Master Joe Viljoen

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
RING Contact Fighting Arts International (RCFAI) president Master Joe Viljoen will jet into the country tomorrow for a meeting with Zimbabwe Kickboxing Association (ZKA) president Tony Kamangira in Victoria Falls as part of preparations for the Pro World title events to be hosted here next month.

Viljoen is a former representative of the World Kickboxing Association (WKA), Karate International Council of Kickboxing (KICK) and WAKO Pro in South Africa.

Kamangira said Viljoen’s visit is to prepare local kick boxers for the international event to be held during the Africa Day week.

“This year the country is going to host Pro World title events and so we have bilateral meetings with Master Joe Viljoen about the hosting of those competitions. We are going to discuss on logistics of those competitions and see what’s next. He will also be coming to present my international licence to represent our zone and country,” said Kamangira.

“I have been in talks with Viljoen for some time now and he saw the potential that we have as a country and called me saying he would want to visit. I believe his visit will also add more value to the sport in Zimbabwe. Hopefully we will be able to attract sponsorship due to such visits by our international president,” he said.

Viljoen became the first South African kickboxing champion in 1974. He has been heavily involved in identifying and training a new generation of kick boxers in his native country.

— @khumzallen

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Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
Shabanie Mine 0 – 0 Caps United

CHAMPIONS Caps United might have started the defence of their Castle Lager Premiership crown with a draw at Maglas yesterday but the Green Machine stretched their unbeaten run in the league 11 games, stretching over six months now.

The Harare giants have not lost a game in the top-flight since being hammered 1-3 by Bulawayo City at Barbourfields on August 20 last year.

Since then, they have won eight games and drawn three, including yesterday’s opener against a stubborn Shabanie who punched above their weight and could have been full value for a victory.

Makepekepe have now failed to win, in regulation time, all their four competitive matches away from home this season.

They were held by Lioli of Lesotho and TP Mazembe of the DRC in the Champions League while they also settled for a goalless draw against Highlanders in the ZNA Charities Shield final before winning the penalty shootout lottery.

Shabanie Mine, who have spiced their squad with a number of experienced players, gave as much as they got and – with better luck – could have come out winners of this contest.

There have been fears in the Caps United camp that the champions could be victims of their success in the league last year, and in the Champions League this season, and there was an element of complacency in their approach yesterday.

Instead, Shabanie Mine, cheered by a huge number of their loyal fans, produced a spirited show.

The club’s technical manager, Taku Shariwa, who was the Mutare City coach when Caps United started their unbeaten run by thrashing his men 4-1 at the National Sports Stadium, was a happy man this time around.

“We could have won easily but maybe it was not our day. I am happy for the lads. We are poor as a club. We do not have resources like other clubs but we compensate that by the multitude of fans we have on our side,’’ said Shariwa.

“We have a big following and getting positive results for them is good. I just want to emphasise that the good days are coming back. A number of clubs are going to fall at Maglas and they need to be warned.’’

Former Dynamos hitman Farai Mupasiri was a threat all afternoon and could have had his name on the score sheet in the 19th minute but he headed wide from close range.

He received a standing ovation in the 81st minute when he was substituted after being injured.

Ten minutes later Wellington Taderera was a shade to slow   to shoot at goal when he was sent through with Collins Dhiuwa and the alert Edmore Sibanda saved his effort.

Caps United had their chance, too, but they were denied by Shabanie Mine goalkeeper Samuel Mafukidze.

Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo forced a smart save from Mafukidze who pushed his thunderbolt from outside the box for a corner.

William “Munhumutema” Mapfumo and Lloyd Manyande kept Lenard Tsipa under lock and key.

Coach Lloyd Chitembwe was happy with the performance of his men

“The fans deserved a very good match and I am sure the application that both teams gave was very excellent. We were not looking at history because history is for the archives.

“We could have done better but it was a fair result for us. The result is not really important but what was very important to us is the mission and the mission ends in November or December and that is very key for us.

“I will not fault my players, I have an excellent group of players and I am not looking at the negatives. My players deserve credit for their performance,” said Chitembwe.

Teams

Shabanie Mine: S. Mafukidze, A. Dzumbunu, W. Mapfumo, T. Mupumha, F. Mupasiri (J Nyabinde 81st min), T Mavhunga, C. Dhuwa, W. Taderera (D Chivandire 58th min), T. Chimoya (B. Mutigo 77th min) N. Mpofu, L. Manyande

Caps United: E. Sibanda, H. Zvirekwi (R Pfumbidzayi 75th min), V Musarurwa, J. Jangano, D. Dauda, D. Chafa (J. Ngodzo 71st min), M. Muchenje, R. Chitiyo, P. Bamusi, T. Rusike (D. Chungwa 55th min) L. Tsipa

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JOHANNESBURG — Zimbabwe international forward Tendai Ndoro returned on the scoresheet on a weekend in which a number of his countrymen, including Khama Billiat, were on target in the South African Premiership.

Ndoro scored a penalty, in a 2-3 losing cause for Orlando Pirates, while Billiat also scored but saw his Mamelodi Sundowns team going down to Kaizer Chiefs 1-2.

Kuda Mahachi and Knox Mtizwa were also on target.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane accepted his side’s defeat to Kazier Chiefs but says the Absa Premiership title race is far from over.

“We lost to a very, very good Kaizer Chiefs team, we lost to a very good team,” said Mosimane.

“It’s not the end of the day, there’s still time. These things do happen, unfortunately, we scored an own-goal and maybe that’s the only way they can beat us, hey?

“This was one of the [games we needed to win], but it’s not the last, it’s not the only one . . . I don’t want to talk, I’m upset because the security officers were charging at us.

“The next thing, what’s going to happen? Pitso doesn’t accept the defeat. I accept the defeat, I went to shake Steve’s [Komphela] hand and there’s no problem.

“But when Kaizer Chiefs let their security charge at us? . . . It’s okay.”

Moeketsi Sekola, Paulus Masehe and Mohamad Anas all scored for Free State Stars in their 3-2 win over Pirates who scored through a Thela Ngobeni own-goal and a Ndoro penalty.

Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says it’ll take a huge collapse for his side not to finish in the top eight after beating Highlands Park yesterday at Princess Magogo Stadium.

Goals from Mtizwa and Mahachi got Arrows over the Lions of the North in their quest to finish in the top eight for the first time since the 2008/2009 season.

It was also third win on the spin for Larsen’s side in all competitions for the club which were on top of the log in September as they jumped one spot to sixth on the log standings, taking the place of Polokwane City and reaching the 30 points mark.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach, who was also named Coach of the Month in August/September, reveals afterwards that dropping out of the top eight will take huge slide from his team but maintains that they still need to keep on fighting until their spot is assured.

“I think we’ve been there in the top eight the entire season so it’s going to be very hard on us to drop out of the top eight with eight games to go,” Larsen told reporters after the game.

“We got to keep doing what we’ve been doing, fighting for every point that is available.

“I think we said it a couple of weeks ago that three places to play for. I heard another coach said the same thing that it’s position six, seven and eight and there’s six or seven teams fighting for those three positions and we are one of them.

“In order to grab one of those positions it’s going to mean picking up points and I just hope with eight remaining games we can continue to put points on board.”

— Kick-Off

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Norman Mapeza

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
Dynamos  0 – 1 FC Platinum

DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Mutasa shed tears as he battled to find answers as to why his new-look side lost their opening Castle Lager Premiership tie at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

In the end, Mutasa conceded that his boys had learnt their lessons the hard way.

Yesterday’s defeat also marked the first time DeMbare have lost three straight league games to their Zvishavane rivals since FC Platinum came into the Premiership in 2011.

Last year, the Glamour Boys slumped to back-to-back defeats at the hands of FC Platinum.

Mutasa, who was dressed in an elegant blue suit befitting the professional standards the Glamour Boys should display, shed some tears after the final whistle ruing some of the chances his youngsters could not put away as they went down at home courtesy of a penalty conversion by Winston Mhango.

Dynamos had the better of the exchanges in the early part of the game and created the better chances but their finishing was not up to scratch with newboy Quality Kangadze and Emmanuel Mandiranga being given the nod to start upfront.

Mutasa had also planned to field Cameroonian Ntouba Joel Christian but the expatriate was not available for selection as his documentation was not finalised on time.

Their rebuilding has generated a lot of curious questions from their supporters with thousands coming to the giant stadium to watch a glimpse of what was in store for them this season.

Their build-ups looked good and they denied the platinum miners the room to knock the ball around.

Kangadze, who could be a quality signing, twice broke clear but was slow with his decision making while the best chance was when Denver Mukamba’s shot on the turn almost caught goalkeeper Petros Mhari unaware only to be denied by the woodwork.

All this happening in the opening 30 minutes.

But the turning point of the game came just before the breather when midfielder Gift Saunyama handled the ball in the freakiest manners, while trying shield it away from pacy winger Marshal Mudehwe, and referee Ruzive Ruzive did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot.

It was cruel for Dynamos and that Spanish defender Nacho Monreal was not punished, for a worse handling offence in the big English Premiership game between Arsenal and Manchester City last night, showed the contradiction that exists in the application of the laws governing the game.

Winston Mhango did not make a mistake from the spot.

But FC Platinum were denied a goal in the 77th minute when defender Lincoln Zvasiya miscued his clearance and set the ball in the path of seasoned forward Charles Sibanda only for his effort to be controversially ruled out for offside by the match officials.

Mutasa believes the result was a wake-up call to his players.

He said sometimes players have to learn the hard.

“I have to accept it as a coach and move forward. I would like to believe we had better chances than them but at the end of the day we could not get three points. We created chances and never converted and in football if you cannot score you cannot win matches and it’s three points lost.

“I think we had some good chances and at one time with the keeper to beat and if you cannot capitalise that will be the end result. Such is football, sometimes you learn the hard way.

“You will never be satisfied as a coach when you are on the losing end but I would like to give thumbs up to the youngsters. They gave it their all. They created chances and we failed to capitalise on that as a team and it’s back to the drawing board,” said Mutasa.

His opposite number Norman Mapeza was excited by the win but was also far from being convinced by his team’s performance.

Goalkeeper Petros Mhari was also jittery and presented Tichaona Chipunza with a great chance only for the midfielder to inexplicably hurry his shot and blast over.

But the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year had his best moment when he made a crucial save in the 54th minute that denied Dynamos a point.

Mhari instinctively went down to his left after coming face-to-face with Mandiranga who had received an exquisite pass from Kangadze.

“I think it’s always like that being the first game of the season but as the game progressed I think we managed to take control of the game. I am happy for the boys they worked so hard and I am happy we came here looking for a positive result and that’s what we got,” said Mapeza.

Teams

Dynamos – T. Mateyaunga, O. Mwerahari, O. Mushure, L. Zvasiya, E. Muroiwa, T. Chipunza, G. Saunyama (M. Mambare, 65th min), T. Sadiki, D. Mukamba (T. Macheke, 86th min), E. Mandiranga (S. Gorogodyo, 72nd min), Q. Kangadze.

FC Platinum – P. Mhari, I. Nekati, E. Moyo, K. Moyo, G. Bello, W. Mhango, G. Takwara, R. Chinyengetere, M Mudehwe (T. Chawapihwa, 57th min), C. Sibanda (Muduviwa, 88th min), G. Mbweti.

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JOHANNESBURG. — Zimbabwe international forward Tendai Ndoro returned on the score-sheet on a weekend in which a number of his countrymen, including Khama Billiat, were on target in the South African Premiership. Ndoro scored a penalty, in a 2-3 losing cause for Orlando Pirates, while Billiat also scored but saw his Mamelodi Sundowns team going down to Kaizer Chiefs 1-2. Kuda Machachi and Knox Mtizwa were also on target.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane accepted his side’s defeat to Kazier Chiefs but says the Absa Premiership title race is far from over.

“We lost to a very, very good Kaizer Chiefs team, we lost to a very good team,” said Mosimane.

“It’s not the end of the day, there’s still time. These things do happen, unfortunately we scored an own-goal and maybe that’s the only way they can beat us, hey?

“This was one of the (games we needed to win), but it’s not the last, it’s not the only one . . . I don’t want to talk, I’m upset because the securities were charging at us.

“The next thing, what’s going to happen? Pitso doesn’t accept the defeat. I accept the defeat, I went to shake Steve’s (Komphela) hand and there’s no problem.

“But when Kaizer Chiefs let their security charge at us? . . . It’s okay.”

Moeketsi Sekola, Paulus Masehe and Mohamad Anas all scored for Free State Stars in their 3-2 win over Pirates who scored through a Thela Ngobeni own-goal and a Ndoro penalty.

Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says it’ll take a huge collapse for his side not to finish in the top eight after beating Highlands Park yesterday at Princess Magogo stadium.

Goals from Mtizwa and Mahachi got Arrows over the Lions of the North in their quest to finish in the top eight for the first time since the 2008/2009 season.

It was also third win on the spin for Larsen’s side in all competitions for the club which were on top of the log in September as they jumped one spot to sixth on the log standings, taking the place of Polokwane City and reaching the 30 points mark.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach, who was also named Coach of the Month in August/September, reveals afterwards that dropping out of the top eight will take huge slide from his team but maintains that they still need to keep on fighting until their spot is assured.

“I think we’ve been there in the top eight the entire season so it’s going to be very hard on us to drop out of the top eight with eight games to go,” Larsen told reporters after the game. — Kick-Off

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Sikhumbuzo Moyo in BULAWAYO
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
Bulawayo City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
HIGHLANDERS reaped due rewards for an afternoon when they dominated their city neighbours to open their 2017 Castle Lager Premiership campaign with a victory before a good crowd at Barbourfields yesterday. Bosso capped a perfect day for themselves through two goals by Prince Dube, who is tipped to have a breakthrough season this year, and midfielder Simon Munawa.

Newboy Rodreck Mutuma could have registered his name on the scorers’ sheet, but was denied by a poor offside call by Harare-based referee Nomore Musundire after hitting the back of the net from a Dube sitter in the 58th minute.

Dube, who needs to change his attitude towards strike partner Mutuma, opened Bosso’s account in the 56th minute after cleverly rounding drawn out City goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya to slot home from left-back Honest Moyo’s through ball.

Highlanders went 2-0 up in the 65th minute through a first-time hard and low shot by Munawa after being fed by Dube from the left flank.

“He is my man-of-the-match,” legendary former Zimbabwe Saints, AmaZulu, Dynamos and Zimbabwe Warriors midfield maestro Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, who was a pundit for our sister radio station Star FM for yesterday’s game, said as he lavished praise on Dube.

Highlanders were clearly the better side with some nice passes from kick-off, although they seemed to fade away in the final third where City’s Zibusiso Sibanda and Nyasha Mukumbi held fort in central defence only to crumble in the second half.

Bosso were victims of an unfortunate call by referee Musundire in the 18th minute, ruling out a Dube goal on the basis that Munawa had been fouled by former Hwange left-back Munyaradzi Mungadze, having seemingly given advantage to the hosts.

The Bulawayo giants were again asking questions in the 23rd minute, but this time Munawa’s shot was deflected for a corner.

Bosso were again the dominant force from the start of the second half and it was no surprise when they shot into the lead 11 minutes after resumption.

“We learnt the hard way, especially after losing concentration in the second half, but I am positive we will be able to pick ourselves up from this defeat.

‘’We held back for too long and it was only a matter of time before we collapsed,” said City coach Mandla Lulu Mpofu after the match.

Highlanders’ coach Erol Akbay said the first three points of the season were key.

“We played well in the first half. Although we did not score, we totally dominated them but I was not happy with our show in the last 20 minutes,” said Akbay.

The Dutchman also thanked the supporters for coming out in their numbers.

“They were with us all the way; such support can only encourage us. They are happy and we are happy with the win too,” said Akbay.

Teams

Highlanders: A. Sibanda, B. Ncube ,S. Munawa, P. Dube, B. Banda, P. Muduhwa, H. Moyo, E. Mudzingwa, R. Mutuma (R. Matema 76th min), B. Phiri, A. Gahadzikwa (Adrian Silla 69th min)

Bulawayo City: A. Ngwenya, M. Kadzola, Z. Sibanda, N. Mukumbi, M. Mungadze, K. Madzongwe, E. Nkulungo (M. Moyo 63rd min), T. Ndlovu, H. Masuku (R. Pavari 83rd min), S. Ndlovu, M. Dube( I. Kutsanzira 63rd min).

Yesterday: Dynamos 0, FC Platinum 1; Highlanders 2, Bulawayo City 0; Shabanie Mine 0, CAPS United 0.

Saturday: Harare City 0, Yadah Stars 0; Ngezi Platinum 1, Black Rhinos 0; ZPC Kariba 1, How Mine 0; Chapungu 0, Triangle 0; Tsholotsho 0, Hwange 0.Chicken Inn 5, Bantu Rovers 0.

P W D L F A Pts

Chicken Inn 1 1 0 0 5 0 3

Highlanders 1 1 0 0 2 1 3

Fc Platinum 1 1 0 0 0 0 3

Ngezi Platinum 1 1 0 0 1 0 3

ZPC Kariba 1 1 0 0 1 0 3

CAPS United 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Chapungu 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Harare City 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Hwange 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Shabanie Mine 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Triangle 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Tsholotsho 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Yadah 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Bulawayo City 1 0 0 1 1 2 0

Black Rhinos 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

Dynamos 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

How Mine 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

Bantu Rovers 1 0 0 1 0 5 0

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Lloyd Chitembwe

Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
Shabanie Mine.. 0
CAPS United…. 0
CHAMPIONS CAPS United might have started the defence of their Castle Lager Premiership crown with a draw at Maglas yesterday but the Green Machine stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games, stretching over six months now. The Harare giants have not lost a game in the top-flight since being hammered 1-3 by Bulawayo City at Barbourfields on August 20 last year.

Since then, they have won eight games and drawn three, including yesterday’s opener against a stubborn Shabanie who punched above their weight and could have been full value for a victory.

Makepekepe have now failed to win, in regulation time, all their four competitive matches away from home this season.

They were held by Lioli of Lesotho and TP Mazembe of the DRC in the Champions League while they also settled for a goalless draw against Highlanders in the ZNA Charities Shield final before winning the penalty shoot-out lottery.

Shabanie Mine, who have spiced their squad with a number of experienced players, gave as much as they got and — with better luck — could have come out winners of this contest.

There have been fears in the CAPS United camp that the champions could be victims of their success in the league last year, and in the Champions League this season, and there was an element of complacency in their approach yesterday.

Instead, Shabanie Mine, cheered by a huge number of their loyal fans, produced a spirited show.

The club’s technical manager, Taku Shariwa, who was the Mutare City coach when CAPS United started their unbeaten run by thrashing his men 4-1 at the National Sports Stadium, was a happy man this time around.

“We could have won easily but maybe it was not our day. I am happy for the lads. We are poor as a club. We do not have resources like other clubs but we compensate that by the multitude of fans we have on their side,’’ said Shariwa.

“We have a big following and getting positive results for them is good. I just want to emphasise that the good days are coming back. A number of clubs are going to fall at Maglas and they need to be warned.’’

Former Dynamos hitman Farai Mupasiri was a threat all afternoon and could have had his name on the score sheet in the 19th minute but he headed wide from close range.

He received a standing ovation in the 81st minute when he was substituted after being injured.

Ten minutes later Wellington Taderera was a shade to slow to shoot at goal when he was sent through with Collins Dhuwa and the alert Edmore Sibanda saved his effort.

CAPS United had their chance, too, but they were denied by Shabanie Mine goalkeeper Samuel Mafukidze.
Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo forced a smart save from Mafukidze who pushed his thunderbolt from outside the box for a corner.

William “Munhumutema” Mapfumo and Lloyd Manyande kept Leonard Tsipa under lock and key.
Coach Lloyd Chitembwe was happy with the performance of his men.

“The fans deserved a very good match and I am sure the application that both teams gave was very excellent. We were not looking at history because history is for the archives.

“We could have done better but it was a fair result for us.
The result is not really important but what was very important to us is the mission and the mission ends in November or December and that is very key for us.

“I will not fault my players, I have an excellent group of players and I am not looking at the negatives. My players deserve credit for their performance,” said Chitembwe.

Teams
Shabanie Mine: S. Mafukidze, A. Dzumbunu, W. Mapfumo, T. Mupumha, F. Mupasiri (J Nyabinde 81st min), T Mavhunga, C. Dhuwa, W. Taderera (D Chivandire 58th min), T. Chimoya (B. Mutigo 77th min) N. Mpofu, L. Manyande

CAPS United: E. Sibanda, H. Zvirekwi (R Pfumbidzayi 75th min), V Musarurwa, J. Jangano, D. Dauda, D. Chafa (J. Ngodzo 71st min), M. Muchenje, R. Chitiyo, P. Bamusi, T. Rusike (D. Chungwa 55th min) L. Tsipa

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WINNERS’ PODIUM . . . Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Triathlon African Cup medallists in the elite men and women categories pop the champagne after coming tops on Saturday at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
AS the curtain came down on the 2017 Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Triathlon African Cup, Triathlon Zimbabwe president Rick Fulton was a happy man with how things went in an event that marked its 10th anniversary. Thirteen international athletes from Germany, Namibia, South Africa and Japan took part in the elite men and women. Jonas Schomburg, competing under the International Triathlon Union and Japan’s Aoi Kuramoto, emerged victorious in the elite men and women categories at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga.

Schomburg romped to victory in 2hours 1minute 30seconds for the 1500 swim, 40km cycle, followed by a 10km run. Kuramoto was the first to cross the finish line in the elite women in 2hours 21minutes 13seconds after taking the lead from the onset.

Fulton said they were pleased after successfully hosting their 10th Troutbeck event in a row. “From my point of view I think we delivered and we didn’t have any major problems out there and we got through it. It all went very smoothly. So from my point of view it was a great event.

“And certainly going forward I think the pleasing thing about it, this is the 10th anniversary of Troutbeck being on the International Triathlon Union sanctioned event from a circuit point of view. There is no other event on the African continent that has survived as long as Troutbeck,” said Fulton.

This was the inaugural year for Bonaqua water as title sponsor although Coca-Cola has been involved for the last four years with Schweppes water.

Other sponsors of the ATU include Hyundai, Bokomo, Bon Marche and DHL. Fulton attributed the success of the event to their sponsors and various stakeholders that have supported them over the years.

Of 13 athletes that took part, 11 completed the race as South Africa’s pair of Vicky Van Der Merwe and Maude Elaine Le Roux did not finish in the elite women with the latter having to pull out during the swim as she was not feeling well. Coca-Cola marketing activation manager, Vee Chibanda, said they are happy to be associated with the Troutbeck meet.

“It is a great honour for me to be a part of the proceedings today. 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of triathlon (Troutbeck event) in Zimbabwe and we are happy to be a part of Troutbeck,” said Chibanda.

Saturday’s meet also saw the national association announcing a team made up of 11 juniors and youths to represent the country at the African Triathlon Championships in Tunisia on May 6 and 7.

And 18 year-old Alexander Colegrave, who has been to the championships twice, is confident they will bring back home some good results as he competes in the sprint event Under-19 boys.

“That’s quite exciting I have actually been to Africa Championships two years before, So it’s nice to be back in the team. I am looking forward to the race and competition in Tunisia. The team going is quite strong so I think we should get top 10 for the three of us.

“I think the next month is going to be a lot of hard-work towards it, so it should be interesting. The last two years I have managed to get top 10, I came sixth and eighth. So hopefully this year I will improve on that and target top five,” said Colegrave.

Matt Denslow will have to choose the event he wants to compete in after making the grade for both the Under-19 boys and the youth super sprint for 15 to 17-year-olds.

African Triathlon Championships Team

Sprint Event

Under-19 Boys: Alexander Colegrave, Gideon Benade, Matt Denslow.

Under-19 Girls: Gabby De Chassart.

Youth Super Sprint 15 to 17 year-olds

Boys: Matt Denslow, Marcel Paulser, Andoni Mutzuris, Brett Elliot.

Girls: Mikayla Colegrave, Andie Kuipers, Jamie-Lee Soper, Katie Dilmitis.

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WINNERS’ PODIUM . . . Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Triathlon African Cup medallists in the elite men and women categories pop the champagne after coming tops on Saturday at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga

AS the curtain came down on the 2017 Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Triathlon African Cup, Triathlon Zimbabwe president Rick Fulton was a happy man with how things went in an event that marked its 10th anniversary.

Thirteen international athletes from Germany, Namibia, South Africa and Japan took part in the elite men and women.

Jonas Schomburg, competing under the International Triathlon Union and Japan’s Aoi Kuramoto, emerged victorious in the elite men and women categories at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga.

Schomburg romped to victory in 2hours 1minute 30seconds for the 1 500 swim, 40km cycle, followed by a 10km run.

Kuramoto was the first to cross the finish line in the elite women in 2hours 21minutes 13seconds after taking the lead from the onset.

Fulton said they were pleased after successfully hosting their 10th Troutbeck event in a row.

“From my point of view I think we delivered and we didn’t have any major problems out there and we got through it. It all went very smoothly. So from my point of view it was a great event.

“And certainly going forward I think the pleasing thing about it, this is the 10th anniversary of Troutbeck being on the International Triathlon Union sanctioned event from a circuit point of view.

“There is no other event on the African continent that has survived as long as Troutbeck,” said Fulton.

This was the inaugural year for Bonaqua water as title sponsor although Coca-Cola has been involved for the last four years with Schweppes water.

Other sponsors of the ATU include Hyundai, Bokomo, Bon Marche and DHL.

Fulton attributed the success of the event to their sponsors and the various stakeholders that have supported them over the years.

Of the 13 athletes that took part, 11 completed the race as South Africa’s pair of Vicky Van Der Merwe and Maude Elaine Le Roux did not finish in the elite women with the latter having to pull out during the swim as she was not feeling well.

Coca-Cola marketing activation manager, Vee Chibanda, said they are happy to be associated with the Troutbeck meet.

“It is a great honour for me to be a part of the proceedings today. 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of triathlon (Troutbeck event) in Zimbabwe and we are happy to be a part of Troutbeck,” said Chibanda.

Saturday’s meet also saw the national association announcing a team made up of 11 juniors and youths to represent the country at the African Triathlon Championships in Tunisia on May 6 and 7.

And 18 year-old Alexander Colegrave, who has been to the championships twice, is confident they will bring back home some good results as he competes in the sprint event Under-19 boys.

“That’s quite exciting I have actually been to Africa Championships two years before, the last two years. So it’s nice to be back in the team.

“ I am looking forward to the race and competition in Tunisia. The team going is quite strong so I think we should get top 10 for the three of us.

“I think the next month is going to be a lot of hardwork towards it, so it should be interesting. The last two years I have managed to get top 10, I came sixth and eighth. So hopefully this year I improve on that and target top five,” said Colegrave.

Matt Denslow will have to choose the event he wants to compete in after making the grade for both the Under-19 boys and the youth super sprint for 15 to 17-year-olds.

African Triathlon Championships Team

Sprint Event

Under-19 Boys: Alexander Colegrave, Gideon Benade, Matt Denslow.

Under-19 Girls: Gabby De Chassart.

Youth Super Sprint 15 to 17 year-olds

Boys: Matt Denslow, Marcel Paulser, Andoni Mutzuris, Brett Elliot.

Girls: Mikayla Colegrave, Andie Kuipers, Jamie-Lee Soper, Katie Dilmitis.

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

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

The technical knockout plunged Zimbabweans into apathy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manyuchi is based in Zambia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) have selected an 85-member squad to represent the country at the Confederation of School Sports Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) track and field tournament to be held at the National Sports Stadium from May 2-7.

Zimbabwe will play host to Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Botswana and Angola in the schools’ athletics event.

Nash national head-in-charge of athletics Philip Chikomwe said all athletes booked their place in the squad following a Nash national track and field championship held at Lomagundi College in Chinhoyi last week.

“We had a very competitive meet with three provinces having the same number of gold medals so the winner was decided by the number of silver medals they won. This shows that there is a big improvement in terms of athletics in the country and we hope to continue with the standard. We had some new national records being set, particularly in the 17 years and under high jump, javelin and triple jump. We are yet to announce those records [and will do so] once they are verified,” said Chikomwe.

Harare were crowned the 2017 Nash national track and field champions after scooping 21 gold, 19 silver and 13 bronze medals. Masvingo emerged second with 21 gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze medals, followed by Mashonaland West with 21 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals.

Bulawayo came sixth, maintaining last year’s position with nine gold, 11 silver and eight bronze medals. Matabeleland South were eighth with eight gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze, while Matabeleland North were second from last with four gold, eight silver and six bronze and Midlands came last with three gold, one silver and seven bronze.

Chikomwe said the squad will go into camp on April 19 at Queen Elizabeth High School in Harare to prepare for the Cossasa championships.

Province     Gold    Silver     Bronze

Harare     21     19     13
Masvingo     21     13     12
Mashonaland West     21     10     10
Mashonaland East     11     19     26
Mashonaland Central     10     4     1
Bulawayo     9     11     8
Manicaland     8     19     18
Matabeleland South     8     10     11
Matabeleland North     4     8     6
Midlands     3    1     7

@khumzallen

Memory Mucherahowa

Harare Bureau
THE unfortunate events leading to the 1998 Caf Champions League final debacle in Cote d’Ivoire inspired former Dynamos captain Memory Mucherahowa to write a book he has titled “Soul of the Seven Million Dreams”.

The details of the injustice which dashed Dynamos’ golden opportunity to conquer Africa still ring fresh in Mucherahowa’s mind as DeMbare capitulated to a 4-2 defeat to ASEC Mimosas in a match that left many unanswered questions.

In the book, Mucherahowa also speaks about his difficult childhood growing up in the high density suburb of Mufakose, his family, how he got his career going in the once vibrant grassroots development programmes, his career highs and lows, his relationship with teammates at Dynamos and how he was unlucky with the Reinhard Fabish’s Dream Team project.

But what kept on nudging him was the untold story of the Champions League final.

Mucherahowa did not take part in that match which will always be remembered for the brawl before kick-off which left him unconscious after he was head-butted by some of the home team players.

Revered as the soul and heartbeat of the Glamour Boys, Mucherahowa could only follow the proceedings at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on radio from his hospital bed after he was rushed for medical attention leaving his troops stranded ahead of what up until today still remains the most important match in Dynamos’ history since their formation in 1963.

“Many things have happened which motivated me to think about putting my story in writing. The main issue is the Champions League.

“I have been talking about it with Ernest Chirambadare and Chamu Musanhu that people didn’t get to know the real Dynamos story during our days especially our Champions League final in Ivory Coast.

“People have questions wherever I go and you would end up having so many things to explain. There have been many theories surrounding our participation and how it ended in that final.

“Some people have suggested that we sold the game and others had been saying different things about what happened before that match when I was assaulted.

“I got a lot of encouragement from many people and at first we wanted to write a book about Dynamos with Chamu and Ernest but we realised it would cause a lot of problems because we are talking about deep things of Dynamos. Why the three of us?

“So I thought I should focus on myself. That’s how I ended up with this book.

“The other thing is that Zimbabwean football doesn’t have football records. We end up forgetting or twisting facts about the things that happened in the past.

“I remember when I first played for Dynamos we had people like Obadiah Sarupinda who would tell a lot of stories in the bus, especially on long trips, but today some of those stories have since been forgotten because there is nowhere where they were recorded.

“The title is self-explanatory, I think. As players we represented seven million supporters who had their dreams about this club. So, as players, we were the soul which meant to bring this great team together,” said Mucherahowa.

Tonderai Chavhanga

Grace Chingoma, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWEAN rugby star Tonderai Chavhanga believes that if he had not moved to Harare from his rural home in Masvingo his talent, which brought him to the international limelight, could have gone to waste.

The former Springbok star said this when he was speaking to CNN International’s weekly half-hour magazine programme, African Voices.

The athlete began to play rugby at the age of 11 at Blakiston Primary School after he moved to the capital from Zimuto where he grew up with his grandmother.

The 33-year-old believes his lucky break came when he moved to Harare following the death of his father.

“I grew up in a small village in Masvingo province in Zimbabwe. I was actually raised by my grandmother. This is where I found out that I had an athletic ability after I broke my granny’s sewing machine. She wanted to beat me up and I ran as fast as I could.

“After my father passed away, my uncle decided that it was best for me to go live with him in the City. You realise that if I had stayed in rural Zimuto my life could have amounted to nothing.

“He enrolled me into Blakiston Primary School. I started playing rugby immediately and ended up captaining the school team,” he narrated.

The speedy winger, who was gifted with pace, then got a scholarship to study at Prince Edward where he was the youngest player to play for the Tigers team in 100 years.

Chavhanga says he initially struggled to fit into life in the big city but sport made it easier for him.

“I think what made the transition difficult for me into the city was I couldn’t speak English.

“Fortunately, for me sport was a great equaliser.

“I think that sport has the power to bring people together through a shared interest and a passion.

“For me, my sport happened to be rugby and it gave me an opportunity to live my dream and secure my future,” he said.

Chavhanga still vividly remembers the night before his Springbok debut match against Uruguay where he scored six tries to achieve a record which is still standing in South African records.

“World Cup (1996) winning coach Jack White finally gave me the opportunity I dreamt of for so long, selecting me for the Springboks.

“I remember sitting on my bed, the night before the game, just praying, thanking God for giving me the opportunity to play for the Springboks, that it would be great if I can score at least a try just to cap it off,” he said.

Chavhanga is also giving back to the game which made him a household name.

“I am very grateful for a career that gave me priceless memories. I am also thankful for all the people that helped me in my journey and it’s important for me to honour them by giving back.”

The athlete, who retired in 2015, now runs a production house in Durban where he is based.

He is married and has two kids.

“I run a production studio (story animation series) that gives a platform for young Africans to tell their stories.

“As a father of two African kids, I believe Africans could watch content which is relatable and instils good values.

“Inkomo Moving Pictures provides young graduates opportunity to work on life projects which add value to industry and voice their stories.

“Sport has taught me so many life lessons about tenacity and hard work, lessons about getting up when you are knocked down.”

Tendai Chikuni

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
CHAPUNGU mentor Tendai Chikuni has hinted that he is likely to rotate his squad, as he feels he has enough depth in his squad.

Despite his charges playing to a goalless draw against Triangle at the weekend, the new look Chapungu side earned respect from its supporters and neutrals alike with their passing game.

Chikuni did not include last season’s regulars in his squad for the Triangle game like defender Blessed Mbavarira, Allan Tavarwisa, skipper Phillip Marufu, Patrick Khumbula and Gift Phiri, among a host of players.

“Each and every game has got its own approach just like our next game against Black Rhinos. We will be playing away so we will change the players and also the system of play. So we are not going to stick to the same team which played today since we have got depth this season,” said Chikuni.

“Some players that played today you won’t see them next week because as much as I want results, I need to put competition in the team. (Black) Rhinos are more physical and we need players that are also robust so we will approach that game differently.”

The former Shabanie Mine coach said any talk of relegation this season was out of question.

“I can assure you that this season there is no way we can talk of relegation. We are going up there just as we have our own targets and not from the executive. I am a coach who wants to win things and I am trying to instil a winning mentality in the team and they are responding positively,” he said.

Expectations are high for Chapungu to perform better this season. The airmen finished fourth from the bottom last season and only remained in the topflight league following Zifa’s directive that only two teams be relegated from the Premiership instead of four.

The players’ welfare also received a major boost after BancABC committed to sponsoring the club this season and will take care of the club’ major expenses, such as winning bonuses and travelling expenses.

@lavuzigara1

Taurai Mangwiro

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
TRIANGLE FC gaffer Taurai Mangwiro says he left his job as Zifa technical director and member of the High Performance Committee (HPC) because he felt he first needs to prove himself on the bench by winning the league title.

Mangwiro was appointed into the committee last year, but quit early this year to join Triangle soon after the committee had recommended that former Warriors’ coach Calisto Pasuwa be relieved of his duties.

The HPC is chaired by Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda and its other members are Innocent Chogugudza, Sunday Chidzambwa, Moses Chunga, Masimba Chihowa and Rahman Gumbo.

Mangwiro said his desire to win the league title had motivated him to leave his HPC role.

“I had to leave my job and return to coaching because I feel I have a contribution to make in the development of football. I would also want to make an impression as I haven’t won the league and I believe I have got a chance to win the title,” said Mangwiro.

The former secondary school teacher said he fancies winning the league title with Triangle.

“If we garner points away from home and ensure that we are unbeatable at home, I am sure we will be there with the best come end of the season, but it’s not going to be easy, that I must confess. It will require a lot of work from everyone involved and that’s how we can get there,” he said.

Triangle got off to a positive start when they held Chapungu to a goalless draw away at Ascot Stadium on Saturday where he also paraded his new signings.

Among the new signings are former FC Platinum forward Tarisai Rukanda, Stephen Alimenda, who did duty for former champions Dynamos last season, Russell Madamombe, Tonisani Sibelo and Chris Mverechena.

@lavuzigara1

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
SHABANIE Mine and Harare City have courted Zifa’s ire after appointing their initial coaches to positions of technical manager and team manager in a move viewed as bypassing Club Licensing.

Newly promoted Shabanie Mine and Harare City technically bowed down to pressure from Zifa and elevated their assistant coaches to positions of head coaches, while re-assigning gaffers Taku Shariwa and Mkhuphali Masuku.

Shabanie Mine unsuccessfully bypassed the Club Licensing system by naming Shariwa technical manager, with Wilson Mutekede as head coach, while Harare City registered Masuku as team manager.

Shariwa was on the bench when Shabanie Mine held champions Caps United to 0-0 draw at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane.

Our sister publication The Sunday Mail reported that Harare City used their goalless draw against Yadah FC to prove Mike “Dread” Madzivanyika was the real head coach and not a decoy after he was elevated to take over from Masuku, who doesn’t have the mandatory Caf A coaching licence.

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

Unlike Shariwa who missed Shabanie Mine’s post-match interview, Madzivanyika faced the media in post-match interviews.

Zifa communications and club licensing manager Xolisani Gwesela said the national association would take “corrective action” against Premier Soccer League clubs that attempt to bypass the Club Licensing system by appointing unqualified coaches to other positions.

“Zifa would like to reiterate that no unqualified coaches are allowed to sit on the bench and that Caf A licences are still a prerequisite. We are very much aware that some clubs have dodged the system by appointing unqualified coaches as team managers. We view this as beating the system. As Zifa, we take great exception to this dubious distinction, and we urge clubs to be professional. Coaches without requisite badges are also prohibited from entering the field during warm-up. Zifa will take corrective action on unprofessional clubs because implementation of Club Licensing is meant to bring professionalism to our clubs,” said Gwesela.

He said they have also noted with dismay that some clubs are still utilising the services of unqualified medical personnel.

“Let me explicitly state that only qualified medical doctors and physiotherapists are allowed to sit on the bench,” Gwesela said.

He also revealed that players without licences would not be allowed to play in the second Premiership weekend.

“In the opening games of the 2017 Premier Soccer League season, we allowed some teams to play without licences since the licensing process was still in progress. However, players without licences will not be allowed to play in the second round of fixtures because the Zimbabwe Football Association has issued licences to all registered and eligible players. Issuing of player licences and those of the technical teams was delayed by the transition from the manual registration system to an online platform known as Zimbabwe Connect,” Gwesela said.

@ZililoR

Norman Mapeza

Sports Reporter
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza thinks he has found the perfect replacement for Walter Musona in former Hwange marksman Gift Mbweti.

Mapeza had high praises for last year’s Golden Boot runner-up whom he tips to make a big impact this year.

Mbweti featured for the platinum miners in his first competitive game on Sunday when they beat Dynamos 1-0 at the National Sports Stadium.

Mapeza was convinced that Mbweti, who finished the season with nine goals last year, two behind Golden Boot winner Leonard Tsipa, will explode into the real deal this season.

“He is fantastic, he did well and I think he made a massive contribution to the club. I think you saw that he brought another dimension to the team. I think he is good replacement for Walter Musona,” said Mapeza.

Musona moved to South Africa where he is now playing for Polokwane City.

Mapeza, however, was brutally critical with his other new signing Talent Chawapihwa who featured as a second half substitute.

“I wasn’t happy with Talent. I think he was getting lost. What we told him when he came in, that’s not what he was doing. I wasn’t happy with him, but he’ll learn.

“He is still young, we need to help him, he will get better,” said Mapeza.

Mapeza says it still too early to talk about the championship, but believes his men can compete for honours this year.

“Each and every club, each and every coach has some set objectives, but it’s too early now to talk about the objectives.

“But it’s clear to everybody that anybody who is competing in the league wants to win the league. No one wants to be relegated. As usual we are here to compete and we will see as the season progresses,” said Mapeza.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ALTHOUGH a lot of football analysts have taken Dynamos out of the race for the league championship, midfielder Denver Mukamba believes the Glamour Boys will force many of them to eat humble pie.

DeMbare, who are currently rebuilding, went down 0-1 to FC Platinum in their opening match of the Premiership season, but they still gave their fans a glimmer of hope with some fine passages of play which only lacked the goals.

The Glamour Boys unleashed new signings Lincoln Zvasiya, the impressive Quality Kangadze, Emmanuel Mandiranga and Gift Saunyama in the starting XI.

Mukamba, who has now become one of the senior players at the club, said he was encouraged by his team’s performance and urged the Harare giants to take the positives from that defeat.

The former Warriors player reckoned Dynamos will be back at the top of their game and said they needed time to get the engine in good shape.

With a number of players joining the ship, Mukamba explained that it has never been easy being a Dynamos player or coach because of the huge expectations from their big support base.

“Our technical team is encouraging and pushing us a lot to achieve what we have set ourselves. Dynamos is not an easy team (to play for or to coach).

“If you want results at Dynamos you must work very hard. So we are expecting to raise the bar in our next game against Triangle. We want goals.

“Everyone in the team was looking forward to a win in the first game.

“We did not do well last season on the overall log standings, but this year we want to improve. We want results. Dynamos is about results,” said Mukamba.

The Harare giants could afford to start with the likes of Masimba Mambare, Valentine Ndaba and Carlos Rusere on the bench and still caused problems to their rivals.

Mandiranga, who has featured in some friendlies, has proven himself with his pace on the wings, but on Sunday he was guilty of missing a sitter while Kangadze has shown he could blossom into a good player.

Obey Mwerahari and Ocean Mushure were good in the wingbacks while Elisha Muroiwa and Zvasiya formed a solid wall at the back.

Mukamba said FC Platinum were a good test for Dynamos’ pedigree.

“FC Platinum were not easy, it was a tough game. For us, nothing really went wrong. It’s only that we conceded an unfortunate penalty when one of our players tried to turn inside the box.

“The fans should continue supporting us because we are working things out.

“It’s been a while since we last won the league so we will continue pushing as a team because we want the title this year,” said Mukamba.

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN rugby star Tonderai Chavhanga believes that if he had not moved to Harare from his rural home in Masvingo his talent, which brought him to the international limelight, could have gone to waste.

The former Springbok star said this when he was speaking to CNN International’s weekly half-hour magazine programme, “African Voices’’.

The athlete began to play rugby at the age of 11 at Blakiston Primary School after he moved to the capital from Zimuto where he grew up with his grandmother.

The 33-year-old believes his lucky break came when he moved to Harare following the death of his father.

“I grew up in a small village in Masvingo province in Zimbabwe. I was actually raised by my grandmother.

“This is where I found out that I had an athletic ability after I broke my granny’s sewing machine. She wanted to beat me up and I ran as fast as I could.

“After my father passed away, my uncle decided that it was best for me to go live with him in the city.

“You realise that if I had stayed in rural Zimuto my life could have amounted to nothing.

“He enrolled me into Blakiston Primary School. I started playing rugby immediately and ended up captaining the school team,” he narrated.

The speedy winger then got a scholarship to study at Prince Edward where he was the youngest player to play for the Tigers team in 100 years.

Chavhanga says he initially struggled to fit in the big city but sport made it easier for him.

“I think what made the transition difficult for me into the city was I couldn’t speak English.

“Fortunately, for me sport was a great equaliser.

“I think that sport has the power to bring people together through a shared interest and a passion.

“For me, my sport happened to be rugby and it gave an opportunity to live my dream and secure my future,” he said.

Chavhanga still vividly remembers the night before his Springbok debut match against Uruguay where he scored six tries to achieve a record which is still standing in South African records.

Chavhanga is also giving back to the game which made him a household name.

The athlete, who retired in 2015, now runs a production house in Durban where he is based.

He is married and has two kids.

Phillip Chiyangwa

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA have issued a stern warning to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League teams that are evading club licensing system by appointing unqualified coaches as team managers.

This follows the association’s resolution that all top-flight çlubs’ head coaches and assistants should have CAF A licences to sit on the technical bench.

Clubs such as Harare City have redeployed former head coaches Mkhupali “Mr Cooper” Masuku and Shabanie Mine Taku Shariwa to managerial positions.

Masuku is now the team manager of Sunshine Boys.

Shariwa is the Premiership returnees’ technical manager following the appointment of Wilson Mutekede as the head gaffer.

But yesterday ZIFA club licensing manager and ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, warned clubs who were trying to beat the system.

“We also would like to reiterate that no unqualified coaches are allowed to sit on the bench and that CAF A licences are still a prerequisite.

“We are very much aware that some clubs have dodged the system by appointing unqualified coaches as team managers.

“As ZIFA, we take great exception this dubious distinction, and we urge clubs to be professional.

“Coaches without requisite badges are also prohibited from entering the field during warm-up,” said Gwesela on the association’s website.

Gwesela added that clubs should observe the personnel criteria fully by also employing qualified medical persons.

“We have also noted with dismay that some clubs are still utilising the services of unqualified medical personnel.

“Let me explicitly state that only qualified medical doctors and physiotherapists are allowed to sit on the bench.

“However, players without licences will not be allowed to play in the second round of fixtures because the Zimbabwe Football Association has issued licences to all registered and eligible players.”

“Issuing of player licences and those of the technical teams was delayed by the transition from the manual registration system to an online platform known as Zimbabwe Connect,” he said.