A PLANE carrying the most successful college coach in American football history, crashes into a wheat field in Kansas, and the Hall of Famer is one of the eight individuals who perish in that tragedy.

By some strange coincidence, the crash has to happen just 100 miles from where Jess Harper, the very coach Knute Rockne had replaced at the University of Notre Dame, now resided. And Harper is the one who now gets the grim responsibility of identifying the remains of the man who took his job.

A Polish Airlines plane, carrying members of the United States amateur boxing team, a Russian made IIyushin II-62, crashes in Warsaw. And 14 boxers, most of them in their teens, and eight of their technical staff members, are part of the 87 people who lose their lives in that tragedy.

They were due to attend Olympic trials in Warsaw and, ironically, the United States ultimately boycotts the 1980 Olympics in the then Soviet Union in the wake of the invasion of Afghanistan.

Virtually all the boxers, who died that day, were making their first trip outside America and their plane came down just about a mile from Warsaw’s Okecie International Airport as it came in to land. And, as if by some cruel twist of coincidence, a conference on the improvements in air travel safety, was being held at the same airport at the time that plane came down just a mile away.

Bobby Czyz, the only boxer with Polish heritage in that US team, pulled out of that trip after a car accident, just days before they were scheduled to leave, meant he could not join his teammates on that doomed trans-Atlantic flight to their deaths.

He found a way to navigate through the psychological wreckage of those tragic events to become a three-weight world champion who even fought the great Evander Holyfield.

On April 13, 2007, Czyz was a passenger in a car that crashed into a tree at high speed and he suffered broken ribs, facial lacerations and collapsed lungs.

Doctors said he wasn’t expected to survive, putting him into a medically-induced coma, from which he woke up after two months in hospital.

“The doctor who worked on me was standing six feet away,” he told fightsaga.com after he woke up. “‘Bobby Czyz, you were dead. You were the deadest anybody’s ever been to come back to be this healthy.’”

The flight engineer on that doomed flight was supposed to be Ryszard Chmielewski but he asked one of his colleagues to cover his shift as he felt he needed more time to rest and would fly out of New York the following day.

But, seven years later, while working on another flight as an engineer and instructor supervising his colleague Wojciech Klossek, Chmielewski was one of all 183 people killed when Polish Airlines LOT Flight 5055, another IIyushin 11-62M, came down on the outskirts of Warsaw after an in-flight fire.

Ironically, that plane was travelling to New York’s JF Kennedy International Airport, from where the similar doomed plane which Chmielewski had missed, in which the American amateur boxers were flying, had embarked its journey to disaster.

A bus carrying the Bluffton University basketball team crashes in Georgia, five of the team’s members are killed, a car in which Zimbabwean footballers – Blessing “Yogo-Yogo” Makunike, Gary Mashoko and Shingi Arlon – are travelling in slams into the rails at a bridge and bursts into flames, killing the trio and two fans.

A truck in which Steve Kwashi, the first coach to lead CAPS United to the league championship in Independent Zimbabwe, crashes into a tree, on the same highway, leaving the celebrated gaffer with serious injuries that would bring his career to an abrupt end.

And, Hardlife Zvirekwi is driving home on Sunday night when his car hits some roadside trees and overturns, forcing doctors to amputate his right palm.

You might be wondering what’s all this about?

Well, all these unfortunate sporting incidents share a chilling common denominator – they all happened in March, spread over a period of 88 years, with the tragedy of the American football Hall of Famer the first to happen on March, 31, 1931.

THEY SAY BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH, WELL, MARCH IS HERE AGAIN

It all started with the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BC, then came the French raid in Southern England in March 1360 in which they are accused of going on a 48-hour spree of rape and murder.

The Samoan Cyclone in March 1889 in which six warships – three belonging to the United States and three to Germany – were destroyed, killed more than 200 sailors.

In March 1917, Czar Nicholas II of Russia abdicated his throne, was later captured and executed by a firing squad together with his family.

In March 1941, 60 people were killed in the United States in a deadly blizzard and, in March 2003, reports emerged of a mysterious respiratory disease in China, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong known as the Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome which claimed 774 people in 37 countries.

Beware the Ides of March, we have had it all before, haven’t we?

And, now, we are into March once again.

Maybe, that explains why some fans, who have followed the Warriors since the turn of the ‘80s, have been having sleepless nights ahead of the team’s blockbuster 2019 AFCON final qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville on March 24.

Those fans, part of a generation of Warriors supporters who routinely saw their team perfect the art of always collapsing at the final hurdle, are worried about the identity of the opponents and whether their presence brings a dosage of bad luck to their cause.

Some still remember the events of July 16, 1991, when the Warriors, needing a win to take control of the group ahead of a final qualifying match against Malawi, took a 2-1 lead courtesy of a goal by Peter Ndlovu, with just a dozen minutes remaining in the game.

And, for 11 of those minutes, the Warriors had their fate, in terms of booking a place at the ’92 AFCON finals, firmly in their hands.

Then, in the final minute of the game, a ball – speculative at best and harmless at worst – was pumped into our area and, in any other game, any other moment, on any other occasion, our goalkeeper John Sibanda would have made a routine save.

Somehow, he fumbled it and, as the stadium watched in disbelief, the ball was scrambled home for the equaliser and, just like that, Congo-Brazzaville were on their way to the AFCON finals.

A replica of the events at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro at the 1950 World Cup when the hosts, needing just a home draw to become champions of the globe for the first time, conceded a sloppy 79th minute goal when goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa Nascimento, was caught off position.

That goal gave Uruguay a 2-1 lead, which proved the winner, and Barbosa transformed himself into a hate figure in Brazil for the rest of his life and, in 2000, just a few months before his death that year at the age of 79, he gave a rare interview.

SOME THINGS, LIKE THE IDES OF MARCH, ARE JUST MEANT TO BE

Maybe, some things, just like the Ides of March, are just meant to be and maybe those Warriors fans, having some sleepless nights, have a valid reason for that and let’s look at this:

l How was it possible that the maligned Barbosa had to die at the age of 79, the number representing the very minute he conceded that goal at the Maracana, to condemn Brazil into mourning in 1950?

l How was it possible that the name (Nascimento), associated with Brazil’s darkest football hour, would also be the name which would represent the nation’s redemption through Pele, whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento?

l Why is it that, if you are a rugby fan, you know that, no matter what happens, England will always lose to Wales if the Test is played in the year that ends with a nine, like this year?

l Wales trailed England 3-10 at half-time on Saturday but, since this year ends with a nine, those who know what always happens in such a year were still predicting a Welsh victory and, at the end of the match, the hosts powered to a 21-13 win.

l In ’99, Wales beat England 32-31, in ‘89, Wales won 27-9, in ‘79, Wales won 27-3, in ‘69, Wales won 30-9, in ‘59, Wales won 5-0 and in ‘49, Wales powered to a 9-3 win over the English.

l How is it that, when it became known that the four remaining teams in the UEFA Champions League last year were from England, Italy, Spain and Germany, one could tell the final would feature one from England and another from Spain?

l And, that’s what happened, with Liverpool and Real Madrid reaching the final as was the case in 1981, when they also featured in the final of the same competition, when the four semi-finalists were also clubs from Spain, England, Germany and Spain.

l Of course, there is also that Liverpool story – in ’78, a British Prince gets married, two Popes die and the Reds are crowned champions of Europe; in ’81, a British Prince also gets married, the Pope is shot and the Reds again are champions of Europe.

l In 2005, another British royal wedding takes place, the Pope dies and Liverpool come back from 0-3 down to beat AC Milan on penalties to be champions of Europe.

l And, the death of that Pope, being the first non-Italian pontiff in 450 years, also sees the Warriors qualify for their first successive AFCON finals.

l Last year, another British royal wedding takes place, but the Pope doesn’t die and Liverpool lose in the Champions League final to Real Madrid.

l Or how do you script the coincidence that two of the country’s finest musicians, Oliver Mtukudzi and Dorothy Masuka, have to die within a month of each other, on the same date, Tuku on January 23, Auntie Dottie on February 23?

l Or how do we explain that Makunike, Arlon and Mashoko, somehow, have to die in a road accident in March, their coach Kwashi has to be injured in another horrific road accident in March and Zvirekwi’s palm is amputated, after another road accident in March?

Maybe, some things are just meant to be.

Or, not to be, and Liverpool could, after all, become the first team, without using a French player in their campaign, to win the English Premiership in the new millennium.

To God Be The Glory!

Come on Warriors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Khamaldinhoooooooooooooooooooo!

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Email — robsharuko@gmail.com; robson.sharuko@zimpapers.co.zw

You can also interact with me on Twitter — @Chakariboy, Facebook, Instagram — sharukor or the authoritative ZTV live football magazine programme, GamePlan, where I join the legendary Charles “CNN’’ Mabika and producer, Craig “Master Craig’’ Katsande, every Wednesday night at 9.45 pm

source:the herald

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League’s search for their own state-of-the-art home has received a major boost after Harare City Council yesterday reiterated its commitment to give them a piece of land in the not-so-far future.

PSL chairman Farai Jere made it clear his vision was to construct a headquarters for the top-flight league during his four years in charge.

The league have been hoping from one rented premises to the other since their formation 27 years ago.

But, the visionary Harare businessman believes the PSL should own their premises and channel the limited resources at their disposal towards other developmental projects.

He argues the PSL could also use their property to secure loans from banks. They applied for land from the City of Harare and yesterday Mayor Herbert Gomba reassured the organisation the council will avail a piece of land this month.

Gomba, unlike his predecessors, appears a mayor intent on making a difference to the city and has prioritised the improvement of their sports facilities.

He headed an inspection at Rufaro where the team, comprising both council and PSL officials, including chief executive Kenny Ndebele, assessed progress made in the refurbishment of the stadium’s toilets, change-rooms and the pitch.

“I can confirm that we received an application letter from PSL. They are asking for council to avail a piece of land for them to construct their head office and we are working on it.

‘’Soon we will make an announcement to the effect that we will be availing the piece of land to the PSL.

‘’I can safely say it’s 80 per cent done.

“Football is big business nowadays and I think, as council, we should help them to make sure that they make it big.”

‘’By establishing a head office of their own, I think it’s important for the football fraternity.’’

Meanwhile, Rufaro, the proposed venue for the Charity Challenge match pitting rivals Dynamos and CAPS United next weekend, will not be in a position to host any games before March 30, when the 2019 season gets underway as there is still a lot of work to be done.

Acting city architect Leonard Chirombo said Rufaro was closed for renovations for the next four weeks.

The refurbishments, said Chirombo, will also see the whole stadium being fitted with bucket seats before the commencement of the 2019 season.

source:the herald

The post City of Harare pledges land for PSL HQ appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
THE Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association have escalated their battle to try and have the 2019 COSAFA Cup held in this country and petitioned the High Court seeking a Declaratory Order over the matter.

Leader of the supporters’ body, Eddie “Mboma’’ Nyatanga, yesterday filed an application with the High Court in Harare over the issue and cited Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry as the respondent.

Nyatanga, in his papers, also questioned the appointment of Sport and Recreation Commission director-general Prince Mupazviriho, who was one of the key people who handled the ZIFA bid to stage the COSAFA Cup.

In his founding affidavit, Nyatanga is praying that the High Court will issue a Declaratory Order that would nullify the announcement that Coventry made on the hosting of the COSAFA Cup.

COSAFA had wanted to stage their biggest tournament, in history, this year in this country from May 19 to June 1.

But ZNSSA believe ZIFA should have been allowed to take the lead in the hosting with the Ministry only giving direction on the guarantees.

“The respondent on February 18, 2019 made an announcement that ZIFA would not host the 2019 edition of the COSAFA senior men’s football tournament scheduled to be hosted in Zimbabwe,’’ Nyatanga said in his application.

“The respondent’s announcement of her decision on behalf of the Zimbabwe Government and ZIFA is improper and beyond the scope of her powers in terms of the SRC Act.

“The decision was not for the respondent to make or announce as ZIFA had only sought Government guarantee in order to make an informed decision.’’

The Minister has 10 days within which to file her opposing papers.

Nyatanga further argued that the Minister had allegedly breached the SRC Act in allegedly usurping the powers of the Commission on the COSAFA Cup bid.

“As a matter of fact, all interactions and engagements with registered national associations are exclusively reserved for the SRC by the statute,’’ argued Nyatanga.

“The respondent had no right to involve herself in ZIFA matters. All she was simply required to do in the situation was to communicate Government’s position to the ZIFA leadership, not to assume the role of making and announcing the decision herself.

‘’The respondent exercised power which she did not have in direct violation of the SRC Act.”

source:the herald

The post ZNSSA take COSAFA battle to High Court appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe international Lazarus Muhoni, who is under the spotlight after being implicated in a player transfer scandal, has stepped down from his position as Manica Diamonds executive member.

Muhoni, who was responsible for development, yesterday announced he was stepping down, just two days after he was suspended by the club following allegations of corruption.

The 42-year-old was suspended this week alongside team manager Lloyd Chinawa following reports the duo allegedly inflated signing-on fees and demanded kickbacks from the club’s new signings.

The club’s principal sponsors – Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company – have since launched investigations into the allegations and appointed a committee headed by the club’s founding chairman, Newton Demba.

“I think this issue had started to have a negative impact on my family,” said Muhoni.

“So, we sat down to talk about it and after wide consultations I decided to step down from my post for the good of the game and for the good of my family.”

“But, I would also want to assure the investigating team that I will always be available if they want any information from me.

“I have so much respect for the ZCDC board, the sponsors of the team, and the club’s management including vice-chairman Lavet Wadawareva, Lloyd Chinawa and our secretary-general Sugar Chagonda.

“They are very professional people and I hope one day to work with them again when the truth has come out. For now, I will take a break.”

The former midfielder has hit back by making counter-accusations against the team coach Luke Masomere and the club chairman Masimba Chihowa.

There are genuine fears the club and their sponsors could have been defrauded of thousands of dollars.

Muhoni also claimed Masomere and club chairman Chihowa may have been involved in the illicit transfer deals and were plotting to get rid of him to cover their tracks.

“The investigations should be allowed to take place as scheduled although I still have some big questions on why the coach was also not suspended when his name has been implicated in this matter,’’ said Muhoni.

“It’s possible he will interfere with the witnesses. So, in the spirit of fairness, he should also be asked to stand aside to allow the smooth flowing of the investigations.’’

source:the herald

The post Muhoni quits amid raging storm appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Annual National Sports Awards judges sparked controversy when they connived to relegate World Cup-bound Zimbabwe national netball team into the periphery during the belated awards ceremony in Harare last night.

Gems coach Lloyd Makunde also lost in the Coach of the Year award with the judges handing it to Cheetahs gaffer, Gilbert Nyamutsamba for the second year running.

How a World Cup qualification success story could be deemed insignificant will haunt these awards for years.

Sportsperson of the Year

Wilfred Mashaya (martial arts –kobudo)

Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Ryan Gwidzima (squash)

Junior Sports Woman of the Year

Lorryn Ashley Bass (rowing), 2. Christi Rose Pretorious (judo), 3. Brianagh Clark (equestrian).
Junior Sportsman of the Year

Ryan Gwidzima (squash), 2. Liam O Hara (swimming), 3. Kenneth George Raynor (rowing).
Junior Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability

Grace Nyamadzawo (athletics VI–T12), 2. Moment Bhebhe (athletics VI–T13), 3. Libetra Shoko (athletics VI–T13).
Junior Sportsman of the Year with a Disability

Sellasi Chiwisa (golf- Special Olympics), 2. Ethan Mupfumura (golf- Special Olympics), 3. Tafadzwa Munyoro (athletics VI–T13).
Sportswoman of the Year

Grace Chirumanzu (karate), 2. Paidaishe Zengeni (chess), 3. Memory Chiwandire (karate).
Sportsman of the Year

Wilfred Mushaya (martial arts –kubudo), 2. Samson Muripo (karate), 3. Ben Follet Smith (golf).
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability

Margaret Bangajena (wheelchair racing), 2. Moleen Majoni (wheelchair racing), 3. Lisa Burbidge (golf Special Olympics).
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability

Isaac Gutu (Golf Special Olympics), 2. Elford Moyo (wheelchair racing), 3. Munyaradzi Musariri (golf Special Olympics).
Team of the Year

Rowing Team (Patrick & Rory Plunket), 2. Sevens Rugby (The Cheetahs), 3. Netball Senior Team (The Gems).

Coach of the Year

Gilbert Nyamutsamba (Sevens Rugby), 2. Lloyd Makunde (Netball Senior Team), 3. Sunday Chidzambwa (Football).
Technical Official of the year

Rick Fulton (triathlon), 2. Langton Rusere (cricket), 3. Annie Joice Muchenu (basketball)
Sport Development of the Year Award

Rowing Association of Zimbabwe, 2. Triathlon Zimbabwe, 3. Hockey Association of Zimbabwe.
Sport Administration of the Year Award

Triathlon Zimbabwe, 2. Rowing Association of Zimbabwe, 3. Hockey Association of Zimbabwe.
Women and Sport Development Award

Angela Nyaundi (Women and Sport Development Trust), 2. Langton Giwa (football), 3. Debra Green Magura (Football).
Special Acknowledgment

City of Harare, National Association of Primary Schools Heads (NAPH), National Association of Secondary Schools Heads (NASH), Tongaat Hullet Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Private) Limited.

source:the herald

The post ANSA brews a shocker appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Collin Matiza and Cloud Fusire
FATHER and son, Shaun and Ricky Whyte, will clash when the 2019 motor racing season gets underway tomorrow with the staging of the Ezytrack Race Day at Donnybrook in Harare.

The duo will be part of a big field in what promises to be a day of some high octane main circuit racing as Zimbabwe’s best drivers and riders battle for glory against each other.

This will be the first main circuit racing event of the year with lots of exciting racing from six different car classes and Superbikes.

The Whytes, who are also into motocross, will fight it out against some of the country’s top bikers mainly from Harare and Bulawayo.

The Superbikes race will also see the likes of Mathew Schultz from Bulawayo, Ashley Thixton, Tristan Grainger, Carl Olsen, Uli Meiners and Jan Nel competing for the top honours.

Like the Whytes, Thixton and Grainger are also into motocross racing.

Sables Motorsport Club chairman, Jim Perry, who will be competing in the Saloon cars’ Class A, is expecting some tough competition from the young drivers.

The 52-year-old is confident that his experience will work out against his rivals.

“On Sunday it will be a tough challenge especially for me because I will be competing with the young drivers who are 22-years-old whilst I’m 52-years-old. But that will not make me a loser at the end.

“I believe that experience is going to matter and it will work in my favour to win the event against the young competitors,” Perry said.

The event, which saw 35 drivers and 13 bikers from Bulawayo and Harare provinces dominantly register to participate, is expected to pull a lot of motor racing fans from across the country.

Racing tomorrow starts at 10am.

The post Father, son clash appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tafadzwa Zimoyo
He has taken fitness training and by building to a different level. If you have no time for the gym, here is a guy who comes to do it with you in your home.

Health is wealth, hence fitness and keeping the body in shape, rarely do come cheaply.

While some prefer to work out at the gym, the affluent at times choose to hire a personal trainer who provides bespoke fitness programmes in the ambience of their own homes.

The personal trainer is the unsung hero in the protagonist’s journey to glory.

It takes far more to become a personal trainer than mere love of the gym and good nutritional habits.

Saturday Herald Lifestyle caught up with one of the most sought after home fitness trainers John Nyirongo, affectionately known as “J Fitness”.

“The world of training takes patience and courage for the job to be done well.

“You need to be a great communicator with a passion for helping others. Training clients will take up the majority of your working day.

“But it’s not always as simple as writing down a list of exercises and making sure they are performing them with the right posture and technique, you may have to tailor exercises around specific injuries or health problems.

“Patience is a virtue; some people will struggle to stay on track, but you mustn’t let that stop you from striving for excellence,” he said.

Based in Philadelphia, Borrowdale, the 24-year-old was not shy to say that he was making money out of the business.

John charges US$15 per person, per hour. In a day he can work with five to six clients, working with a clientele of diplomats, bodyguards, models and business personalities, among others.

His day starts as early as 4:30 am.

“A standard session involves a warm up, workout and cool down. I charge US$15 and I drive to your house for the routine.

“Fitness is all about self-motivation to achieve goals. My secret is based on self-discipline and belief,” he said.

He said finding clients was challenging at first considering how the profession is perceived.

“In Zimbabwe, the personal training profession is based on referrals, therefore, it’s absolutely essential to always remain enthusiastic and give it your all.

“Taking exercise classes, working the gym floor, and showing your face is crucial.

“One happy client can lead to other lucrative opportunities, so being friendly and approachable, both inside and outside of working hours, is very important. Fitness classes provide a steady and secure source of income,” he said.

John said the job requires constant attention.

“You will not only need to regularly read the latest health and fitness journals and academic studies, but will need to stay abreast with the latest trends and fad-diets, be it to debunk myths and warn clients, or add them into your routines.

“Did you know that most personal trainers can set aside a couple hours during the evenings for studies,” he asked.

So what led John to do fitness training considering a number of young men of his age are in universities chasing dreams to be a doctors, lawyers or accountants?

His late uncle inspired him into body building.

“I lost an uncle five years ago who was so close to me. He was a handsome well-built young man who died of heart attack at a tender age.

“I then realised that there is a large difference between looking good and actually being well and fit.

“Today’s world presents a new set of challenges around people’s diet, schedule and lifestyle.

“Over a couple of years I have been doing one-on-one sessions with people from different backgrounds who would not necessarily feel comfortable with going to the gym.

“These are the people that the society has labelled as unhealthy but I found that it is possible for you to be big yet fit and very well,” he said.

John said another secret was eating healthy and clean.

“Keeping your body in shape depends on what you put into your body.

“I recommend that people eat clean. This means eating whole foods in their most natural state and avoiding processed foods,” he said.

source:the herald

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Cloud Fusire Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP football side Yadah Stars’ new coach Genesis Mangombe got his stint underway yesterday when he took the team through their paces for the first time.

Mangombe was confirmed as the club’s new coach last month after taking over from Thomas Ruzive, who moved to Black Rhinos as assistant to Herbert Maruwa.

The 35-year-old CAF A licence holder is a police officer by profession and delayed his pre-season since he was waiting for his clearance by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Yadah chairman Everson Chatambudza told The Herald they received written permission from the police force last week to employ the youthful coach.

The post Yadah coach gets pre-season underway appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
YOUTH, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry says there is need for stakeholders to find a way to work together and ensure there is consistent support for athletes.

Coventry graced the belated 2018 Annual National Sports Awards last Friday night in Harare to honour outstanding athletes, officials and administrators.

Speaking on the sidelines of the function, Coventry, a former athlete herself, said there is need to ensure athletes are supported throughout the year.

“I think we have to be consistent. And I think we have to come together and figure out how we work together in terms of the different organisations — national federations, Government and the Sports Commission in terms of supporting the athletes consistently throughout the year, not just right before the big games.

“To do that and to try and do that constantly,” said Coventry.

Although the annual awards have become a permanent feature on the sports calendar, the local sporting fraternity have over the years cried foul over lack of funding.

And, of late, the awards seem to be losing their relevance, with some national associations choosing not to submit their nominations or, in some cases, there is no clear tracking system on athletes’ achievements.

Coventry said they have a lot to do if they are going to bring back corporates into sport and ensure there is a sense of trust within the fraternity.

“We need to work extremely hard to ensure that we have corporate sponsors coming back on board.

“And that’s only going to happen when we can start proving that there are some good things and good changes in sport.

“Hopefully, that’s going to happen in the next few weeks.

“I think that there is always improvement, I think we always have to try and be better.

“I think when it comes to what I was just talking about, the structures and re-looking at getting people on board, there has been a lot of mistrust from corporates, from national federations, and we have to win back that trust.’’

The minister said while they can only encourage the national associations to submit their nominations, they were going to re-look at their structures, with the process to appoint the Sports Commission board underway.

The previous board was dissolved last October.

source:the herald

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Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are playing “much better” than during last year’s record-breaking campaign and his players should not be regarded as losers even if Liverpool pip them to the English Premier League football title.

City are favourites to retain their crown after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth and Sunday’s goalless Merseyside derby left them a point ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds with nine matches remaining.

“In the way we play, we play much, much better (than last season),” Guardiola said. “Everybody knows exactly what we have to do, everybody helps each other. And when this happens, we can compete and if we lose, we lose, but no regrets.

“I know in our society just the first one has the credit and the second one is an absolute loser.

But it is impossible to feel that about my players, it’s impossible.”

City smashed a host of records on the way to becoming champions in 2017-18, including amassing 100 points and scoring 106 goals.

Despite failing to replicate that level of dominance this term, they have overturned a seven-point deficit in recent months to wrestle top spot from Liverpool.

Victory at Bournemouth was their fifth in a row in the league and secured with 82 percent possession and by preventing the hosts from registering a shot at goal.

Guardiola admits his team could easily have fallen out of title contention and feels their current position is even more remarkable because a League Cup success and progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals has resulted in a far busier fixture schedule than Liverpool.

“Of course we want to win the Premier League, I feel the players show me every single day they want to win it,” he said.

“But we have played nine or 10 games more than Liverpool. It’s a lot of minutes in our legs in all competitions.

“In spite of that, still we are there and that’s why I’m happy. I would prefer it to be like last season’s position – to be 12 points in front – but that is an exceptional situation.”

source:the herald

The post ‘Man City playing much better’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho appears to have suggested that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s incredible impact at Old Trafford may not continue.

Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at United in December and he has overseen a remarkable turnaround with his side now unbeaten in 12 Premier League matches. The fine run of form has seen them move into the top four with a Champions League place now possible after their 3-2 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

United could now give the interim boss the job on a permanent basis although Mourinho doesn’t seem convinced that the impact will continue under the ex-United striker.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Mourinho provided analysis on Fulham’s decision to sack Claudio Ranieri with Scott Parker. He compared the situation to the decision taken to replace him at Old Trafford.

“Can (Fulham) get a better manager than Claudio? Not at all,” Mourinho said.

source:the herald

The post Jose queries Ole’s success appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Congo Brazzaville’s Red Devils are bullish ahead of their showdown with the Warriors and believe they can perform a smash and grab job on the hosts in their final African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier at the National Sports Stadium.

Table toppers, Zimbabwe will receive Congo at the giant stadium on March 24 with the hosts needing at least a draw too seal their place at the Nations Cup show-piece in Egypt in June.

The Red Devils sitting at the basement with five points, however, have other ideas and believe they will upstage Sunday Chidzambwa’s men at their backyard and secure one of the two slots available from the group.

Despite being the away team and having been held 1-1 by the Warriors in the reverse fixture in Brazzaville, the Red Devils insist the hosts will not have it on a silver platter in 20 days’ time.

Red Devils vice-captain Delvin Ndinga, who plays for Turkish side Sivasspor, told Congolese media that they are not throwing in the towel despite falling behind in the race with one round of matches remaining.

Interestingly Group G remains wide open with all the four teams, including second-placed Liberia and Democratic Republic of Congo, who clash in Kinshasa, also still in with a good chances of qualifying too.

Zimbabwe are currently sitting at the top with eight points and they only need to avoid defeat against the Red Devils to progress to their fourth AFCON finals.

The Red Devils need a straight win at the National Sports Stadium to re-ignite their dream of a place at the tournament scheduled for Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

Congo have a history of coming from the dead, drawing inspiration from their 2015 jaunt when they made it to the last AFCON against the odds on the last day of the campaign.

They have had a slow campaign again but the 30-year old Ndinga has memories of that previous campaign, which he was also part of.

The Congolese appeared down and out going into the last match but their rivals Nigeria slipped up against 10-man South Africa, who had already qualified, while they scrapped a 1-0 win over Sudan to snatch the second slot thanks to Igor Nganga’s strike.

Congo are hoping for the same script against the Warriors and Ndinga said they will come to Zimbabwe in a war-like temperament.

“It looks a bit like the same scenario as our match against Sudan during the last day of the AFCON 2015 playoffs and the challenge is so big for Zimbabwe and for us Congolese players (who are coming to the end of our international careers).

“I think it’s a game where you have to be ready and give everything to have a chance to go to another AFCON final with this country, so you have to get ready and go to Zimbabwe in commandos” mode,” said Ndinga.

Congo and Zimbabwe played a 1-1 draw in the first leg last year with Khama Billiat on target for the Warriors at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat in Brazzaville.

Holding midfielder Ndinga and a number of other key players like the team’s captain Prince Oniangue, Midfielder Jordan Massengo and striker Dylan Saint Louis who plays for French Ligue 2 side, Paris FC were left out of the squad in that encounter.

Brazilian coach Valdo Filho came under heavy criticism for the move and is likely to track down all his best players in Africa and Europe for the return leg.

Although Zimbabwe are still favourites despite spurning two good chances against DR Congo at home and Liberia away to seal their destiny.

The March 24 showdown with Congo has evoked memories of the Red Devils last visit when they spoiled the Warriors’ party in July 1991, forcing a last gasp 2-2 draw to deny Zimbabwe a chance of a maiden Nations Cup ticket.

Generations have passed but the heartbreak has refused to die down.

The Confederation of African Football have assigned Sudanese match officials for the game with El Fadil Mohamed Hussein in the centre.

Match officials:

Central Ref: El Fadil Mohamed Hussein (Sudan)

1st Assistant: Waleed Ahmed Ali (Sudan)

2nd Assistant: Omer Hamid Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan)

4th official: Hafiz Abdelghani Alamen (Sudan).

Source : The Herald

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Zimbabwe international defender Costa Nhamoinesu scored his first goal for Sparta Prague in over two years as the Czech Republic football giants registered their fourth league win in a row following a crucial 1-0 away victory over Liberec on Saturday evening.

The 33-year-old, who is in his sixth season at the 36-time Czech Republic champions, headed the only goal of the match in the 57th minute as Sparta Prague won away to Liberec for the first time since 2012.

“It was a very tough game. Liberec play very good football. They tried to play combination football and press very high. So it was difficult but we managed to fight for three points.

“I have been waiting for the goal was for a really long time, and I’m delighted we got the three points. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who scored but what’s important is to get the three points,” Nhamoinesu told Sparta TV after the match.

It was Nhamoinesu’s first goal for his club since also scoring the only goal of the match in a 1-0 win over English side Southampton in a Uefa Europa League tie in November 2016.

The victory ensured Sparta Prague remained in third position on the log standings six points with 44 points from 23 matches, and 11 points behind the log leaders Slavia Praha.

Nhamoinesu’s good form comes at a time his future with the Zimbabwe Warriors hangs in the balance after falling out with current Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa.

The former Amazulu and Masvingo United defender played for the national team at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon, but has not featured in the current qualifying campaign where Chidzambwa’s side is on the cusp of booking their place at the finals set for Egypt in June.

Nhamoinesu is reportedly set to be omitted from the Warriors squad to be announced this week ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Congo Brazzaville later this month for refusing to travel to South Africa with the Warriors for the Cosafa Cup last year.

Source : New Zimbabwe

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ZIFA Northern Region Division One League sponsors Ruyamuro Service Stations have pledged more funding to ensure stability and continuity on the only branded second tier league in the country.

Ruyamuro Service Stations operations director Freeman Gutsa said his company was committed to continue backing the region after being satisfied with the manner the league was being administered.

“If you enter into a marriage union, no matter the circumstances, the last thing ever to be thought of is divorce.

“We are happy in this partnership with the Northern Region Division One and will continue backing them.

“It’s very encouraging to see players and teams from this region going places,” Gutsa said.

The Northern Region held their belated 2018 awards ceremony in Kariba on Saturday night which was preceded by an annual meeting.

Diminutive Mushowani Stars midfielder Clive Dzingai was crowned the Soccer Star of the Year and walked away with a car courtesy of Ruyamuro Service Stations.

Champions Mushowani who are now set to make their bow in the Premier League at the end of this month swept the board with their striker Evans Katema, who won the prize some five years ago, voted the first runner up while mentor Levison Salous landed the Coach of the Year accolade.

Salous will, however, have to make do with an assistant coach’s role because he doesn’t have the requisite CAF A badge to lead a technical team in the Premiership.

Forgotten journeyman striker Vincent Nzombe of Banket who has had stints in the top-flight with Shabanie and CAPS United won the Golden Boot award after bagging 13 goals in 32 matches while 16-year old Harare City Cubs ace Shingirai Masukuta came third on the Soccer Stars race.

Masukuta has since been elevated into the senior team after playing a blinder in the lower division last year and just like Dzingai and Katema, he will be eager to shine in the Premiership.

The Northern Region Division One has always honoured their stars with cars since 2014.

Interestingly all teams promoted into the top-tier since then have already cemented their places in the Premier League, an improvement from previous seasons when most clubs would be back after just a year’s flirtation with the big boys.

Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana told guests that his board was determined to ensure they run their league in a professional manner.

Winners:

Soccer Star of the Year:

Clive Dzingai: Winner (Mushowani)

Evans Katema: 1st runner up (Mushowani)

Shingirai Masukuta: 2nd runner up (Harare City Cubs)

Vincent Nzombe: Golden Boot (Banket United)

Levison Salous: Coach of the Year (Mushowani)

Source : The Herald

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Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza says he is enjoying being part of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) and is learning a lot in the company of a seasoned support staff including Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur and Wasim Akram, who is acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

Raza, who is part of the Karachi Kings roster in the popular Twenty20 cricket competition, has played in three matches so far managing a highest score of 14 while he has had a better time with the ball, taking three wickets from two matches.

While that isn’t the most attractive of returns, Raza is enjoying his time in the PSL.

“It’s been fantastic because it is a family kind of environment. It’s been great so far. Mickey and Wasim have been very encouraging,” Raza told the Dubai-based newspaper Sport360.

“They have made me feel relaxed and also reiterated the belief that I should have in my own game. It’s been fantastic around those two individual. I have been very fortunate that the last year and this year that I have been exposed to various leagues. There is not just one lesson but many that I will take back home and that will hopefully reflect in my international performances.”

The 32-year-old naturalised Zimbabwean is looking forward to travelling to Pakistan for the remainder of the PSL which will be played in the subcontinent nation, where he was born.

Raza was part of the Zimbabwe squad that toured Pakistan in 2015 in a breakthrough tour for the Asian nation that had faced complete international cricket isolation following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team.

Raza said he can’t wait to go back to Pakistan.

“I am excited to be playing Karachi, our home ground, and hopefully qualify for the playoffs. Zimbabwe toured Pakistan in 2015 for ODIs and T20s. It was one of the best tours I have had and I am looking forward to playing there again,” he said.

The PSL has been particularly tough for batsmen like Raza, with bowlers once again calling the shots in helpful conditions. However, the Zimbabwean said it is all part of the learning process and added the PSL has taught him to keep a clear mind and just enjoy the game.

“Each country presents its own conditions and you need to find a way to do well. Conditions were getting slightly better in the second part of the tournament. Unfortunately, I haven’t played but hopefully the opportunity will come up again.

“How clear your thought process has to be before you go out to bat or bowl and also how you have to try and enjoy the game at every given stage – those are the two biggest lessons I have learnt from PSL.”

Source : New Zimbabwe

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FORMER Premier League side Shabanie Mine, who were relegated due to financial constrains last year, are in disarray and still to start their 2019 pre-season preparations.

The Zvishavane outfit are expected to feature in the ZIFA Central Region Division One League, but they are yet to sign a single player ahead of the new season.

It has emerged that all is not well at Shabanie who are fast running out of time to assemble a team.

Shabanie Mine have since brought on board seasoned coach Ikabort Masocha to take over the team following the departure of Alex Sigion, who has joined newly promoted Mushowani Stars.

Their demotion from the Premiership last year was largely attributed to the financial woes that haunted Shabanie throughout the 2018 season.

It seems to have gone worse this season and they could find it hard to rent out their favourite hunting ground Maglas amid revelations that Shabanie Mine will soon hand over all its housing units and structures to Zvishavane Town Council in line with an agreement reached by the two parties.

That agreement also includes Maglas Stadium.

Despite a gloomy future Masocha has not lost hope.

“My ambition is to coach the team back to the Premier League so as to make the community happy.

“I am aware of the challenges and what I will receive from the community be it little or plenty I will be motivated by wanting to maintain the brand Shabanie,” said Masocha.

Masocha is an experienced coach who had stints with the defunct Ruwa Gunners, DSTV Rangers, Douglas Warriors and Starbill as well as being assistant to Lloyd Chitembwe at CAPS United.

Source : The Herald

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BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA/HENRY MHARA

HARARE football giants Dynamos are leaving nothing to chance in their bid to reclaim the championship this term after announcing the capture of yet another Cameroonian international forward, Ngahan Claude Junior.

The 20-year-old Ngahan has played for Cameroon’s Under-23 side, where he reportedly impressed with his technique and pace.

According to media reports in Cameroon, his performance has seen soccer supporters equating him to Brazilian star Neymar Junior, who turns out for PSG in France.

The Cameroonian signed a two-year deal at the weekend. Dynamos spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the signing of Ngahan.

“I can confirm that we have signed the Cameroonian on a two-year deal,” he said.

The player’s agent, George Deda, who has facilitated the move of several foreign players to the Glamour Boys as well as Caps United, referred questions to Dynamos officials, but pointed out that he was optimistic the players were good signings who will make a mark for the club.

“I believe the players will add value to the Dynamos’ cause,” he said.

This is the third player from West Africa that has been confirmed by the Harare giants in what has been a busy transfer window for the team.

Another Cameroonian, Mbega Vincent, also impressed during trials, and so is Ghanaian Robert Sackey, who both have been added to the team’s list ahead of the new season, set to kick off on March 30.

Ngandu Mangala, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has also joined Dynamos, and first impressions by the speedy striker show he could be the team’s find of the season.

An Ivorian striker also arrived last week and has been training with the club with the hope of impressing Chigowe, who is rebuilding his side from scratch following a mass exodus of players at the end of last season.

The DeMbare mentor has been wowed by the Ivorian, who is expected to sign a contract this week.

“We are still assessing him. He has shown some qualities but we believe that we should not make any judgments. We must let football speak, and he will get some game time in our preparatory matches before we can make a final decision,” he said.

The Ivorian has been shortlisted in Dynamos’ provisional squad that has been registered with the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

The Ivorian, together with his fellow West Africans, plus all the other new arrivals, are expected to feature for DeMbare when they face off against Caps United in the big Harare derby at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The two city rivals clash in a pre-season invitational charity challenge cup match being organised by Passion Events, to raise money for the less privileged.

Chigowe, while happy with his new acquisitions’ display in preparatory matches so far this season, believes the Harare derby will give him a real test.

“We have registered 18 players as a precautionary measure so that if ever there is any other outstanding talent that arrives, we can be able to juggle around the list, but basically we now have the squad in place,” he said.

“We have identified and assembled a squad which we think, if they work hard, they will be able to get positive results.

“We should be able to judge the squads under competitive match situations. Every coach believes his squad is good until they meet the opposition. Yes, we are pleased with what we have assembled, but I hope it’s not a fluke.”

Chigowe said his group would be willing to “die” for the club and that they will be the “real deal”.

“I have a sense of optimism, but I’m very cautious because football being football, reality can always dawn on you when it’s competition time. We have assembled a team of fighters, and it’s now for us to put meaningful technical input to make them a cohesive outfit,” the Dynamos gaffer said.

“Otherwise, the framework and the skeleton is there, and it’s up to us to have a correct shape … to be sober enough to see the guys who can make a difference within the class of what we have assembled.”

Big names that have arrived include Edward Sadomba, who has been handed the captain’s armband.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE Harare Derby showdown between Dynamos and CAPS United will only be played in Week 15 of this year’s Castle Lager Premiership campaign. The Green Machine will be at home in the first game with the reverse fixture on Week 22.

CAPS United and Highlanders will clash in the Battle of Cities in Week 2 at Barbourfields. The Battle of Zimbabwe between Bosso and DeMbare has been set for Week 12 in Bulawayo.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League

2019 Fixtures
Match Day 1
Chapungu v Bulawayo Chiefs
Black Rhinos v Highlanders
CAPS United v Manica Diamonds
Triangle v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Mushowani Stars v Dynamos
Hwange v Yadah
Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba
Herentals v Tel One
Harare City v FC Platinum

Match Day 2
FC Platinum v Triangle
Bulawayo Chiefs v Tel One
ZPC Kariba v Herentals
Yadah v Chicken Inn
Dynamos v Hwange
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Mushowani Stars
Manica Diamonds v Harare City
Highlanders v CAPS United
Chapungu FC v Black Rhinos FC

Match Day 3
CAPS United v Chapungu
Black Rhinos v Bulawayo Chiefs
Harare City v Highlanders
Triangle v Manica Diamonds
Mushowani Stars v FC Platinum
Hwange v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Chicken Inn v Dynamos
Herentals v Yadah
Tel One v ZPC Kariba

Match Day 4
Bulawayo Chiefs v ZPC Kariba
Yadah v Tel One
Dynamos v Herentals
Ngezi Platinum v Chicken Inn
FC Platinum v Hwange
Manica Diamonds v Mushowani Stars
Highlanders v Triangle
Chapungu v Harare City
Black Rhinos FC v CAPS United

Match Day 5
Harare City v Black Rhinos
CAPS United v Bulawayo Chiefs
Triangle v Chapungu
Mushowani Stars v Highlanders
Hwange v Manica Diamonds
Chicken Inn v FC Platinum
Herentals v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Tel One v Dynamos
ZPC Kariba v Yadah

Match Day 6
Dynamos v ZPC Kariba
Bulawayo Chiefs v Yadah
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Tel One
FC Platinum v Herentals
Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn
Highlanders v Hwange
Chapungu v Mushowani Stars
Black Rhinos v Triangle United
CAPS United v Harare City

Match Day 7
Triangle United v CAPS United
Harare City v Bulawayo Chiefs
Mushowani Stars v Black Rhinos
Hwange v Chapungu
Chicken Inn v Highlanders
Herentals v Manica Diamonds
Tel One v FC Platinum
ZPC Kariba v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Yadah v Dynamos

Match Day 8
Bulawayo Chiefs v Dynamos
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Yadah
FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba
Manica Diamonds v Tel One
Highlanders v Herentals
Chapungu v Chicken Inn
Black Rhinos v Hwange
CAPS United v Mushowani Stars
Harare City v Triangle

Match Day 9
Triangle v Bulawayo Chiefs
Mushowani Stars v Harare City
Hwange v CAPS United
Chicken Inn v Black Rhinos
Herentals v Chapungu
Tel One v Highlanders
ZPC Kariba v Manica Diamonds
Yadah v FC Platinum
Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum Stars

Match Day 10
FC Platinum v Dynamos
Bulawayo Chiefs v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Manica Diamonds v Yadah
Highlanders v ZPC Kariba
CAPS United v Chicken Inn
Chapungu v Tel One
Black Rhinos v Herentals
Harare City v Hwange
Triangle v Mushowani Stars

Match Day 11
Hwange v Triangle
Mushowani Stars v Bulawayo Chiefs
Chicken Inn v Harare City
Herentals FC v CAPS United
Tel One v Black Rhinos
ZPC Kariba v Chapungu
Yadah v Highlanders
Dynamos v Manica Diamonds
Ngezi Platinum Stars v FC Platinum

Match Day 12
Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum
Highlanders v Dynamos
Chapungu v Yadah
Black Rhinos v ZPC Kariba
CAPS United v Tel One
Harare City v Herentals
Triangle United v Chicken Inn
Mushowani Stars v Hwange

Match Day 13
Hwange v Bulawayo Chiefs
Chicken Inn v Mushowani Stars
Herentals v Triangle United
Tel One v Harare City
ZPC Kariba v CAPS United
Yadah v Black Rhinos
Dynamos v Chapungu
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Highlanders
FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds

Match Day 14
Bulawayo Chiefs v Manica Diamonds
Highlanders v FC Platinum
Chapungu v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Black Rhinos v Dynamos
CAPS United v Yadah
Harare City v ZPC Kariba
Triangle United v Tel One
Mushowani Stars v Herentals
Hwange v Chicken Inn

Match Day 15
Chicken Inn v Bulawayo Chiefs
Herentals v Hwange
Tel One v Mushowani Stars
ZPC Kariba v Triangle United
Yadah v Harare City
Dynamos v CAPS United
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Black Rhinos
FC Platinum v Chapungu
Manica Diamonds v Highlanders

Match Day 16
Bulawayo Chiefs v Highlanders
Chapungu v Manica Diamonds
Black Rhinos v FC Platinum
CAPS United v Ngezi Platinum Stars
Harare City v Dynamos
Triangle United v Yadah
Mushowani Stars v ZPC Kariba
Hwange v Tel One
Chicken Inn v Herentals

Match Day 17
Herentals v Bulawayo Chiefs
Tel One v Chicken Inn
ZPC Kariba FC v Hwange
Yadah v Mushowani Stars
Dynamos v Triangle United
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Harare City
FC Platinum v CAPS United
Manica Diamionds v Black Rhinos
Highlanders v Chapungu

source:the herald

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Ashley Young has warned that Manchester United should not be written off as they attempt to mount an improbable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 tonight.

The match kicks-off at 10pm.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men head to France for the second leg of their last-16 tie tonight trailing 2-0 after a humbling experience at Old Trafford last month in what remains the only defeat they have suffered to date under their interim manager.

PSG are favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, but 33-year-old Young has advised them to take nothing for granted after seeing United revive their season since the Norwegian’s arrival.

“We know what we’re capable of,” he said. “People can write us off. People were writing us off at the start of the season and people are writing us off now. It’s no different.

“Obviously it’s going to be tough. It’s not going to be easy. We’ve got to go over there, win the game and score goals.

“I’ve got every faith if we defend well and if we create the chances that I know we can do, we can win the game.”

Paul Pogba’s red card in the first game means he is unavailable for the return while fellow midfielders Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard appear on a casualty list that also includes Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez.

However, Young is confident the spirit that fuelled Saturday’s 3-2 fightback victory over lowly Southampton will serve his team well once again.

He said: “That’s the club’s way, the United way. Never say die.”

The odds are stacked against United but Solskjaer at least has striker Romelu Lukaku back in lethal form in front of goal after he claimed a fine double to help see off the Saints.

The Belgium international has scored four times in his past two outings after a nine-game barren run.

“I wouldn’t want to play against him,” said Young.

“He does give us a different presence. “It’s good to see all the strikers in form, the whole team. It’s not just 11 men on the pitch, it’s a squad game.

source:the herald

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Cloud Fusire Sports Reporter
IN a move aimed at encouraging local road runners to up their game, cash rewards will be offered to the winners of this year’s CBZ Peter Gradwell Marathon. The race will be held later this month at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare.

According to the main sponsors of this road running event, winners will walk away with a combined total prize money of $27 800.

This will make it one of the richest athletics competitions in this country. The winners of both the men’s and women’s races will get the same prize money.

The marathon, which was initially scheduled for the second week of January this year, will now take place on March 17 at Old Georgians Sports Club.

More than 1 000 participants are expected to grace the event. CBZ Holdings marketing manager, Joel Gombera, confirmed that cash rewards were up for grabs at this event.

“The event is huge and important, especially to the seasoned athletes who are eyeing to qualify for this year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans and the Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

“We are targeting around 1 000 participants and so far we have already registered 400 participants and we believe that by the end of this week the event will be fully booked.

“The registration is centralised at Old Georgians Sports Club and we urge all those who are in other provinces to make arrangements to register in time to avoid any inconveniences.

“There will be a lot of prizes,” said Gombera. The male and female winners of the 42.2 km main event will each pocket $2 000 with the first runners-up getting $1 500 and the bronze medallists getting $750.

The main 42.2km event will be held simultaneously with a half-marathon where the winners will walk away with $1 000 with the first runners-up getting $750 and the bronze winners pocketing $500.

The marathon will, for the first time, include wheelchair athletes in all categories that will see the winner getting $1 000 and the first runners-up $750 and second runners-up $500 for both male and female competitors.

source:the herald

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