By Eddie Chikamhi

ZIMBABWE Under-23 football team coach Tonderai Ndiraya will cast his net wide to include more of the Europe-born and bred players as he seeks to assemble a formidable squad to help the Olympics team back on their feet after four years of inactivity.

The Young Warriors will be back in action in March when they engage neighbours Mozambique in back-to-back qualifiers for this year’s Under-23 African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Egypt.

Ndiraya yesterday said his options will not be limited to local players only as Zimbabwe has a rich database of talented youngsters dotted across the globe.

“Every Zimbabwean playing professional football, who has the proper documents and is eligible to play for the national team, will be considered.

“I have noticed that we have a lot of talented youngsters all over the world who we can invite for assessment. In fact, we are chasing some of the boys and we have to make sure they have the necessary documents. Of course, time and funds permitting we will look to bring in as many as we can,” said Ndiraya.

ZIFA, who have been working in close co-operation with the Team Zimbabwe-UK and the Zimbabwe Foreign Legends to bring players dotted across the globe, are targeting a number of players plying their trade in Europe.

ZFL’s Mistry Chipere said most of the young players have committed themselves to play for Zimbabwe and these include Reading’s Andy Rinomhota, Tinashe Chakwana of Burnley, Reinhard Fabisch (Jnr), Matifadza Zata, Admiral Muskwe, Joshua Jeche, Kundai Benyu, Terry Mupariwa, Farai Mutatu, Shama Bako, Seth Patrick, Martin Zulu, Enrique Ricci Ricardo, Abubakar Moffat and Vashiko Dixon.

Rinomhota (21), who was born in Leeds to a Zimbabwean father, is said to be keen to play for the Zimbabwe national football team.

Ndiraya, who was named the new Young Warriors coach last week, faces a big challenge in trying to build a competitive side since he has under two months to complete the task with most of the locally-based players still inactive because of the off-season break.

Zimbabwe had a bye in the first round qualifiers and they play Mozambique in March. If they make it past the Mozambicans they will face the winner between South Africa and Angola in the final qualifier of the quadrennial tournament.

Eight teams qualify to play in the final tournament, including Egypt who qualified automatically as hosts. These matches also serve as the first stage of the CAF qualifiers for the 2020 Summer Olympics men’s football tournament in Japan.

Ndiraya said he was ready for the challenge. His task will also include preparing the Under-23 players for the senior national team duties.

“It is a great honour to be recognised by the national association and to be entrusted with such a huge responsibility. I will always strive to work hard and to do the best that we can as a team to produce the results.

“The most important thing for now is to assemble a team that can compete with their regional counterparts. Remember we have been inactive for about four years now and we are almost starting all over again.

“So we will put in place a programme so that we prepare adequately for the immediate task. We are going to request for a longer camp, perhaps four weeks. The good thing though is that most of the local players will have started their pre-season preparations.

“Hopefully the league games would have started as well by the time we play Mozambique because we are targeting to have at least 70 percent of players active in competitive football.

“Mozambique do not look like they are easy opponents. They have been playing and they eliminated Swaziland, which shows their team has the qualities to win matches.”The bigger picture is qualifying for the Olympics but we have to make it to the African Cup of Nations first. And for now the immediate task is Mozambique, then either South Africa or Angola in the final qualifier. So we have to assemble a team that can compete,” said Ndiraya.

source: the herald

The post Ndiraya Casting Selection Net Wider appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Mukudzei Chingwere

ZIMBABWE’s representatives in the ongoing edition of the CAF Champions League FC Platinum charmed Orlando Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic after a brave showing in their maiden game in the group stages of this competition at Barbourfields on Saturday.

The match ended in a scoreless stalemate, meaning all the teams in Group B are tied on the same number of points — one — after reigning African Champions Esperance of Tunisia were restricted to a 1-1 draw away to AC Horoya of Guinea.

On Saturday, FC Platinum refused to be cowed into submission by their more illustrious opponents who have won this competition before and stood toe-to-toe against the mighty Soweto giants in a sold-out Barbourfields, which attracted arguably its biggest crowd since the turn of the new millennium.

Not even the vociferous fans who fronted the Happy People’s interest and were by far out- numbering those behind the cause of FC Platinum could deter the miners from giving a good account of themselves.

Their efforts charmed the Serbian coach Sredojevic, who has travelled the length and breadth of the continent, having previously coached teams like Uganda and Rwanda national teams as well as several African clubs.

The Serb, who is popularly known as Micho, hailed the commitment of Zimbabwean teams and even recalled Dynamos run in the 2008 edition of the African Safari where they reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

In their next assignment in the Champions League FC Platinum are away to Esperance on Friday while Orlando Pirates host Horoya this weekend and Micho has wished the Zimbabweans to do well in this competition.

“We played against a very good competitive team, it was like a game of chess where we really needed to take care of every detail.

“It is two Anglophone and two Francophone teams in our group and now if you have that in mind, we wish FC Platinum all the best (in their next match against Esperance).

“I would say the group is wide open (all) the teams drew and there is a lot of football to be played. They (FC Platinum) are going to Esperance and we are waiting for Horoya,” he continued.

“With the quality they have, the commitment they have, I need to tell you that I know this country very well (and) I respect this country very well.

“I remember the situation in 2008 nobody expected it when Dynamos went and beat the champions that year, Etoile du Sahel, and qualified to the group stages if you still remember.

“Everything is really open. I wish them all the best. They are a good team with good players and a good coach (Norman Mapeza).

“They come from a good footballing country, I really wish (them) all the best.

“I need to tell that from the goalkeeper (Petros) Mhari to (Mkokheli) Dube upfront they were all extremely impressive. It was a team effort and they played very well against us.

“In respect to my colleague coach and the players I will not go to individual players I will just say they have great players who played some good football,” Micho said.

FC Platinum captain Mhari played the game of his life, restricting the Buccaneers fiery attack, which also included Warriors international Kudakwashe Mahachi, from getting the all-important away goal and his efforts was being complemented by the brilliant back-line marshalled by vice-captain Gift Bello.

Midfield sentinel Kelvin Madzongwe provided an important midfield shield which helped the evergreen Farai Madhananga to control the game with the aplomb of a veteran and enthusiasm of a youngster.

Former Highlanders skipper Rahman Kutsanzira was impressive in the final third with his brilliant vision of opening up defences but Dube, who led the line, was frustrated on threatening the visitors’ goal area with another Warriors star Marshall Munetsi in an uncompromising form at the back for Pirates.

The Buccaneers, who came into this encounter with a perfect opportunity to claim an early advantage in the group following the 1-1 draw between Horoya and Esperance the night before, failed to capitalise as they were held by the Zimbabwean champions at a packed Barbourfields.

This is the second time in this years’ instalment of the competition where the Sea Robbers have failed to find the back of the net which will most likely worry their technical team going into the next match against AC Horoya.

On paper, the home side may have appeared as underdogs but on the field they made their presence felt from the start as they pinned the Buccaneers back for the opening minutes of the game.

It doesn’t get easier for Micho and his charges as next up they play host to AC Horoya on Friday.

The Guinean outfit, who have become regular participants in the CAF Champions League, have shown their pedigree in the competition, having ousted Mamelodi Sundowns in the group stages last year and also coming within minutes of defeating defending champions Esperance in their opening match on Friday.

Esperance needed a last ditch equaliser courtesy of a Anice Badri strike to claim a point away from home.

Meanwhile, FC Platinum are scheduled to leave the country tomorrow for the second game in the pool against African champions Esperance on Friday.

source: the herald

The post From Serbia With Love appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Takudzwa Chitsiga

IN a bid to promote their tertiary institution to be located in Mashonaland East, the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe has formed a football team that will be competing in the Mashonaland East Division Two League.

The Anglican team will be under the guidance of Lawrence Nyarumwe, a former Shabanie Mine assistant coach, and Basil Makoni.

The team is expected to kick-start the 2019 season on a high note as they want to quickly get promoted to Division One by 2020 season. Speaking to The Herald the team’s chairman, Jonh Remba, said they will be holding trials to have at least 28 players who will do the job this season.

“We are holding trials and want to get 28 players for now as we look forward to have early preparations before the new season starts.

“The motive is to keep our youths busy with sport and stay away from drugs and alcohol abuse. The team is owned by the church with the sitting bishop as the patron of the club.

“We intend to have 70 percent Anglicans and at least 30 percent who can come from any other congregations. The head of technical team is Nyarumwe, who will be assisted by Basil Makoni, who is a CAF referee.

“Our mission is to play in the top-flight in the next two seasons or so with our immediate task being to make sure that we qualify for Division One,” said Remba.

Remba also explained why they are affiliated to Mashonaland East

“We are affiliated to Mashonaland East mainly because it was envisaged that by now our university will be open and we would use the facilities. As of now we have concluded that we will use Greendale Sports Club as our home ground,” added Remba

source: the herald

The post Anglicans Form Football Team appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Takudzwa Chitsiga

GYPSITE Sports Promotions together with Delta Force have vowed to continue supporting the sport of boxing and boxers by having more tournaments in 2019 so as to reach their full potential. Gypsite Electronics and Contractors and Delta Force have been partnering to promote boxing for the better part of 2018 and have promised some bigger and better things this year.

Gypsite hosted a number of big events during the past year and the company director Clemence Zingoni has promised more exciting tournaments this year.

“We are not looking back in as far as supporting boxing is concerned and we wish to take boxing to other cities in 2019.

“Generally, we were happy with the events we hosted last year and they worked as a learning curve for us so we are going to improve in our next tournaments.

“We would like to advice that there would be a lot of exciting bouts this year, including bringing in international boxers.

“It has since come to us that people love boxing as a sport and career; and we have a good crop of boxers coming up who need our support. Last year, Gypsite gave Tinashe Madziwana a brand new Toyota Hiace and $2 000 as part of his winning purse,” Zingoni said.

Delta Force managing director Clyde Musonda said they are happy with the progress they made and boxing is taking a step ahead.

source: the herald

The post Gypsite to Promote Boxing appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

FC PLATINUM produced a top-notch performance against South African football giants Orlando Pirates at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday in a showing that saw them receive plenty of applauds, but they know that they will have to dig even deeper when they enter the cauldron of Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunis to confront Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the Caf Champions League second Group B match this afternoon.

BY CLIFF CHIDUKU

The match kicks off at 3pm local time.

While Pirates presented a formidable challenge which FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza and his gallant men passed in a commendable draw, Esperance, the Caf Champions League defending champions, are tougher opponents.

Previous Zimbabwe representatives who have faced the North Africans in this competition will attest. Highlanders were hammered by a half dozen goals at the same venue on June 1, 2003, and nine years later, Dynamos entered the same den, and were handed six of their own.

Devon Chafa, who is now part of the FC Platinum squad, was part of the 2012 Dynamos squad, and knows exactly what to expect.

“We will play to the game’s needs, especially that we are playing away from home… be it the formation and the style of play. What we just want is a positive result,” Chafa said yesterday.

FC Platinum are synonymous with a passing brand of soccer, but playing gung-ho football in this one, against an equally adventurous side, could be catastrophic.

They will need to be as tight and organised as possible, especially at the back, and then try to catch their dangerous hosts on the counter. A draw away will still be a good result for Mapeza’s charges.

Mapeza admitted playing an expansive game away from home could be tricky.

“We just need to go there with a game plan. We will not go and open up the game. We know who we are playing against. We will go and close the shop and see what happens at the end of the game,” Mapeza said.

The Tunisians, just like their guests, drew their opening match of the campaign against Horoya FC of Guinea, and are desperate to pick their first set of points to enhance their chances of progressing to the next stage.

They have another huge incentive to win this match. Esperance are celebrating their centenary this week and would want to party in style.

More good news in their camp is the signing of Nigerian international Junior Lokosa which they completed on Monday, and the Nigeria Premier League top goalscorer last season might be handed his debut today.

The bad news is that they will be playing this match in an empty stadium following a ban by Caf, which could be encouraging for FC Platinum.

Source : Newsday

The post FC Platinum’s big Esperance test appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

BARELY a year after joining giants Anderlecht, Warriors captain Knowledge Musona has been loaned out to relegation-threatened Sporting Lokeren in the Belgian First Division A League until the end of the season.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Musona (28) joined Anderlecht in May last year from KV Oostende, where he found the net 41 times in 141 games, but struggled for form at his new club where he netted in just once in 10 games.

Sporting Lokeren confirmed signing the Warriors’ gunman on loan.

He is an Anderlecht player until 2022.

“Sporting Lokeren can make use of the services of Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona, who until the middle of 2022 is owned by RSC Anderlecht. Sporting Lokeren rents the player until the end of the season. His loan to Sporting Lokeren means a win-win situation for all parties. Sporting Lokeren hopes to win with him, mainly on his offensive strength. His favourite position is left winger, but he can also be used as a right winger and as a shadow striker. Sporting Lokeren has made a heavy effort to attract this player,” Sporting Lokren said on their official website.

Musona started training with the club yesterday and they are hoping to field him in their next league game away to AS Eupen tomorrow.

“Sporting Lokeren is now going to do everything to get him to play on Saturday. In addition to Jakub Reznicek, Musona is the second attacking reinforcement for Sporting Lokeren in three days. Tomorrow morning (yesterday), Musona trains for the first time with the Lokeren,” the club said.

Sporting Lokeren anchor the Belgian Division One A League log-standings with 14 points from 21 games, with only three wins, five draws and 13 defeats.

On December 27, they lost their last game 1-0 to Club Brugge which is home to another Zimbabwean, Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.

Musona had been reduced to a bit part player at Anderlecht, having failed to replicate the blistering form he enjoyed during his stay at KV Ostende.

He struggled to nail down a first team jersey under former boss Vanhaezebrouck who was sacked earlier this month, and he was hoping to have his fortunes changing under new coach Fred Rutten.

But it appears Rutten is also not convinced by the Warriors star, who he has decided to ship him out so that he gets game time elsewhere.

Earlier reports had linked Musona with a move back to KV Oostende, but it seems Lokeren tabled a better offer for the Smiling Assassin.

So frustrated was Musona with lack of playing opportunities at his parent club that he turned to popular televangelist TB Joshua a fortnight ago, seeking divine intervention over his faltering career, blamed on a nagging knee injury.

Musona’s latest move could be good news to Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga, who wants his man to get the much-needed game time at club level ahead of Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)’s decisive qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in March.

He has been the team’s talisman in the campaign, where the Warriors require at least a point in the home match in Harare to book a ticket to the Afcon finals set for Egypt in June.

Source : Newsday

The post Musona joins Lokeren appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo in TUNIS, TUNISIA
Esperance….(1) 2
FC Platinum….0
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said he was proud of his team’s performance despite conceding either half to lose to CAF Champions League holders Esperance before an empty Stade Olympique de El Menzah here yesterday. This was the Zvishavane side’s first away match in the group stages of the Champions League and, at times, their inexperience clearly showed as the technically superior hosts dictated play for the better part of the battle.

FC Platinum packed their defensive lines, aware they could not go pound-for-pound against the hosts, and will probably be disappointed with the way they conceded the two goals that made the difference in this match. The first one saw their defence react slowly to clear the danger, and they were punished, while the second one came from some poor marking in the box, which exposed goalkeeper Petros Mhari, and the damage was done.

FC Platinum also lacked the discipline needed at this stage of the game, conceding a number of unnecessary free-kicks, including the one from where they let in their second goal after Elvis Moyo went for a reckless tackle.

But there were some positives for the Zimbabweans and, even though they did not create a lot of chances, they were not an embarrassment to their brand in a stadium where Dynamos and Highlanders conceded half-a-dozen goals against the same opponents.

Khenisisi Taha was twice on target for the hosts with goals in the 24th minute and 65th minute, the first a rising shot from the box after the visiting defence failed to clear their lines, and the second a header after some poor marking.
“We lost yes but I am proud of my boys, they played well and according to our game plan,’’ said Mapeza.

“We wanted a positive result but it wasn’t to be against a very strong side who are not only the defending champions but have a 20-year experience in the tournament yet this is our first time.

‘’The scoreline wasn’t that embarrassing and although we could have done better I’m extremely proud of my boys.’’
Mapeza felt they could have avoided the second goal and kept themselves in the game, with just a goal to get in the final moments, had they done better in defence.

“With more alertness that second goal wasn’t supposed to go in, we could have done better there but like I said, the game plan was adhered to save for that momentary lapse in concentration,’’ said Mapeza. “We will dust ourselves and we look forward to the next game.’’

The Zvishavane side next host Guinea’s Horoya who were in South Africa yesterday for a date against Orlando Pirates.
FC Platinum held Pirates to a goalless draw at Barbourfields last Saturday.

Teams
Esperance: Rami Jeridi, Sameh Derbali, Khalil Chammam(Mohamed Yakoubi 82nd min), Ben Mohamed, Fousseny Coulibaly (Chilane Chalali 66th min) , Frank Kom, Youcef Belaili, Taha Khenisisi (Haithem Jouini 72nd min) Hamdou
FC Platinum: Petros Mhari, Lawrence Mhlanga(Raphael Muduvihwa 90th min), Gift Bello, William Stima, Elvis Moyo, Devon Chafa, Kelvin Madzongwe, Gift Mbweti, Mkhokheli Dube, Raisome Pavari (Albert Eonde 70th min) Farai Madhananga

source: the herald

The post Mapeza praises team despite loss appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
WHEN Norman Mapeza and his FC Platinum troops arrived in Tunis this week for their Champions League battle which they lost 0-2 yesterday, they found a city choked by thousands of Esperance fans celebrating the club’s centenary anniversary.

The reigning African champions have been having a grand party, to mark 100 years of existence, despite their fans being barred from watching them play yesterday’s match as part of sanctions for their violent conduct in previous Champions League games.

The way the Tunisians have been celebrating their history, and achievements, is in sharp contrast to how local clubs appear to place little, or no value, to such grand occasions.

As if to suggest they are not connected in any way to the path they travelled to be where they are today, the challenges they faced, the moments of triumph, the battles they fought, the ones they won and those they lost.

For goodness sake, Dynamos turned 55 last year, but there was nothing from the Glamour Boys to mark the occasion, just as they did when their Golden Jubilee came along, six years ago.

Three years ago, Highlanders turned 90, but save for an off-shoot developmental side called Bosso ’90, there was nothing else to really celebrate reaching the grand old age.

CAPS United also turned 45 last year but, again, there was nothing to remind their fans — including those who have been with them from the very beginning — that they had reached this important milestone.

And, this year, the Green Machine will mark 40 years since they came of age, by winning their first domestic league championship in 1979 but — as has so often been the case with local football clubs — that milestone will pass largely unnoticed.

Last year also marked 20 years since that season when Dynamos almost transformed themselves into champions of Africa but no one at the Glamour Boys cared to remember or celebrate that feat.

Maybe the founding fathers, who have run this club into the ground, don’t want the fans to be reminded of how good these Glamour Boys used to be in the past.

Statistics will show that the Glamour Boys won 11 of the first 18 league championships after Independence, a remarkable 61.11 percent success rate when it came to the race that matters all, where their dominance was without question.

Sunday Chidzambwa was a key figure of that success story, winning seven of those 11 league titles as the head coach of these Glamour Boys, but his decision to quit in 1998 has seen DeMbare struggle to impose their authority on the domestic front.

The country’s biggest football club has won just five league championships, since Chidzambwa walked away, in 21 years for a failure rate of 23.8 percent.

Four of those league titles were won by one man, Callisto Pasuwa, who captured them on the trot, while David Mandigora ended a barren run of 10 years, without a title, for them in 2007.

Along the way, what used to be the country’s flagship football club, once ranked as high as number six on the continent, has been reduced into a punching bag and twice, in 2005 and last year, faced the grim possibility of being relegated.

And Mucherahowa believes Dynamos have always been like a lost flock of sheep without Chidzambwa.

“I had always believed that the only person who could take Dynamos FC to the top is Sunday Chidzambwa and his firing in 1991 had been wrong,’’ Mucherahowa wrote in his autobiography.

‘“In my view Sunday is the greatest coach to have emerged from Zimbabwe. He had many formations which mesmerised the opposition and also possessed an eye for talent.

“He is the one who turned me into an anchorman. Previously I used to play behind Max Makanza, the number nine. He made stars out of ordinary players.

“He had a passionate love for the club. Blue DeMbare blood flowed through his veins no doubt. He was the King who had been dethroned, forced to abdicate and hounded out of town and wrongly so.

“Since his ouster the team had not been doing well. In 1992, the team finished on position seven. In the 1993 season Dynamos finished on fifth position, having garnered 34 points, six adrift of eventual league champions Highlanders and we had no silverware.

“That was a total disaster by Dynamos standards and that is why I took it upon myself to fight for the return of Chidzambwa for the 1994 season. There began operation return of the king.

“It was in the middle of 1993 that I, along with Munemo, cemented our quest to bring back Chidzambwa to Dynamos. The team was losing games and I was getting disillusioned. The team needed a disciplinarian like Chidzambwa.’’

Mucherahowa said there were a lot of forces that didn’t want Chidzambwa back, but eventually, the players prevailed.

“Once Sunday Chidzambwa agreed to return to Dynamos FC as the team’s head coach during the 1993 off-season, I had no doubt in my mind that glory days were beckoning.’’

And he was proved right when DeMbare won the league titles in 1994, 1995 and 1997 and went all the way to the Champions League final in 1998.

Sadly, just like the team’s rich history, there appears to be a concerted effort to forget about the past when these Glamour Boys were really a major force.

source: the herald

The post HUNDRED AND NOT OUT appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Cloud Fusire Sports Reporter
THE players who helped Manica Diamonds qualify for the domestic Premiership are not happy with the decision to dump them en-masse as the team went for some experienced old hands. Luke Masomere’s men were crowned ZIFA Eastern Region Division One champions, with five games to spare, last season.

Manica Diamonds had an extraordinary season in which they raked up 25 wins and four draws last year. The Gem Boys have it clear they want to make an impression in the domestic top-flight league after raiding the market and unveiling 12 new signings. These new arrivals include former Warriors captain Partson Jaure and ex-Dynamos defender Peace Makaha.

However, some of the players affected by the clear-out have been crying foul. The side retained only about seven players from their Division One championship-winning side.

One of the players told The Saturday Herald yesterday they feel used by the club as they were hoping to realise their dreams of playing Premier League football. “I played for the team with all my heart and passion, focusing on getting promoted so that I would realise my childhood dream of playing in the top-flight league,’’ he said.

“It was after we got promoted when things started going wrong.

‘’All of the players’ contracts expired because the club had signed us on one-year contracts and if you check right now almost 75 percent of the team, who fought for the club to be promoted, were dropped.’’ However, club chairman Masimba Chihowa explained the rationale behind the massive clear-out. He said most of the players had signed one year deals and were released upon the expiry of their contracts in consultation with the coach. “All the players we had last year were on a one-year contract and the decision to sign or drop players was done by the coach because it is a technical decision.

‘’We, as the executive, have a little role to play in deciding the future of a player and the coach is the one that signals us to sign a player not the reverse.

source: the herald

The post Ex-Manica Diamond players cry foul appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Reporter
YOUTH, Sports, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry has dismissed as false reports that she had resigned from her ministerial post. Reports circulating on social media claimed that she had stepped down because of the violence that rocked the country. In a Twitter message, Minister Coventry said she had no intention to quit.

“I would like to make it clear that I have not resigned as minister. Whatever the problems, sport can and should be part of the solution and I will pour my energies into uplifting our youth, sports and arts until I can no longer be effective and make the impact we need in our country,” she said.

The minister urged Zimbabweans to desist from violence.

“Violence is never the answer and it needs to be investigated and actions taken. We need peace so no one else suffers and we can rebuild our nation together,” she said.

Minister Coventry said the violence was a sad development.

“What has happened in Zimbabwe has saddened me immensely. I am sorry to everyone that has been affected by the recent events,” she said.

source: the herald

The post Kirsty Coventry dismisses resignation claims appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

ON Tuesday, a nice guy who loved football, and like all good fellows supported Manchester United, died — shot in cold blood in the latest terror attack to hit Nairobi. James Oduor, commonly known as “Odu Cobra,” was a fine Kenyan blogger who founded Wadau TV and had a passion for grassroots football.

He was even tweeting, as the terrorists staged their brazen deadly attack, asking what was going on around him, until a bullet silenced him forever.

Somehow, his tragic death had to come on the eve of his birthday, his heavily bearded face, always accompanied by a charming smile, a reminder of a beautiful flame extinguished so soon.

His untimely death plunged our interactive social media group, which has scores of senior African football writers, commentators and officials into mourning this week.

Life can be so brutal.

It’s hard to imagine, after this tragedy, that this was the same week when the beauty of those images from that full house at Barbourfields last Saturday was making such a huge impression around the continent.

That unforgettable day when Orlando Pirates made that overdue pilgrimage to a hidden Mecca, a beautiful settlement where their name — a disturbing celebration of those who rob on the world’s high seas — carries its weight in gold.

A spiritual and physical journey to an offshore bastion of loyalty to their cause on the other side of the Limpopo River.

A home far away from home — where devotion to their football institution runs deep, very, very deep.

This city where the football gods created probably the closest thing, to some form of Siamese twins, for these Buccaneers.

A fascinating adventure of discovery where, after 82 years, they finally came face-to-face with this twin brother who looked so much like them, talked so much like them, laughed so much like them, dressed so much like them.

And even sang so much like them.

One who lives in this beautiful place, with its wide streets, and a laid-back atmosphere fit for kings.

This irresistible place which has been their home sweet home, since its establishment by King Lobengula in 1870 as his capital, whose name was a journey back into a time when KwaZulu was ruled by King Shaka, where Bulawayo meant a place for slaughter.

A language so familiar, complete with its romantic ring to every word spoken, and every phrase that rolls from the tongue, as if they never left home.

As if they were still in Orlando East, part of what is today known as Soweto, that sprawling home of more than 1.2 million residents, 99 percent of them blacks, the majority of them Zulus.

THE COLOURS OF KING PETER AND MAVERICK BRUCE
Head dresses, like those which used to be worn by Zulu Warriors, just before they left on a mission to break the resistance of a stubborn tribe, a common feature among the men of this city.

Then, there were those black-and-white flags at about every home, and those black-and-white colours in the stands at Barbourfields.

The iconic colours which Peter Ndlovu used to announce his grand arrival on the big stage.

And everyone inside the stadium, except a pocket of rebellious group at the Mpilo end, appeared to be wearing them.

An ally here, a partner there, a friend here, a companion there, a comrade here, a loyalist there, a pal here, a fan there — thousands of them, united in their cause.

Then, there were those songs, about a mythical stubborn bird, Ezimnyama Ngekani, which were a reminder of those sung by their fans back home — a demonstration of both defiance and virility, a warning to anyone, anything, that stood in their way.

Never has any ground, away from Soweto, felt so much like home for these Pirates and, boy oh boy, how they loved it.

And, the gods certainly must have been crazy because how did they end up ensuring Soweto — now the home of these Pirates — was established in the same year, 1963, when Highlanders’ biggest rivals Dynamos were also formed?

There are some who have chosen to criticise the Bosso fans for daring to throw their weight behind Orlando Pirates, rather than FC Platinum, arguing that what happened at Barbourfields was a betrayal of a national cause.

They say they can’t understand why and how a Zimbabwean team, flying the national flag, could get such a raw deal from the local fans?

A team whose success story in this Champions League could open a window of opportunity for Bosso, to play in the tournament, in the event we get two slots and Highlanders finished second in the race.

They say they will never understand why and how a team that chose to bring Champions League football to their doorstep could be given such a hostile reception in a city some of its players call home.

A DEBATE THAT HAS RAGED ALL WEEK
Good questions have been asked but they all appear devoid of the power of history, the value of patronage and the beauty of freedom of association.

Because, to condemn those Bosso fans for exercising their right of affiliation will be an insult to their true feelings, especially when it comes to a Pirates team they have always considered a Soweto extension of their beloved football club.

Ever wondered they named the stand, where the Bosso die-hards sit at Barbourfields, Soweto?

A frivolous attempt to try and transform them from who they truly are, and significantly have always been, long before FC Platinum came along.

A fruitless battle to try and make them disown who they are and whom they have always been long before this Champions League game came onto their doorstep by default and never by design.

A futile attempt to try and make them fake their passion, which is impossible, and — for just 90 minutes — dump their loyalty to a club they have always believed in for more than half-a-century.

And, after the game was over, expect them to return to their true identities as believers in these Pirates.

An impossible campaign to make them try and masquerade as the closest thing to football impostors.

How can it be possible that a loyalty built over so many years can be dissolved for just for one-and-half hours and, after the game, expect them to return to what they truly believe in?

So, as much as some of you might not agree with me, l believe the Bosso fans were within their rights to support Orlando Pirates last Saturday.

It wasn’t an act of disowning their motherland, their identity as Zimbabweans and everything that FC Platinum represented that afternoon.

It was just a true expression of what they feel about these Pirates, and this would certainly have been different if the opposition that day were Esperance.

Or even Horoya or Al Ahly because the Bosso fans have no connection whatsoever to those teams.

If this was Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits or SuperSport United, it’s very likely the Bosso fans would have supported FC Platinum, the problem was that it was Pirates.

And this is what combined to produce a perfect storm which triggered this outpouring of love for these Sea Robbers.

Last month, in Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, there wild celebrations when city rivals River Plate were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals by Kashima Antlers of Japan.

Nobody criticised those celebrating Boca Juniors fans by arguing River were representing their city, their country and their continent because, in football, that is a myth.

For those Boca fans, River’s elimination meant peace in the bars of Buenos Aires and, on the streets of the city or on the trains, their rivals would not mock them for being in the company of world champions

That’s the way football is.

Manchester United fans will never celebrate a Liverpool European Cup success story, even when both teams are from England.

When City were the erecting that mischievous billboard, “Welcome to Manchester,” after signing Carlos Tevez from United, wasn’t it a bold message that in this game everyone stands alone?

Any other argument will be a journey into fantasyland, of course pregnant with emotions, but divorced from reality like expecting to extract milk from a football.

I’m not saying what we saw at Barbourfields was right but l am just saying there was an inevitability to it all and there is a reason, rooted in a powerful combination of romance and history, which led to all that outpouring of love for those Pirates.

And, in my little book, it was all about football and not politics.

We seem to spend too much time worrying about the negatives, instead of the positives that thousands of Bulawayo fans poured into Barbourfields last Saturday.

Life is too short for all this bitterness.

My friend, our friend “the Odu Cobra,” didn’t find any shame in displaying his love for Manchester United, and that it is an English and not Kenyan club, didn’t matter to him.

Today, he is with the angels in heaven and probably wondering why we keep spending so much time on things that don’t matter because, for him, what mattered on Saturday was seeing the beauty of that full house at Barbourfields

Too bad, too bad, he didn’t know he would be gone — in such cold-bloodied fashion — just three days later.

Dear Robson
I was surprised this morning to find “Sharuko On Saturday” in The Saturday Herald. I had given up the search for months.

I just could not believe that you had stopped writing the column. I am one of the millions of readers of The Saturday Herald who were attached to the paper by “Sharuko On Saturday.”

The absence of your column was devastating, I missed so much of your lessons about life explained mainly through sports events, personalities and recollections on incidents and encounters you faced.

Robson, do you remember the few soccer lessons you gave me as Permanent Secretary for Education, Sports and Culture on your way to Burkina Faso for ’98 CAF Championships and me on theatre programme?

That was the first time I spoke to you and I found your worlds as diligently chosen in your speech as in your writing. You are so wise and much younger than me, but what an opportunity it was.

You and The Herald may have not realised that your column adds a lot of value to the newspaper and that its absence reduces the significance of The Saturday Herald.

You see, on Saturday I can read “Sharuko on Saturday” so many times just to enjoy your style of presentation of fairly tough issues in a manner all readers will not mind your critical outlook because of the lessons on life contained in the writing.

Even today’s column contains so many lessons in life which you have been able to share in two decades. Please continue writing.

You are not writing for yourself, but for us.

Greetings to Kalusha!

source: the herald

The post Sharuko on Saturday appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Manchester United of the dangers of complacency as they prepare to face Brighton after beating Tottenham to extend their perfect record under the interim boss.

Solskjaer has won all six of his matches in charge since taking over from Jose Mourinho on December 19, and will look to keep that sequence going at Old Trafford today. Arguably the most impressive victory in the sequence came last Sunday, when Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at Wembley thanks to a Marcus Rashford goal and an eye-catching goalkeeping display from David de Gea.

“As I’ve said before, you go into every single game as a Manchester United coach, as a player or manager, thinking you’ll win the next one, that’s just the nature of this club,” said Solskjaer.

“We’ve had six good games but the next one is the most important one. You cannot be too confident. It’s complacency you have to be wary of. It’s the other side of it. “I want players to be confident but not be complacent and take their foot off the pedal because that’s a big difference for me. I want them go into games full of confidence, taking people on, getting the crowd with them because that’s what it’s about.”

Solskjaer has yet to see the best of forward Alexis Sanchez, who missed last Sunday’s win at Tottenham with a minor hamstring problem.

“He’s champing at the bit in training,” he said. He’s attitude has been fantastic in training and I’m looking forward to seeing him.” The interim boss has played down the suggestion that he is responsible for coaxing better performances out of the players since last month’s departure of Mourinho, adding that he was confident the former United manager would be back in work soon.

He said: “Yeah, why shouldn’t he? He’s a fantastic manager and with the results he’s had I don’t think he’ll be struggling for work.” Solskjaer said Marouane Fellaini is facing up to four weeks out of action with a calf injury.

Celtic have been in negotiations with United about taking the Scotland midfielder on loan, but the caretaker manager appears reluctant to sanction a deal.

He said: “Scott is working hard. He’s a young boy I still believe in. We’re working on his contract.

source: the herald

The post Ole warns against complacency appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Chelsea and Arsenal clash in the English Premier League this weekend, with both managers looking nervously over their shoulders at a charging Manchester United as Tottenham adjust to life without the injured Harry Kane.

Arsenal have lost three of their last six English Premier League matches to fall six points behind Chelsea in the race for a top-four finish.

Unai Emery’s side are now level on points with sixth-placed Manchester United, who have won all five league matches under the temporary leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Elsewhere, Manchester City travel to manager-less Huddersfield while Premier League leaders Liverpool host Crystal Palace.

Unai Emery led his side on a 22-game unbeaten run between August and December as Arsenal mounted a strong challenge for a return to the Champions League.

But the feel-good factor has vanished at the Emirates and United now trail fifth-placed Arsenal only on goal difference.

Mesut Ozil, the club’s biggest earner, is being frozen out and there are reports that head of recruitment Sven Mislintat could be on his way out of the club.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit said Emery needs to completely rebuild the squad and fears the mood could quickly change against the manager, describing the game as a “must-win”.

“This team is not good enough to fight for the title,” he told the Daily Mirror.

“This team is strong enough to fight for third or fourth place and that’s it. They’ve been like that for years and years. You don’t have to be a magician to understand that.

“I was thinking, ‘OK, you sacked Arsene Wenger for good reasons’. But then I was expecting a revolution at the club. But it’s not happened.”

Chelsea hope to have Gonzalo Higuain signed up in time to feature at the Emirates, but will the Argentine solve the Blues’ striking woes?

Former Arsenal favourite Olivier Giroud and Atletico Madrid bound Alvaro Morata have scored a paltry six Premier League goals between them this season, with Eden Hazard leading the way on 10.

Higuain (31) has struggled at AC Milan this season, on loan from Juventus, with just eight goals in all competitions — prompting doubts over whether he is the man to make the difference.

But Higuain enjoyed his most prolific season under Sarri at Napoli in 2015/16, prompting a 90 million euro move to Juventus.

Sarri will hope Higuain’s arrival will not only guarantee goals, but improve Hazard’s mood by allowing the Belgian to return to his favoured berth wide on the left.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has lost talisman Harry Kane until March and is also without forward Son Heung-min for a crucial part of the season.

Kane’s injury and Son’s participation in the Asian Cup leave Pochettino short of options up front.

Spanish striker Fernando Llorente is likely to come into the side for Sunday’s match against Fulham, with Lucas Moura another option, even though he is returning from a thigh injury himself.

English Premiership Fixtures (all 5pm un less otherwise stated)

Today: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City (2:30pm); Liverpool v Crystal Palace; Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion; Newcastle United v Cardiff City; Southampton v Everton; Watford v Burnley; Bournemouth v West Ham United; Arsenal v Chelsea (7:30pm).

Tomorrow: Huddersfield Town v Manchester City (3:30pm); Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur (6pm).

source: the herald

The post Chelsea, Spurs search for striking solutions appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Recently sacked Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes he still belongs in top flight football. The Portuguese coach was fired by the Red Devils in December following lacklustre start to the season and issues between him and several players.

Mourinho, who turns 56 next week, believes in his managerial skills and that he still has much to offer. “I want to coach,” he told BBC Sport.

“I belong to top-level football and (that) is where I am going to be. I am too young, I am in football for a long, long time but I will be 56 in a couple of weeks and am really too young.”

Widely publicised was the rift between Mourinho and United captain Paul Pogba, which he side-stepped blame for.

“Everything good I did with players is not news anymore,” he continued.

“News is when you have problems. In modern football there is a problem between the coach and the player.

“We are not in a time any more where the coach, by himself, is powerful enough to cope and to have a relationship of education and sometimes confrontation with players who are not the best professionals.”

Meanwhile, Rui Faria, an assistant to Mourinho at a number of Europe’s biggest teams, has become head coach at Qatari league side Al Duhail, the club announced yesterday. It is the 43-year-old’s first job since leaving Manchester United, as Mourinho’s number two, last year.

Duhail said it made an agreement with Faria “to be the coach of the team in the upcoming period”.

“The club will present its new coach to the media in a major press conference that will be announced in the upcoming two days,” the club said on its website.

Faria has been assistant for Mourinho — who is alo in Qatar at the moment working as a pundit for beIN Sports — at a host of top clubs including Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United spanning 17 years.

He surprisingly called time on their partnership last year at Old Trafford after working with Mourinho.

At the time he said he wanted to “spend much more quality time” with his family before taking a new job. Mourinho’s troubled spell as Manchester United boss ended last month.

It is the second noticeable coach appointment made by a Qatari club in recent weeks, after former Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson was unveiled as Al-Arabi’s boss in December.

Duhail currently stand second in the Qatar Stars League, behind Al Sadd, who could be coached by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez from next season.

They are the current Qatari league champions and Faria will replace Nabil Maaloul, who was the coach of the Tunisian national side at the World Cup last year in Russia.

source: the herald

The post Mourinho comes out fighting appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso conceded his side will have to lick their wounds and come out fighting after losing the Italian Super Cup trophy to an all-conquering Juventus who turn their focus back to their next target – an eighth consecutive Serie A football title – after the three-week winter break in Italy.

Unbeaten Juventus host bottom club Chievo in Turin on Monday, a team they opened their season against with a 3-2 win in Verona, looking to stretch their lead to 12 points after 20 games.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side currently have a nine-point advantage on second-placed Napoli who face a tricky test against Lazio tomorrow.

“We’ve started 2019 on the right foot. Forward to the next target,” warned Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the only goal in Jeddah against Milan in midweek to bring his tally to 16 in all competitions.

It was Allegri’s 10th trophy as Juventus boss and, after losing two of the last three Super Cup trophies, a boost in his side’s assault on all fronts including the Champions League.

AC Milan – in fifth, one point behind Lazio – are looking for a morale-boosting return to the Champions League places against a Genoa side who have just one win in their last 12 league games.

“We lick our wounds,” said Gattuso, who will watch the match from the stands after receiving a one-match touchline ban for angrily protesting a refereeing decision in Jeddah.

It was a punishing game in the heat for AC Milan who will also be without suspended trio Franck Kessie, Alessio Romagnoli and Davide Calabria in Genoa.

Kessie was shown a straight red card while Calabria was booked for a foul and captain Romagnoli also given a yellow card for dissent.

Spanish midfielder Suso however returns from suspension after missing the Super Cup.

“We have to remain calm,” said Gattuso. “The important thing is recouping our energy.”

Inter Milan host Sassuolo behind closed doors in their San Siro stadium as punishment for racist chanting by their fans towards Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly before the winter break.

Italian Serie A Fixtures

source:the herald

The post Juve take aim at next target appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

CAPS United are keen to make a big impression in the domestic Premiership this season and believe they will fight for honours. Makepekepe will get their pre-season training underway in the coming week. Club vice president Nhamo Tutisani, who is handling the club affairs as his boss Farai Jere concentrates on his role as PSL chairman, said they have been busy during the pre-season.

They acquired Gabriel Nyoni, Phineas Bhamusi, Blessing Sarupinda and renewed the contract of Ronald Chitiyo.
They also retained the core of their team.

“We have filled most of our slots and we are left with a few areas. The good thing is that we have retained most of our players,’’ he said. “We are happy with our demographic structure since we have a good mixture of young and experienced players. “So it’s not like we haven’t been doing anything. Pre-season preparations have since started and if you remember we announced some new players that we have signed. “We are still looking into the squad, obviously with guidance from the coaches. Medicals are taking place, so in terms of work we have been busy behind the scenes.’’ Makepekepe are also looking to beef up their management.

They are expected to announce a new chief executive next week who will replace Cuthbert Chitima ,who resigned early this month.

source: the herald

The post Caps Utd want to roar appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

DOMESTIC cricket matches have been called off due to the political situation in the country. Two Logan Cup matches, between Mountaineers and Mashonaland Eagles at Harare Sports Club and Mid West Rhinos and Matabeleland Tuskers at Old Hararians, started on Monday.

On Tuesday, however, both matches brought to an abrupt halt.

Some of the scorers, umpires and ground staff lived away from the venues and because of the protest action, they deemed it too dangerous to travel while many transport services were also not operating. Zimbabwe cricket has tried desperately to get back on track in recent years but has struggled to do so

source: the herald

The post Cricket matches off appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi in HARARE and Mukudzei Chigwere in GWERU
FOOTBALL supporters have hailed the decision by ZIFA to introduce pre-match ticket sales ahead of the final AFCON qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville in March. The Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association organising secretary, Chris “Romario” Musekiwa, yesterday said they were happy with the move.

Zimbabwe will host Congo-Brazzaville in a do-or-die clash on March 24 at the giant stadium. The association announced this week that tickets will go on the market on February 1.

“This is a great decision from ZIFA and as supporters we are happy with this because that is the norm world over. It’s also good for accountability and for planning purposes.

“It takes away unnecessary pressure and the chaos which we witnessed when we hosted the DRC and lately in Bulawayo when FC Platinum hosted Orlando Pirates.

“ZIFA should start massive awareness campaigns so that the supporters will get into the picture of what is happening. This is a huge match for us and we want a full house,” said Musekiwa.

ZNSSA said many of their supporters have been inconvenienced at the gates during high-profile games.

Last week thousands of supporters were turned away from Barbourfields after failing to gain entrance for the Champions League match between FC Platinum and Orlando Pirates.

ZIFA have since set up an organising committee chaired by board member competitions Chamu Chiwanza with Sugar Chagonda, Philemon Machana and Bryton Malandule coming in as committee members.

ZIFA president Felton Kamambo said they have learnt from past mistakes and have engaged stakeholders to facilitate the supply of the tickets across the country.

“In as far as the AFCON preparations are concerned, the association will be selling e-tickets for the match against Congo-Brazzaville. The tickets will go on sale on February 1.

“All the tickets that we are going to sell will be pre-match tickets. There is not going to be any ticket sales at the match venue. We will be announcing where the fans will get the tickets.

“We are also going to have a launch for the AFCON campaign mid-February. We will advise of the exact dates. “We have also engaged a sponsor for our kit.

source: the herald

The post Zifa decision on tickets hailed appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

The tide of opinion is turning against Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari in the wake of haphazard results, timid performances and baffling team selections less than three months after he succeeded Julen Lopetegui.

The former Real Madrid and Argentina midfielder faces the stiffest test of his tenure today at third-placed Sevilla, who thrashed the European champions 3-0 in September, spelling the beginning of the end for Lopetegui.

Sevilla are locked on 33 points with Real, who are fourth in the Liga standings and 10 points off leaders Barcelona, who host Leganes tomorrow.

While Solari initially had encouraging results following Lopetegui’s ill-fated reign, winning 11 out of 13 games and lifting the Club World Cup in December, his suitability for the job has been thrown into doubt following a dire start to 2019.

Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw at struggling Villarreal in their first game of the new year, then lost 2-0 at home to Real Sociedad and scraped a 2-1 win at Real Betis, snatching victory with a late free kick after having only 26 percent possession.

He also appears to lack the coaching pedigree of Lopetegui, who oversaw some impressive Madrid displays but had horrendous luck in his short time at the club.

Solari’s apparent disregard for midfielder Isco, one of the team’s most popular players but who has failed to start a league game under Solari, has not helped the Argentine’s cause.

His declaration that “draws should not be underestimated” after throwing away the lead against Villarreal was also met with consternation in the Spanish media, with many commentators saying the remarks were not befitting of a Madrid coach.

source: the herald

The post It’s make-or-break for Real’s Solari appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER champions Chicken Inn have set themselves a target to lift this year’s Premier Soccer League title after bringing in five new players from rival clubs.

The Gamecocks have acquired the quintet of Clive Augusto from Ngezi Platinum Stars, ex-Bulawayo City’s Sipho Ndlovu, Malvin Gaki from Harare City and the duo of Panashe Mutasa and Bret Amidu who featured for giants Dynamos last year. Club secretary-general Tavengwa Hara and coach Joey Antipas yesterday said they are setting their eyes on the big prize this year.

“This is a team that has been in the top four many times in recent years and the only way to show that we are improving as a team is by winning the title,’’ said Hara.

“We are not mincing our words, we want the title.

“Getting any other position in the top four again, which is not number one, doesn’t really show that we are getting any better. We have done that several times.’’

The Gamecocks have so far released strikers Collins Dhuwa, who has joined Triangle on permanent basis, and Kudakwashe Gurure whose contract has expired. The 2015 champions will step up their preparations next month with a tour of Malawi where they are expected to feature in a four-team tournament.

source: the herald

The post Chicken Inn set big target appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.