-off in the semi-finals.

Source: The Herald

The post Big Diaspora boost for The Gems appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.