LONDON. — Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba revealed some of his team-mates became fearful of flying after new signing Emiliano Sala went missing while on board a plane.

The whereabouts of club-record recruit Sala remains unknown following the disappearance of a Piper Malibu aircraft en route to Cardiff from Nantes on January 21. The Argentine striker was honoured before Arsenal’s 2-1 English Premier League win over Cardiff on Tuesday night following the distribution of daffodils with the match programme at the Emirates Stadium.

Reflecting on the heartbreaking situation, Bamba told BBC Sport Wales: “It is very difficult to even describe how the players are feeling.

“It is a very unusual situation, a big tragedy. We have all been affected by it, the lads, the city, the whole club.

“We have had some help. We travel by plane and some of the lads have been thinking ‘I don’t want to go on it anymore.’ “It was that deep, the gaffer has been good and the club have been good in terms of bringing someone in to talk to if we need to.

“And I think some of the lads do, they need to get it out. So I think it was good thinking from the club and the gaffer and hopefully in the weeks to come we are going to feel better.” 

Source : The Herald

The post Cardiff City fear to fly appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

MANCHESTER. — Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned his players not to think winning comes easily after a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley ended their six-game winning streak in the English Premier League under the Norwegian.

United scored two late goals to salvage a point after Burnley looked set to hand Solskjaer his first loss as United boss.

“The danger of winning might be that you think what we’ve done before gives us the right to start off on 90 percent because we’re winning one or 2-0.

“But we don’t. You have to start properly in each game and today we didn’t start off well enough to cause Burnley enough problems,” he said.

United, who have slipped two points behind fifth-placed Arsenal, piled plenty of pressure on Burnley’s defence but caused too few problems with their crosses from wide.

“We know they (Burnley) are well organised and happy if we cross the ball, we needed more tempo and more urgency in the play, play our way into the box more,” said Solskjaer.

The ex-United striker, who took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, was happy however, with the late rally.

“I was stopped so many times (after the game) by the staff, so many people saying great spirit fighting spirit, and the way they came back was fantastic and so of course (I’m) happy with a point but we could have got three even at the end but we just ran out of time. 

Source : The Herald

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

Takudzwa Chitsiga and Rashiwe Murisa
SIX local professional golfers will tee off when the Sunshine Tour returns after the summer holidays with the Eye of Africa PGA Championships which get underway this morning until Sunday.

The event, which began in 1923 as a match play tournament, before being converted to its current stroke play format in 1965, returns to Eye of Africa Signature Golf Estate South of Johannesburg with several international golfers taking part.

Eye of Africa boasts a prize fund of R2-million and Zimbabweans Ryan Cairns and Mark Williams, Dean Nysschen entered the tournament through exemption.

Benjamin Follet-Smith, Sheldon Steyn and Brian Gondo booked their places through the qualifiers on Monday.

The trio were part of 27 top professionals who were fighting for the 15 slots in the pre-qualifiers.

Eye of Africa was the first tournament in South Africa to be co-sanctioned by the European Tour when the 1995 Lexington PGA Championship was held at the Wanderers Golf Club and won by Ernie Els.

Source : The Herald

The post Eye of Africa tees off appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

LONDON. — Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City’s title hopes were still intact despite admitting Liverpool are poised to take a significant lead in their two-way battle for the English Premier League football crown.

The Spaniard’s 100th league game in charge turned sour at St James’ Park despite Sergio Aguero putting City ahead in a mere 24 seconds with the fastest Premier League goal of the season. And Guardiola admits Manchester City are now in an uphill battle to try and deny Liverpool the Premier League title.

“It is difficult,” Guardiola told BT Sport.

“We have a chance to do it but we need to win our games. The advantage is not there but we need to continue.

“We have to do our games and know what we have to do. You can lose. Football is competitive.”

Guardiola, however, is far from ready to throw in the towel with more than three months of the campaign to play, and predicted plenty more twists and turns in Liverpool’s bid to end a 29-year wait to win English football’s top prize.

“We’re still in January,” said City manager Guardiola. “There’s a lot of time but of course, when you’re behind the leaders you don’t want to drop points and every game is one less but there are still a lot of matches to play.”

“A lead of seven points is a lot but we’re not in April or May. There are still many games left and anything can happen,” the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss added.

“There are a lot of tough games to play against sides trying to stay in this division, or playing to get into the Europa League or the Champions League. In our case we will do our best to be there and not to give up.”

Source : The Herald

The post Pep not giving up on title race appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Albert Marufu in LONDON, England
ZIMBABWE and Nottingham Forest defender Tendayi Darikwa has distanced himself from a Facebook account that goes by his name.

A post on the fake account triggered fierce debate yesterday.

The 27–year-old right-back said he is not on Facebook and urged whoever is behind the fake account, which has his images and regular updates, to close it.

There was a raging debate on social media after the Facebook character twisted words from Darikwa’s story carried in The Herald on Monday to appear as if he was comparing Zimbabwe football greats Peter Ndlovu and Benjani Mwaruwari.

In The Herald story, Darikwa was talking about his role models in Zimbabwean football.

But the Facebook post made it to appear as if he was juxtaposing the two legends who also previously played in the English top-flight league. Some online publications later published a story claiming that Darikwa had said that Benjani was a better player than Ndlovu.

This did not go down well with some readers who felt the comparison was unnecessary with some abusing the Nottingham Forest defender who became the first of Zimbabweans born in the Diaspora to retrace their roots and play for his country.

“I do not know anything about it (Facebook account). It is fake. I think it is a waste of time that someone would impersonate me on Facebook.

“I don’t really know why someone would pretend to be someone, but I guess some people have time on their hands,” he said.

Source : The Herald

The post Darikwa distances self from Facebook account appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Mukudzei Chingwere and Collin Matiza
RISING Zimbabwean goalkeeper Martin Mapisa took a huge leap towards his dream of becoming a fully-fledged professional footballer in Europe when he joined Spanish lower division outfit Velez CF.

He signed a two-year contract after arriving from Malaga-based side CD Almunecar this week.

The tall 20-year-old goalminder was officially unveiled by the club on Tuesday together with German striker Mathias Comes.

Mapisa has been a sensation since joining CD Almunecar from Aces Youth Soccer Academy of Zimbabwe together with compatriot midfielder Abubakar Moffat.

The Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system.

“Vélez Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football team based in Vélez-Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia.

“Founded in 1922, it plays in Tercera División — Group 9, holding home matches at Estadio Vivar Téllez, with a capacity of 3 000,” according to the club’s official website.

However, central midfielder Moffat is likely to remain with his current employers for a further six months with the current transfer window closing today.

AYSA founder and director, Nigel Munyati, confirmed the latest developments.

“Yes that is very true, Mapisa is now with Velez and that is quite a big move for his career, the league is very competitive.

“I wish him the very best and like I have already said this group is destined for greatness in the game.

“Abubakar is still with his club but it is a good club for his development,” said Munyati.

Another promising young Zimbabwean player Panashe Kuzamba has been invited back for further assessment with Spain’s Segunda Division (Second Division) side Malaga.

Kuzamba, who turns 18 in July, is based in Australia and was recommended to Malaga by UK-based Zimbabwean coach Phillip Zulu.

He had trials with Malaga last month and has been invited for further assessment at the former La Liga club after impressing them during his initial attachment there.

“Panashe was at one stage at my academy here in the UK before he was snatched by Marbella City FC academy in Australia who gave him a full-time residence there. And, after impressing at Marbella City, he was invited for trials by Malaga last month.

“They assessed him and they have now lined-up some clubs in the La Liga Under-19 League and Second Division where they want him to play as they prepare to sign him in the next transfer window,” Zulu told The Herald from his base in Leeds, England, yesterday.

He also said another Zimbabwean player Washington Bgoni, a 19-year-old goalkeeper, will soon be heading for trials in Germany.

“Bgoni is currently playing for Francis Marion University (FMU) Patriots in the United States but I’ve organised him to go for trials in Germany and he will be going there soon,” Zulu said.

Mapisa, Moffat and Bgoni are among a number of talented overseas-based players who are eligible to play for the national Under-23 side in the upcoming African Cup of Nations Under-23 and 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers.

The others are Seth Patrick, Sharma Bako, Admiral Muskwe, Joshua Jeche, Martin Zulu, Kundayi Benyu, Nydam Tristan, Arnold Ndiweni, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch (Jnr), Tawanda Mutoti and Andy Rinomhota.

Source : The Herald

The post ZIM STARLET JOINS SPANISH SIDE appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE will battle Mauritius in the first hurdle of their bid to qualify for next year’s Africa Nations Championship finals.

According to the draw for the zonal qualifiers conducted yesterday at the CAF headquarters in, Cairo, Egypt, the Warriors have a bye in the first round of the CHAN tournament.

They will begin their campaign in the Southern Zone from the second round against Mauritius.

But a bigger battle awaits them, if they progress to the third and final qualifying round, where they are scheduled to meet the winner between neighbours South Africa and Lesotho.

CHAN is a biannual football tournament reserved for players featuring in their respective home leagues.

CAF said in a statement yesterday the dates for the qualifiers will be announced in due course but the finals will take place in Ethiopia early next year.

Zimbabwe missed the previous edition held in Morocco when they fell to a shock defeat to Namibia in the qualifiers.

“This is a good tournament for development, it’s good for exposure. It helps the locally-based players express themselves and it also gives us an opportunity to see the upcoming talents that we can consider for the senior national team,’’ said Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa.

“But I have noticed we have a big problem in Zimbabwe, which has also impacted on the results. All the good players that distinguish themselves in our league will be plucked out to South Africa, and other lucrative leagues every year, and we are left to start all over again.

“Naturally this means we have to produce more good players and this is a challenge to the local clubs.

Source : The Herald

The post UPDATED: Warriors in tricky CHAN draw appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Eddie Chikamhi

Not many CAPS United supporters might know Newman Sianchali, but the veteran forward has vowed to express himself on the pitch by fighting for the Golden Boot this season.

The 32-year-old former Hwange and Highlanders forward joined Makepekepe recently together with his ex-Bosso teammate Gabriel Nyoni.

Sianchali, who also had stints with Bulawayo City and Bantu Rovers, was joint top-goal scorer at Bosso last season with Nyoni after scoring six goals apiece.

CAPS hopes he will be able to combine well with Nyoni in the coming season to complement John Zhuwawu.

“I think I made a good decision considering what is happening at the club. I think CAPS United are doing things professionally,” said Sianchali.

“The way they are doing things is different and I am just ready for the challenge. I am looking forward to something better compared to how I played last year.

“Like any other player, I want to play my part in the team. I also want to make a big name, make it to the calendar, take the Golden Boot and then probably play Champions League with the team.”

The former Bosso duo of Sianchali and Nyoni are coming in to fill the void left by Nigerian Abasirim Chidiebere and Michelle Katsvairo.

The Green Machine have also parted ways with Wisdom Mutasa, Dennis Dauda, Milton Ncube, Thabani Goredema, Cabby Kamhapa, Stephen Makatuka, Carlton Munzabwa, Thabani Goredema and Peter Moyo.

Makepekepe have since roped in youthful players like Clive Rupiya, Blessing Sarupinda and Pride Zivengwa.

Pacy winger Phineas Bhamusi and Ronald Chitiyo are also returning this season.

However, Chitiyo and gritty midfielder Dominic Mukandi, yesterday could not train with the rest of the team.

CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe said Chitiyo, who is recovering from a knee injury he sustained in a car accident last year, might miss the first two weeks of the season. Mukandi is also battling a knee injury.

“Chitiyo has been participating in our training sessions. It’s unfortunate today (yesterday) he is not around because he went for his routine rehabilitation programme.

“We have about two months before the start of the new season and I am sure by that time, I think two or three weeks into the season, he will be fully fit.

“Dominic is a very important player for us but, currently, he has a problem with his knee. We expect him back after two weeks, according to the medical report I got from the doctor,” said Chitembwe.

The coach said his new signings are fitting in well.

Nyoni, a CAPS United juniors product, also believes Makepekepe are poised for bigger things this year.

“I have been welcomed well. I was here as a junior so I am glad to be back home. It was a really big decision so I had to consider a lot of things but the main thing was that I really needed to come back home.

“Mr (Farai) Jere and the executive made it clear we need the league this year and so everyone is putting in maximum effort to make sure we achieve that.

“It is very realistic, considering the amount of work we are putting in and the kind of players we have.

“Bhamusi is back, Chitiyo is working on his recovery, myself, Sianchali and Mwanjali we have lots of experience.

“I want to score more goals. Last year I scored six and assisted eight so this year I want to score more goals for CAPS United and make sure that the club regains its glory. “I am coming from a hotpot into another hotpot. Highlanders had a lot of pressure and I believe there is pressure as well at CAPS United. So I am ready for it,” said Nyoni.

Source : The Herald

The post Sianchali Eyes Caps Success appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
BELGIAN World Cup star Yannick Carrasco, who formed a good partnership with Zimbabwe international forward Nyasha Mushekwi in the Chinese Super League last season, could today seal a multi-million-dollar switch from Dalian Yifang to English giants Arsenal.

If the deal sails through, despite concerns there might not be enough time for it to be completed, it could be yet another demonstration by the Chinese Super League that it has a lot of gems in its stable.

Sky Italia and numerous media reports in the United Kingdom revealed yesterday that talks were underway between the Gunners and representatives of the 25-year-old Belgian World Cup star to bring him to London to play in the English Premiership.

Arsenal are believed to have turned to Carrasco after failing to lure another 2018 World Cup star, Ivan Perisic, who tried to engineer a move from Italian powerhouse Inter Milan earlier this week.

The Serie A side rejected numerous attempts by the Gunners to take Perisic, initially on loan, with a view to sealing a permanent deal for the winger who was one of the stand-out players for his country as they reached the final of the 2018 World Cup.

And, according to several reports, Arsenal are now trying to get Carrasco who moved to the Chinese Super League from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in February last year in a deal that also took Argentine midfielder Nicolas Gaitan to Dalian Yifang.

The Carrasco deal was worth about $30 million with the Belgian star earning $9 million a year for his stint in the Chinese Super League.

Carrasco made 25 appearances for Dalian Yifang, scored seven goals and provided five assists, including providing Mushekwi with some of the opportunities that resulted in the Zimbabwean forward scoring 15 goals, the best return for his club last year.

The Belgian star formed a good combination with Mushekwi and the duo played a massive role in helping Yifang find a way to successfully secure their place in the Chinese Super League for another season.

That Carrasco is even attracting the interests of a club like Arsenal also silences the voices of the critics, including a number on the domestic front, who have been questioning the quality of the Chinese Super League and dismissing it as a retirement zone.

The same critics have repeatedly questioned if Mushekwi still deserves a place in the Warriors, arguing he isn’t playing at a high level to warrant a guarantee in the team, claiming the Chinese Super League doesn’t fit their description of a  very competitive league.

That a player like Carrasco could even come from there, and play an influential role for Belgium in their successful 2018 World Cup campaign, appears to have done very little to silence their voices.

Even when Brazilian midfielder Paulinho moved straight into the Barcelona starting XI and Belgian star Axel Witsel sealed a $23 million from Tianjin Quanjian to German giants Borussia Dortmund after last year’s World Cup finals, it didn’t convince these critics that there is quality in the Chinese Super League.

Now, it appears, another star of that league could be on his way to Arsenal before the transfer window closes today.

Carrasco’s agent, Christophe Henrotay, said although it will be ‘’difficult’’ to complete the player’s move at this late hour, he could not rule out anything.

‘’Everything is possible,’’ he told Radio Rossonera.

‘’But it seems difficult to do so because it would be decisive and rapid movement by the interested clubs involved to discuss and deal with the current club of Carrasco.’’

He also discussed the issue with Inter Dipendenza.

“There’s plenty of interest in Yannick from all over Europe because his family are having problems adapting to China,” Henrotay said.

“He’s concerned about his family, which is completely normal. He has a lot of respect for his current club, Dalian, because he loves them and because they’re a great team with a lot of history.

“He wants to be honest with them, and it’s for this reason that he’s talked to the club, informing them that he isn’t 100 percent focused because of his family’s difficulties.

“Yannick’s very focused on working, but for his family it’s different. He has too much respect for the club not to tell them.

“There’s the possibility that Dalian reward this honesty and talk to the clubs interested in him.”

There were reports late yesterday that Italian giants AC Milan have also joined the race to try and secure the signature of Carrasco at this late hour.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been saying they could bring in a player or two.

‘’When we have the possibility to buy different players with big quality to help us with their performance, we can do that,’’ Emery told the British media this week.

‘’At the moment though the club is telling me this is not a good moment to buy new players.

‘’But the club say to me in the summer it is going to be different. And we are going to have chances to take and spend money to buy players.

‘’If we look at the other teams in this transfer market, it is very difficult for them. Only Chelsea have signed somebody, with (Gonzalo) Higuain changing with (Alvaro) Morata.’’

The massive interest in Carrasco also shows that Mushekwi has been playing alongside quality players, which he credits for the way he exploded in his first season in the Chinese Super League, at Dalian Yifang.

After being ignored from the first team, following the arrival of Carrasco and Gaitan, at the beginning of last season, Mushekwi returned with a bang as scored a number of goals which were crucial in helping his team retain their place in the Chinese Super league.

Source : The Herald

The post ARSENAL BID FOR CARRASCO SHOWS MUSHEKWI IS IN GREAT COMPANY appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi and Tadious Manyepo
DYNAMOS claim midfielder Valentine Kadonzvo duped them to terminate his contract on the pretext that he was going to the United States for studies, only for him to use his freedom to secure a contract with rivals Chicken Inn.

The 25-year-old Kadonzvo was released by the Harare giants a few days ago, after claiming he was going to study in America, only to resurface in Bulawayo this week with the Gamecocks.

He still had a year left on his contract.

DeMbare feel they were hoodwinked and are not happy they are losing the player for free when they could have made Chicken Inn pay for the transfer.

Club secretary-general Webster Marechera yesterday said they were not happy with Kadonzvo’s antics.

“Valentine was our player and we had him in our plans for this season. But then he came and misrepresented to the club that he had won a scholarship to study in America,’’ said Marechera.

“He even presented his papers to the club which we later learnt were fake. But then we had released him in good faith and in the understanding that he was going to study.” Kadonzvo was among the few players that the club had hoped to retain following an exodus that has claimed nearly 20 players.

The 25-year-old became the second player from DeMbare to move to Chicken Inn during the off-season after midfielder Brett Amidu.

The midfielder’s departure leaves Dynamos with only Tawanda Macheke, Godfrey Mukambi, Jimmy Tigere, Kudzanayi Dhemere and goalkeeper Simba Chinani from the core of last year’s squad.

While Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas was thrilled by the arrival of Kadonzvo, his opposite number Lloyd Chigowe was left dejected.

Chicken Inn have been busy bolstering their squad ahead of the new season after giving their coach the target to win the title which they last won in 2015.

Dynamos are involved in a familiar rebuilding exercise and this year they will have a virtually new-look squad.

“What Valentine did was not right. We released him on the understanding he was going to school. If I may put it this way, it was on humanitarian grounds. “We felt that we could not deny him a chance to further his education but then we realised we had been tricked.

‘’It’s something that was pre-planned. “I don’t know if Chicken Inn knew about this but I believe they are a professional club and if they wanted the player they could have just approached us in a proper manner. “We were more than willing to engage them. If we had agreed the terms why shouldn’t we have released the player? This is business and we also want the money.

“Hopefully, our superiors are going to take up the issue with the Premier Soccer League because as long as he is in Zimbabwe, he is a Dynamos player,” said Chigowe.

Interestingly, Kadonzvo’s name was dragged into a scam last year in which a number of people were duped into sending money to a number registered in his name after claims his relative had passed away.

He was forced to release a statement. ‘’It is with grave concern and deep regret that I have learnt that a certain individual has resorted to fraudulent activity under the false pretense that they are Valentine Tapiwa Kadonzvo,’’ he said in a statement.

‘’The individual has repeatedly contacted people using the following number 0785990338 pretending to be me and requesting for financial assistance purpotedly due to an “untimely death in the family.”

‘’The individual has registered the number in my name and has tricked many individuals into sending him money via the EcoCash platform.

‘’It is imperative for the public to know that under no circumstances does the individual have the right to collect money on my behalf, as such, this is a criminal act.’’

Kadonzvo claimed he was not part of the deal. ‘’I wish to state on record that there has been bereavement in my family,’’ he said. ‘’I also wish to reiterate that the said number was illegally registered in my name without my consent by the suspect as he had access to my documents.

‘’I sincerely apologise to members of the public who may have sent money under the impression that it was for a legitimate cause.

I continue to thank the Dynamos supporters and everyone else who has continued to back me as well as look out for me in my short professional career.’’

However, after the latest developments, questions will now be asked whether Kadonzvo was not part of that fraudulent act.

Meanwhile, former Triangle left-back Rodwell Mhlanga has inked a two-year deal with the Glamour Boys despite massive interest from newboys Manica Diamonds who had dangled a big carrot for him.

Apparently, the former CAPS United player had been targeted by several clubs in the Premiership as soon as he became available when his contract with the Lowveld side expired at the end of last year.

Mhlanga confirmed that Manica Diamonds had contacted him but has since settled for the Glamour Boys. “Of course, a lot of clubs wanted to sign me but I have challenged myself to be part of a big family because I want to see my career progressing,’’ he said.

“As soon as my contract with Triangle ran out on December, 31 2018, I just made it clear that I wanted new challenges.’’

source:the herald

The post GLAMOUR BOYS DUPED appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
SPROUTING football director Calvin Nyazema, who is the manager of Zimbabwe international Talent Chawapihwa, believes the highly-rated winger will blossom in Durban.

He completed a long-awaited move from Baroka to Amazulu yesterday.

The Warriors forward ended speculation about his future after agreeing to a three-and-half year deal ahead of the January transfer deadline yesterday.

Chawapihwa, who is one of the most sought-after players in Supa Disk, had been linked heavily with a possible move to heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs.

“The clubs have been in talks and they have agreed personal terms with the player so he is moving,’’ said Nyazema.

“Of course, there have been enquiries from some other clubs but it is Baroka who had the final say at the end of the day because the player belonged to them.’’

Chawapihwa had been with Baroka since July 2017 and rose to become one of their star performers last season.

The 26-year-old helped the Limpopo side win their maiden trophy in the Absa Premiership last year when they lifted the Telkom Knock-out cup trophy after beating Orlando Pirates on penalties.

Chawapihwa made 21 appearances in all competitions this season and attracted a lot of interest in the South African PSL.

His employers, however, insisted that they would not rush to sell him and had put a price tag of between R3m to R5m on his head.

Club chief executive, Morgan Mammila, was on record saying the Warriors midfielder was their most prized asset.

But things took a sudden twist during the week when Usuthu sold their Argentinean striker Emiliano Tade to Mamelodi Sundowns and were in immediate need for replacement.

Nyazema also tipped the pacy winger to continue with his exploits at AmaZulu where he joins compatriots Ovidy Karuru, Butholezwe Ncube and veteran goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro.

“Going forward, I think he will only do well at AmaZulu. They have a very good attacking formation and they use pace when going forward, which is Talent’s biggest strength.

“He has the pace and I think he will fit in easily in the set-up,” said Nyazema.

source:the herald

The post Talent ends speculation appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Mukudzei Chingwere Sports Reporter
FORMER Kaizer Chiefs forward Edmore Chirambadare is doubtful for FC Platinum’s must-win CAF Champions League tie against Horoya AC of Guinea at Barbourfields tomorrow.

FC Platinum, and the champions of Guinea, remain the only win-less sides in the pool, with a point apiece, after drawing their opening matches and losing their second games.

Unlike the Zvishavane miners, the West Africans can afford to lose here knowing they will host FC Platinum again later this month in their backyard.

Norman Mapeza’s men remain the only team in the group yet to score a goal and the miners will need their offensive crew to be at their best.

However, they are likely to come into the duel handicapped with Chirambadare yet to join his teammates in Bulawayo after leaving the country last week to try and expedite his release from Maccabi FC of Johannesburg.

Late yesterday, FC Platinum confirmed the winger was yet to join camp, casting serious doubts over his availability for the big game even if he manages to join the group today.

Left wing-back Elvis Moyo is suspended for this game but Mapeza is not likely to have a big problem in replacing him.

His twin brother Kevin is back to full fitness and might take his place in the heart of the defence.

Horoya suffered a heavy defeat, 0-3, away to Orlando Pirates, in their last game largely due to goalkeeping errors.

But the return of first-choice Senegalese goalkeeper, Khadim Ndiaye, is a major boost.

The West Africans have been in Zimbabwe for a week and they have got accustomed to local conditions ahead of the match.

source:the herald

The post CHIRAMBADARE DOUBTFUL appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Cloud Fusire Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP newcomers TelOne will reassign their head coach Joel Luphahla in a reshuffle expected next week.

The former Zimbabwe international, who took the Gweru side into the top-flight league last season, was forced to step down from his duties ahead of the new season since he does not have a CAF A licence to coach in the Premier Soccer League.

TelOne are currently hunting for a new coach.

Club president, Lloyd Mutetwa, said they will not discard Luphahla because they believe in his work ethic.

“We wanted to continue with Joel Luphahla as our coach but, because he does not have the required CAF A licence, so we have to comply with the ZIFA rules.

“They have been a lot of speculation but we want to make it clear that we are still in the process of conducting some interviews with several coaches.

“We are positive we will announce the new coach next week. But we have decided to retain Joel Luphahla in our technical team this PSL season and his new position will be announced once we assemble the whole technical team,” said Mutetwa.

Mutetwa said the club will help Luphahla obtain the CAF A licence when the course returns.

“We discussed with him about our desire as a club to continue with him and, more importantly, to help him to grow in his coaching career.

“We decided that we will assist him to obtain the required documents while he is part of our technical team and we are positive he will coach our club again in the future when he gets the required papers,” said Mutetwa.

Several high-ranking coaches have been linked with the side, including Lloyd Mutasa and Nelson Matongorere.

source:the herald

The post TelOne to reassign Joel Luphahla appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
AFTER conquering the continent last year, Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs have set qualification for the 2020 Olympics, and retaining the Africa Cup, as their main targets during this year’s rugby Sevens international calendar.

Gilbert Nyamutsamba’s men may not be the country’s flagship rugby team, but they have constantly defied the odds to become the most successful of the sport’s national teams.

They qualified for the 2018 World Cup in the United States and their Africa Cup success later in Tunisia underlined their pedigree.

Cheetahs manager Donald Mangenje and Nyamutsamba have drawn up an audacious plan in which they are looking to build a side that will triumph at the Harare International Sevens in March.

“The players will camp before each and every tournament. This year we intend to increase camping periods, especially towards the Africa Cup and World Rugby series tournaments, which have a huge bearing on our year,’’ said Mangenje.

“The Africa Cup is arguably our most important tournament this year given the Olympic Qualifiers.

“We narrowly missed qualification for the last qualifiers going down to Kenya in dramatic fashion four years ago. We are eager to make amends and also be part of the festivities in Japan.

Draft Cheetahs programme 2019:

Harare International 7s (Harare Zimbabwe) March 23 -24

Hong Kong 7s (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) April 5 – 7

Rome 7s (Rome, Italy) June 22 – 23

Windhoek Draught 7s (Lusaka, Zambia) August 31- September 1

Maseru Sevens (Maseru, Lesotho) September 21 – 22

Africa Cup 7s – Olympic Qualifiers (Dates and venue TBA)

Safaricom 7s (Nairobi, Kenya) November

Dubai World Rugby 7s (Dubai UAE) December 1 – 2

Cape Town World Rugby 7s (Cape Town, South Africa) December 8 – 9

source:the herald

The post Gruelling schedule for Cheetahs appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
PLANS for the successful staging of the 2019 COSAFA Cup by Zimbabwe appear on course, with Sport and Recreation Commission director-general, Prince Mupazviriho, yesterday confirming he had since received the agreement between ZIFA and the regional football body.

Mupazviriho said the Sports Commission were now going through the agreement with a view to securing the necessary government guarantee.

COSAFA are keen to make this year’s edition scheduled for May 19 to June 1, which will come just weeks before the African Cup of Nations finals, the biggest ever COSAFA Cup.

There are strong indications that it could grow into a 16-team tournament.

The COSAFA leadership also believe that the tournament provides a perfect platform for Zimbabwe to not only showcase the football talent in Southern Africa but market itself as a safe tourist destination.

Mupazviriho said although they had noted a procedural oversight on the part of ZIFA in the manner they had initially gone about their bid to host the tournament, they were now working on rectifying the matter and was hopeful that by next week “all would be in order’’.

“What happens is when an association, which is either sporting or recreation, wants to host they would naturally, before they even commit themselves, write to SRC saying we would want to host,’’ he said.

“Can we bid to host, which would also indicate what exactly they would expect from the responsible authority which represents government, which is SRC.

“So, when we are satisfied that they can host and as a country we are able to manage the whole process, we would then give them the green-light to bid to host.

“By giving them the green-light it means we are also saying we will be able to support you. Unfortunately, in this instance, that did not happen.’’

Mupazviriho said they would probably have a clear picture in a week’s time.

‘’We are here now to regularise, to correct those things so that everything is done properly, so that if we are to host we then host with everything running smoothly. That’s where we are now.

“After a week we would see how far our processes would have gone. But what I can confirm is they have now submitted the document, their agreement with COSAFA, which they brought in yesterday.

“Our role is to facilitate. Remember we are here to develop sport, so our role is to facilitate,” said Mupazviriho.

source:the herald

The post SRC receive Cosafa documents appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

BY HENRY MHARA

DYNAMOS have reported midfielder Valentine Kadonzvo to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after he duped the club into issuing him with a clearance on the pretext that he was going to the United States for studies, yet he was joining local rivals, Chicken Inn.

Kadonzvo trained with Dynamos in their first weeks of pre-season warm-ups, and was one of the only six players that the club had wanted to retain from their previous troubled season in which they fought relegation.

The midfielder, according to the Harare giants, had a running contract which they had to cancel after he requested to be released to further his studies abroad.

But days later, V11, as Kadonzvo is known in football circles, resurfaced at the Chicken Inn training ground, with the Gamecocks confirming that he had signed a two-year contract with them.

This has infuriated Dynamos who want the PSL to intervene, in what is set to be an interesting wrangle between the Harare giants and Chicken Inn over a player.

DeMbare coach Lloyd Chigowe yesterday revealed that Kadonzvo had duped them, adding that he personally felt cheated as he had anchored his entire game plan for this upcoming season on the midfielder.

“Valentine Kadonzvo has been fraudulent in his behaviour. The club felt obliged to release him to go for studies, not to release him to join a local club. It was on humanitarian grounds because he had produced papers, saying the university wanted someone who is not attached. So we felt it would be unfair to block him from progressing and furthering his studies. His fraudulent behaviour baffles the mind, because this means he has blocked the route for other guys who might want to make that kind of request in future. Little did we know that he is trying to find a way out of the club, and end up at Chicken Inn,” Chigowe said.

“The club (Dynamos) is active, and we have engaged the PSL and other stakeholders on the matter such that he cannot get away with murder. And if Chicken Inn are professional as they claim to be, they must open negotiations with Dynamos and do a good deal which leaves us with good relations. This kind of approach is full of chicanery.”

Kadonzvo, largely unused under former Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa at the time of the team’s struggles, only became prominent after Chigowe had come to the rescue of the club from relegation late in the campaign, scoring crucial goals to endear himself with the side’s supporters.

He is one of the six players who Chigowe had recommended that they be retained, after he dismantled the whole squad in a rebuilding exercise that has seen most senior players shown the exit door.

Chigowe said the process was going on well, and revealed that they had managed to sign 19 players so far, and plan to complete their transfer business by end of next week.

He refused to give away the full list of those that had signed, but confirmed that Archford Gutu who has been training with the club since returning from Sweden at the end of the year, had signed for DeMbare.

Gutu joins another prodigal son Edward Sadomba on the Dynamos books after he signed a contract with the club last month.

“He (Gutu) will come in and compete with other players, but he is coming in to add experience. He is a technically gifted player, proven talent, but he will have to fight with the other youngsters to get a first team jersey. Dynamos are offering a minimum of three years to all the players they sign with the exception to some senior players, but the majority of the players have signed three years,” Chigowe said.

“The players that are here have shown the desire to compete, but every coach believes that the team is good when it gets into competition. I have a lot of faith in the players we have assembled and they will be able to do well. 

“There is a great potential for them to develop into a team because having a good player is one thing, having them to become a team is another process. Very soon they can gel and become one, but I think we have some of the best talents. We have signed 19 players, so there are only six slots left for the senior members of the squad, and the five slots for the juniors will be filled by players from the team’s junior team,” he added.

Source : Newsday

The post How Kadonzvo dribbled DeMbare appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

FORMER FC Platinum captain Thabani Kamusoko has warned his former club that they face a brutal battle against a physical Horoya side when the teams clash in the Group B Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League tie at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo tomorrow.

Speaking from his base in Tanzania where he now plies his trade for the East African football giants Young Africans, Kamusoko, however, said FC Platinum had a good chance of winning the match.

Kamusoko said he has been following the Zvishavane-based side’s campaign in this year’s Caf Champions League and he believes they have what it takes to take on any African giant in the competition.

“FC Platinum should stick to their type of game and play their own game against Horoya so that they can contain Horoya. Horoya is desperate for a win and so is FC Platinum. If FC Platinum play their normal type of game, they give themselves a good chance of winning,” he said.

He said home advantage should play a big role for FC Platinum against the West Africans who play a physical game. 

“I have never played against Horoya, but one thing I know for certain is that West Africans will pose a threat as they thrive on a physical type of game and this Horoya side has got a lot of experienced players. FC Platinum’s chances of winning on Saturday (tomorrow) are very high, considering they are playing at home and they can take advantage of that.”

Both sides have a point apiece from the two games they have played so far, while Orlando Pirates and Esperance have collected four points so far.

For FC Platinum and Horoya it’s a must win tomorrow if they are to remain in contest for the quarter-finals. 

FC Platinum have not scored a single goal in their two matches in the group stages, an area that coach Norman Mapeza and his charges have to work on ahead of the game tomorrow.

Their new acquisition, Edmore Chirambadare, is still ineligible so they will be looking up to the experience of striker Mkhokeli Dube.

In their first two matches, Horoya played out a draw against Esperance before they were hammered 3-0 by Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

In their match against Orlando Pirates at Barbourfields, FC Platinum put up a commendable show in front of a capacity crowd, but they could not get a win as the two teams fired blanks.

They will be looking to make their possession-based play count this time on.

 Algerian match officials will handle the crunch tie, with Mustapha Ghorbal in the centre and assisted by Abdelhah Etchiali and Mokrame Gourari.

The fourth official will be Boukhalfa Nabil, also from the North African country, while Zambian national Patrick Kangwa is the match commissioner and Jerome Damon from South Africa the referees’ assessor.

Source : Newsday

The post Kamusoko warns of Horoya’s brute appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Mukudzei Chingwere and Collin Matiza

Rising Zimbabwean goalkeeper Martin Mapisa took a huge leap towards his dream of becoming a fully-fledged professional footballer in Europe when he joined Spanish lower division outfit Velez CF.

He signed a two-year contract after arriving from Malaga-based side CD Almunecar this week.

The tall 20-year-old goalminder was officially unveiled by the club on Tuesday together with German striker Mathias Comes.

Mapisa has been a sensation since joining CD Almunecar from Aces Youth Soccer Academy of Zimbabwe together with compatriot midfielder Abubakar Moffat.

The Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system.

“Vélez Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football team based in Vélez-Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia.

“Founded in 1922, it plays in Tercera División — Group 9, holding home matches at Estadio Vivar Téllez, with a capacity of 3 000,” according to the club’s official website.

However, central midfielder Moffat is likely to remain with his current employers for a further six months with the current transfer window closing today.

AYSA founder and director, Nigel Munyati, confirmed the latest developments.

“Yes that is very true, Mapisa is now with Velez and that is quite a big move for his career, the league is very competitive.

“I wish him the very best and like I have already said this group is destined for greatness in the game.

“Abubakar is still with his club but it is a good club for his development,” said Munyati.

Another promising young Zimbabwean player Panashe Kuzamba has been invited back for further assessment with Spain’s Segunda Division (Second Division) side Malaga.

Kuzamba, who turns 18 in July, is based in Australia and was recommended to Malaga by UK-based Zimbabwean coach Phillip Zulu.

He had trials with Malaga last month and has been invited for further assessment at the former La Liga club after impressing them during his initial attachment there.

“Panashe was at one stage at my academy here in the UK before he was snatched by Marbella City FC academy in Australia who gave him a full-time residence there. And, after impressing at Marbella City, he was invited for trials by Malaga last month.

“They assessed him and they have now lined-up some clubs in the La Liga Under-19 League and Second Division where they want him to play as they prepare to sign him in the next transfer window,” Zulu told The Herald from his base in Leeds, England, yesterday.

He also said another Zimbabwean player Washington Bgoni, a 19-year-old goalkeeper, will soon be heading for trials in Germany.

“Bgoni is currently playing for Francis Marion University (FMU) Patriots in the United States but I’ve organised him to go for trials in Germany and he will be going there soon,” Zulu said.

Mapisa, Moffat and Bgoni are among a number of talented overseas-based players who are eligible to play for the national Under-23 side in the upcoming African Cup of Nations Under-23 and 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers.

The others are Seth Patrick, Sharma Bako, Admiral Muskwe, Joshua Jeche, Martin Zulu, Kundayi Benyu, Nydam Tristan, Arnold Ndiweni, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch (Jnr), Tawanda Mutoti and Andy Rinomhota.

Source : The Herald

The post Zim Starlet Joins Spanish Side appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

FORTY years ago, a huge and colourful army of 50 000 people poured into Rufaro, not to watch a classic football showdown, but to celebrate the high-profile wedding of singer Zexie Manatsa and his wife Stella. The event was such a huge box office hit among the residents of the capital.

It even dwarfed a rally which the then Prime Minister of the short-lived Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, Abel Muzorewa, had intended to address that day.

Left with egg on their faces, the organisers were forced to cancel that rally.

Manatsa — the raspy voice behind hits like “Chipo Chiroorwa,’’ “Tea Hobvu,’’ and “Chechule Anavhala Bottom,’’ — had already taken his place among the finest musicians to emerge from this country.

Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi, certainly the greatest Zimbabwean musicians of all-time, headlined the cast of the stars who performed that afternoon.

What everyone didn’t know that day was that two of the three principal musical figures of that festival — Manatsa and Mapfumo — would, 40 years down the line, be united by grief sparked by the demise of the third member of that group, Mtukudzi.

Manatsa’s marriage to Stella brought Tuku to sing at Rufaro that day in 1979.

And, as fate would have it, a strong bond, cemented by marriage, would see him wave goodbye to Mtukudzi in Madziwa last Sunday.

Not just as a special friend, but as a relative given his son, Tendai, had — along the way — married Mukudzi’s daughter Selmor.

There are some things that we, the mere mortals who live here on Mother Earth, can certainly never explain.

Like the striking coincidence that American singer Joan Osborne somehow chose a special year in the history of the romance between football and music to rock the world with her outrageous, if not highly offensive song called “One Of Us?”

Back in 1995, football was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of the greatest song associated with this game, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

A song fittingly released in the year the madness of World War II ended in 1945 and that has come to represent love and defiance, and our collective refusal as humans to be defeated by the challenges that confront us.

And, somehow, on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of that iconic song, Osborne released a song from hell, probably, the closest thing to blasphemy ever packaged into a song where she even dared to ask if God had a name, what it would be?

Things like if our Lord had a face, what would it look like and whether we would want to see it, and she even imagines God on a bus, just like you and me, trying to make his way home.

Somehow, having the reckless courage to sing about God travelling “back up to Heaven all alone, nobody calling on the phone, except for the Pope, maybe, in Rome.’’

But, then, it’s hard for football to disown the likes of Osborne and project itself as an oasis of both faith and spirituality, especially when we have seen the same game somehow celebrate weird images like that young Manchester United fan with a face painted with the words “God Is Back,’’ after Eric Cantona returned from a nine-month ban at Old Trafford on October 1, 1995.

MUKANYA IS A DEMBARE FAN, MAJAIVANA IS A BOSSO SUPPORTER

Thomas Mapfumo is a DeMbare fan, Lovemore Majaivana is a Highlanders supporter, Manatsa played it down the middle by singing songs for all the Big Three, while I don’t know the local team Tuku supported.

Supporting a football club is quite an adventure, a test of faith, and a sense of belonging.

When a Bosnian fan Aldin Karabeg was looking for an English team to support, he took the extraordinary step of emailing all the 92 clubs, asking each of them why they deserved his support.

Only 10 clubs, including Manchester United, replied.

The best response came from Everton, who told him they were one of the founder members of the Football League in 1888, founder members of the FA Premier League in 1992, first club to club to stage an FA Cup final 1894 between Notts County and Bolton Wanderers.

First football club to go on an overseas trip, first club to construct a purpose-built football stadium, first club to have a four-sided stadium with two tier stands, first club to have a stadium with a three-tier stand, first club to have a player, William Ralph Dean, scoring 60 league goals.

The first club to wear numbered shirts from 1-11 in the 1893 FA Cup final, first club to install dugouts, first club to install under-soil heating, first club to win a penalty shootout in the European Cup when they beat German side Borussia Monchengladbach in 1970 and first club to amass 5000 league points.

The first club to stage a World Cup semi-final in Britain in 1966, first club to have the youngest Premiership goal-scorer in two consecutive seasons with two different players, first club to break the £100 000 transfer threshold when Alan Ball moved from Blackpool in 1966, first club to be featured in a television game in August 1936 against Arsenal. And, of course, they told him they were also the first club to have a church attached to their stadium.

That Everton could go to such an extent to try and win just the heart of one fan shows the importance which professional clubs attach to the value of fans.

I am a Manchester United fan, as loyal as they come, and have been a proud one for more than 40 years.

That they are nicknamed the Red Devils, which certainly appears to be rather an obscure celebration of evil, given my strong attachment to the values of divinity, the purity of angels and the greatness of God, has always been an irony.

While there has been an acceptance, and in a lot of cases even a celebration of my patronage of Man United, the subject of which domestic club I support, save for my hometown team Falcon Gold, has been quite a sensitive one in this country.

For years it has provoked debate amid conflicting accusations as if I have been committing a crime that I am a Dynamos fan, while others say I actually support CAPS United.

Some have even used my heritage as a proud Nguni boy whose family tree was rooted in the Zulu clan, where I grew up in a house where Ndebele was the dominant spoken local language, as a sign that I support Highlanders.

How I wish all those people claimed I support Yadah Stars, not because I have managed to gain the trust of the prophet who owns the club, but because it’s a football team that strives to uphold the values of Christianity.

LUCKY THEM, MIKE MADODA AND BARRY MANANDI

What I have found fascinating from this fierce debate is that it appears as if it’s even an abomination for me to be seen to be a fan of one of our Premiership clubs because, as those who judge have argued, it will compromise my work.

Interestingly, they have found no problem with Mike Madoda, a good friend of mine, declaring his allegiance to Highlanders. Or Barry Manandi, another good pal of mine, coming out in the open he is a Dynamos fan, yet they find serious issues in my perceived support for a local Premiership team.

They say neutrality breeds professionalism for someone in my position of influence, that the more I am non-aligned, the better my arguments will be shaped and even warmly received by the readers.

It’s a crazy world that I live in, where I have been stripped of the rights of belonging because it could be seen to be compromising my work, where impartiality should not only be delivered, but also has to be seen to have been delivered.

As much as some might not believe this, there are actually times I wish I just had remained that an anonymous guy in Chakari, far away from the madness of this brutal scrutiny and every other Sunday I would pay my dollar into our stadium to support my beloved Falcon Gold.

A beautiful and laid-back world far away from the Mako Golds of this profession, the relentless pursuit of gold medals that embodies the spirit of the athletes I write about, my town where the mining of gold still remains the one activity that keeps our home sweet home ticking.

What I, however, find strange is that while it’s virtually a crime for me to be linked to any top football club in this country, in England it’s very acceptable that guys in my position can have their favourite clubs they support.

At the Daily Telegraph, Chris Bascombe supports Liverpool; Luke Edwards (Newcastle); Roddy Forsyth (Rangers); Thom Gibbs (QPR); Alan Hansen (Liverpool); John Ley (Arsenal); Jonathan Liew (Spurs); Mark Ogden (Manchester United); Matt Scott (Arsenal); Alan Smith (Arsenal); Alan Tyers (Hibernian) and Jeremy Wilson (Arsenal).

At The Times, Henry Winter supports Chelsea, Patrick Barclay (Dundee); Oliver Kay (Liverpool); Gabriele Marcotti (Chelsea); George Caulkin (Newcastle); Tony Evans (Liverpool); Matt Hughes (Arsenal); Peter Lansley (Wolves) and Rory Smith (Liverpool).

At The Independent James Lawton supports Arsenal, Sam Wallace is a Gunner, Ian Herbert supports Wrexham and Simon Rice is an Arsenal fan.

At The Guardian, Paul Doyle is also a Gunner, Dominic Fifield: (Crystal Palace); David Lacey (Arsenal); Amy Lawrence (Arsenal); Kevin McCarra (Celtic); Jacob Steinberg (West Ham); Daniel Taylor (Nottingham Forest); Louise Taylor (Sunderland) and John Ashdown supports Sheffield United.

The Sun’s Shaun Custis is a Newcastle fan while Simon Barnes is an Arsenal supporter, Martin Samuels of the Daily Mail supports West Ham while his colleagues, Matt Lawton and Matt Fortune are Gunners, Neil Moxley is an Everton fan and Oliver Holt supports Stockport County. At The Mirror Martin Lipton is a Spurs fan, Darren Lewis supports Liverpool, Simon Bird (Newcastle); James Nursey (Norwich); John Cross (Arsenal) and Matt Law supports Aston Villa.

How I wish Everton could adopt my beloved Falcon Gold and transform it into a powerhouse no-one will ever accuse me of borrowed or fake patronage.

And the Toffees’ model of a football club built on the foundation of a respect for God, they even attached a church adjacent their stadium, and a city (Liverpool) shaped by the music of The Beatles, would be perfect for me.

We could even renovate our home ground and turn it into a 50 000-seater, attach a church and, who knows, maybe Zexie Manatsa will one day come and sing on the wedding of one of our future stars before a full-house.

source:the herald

The post Sharuko on Saturday appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Collin Matiza Sports Editor
AFTER setting the South African football scene alight for almost a decade in the 1990s, two of Zimbabwe’s most revered identical twins – Wilfred and William Mugeyi – have decided to give back to the community by opening a soccer academy in that country.

Named the Mugeyi Sports Academy, the new project, which is located at Kidds Beach and Willow Park in East London, will open its doors for young, aspiring South African male and female footballers on Monday.

Speaking to The Herald from his base in East London yesterday, one of the Mugeyi twins, William, said they mooted the idea of setting up their own academy after seeing that there was a lot of untapped talent in their adopted country of South Africa.

“It is myself and Silver Fox (Wilfred Mugeyi) who are behind its formation. We have been playing around with the idea for quite sometime, but due to other commitments it wasn’t easy.

“We felt now this is the right time to give back to the community and help youngsters to fulfil their dreams of one day play top-flight football. Wilfred and I are the heads of the academy, we set up the training programmes for the coaches.

“In fact, Wilfred came through the Ajax Cape Town Academy (coaching structures) and he’s been there for as long as I can remember, he coached in the academy so he’s got vast experience and knowledge of making it (the Mugeyi Sports Academy) a success.

“At the moment we have three coaches, including myself, for the Under-13, 15, 17 and 19. We are still growing,” said William, who captained the Zimbabwe senior team to their first COSAFA Cup title in 2000.

He added that the aim and objectives of setting up their own academy is to give back to the community and help boys and girls who want to take football as a career and also as a form of exercise.

The academy at the moment is funded by the Mugeyi twins with the help of some good Samaritans in South Africa.

“It is just a passion and the love of the game that will keep us going. As time goes on we will start looking for sponsorship, so we do not have a budget for it now.

“The academy is located in Kidds Beach and Willow Park, we are going to use two training facilities to try and minimise boys and girls from travelling long distances to and from training.

“By the way as we speak now, we are opening another branch in Cape Town that will start running in a month’s time. Silver Fox (Wilfred) will be in charge of that one and lastly our next objective is to open another academy in Zimbabwe where we grew up in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mabvuku,” William said.

The Mugeyi twins have been staying in South Africa for close to 30 years now after having arrived there in 1993 when they left the now-defunct Zimbabwean Premiership outfit Black Aces.

They were both first snatched by that country’s former Premiership side Umtata Bush Bucks a year after Wilfred Mugeyi had won the Soccer Star of the Year award in Zimbabwe in 1992.

Then a forceful striker, Wilfred was the most talented of the identical twins and was a nightmare for many South African defenders during his one-year stay at Umtata Bush Bucks and this saw him earning himself a season-loan spell at Israeli giants Maccabi Haifa in 1995.

And for the first time in his career, that also saw him starting a football life without his twin brother William.

But Wilfred only spent a year in Israel and was back at Umtata Bush Bucks where he played for four more years before he briefly joined Chinese side Shenyang Haishi in 2000.

After that Wilfred also played for South African sides Ajax Cape Town and Free State Stars before he hung up his boots in 2007.

Wilfred was also part of the history-making Warriors squad that became the first national team to feature at the African Cup of Nations when Sunday Chidzambwa led his men to the finals in Tunisia in 2004.

source:the herald

The post Mugeyis open academy in SA appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.