Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE continued to wander in the gloom outside the top 100 on the FIFA rankings after they dropped two places down the ladder. The Warriors are now pegged on number 111th position on the FIFA world rankings, according to the latest statistics released by the world football mother body. Zimbabwe had hoped to improve their ranking by arranging an international friendly match against neighbours Zambia two weeks ago.

And despite holding their higher-ranked opponents to a goalless draw in that FIFA-sanctioned international friendly match at the National Sports Stadium, they still could not rise up the table.

The Warriors are now ranked 30th in Africa.

They are still behind regional neighbours Malawi, Swaziland, Mozambique and Namibia, who all failed to qualify for the 2017 AFCON finals.

However, given that the Warriors didn’t lose against Malawi and Swaziland, thrashing them on their way to the 2017 Nations Cup finals in Gabon, some analysts believe the rankings don’t tell the true story of a country’s football prowess.

The Warriors scored seven goals and conceded none in their last two matches against the Flames and Sihlangu.

They were the only Southern African team in Gabon.

Brazil, who became the first team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals last week, are now the world’s top-ranked football side followed by Argentina.

Germany are third, Chile are fourth and Colombia fifth in a dominance of the South Americans.

Switzerland were the only side to break into the top 10, with Uruguay heading in the opposite direction.

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE 2017 Old Mutual Zimbabwe Open was launched at Royal Harare yesterday, with a new sponsor coming on board to bankroll the country’s flagship tournament, which is part of the Sunshine Tour. Integrated financial services provider Old Mutual have once again reunited with the golfing fraternity to sponsor the prestigious tournament. Old Mutual, through their subsidiary, CABS, sponsored the tournament from 1995-2001. The tournament was launched with a big field expected to tee off in the R1,8 million tournament which begins in a fortnight at Royal Harare.

The annual event is in its seventh year running after its return to the Sunshine Tour in 2010 after a decade in the wilderness.

Old Mutual, with the help of several partners, made sure that the event would go ahead after the expiry of the Zambezi Tour and Delta Beverages’ five-year contract.

Old Mutual will be supported by Delta Beverages, ZOL Zimbabwe, Tongaat Hullets, and Sahwira Events Management during this year’s tournament.

Speaking at the official launch, Old Mutual chief executive Jonas Mushosho said they were happy to play a leading role in the country’s flagship golf tournament.

“We are happy as Old Mutual to be sponsoring the Zimbabwe Open 2017 and we hope to bring entertainment and we have always supported sport.

“Our return to golf was necessitated by need to give back to the community and create conducive environments for business people who happen to be our clients.

“As you know, we have supported golf since the inception of the Zimbabwe Open in 1988 and we also became the associate sponsor from 1995-2001 through our subsidiary CABS.

“The need to help has seen us support several sports like tennis, through the Future Masters, rugby, road races and cricket, among other disciplines.

“We hope to have a memorable 2017 Old Mutual Zimbabwe Open and we hope to continue working with the Zambezi Tour and ZGA,” said Mushosho.

Zambezi Tour chairman Livingstone Gwata said they were happy to bring on board the Zimbabwe Open 2017.

“We have always put our pillar sponsors into three distinct categories, namely the title sponsor, the associate sponsors and the anchor sponsors.

“We also welcome our associate sponsors; Sahwira Events and Golden Pilsener at +$50 000 each and Old Mutual at +$70 000.

“It takes the generosity and corporate social responsibility of our sponsors to make an event of this nature possible.

“Our fundraising strategy as a committee has always started with securing the buy in of the pillar or main sponsors,” Gwata said.

NEW KIDS IN TOWN . . . Yadah Stars players leave the field on Saturday after holding Harare City to a goalless draw at the National Sports Stadium

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
AFTER a stunning individual show last Saturday, teenage forward Leeroy Mavhunga is back in action as newboys Yadah Stars will face another litmus test against ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at National Sports Stadium this afternoon. The Harare side impressed when they held Harare City to a goalless draw in their first game last Saturday with livewire winger Mavhunga the pick of their players.

The teenage forward, who is highly-rated, was the star of the show as he terrorised the Sunshine Boys’ defence with some superb ball skills.

“Leeroy has always been a very good player, his talent shone brightly at Marlborough High School when he was the captain of the team that emerged as the champions,’’ Warriors’ caretaker manager, Wellington Mpandare, who is also a pundit on ZTV’s weekly authoritative football magazine programme, Game Plan, noted.

“If he remains level headed and not let all this publicity affect him, he could be a real big star.’’ Yadah Stars coach Jairos Tapera said his men will be out to show that their performance last week wasn’t a fluke.

“We expect a tough encounter, ZPC Kariba have the experience, they once finished second in the league not so long ago and have an experienced coach on their books so we will give them their respect,’’ said Tapera.

“However, as a new baby in the house we will continue to cry out loud so that everyone knows that we are there.

“We will miss the services of Moses Demera and Johannes Sibanda through injuries.’’

Demera, who last year was with Chicken Inn, is back home and is down with malaria while centre striker Sibanda has a groin injury.

Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba won their first match of the season by beating How Mine.

“We are looking at nothing short of victory and have prepared enough for the fixture.

“Their draw against Harare City shows that they are a good side so we are not going to underrate them in any way as there is no longer a small team, as the game is improving everyday,” said Chidzambwa.

ZPC Kariba have welcomed back their talismanic midfielder Raphael Manuvire who failed to impress during his spell at Harare City.

They have an experienced side, typical of a Chidzambwa team, that gives away very little.

Goalkeeper Tendai Hove, midfielder Never Tigere and utility player Tawanda Munyanduri are some of the seasoned players in the team.

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Elroy Akbay is back at work after going on strike this week to press for the payment of his dues.

Akbay told The Herald that he had met the Bosso leaders and they had agreed he returns to work while they try to sort our his issues.

The Dutchman is unhappy that he is unable to send money back home to his family because of the challenges he has been facing at the bank.

He said he now expects everything to flow smoothly.

Lloyd Chitembwe

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe says Simba Nhivi will be a great loss if contract talks to persuade the key forward to stay fail to yield results. Nhivi’s future with the champions is hanging in the balance after he raised issues with the club’s management before he could commit himself. The forward, who played a key role in the campaign last season, is believed to have received a concrete offer from Tanzania, but wants CAPS United to better that deal or he could leave the Green Machine.

The champions have helped Nhivi find his feet again after being rejected by South African clubs, and Chitembwe showed confidence in him by giving him a lot of game time last year.

But his contract expired last year and while Nhivi has played for Makepekepe in the Champions League, he didn’t avail himself for the Green Machine’s opening match against Shabanie Mine which ended goalless last week.

And Chitembwe yesterday told reporters that Nhivi’s absence has come as a big blow. The Green Machine host Harare City at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

“Simba has always been an important part of the team. You know, when you talk of Simba I’m talking of someone who has great cognitive ability on the pitch. He is one player who is very comfortable in playing different functions and roles on the pitch.

“Not many players can do that, but with Simba for us you could play him as a wide midfielder, you could play him as the top man, you could play him as the second striker and he would do that with great efficiency.

“It’s sad not to have him within the group, but all the same we just have to respect his feelings. If he sees it fit to discontinue I am sure we just have to respect that. “Personally, for me as the coach, he was one kind of a player I really wanted to work with considering what he was giving to the team.

“All the same the focus now is on the players that are there and I strongly feel those that are there are as good Simba and it’s also up to them to up their game a bit so that they give us what Simba was giving to us,” said Chitembwe.

After opening the campaign with a point, Makepekepe want a change of fortunes at the giant stadium where Chitembwe has never tasted defeat in open play since he returned for another stint with the team nearly two years ago.

CAPS United leadership maintained they have done their bit and are waiting on the striker to put pen to paper, but Nhivi’s manager Gibson Mahachi told The Herald that there were still some “outstanding issues” that are personal which the player has raised.

“Of course, the player has raised some concerns, but I am sure are being addressed by CAPS United. It’s something confidential between the player and the club. Probably the club should explain the sticking points, but these are not new issues,” said Mahachi.

However, Chitembwe is still happy with the quality of strikers at his disposal. “Honestly speaking I think it’s out of imagination that we might be struggling in front of goal. My honest feeling is that we haven’t been struggling as people might want to put it.

“Point number two, it’s not only the position of the strikers to score goals, it’s responsibility of the entire team to score goals as it is the responsibility of the whole team to defend.

“In our situation when you also look at the type of opposition especially in the Champions League you don’t expect to score as much goals, but I was very impressed that in the last two games that we played in the Champions League the goals that we got were obviously scored by forwards, which shows the quality of strikers that we have,” said Chitembwe.

Makepekepe are also likely to go into battle without goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda who has been grounded by injury. Chitembwe said Sibanda’s chances of making the team on Sunday are evenly balanced.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
FORTY schools will battle it out in the 2017 edition of the Schools’ Sports Rugby Festival at Hartsfield Grounds today and tomorrow.

Formerly known as the Power Sales Rugby Festival, the Matabeleland Rugby Football Board-organised competition is the first pre-season event and has over the years attracted schools from South Africa and Botswana. One of the event organisers Themba Phiri said they are expecting fireworks in this year’s competition.

“All is set for the annual event and we had a number of teams confirming their participation. There are teams from Masvingo, Harare, Bulawayo and we have also invited other teams from Botswana, which shows the magnitude of this event. Fireworks are expected especially in the local derby between Milton High and Petra High. The last time these two met, Petra beat Milton for the first time in 10 years. We know Milton will be looking for revenge so this is one of the matches fans must look out for,” said Phiri.

Some schools which will compete in the event include Allan Wilson High, Churchill High, Gifford High, Milton High, Petra High, Plumtree High, Prince Edward, Morgan High, Wise Owl Group of Schools, St Bernard’s High, St Columba’s High, Sobukhazi High, Northlea High, Msiteli High, Inyanda Secondary, Goromonzi High and Entumbane High.

The Schools Sports Rugby Festival takes place annually on the first weekend of the April school holiday. Its aim is to give pre-season game time to players ahead of the season.

— @khumzallen.

Highlanders’ assistant coach Amini Soma-Phiri (right) at the Bulawayo giants’ training session where he was in charge in the absence of head coach Erol Akbay

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Erol Akbay is back at work following a stay away that saw him skipping some training sessions this week in protest over the club’s failure to honour its contractual obligations.

Akbay missed two training sessions and assistant coach Amini Soma-Phiri took control of the squad with the assistance of Under-19 coach Melusi “Mabaleka” Sibanda.

Akbay told journalists at the club’s weekly press briefing yesterday that he had reached an agreement with the club and was now focusing on Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter against newly promoted Shabanie Mine at Barbourfields Stadium.

“It’s just that sometimes you have to fight to get what you want or what has been agreed upon,” said Akbay.

“I’m happy now, we just had a little bit of financial problems, but we have talked with the club treasurer and have agreed on some things. The problem has since been resolved so we have to move on and focus on what we have to do; and that’s winning Sunday’s match. I think that is now more important than all the things that happened in the past few days. I was not on strike as such, but we had a fight that has now been resolved,” Akbay said.

Bosso have acknowledged owing the coach part of his signing on fees of $10 000, although the club is adamant it has paid the bulk of that money.

Highlanders’ secretary-general Emmett Ndlovu said: “There were minor technicalities and those have been resolved. They are so small to an extent that they really don’t need to be in the papers.”

Akbay said after missing two training sessions, the club was not affected in any way, as the players know what is expected of them.

“I am not a new coach here and everybody knows what I want and what I expect from them, so that (his absence) has not affected our preparations for the match against Shabanie Mine. I don’t know anything about them, but I know they drew with Caps United, which means they are a strong team and we have to take them very seriously,” Akbay said.

— @khumzallen

Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE National Paralympic Games scored a first yesterday when they got corporate partnership for the first time in the history of the Games.

The Games will run from tomorrow until Monday in Mashonaland Central in various venues across Bindura.

And yesterday the annual Games, through the initiative of the NPG fundraising committee, received a major boost when companies such as NMB Bank, ZimGold and PFK Chartered Accountants donated towards the hosting of the Games.

What was more special about the contributions is that it is the first time that the Games have got help from partners.

The Games solely relied on the government grant and what the local organising committee would have gathered from the hosting province.

Yesterday, the financial institution made a donation of 471 medals to be given to the athletes as well as 1 500 T-shirts.

ZimGold Cooking Oil donated 1 500 litres of cooking oil which is enough to cover the Games budget requirements.

The company also ensured that every athlete goes home with a two litres bottle of cooking oil after the Games.

Some well-wishers also contributed towards the Games by providing 150 kilogrammes of peanut butter, 100 kilogrammes of tomatoes, and toiletries for the athletes to use for the duration of the Games.

NMB chief operating officer Gerald Gore said they saw the need to partner the Paralympics for a worthy cause.

“When we were approached it was not a difficult decision for us, as a bank we believe we have an equally important mind and responsibility to the community which we do business with. “Our attraction as a bank was to put a smile on someone’s face,” said Gore.

The fundraising committee representative, Tafadzwa Mapanzure, promised the companies a return on their investment.

“We are grateful to the corporate world for having confidence in the team and responding to the clarion call. Some organisations managed to respond regardless of short notice. There are strategies in place to get a return on your investment,” said Mapanzure.

In a speech read on his behalf the Sports Commission acting director general, Joseph Muchechetere, said the Games give athletes exposure.

“Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games do not only create platforms for play but they also provide business opportunities for the different corporate organisations for them to showcase their products.

“The Games also serve as a platform through which we promote an inclusive society devoid of the one’s ability, race, creed, colour and religion or otherwise.

“The Games have also been used to select athletes for higher levels of competition in the Region and the African continent. The medals aggregation of medals for the AU Region 5 Under-20 Games since 2004 indicate that Zimbabwe’s performance has been largely anchored by this group of people,” said Muchechetere.

Participants will take part in the athletics for the visually impaired, athletics for the intellectually challenged and athletics for the amputees, football for the deaf and five-a-side for the intellectually challenged, goal ball, netball for the deaf as well as wheelchair, basketball and tennis.

Chipadze High School, Hermann Gmeiner, Mazowe Boys and Chindunduma School will host the different sporting disciplines.

ZIMBABWE Cricket Under-19 coach Steve Mangongo has expressed satisfaction with the amount of game time his charges are being subjected to as they build up for the 2018 ICC World Cup.

A busy schedule for the Zimbabwe Under-19 team continues as they are set to host Namibia for a five-match Youth One Day International series in Harare starting from April 21.

This year only, Zimbabwe Under-19 youths have been to Namibia, Malaysia and South Africa, for bilateral series and also a tri-series involving Sri Lanka.

After hosting Namibia this month, Zimbabwe will also welcome the West Indies in July before heading out to Australia later in the year. This is a bumper harvest of cricket that any coach would ever ask for.

“We are happy with the progress of the journey to the World Cup which we have embarked on for more than one-and-a-half years,” Mangongo told H-Metro.

“There is a full dossier of cricket for the youngsters to make sure they play enough game time because you never buy game time, exposure and experience so that is our endeavour. So yes so far so good.”

At the 2016 World Cup, Zimbabwe showed a lot of promise and got the attention of the cricket world with their performances.

Zimbabwe can only build more on these displays with more game time that will keep the local teenagers at par with other nations.

“In the past we have always said we don’t have enough game time but this time around Zimbabwe Cricket has ran around to organise superb fixtures, superb training times, superb international fixtures which are very important for the guys to be able to withstand the heat.

“They need to be able to test their skills amongst other international Under-19 players and at the moment the guys are doing so,” he said.

Mangongo’s Under-19 project has already beared fruits with players like Richard Ngarava, Ryan Murray, Brandon Mavuta, Jeremy Ives, Rugare Magarira, Blessing Muzarabani and William Mashinge making it for national structures for the Zimbabwe Academy, Zimbabwe A and Zimbabwe

It was a battle of epic proportions as three teams tied for first place at the Nash Inter-Provincial Track and Field Championships at Lomagundi

College last weekend.

The clouds of dust and flying objects that temporarily occupied the usual stillness of the countryside private school were not from kids play as

Zimbabwe’s future generation of professional runners and fielders outdid each other for honours.

The medal count at end of competition was beguiling as Harare, Mashonaland West and Masvingo all finished on a remarkable 21 gold, something though

anticipated from the capital province Harare and the hosting province Mash West but totally unexpected from Masvingo.

The three front-runners had to be separated by a count of the second rung silver medals with Harare finally taking the cake after pooling 19 silver,

six more than Masvingo who then settled for second place. Mash West’s nine silver consoled them with third position.

Masvingo and Mash West also garnered the same number of bronze medals with 10 apiece while Harare collected 14 accolades of that colour.

Team Harare were powered by the exploits of Chengetai Mapaya (triple jump), Christian Kelechi  (100m, 200m), Mufaro Mazambani (200m and long jump),

Mazvita Musakwa (100m) and Takunda Kadenga who, astoundingly, took to the 100m starting block for both the boys Under-17 and Under-19.

Masvingo were comprised of athletes from schools such as Kyle College, Victoria High, Mucheke High, Gokomere College and the army-run Masvingo

High School, while Mash West had a team constituted by athletes from hosts Lomagundi, Chinhoyi High School, Mhangura Secondary School and Cornway

College.

The rest of the team positions were taken up by Mashonaland East on fourth place with 11 gold thanks in part to the exploits of athletes from Watershed and Peterhouse boys and girls colleges, Marondera High, Macheke Secondary, Rakodzi High and Hwedza’s Chemhanza.

The most disappointing performance was recorded by Bulawayo Province from whom much was expected but they the only finished sixth behind fifth-placed

Mash Central. Also in the bottom five were Manicaland (seventh), Matabeleland South (eighth) and Mat North (ninth).

The wooden spoon was handed to Midlands, who only amassed three golds and no other medal of any colour.

The multi-faceted event that was the climax of the first term athletics season contained sprints, middle and long distances on the track in addition to high, long and triple jumps as well as shot putt, discuss and javelin throws on the field.

NAME: Quality Kangadzi.

CLUB: Dynamos FC.

BORN: 25/10/91.

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bindura Provincial Hospital.

POSITION: Attacking midfielder-cum-striker.

NICKNAME: Aguero.

HOOD: Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza

HEIGHT: 1,7m.

WEIGHT: 70kgs.

PREFERRED FOOT: Right.

SHOE SIZE: Eight.

JERSEY NUMBER: 12.

SCHOOLS ATTENDED: Trojan Primary and Chipadze High School.

SCHOOL REPORT: I concentrated on sport and I was average with my academic work.

LANGUAGES: Shona and English.

RELIGION: Christian. I fellowship at Light House Church.

FAVOURITE DISH: Rice and chicken.

TEMPERS: I am relatively cool but can be mad when someone crosses my path.

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT: Victoria Falls.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS: Hardworking, focused and humble.

FLICKS: Sport and movies.

FAVOURITE COLOURS: Blue and white

TUNES: Zimdancehall and conscious.

FAVOURITE ARTISTES: Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Gregory Isaacs and Busy Signal.

MOBILE HANDSET: Samsung S13.

WHEELS: I am not driving at the moment.

BMW/MERC: Merc.

MARITAL STATUS: My wife’s name is Shameelah Mlauzi.

KIDS: A boy and girl (Dylan and Delma).

FAMILY: I am the third born in a family of four boys Brian, Platin (the late) and Roland.  Brian and Platin played for Mwana Africa. Ronald is playing for Chitungwiza municipality. My parents Patrick and Concillia Kurima are in Bindura.

SO FOOTBALL IS IN THE FAMILY DNA? Yes, I was motivated to play football by my brothers. I used to join them at their respective clubs when I was still young. My father is a big fan.

CLOSE BUDDIES: Tendai Mujaji and Alvin Banda.

SOCIAL NETWORKS: I don’t like social networks. I am not on Facebook or Instagram

BOOZE: I don’t drink alcohol.

HAIRSTYLES: Plain cut.

TATTOOS: I don’t have any.

DO YOU WEAR EARRINGS? I don’t do that, never got pierced.

CLOTHING LABELS: Nike and Puma.

PERFUME: One Million.

YOU PLAY A BIT LIKE: Kun Aguero of Man City. I admire his style of play.

INSPIRATION: My family, especially my parents.

PRE-MATCH RITUAL: I pray or sing to God.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN JUJU? The ‘best juju’ in football is hard work and training.

STRENGTHS: Well obviously I have the ability to create chances, clever through balls and a bucket load of assists are my major strength. Creativity is associated with a player’s ability to spot an opening but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I am not able to execute the telling pass. I am capable of combining creativity with decent passing and technique in prime positions to create chances.  I am also good at passing. Technique is associated with my natural skill as well. It will have a huge bearing on how effectively I can utilize my technical attributes.

WEAKNESSES: I struggle with aerial balls.

TEAMS SUPPORTED: Kaizer Chiefs, Barca and Tottenham.

HOW DID YOUR CAREER START? I started my career when I saw my 2 big brothers always playing soccer so I followed them until I saw that I have a talent too.

CHILDHOOD HERO: Fanwell Silaha.

MESSI OR RONALDO: Messi.

PREMIERSHIP DEBUT: Dynamos vs FC Platinum April 2017.

FORMER CLUBS: Mwana Africa, Bindura United, Yadah Gunners and Gunners FC.

WHO TOOK YOU TO DYNAMOS? I was at Trojan and we played against Dynamos in a preseason friendly. I stunned them with a free kick among other touches I made during the game. Mr Mafoko and manager Richard Chihoro approached me after the match but I told them that I needed to think about it.

LIFE AT DYNAMOS: I had no challenges in settling down. It’s a big family but I am cool with everyone.

CONTRACTED UNTIL: December 2018.

ANY PLANS TO LEAVE SOON? When any opportunity arises.

WHAT DO YOU FOCUS ON WHEN IN THE GAME? Winning and creating chances for others.

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND IN THE TUNNEL ON YOUR WAY TO THE PITCH? I don’t want to burden myself with the game. Usually, I am singing from within. It’s a way to motivate myself.

THOUGHTS OF YOUR DEMBARE DEBUT? The result disappointed me but I think we played well.

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU WENT WRONG? We created too many chances but failed to convert them. We dominated our opponent but we didn’t do well in the final third.

AND CONCEDING FROM A PENALTY: It’s part of the game. It happens.

CORRECTIONS FROM YOUR FIRST MATCH: We must be clinical in the final third.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FULL SQUAD? We are a united force. We will bounce back. I am happy that everyone is very positive despite the first set back.

NEXT MATCH IS AGAINST TRIANGLE? It’s a tough game considering that we will be playing away from home. All teams are equal in the Premier league. We have to work hard for positive results.

PREDICTION: 2-0 win. I am optimistic of a win.

TARGETS FOR THE SEASON: My target is to lift the championship and be the PSL top goal scorer.

HOW ARE YOUR TEAMMATES TREATING YOU? Everything is perfect so far.

FAVOURITE TEAMMATES: Obey Mwerahari and Emmanuel Mandiranga.

BIGGEST JOKER: Peace Makaha.

FANS: The pressure of playing before a noisy crowd and sometimes hostile environment can be intimidating. But I admire them. Their presence motivates me.

TIPS FOR THE 2017 CHAMPIONSHIP: Dynamos will lift it.

BEST STADIUM: NSS.

LLYOD MUTASA: He is a great coach and believes in handwork. He signed me and that shows so much trust in me. I know I will flourish under him.

BEST COACHES WORKED WITH: Darlington Dodo, Ikerbort Masocha, Lloyd Mutasa and Bigge Zuze.

INTERNATIONAL CAPS: No.

TELL US SOMETHING WE DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU: I am reserved.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF? Injuries.

NAME ONE THING YOU’D NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT? My phone.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? Bible.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE POSSESSION? I don’t treasure earthy possessions.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? I will be playing in Europe.

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL? I have interests in the transport business. I will manage my own business.

Lloyd Chitembwe

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe has slammed critics who are questioning his side’s potency to defend their Castle Lager Premiership title.

The Green Machine got their campaign off with a goalless draw against Shabanie Mine and host Harare City at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

Chitembwe says he has confidence in his attacking players like Dominic Chungwa, Abbas Amidu, former Harare City midfielder Ronald Chitiyo, Phineas Bamusi and Golden Boot winner Leonard Tsipa.

“I am sure we are probably more coordinated in terms of the way we play.

“I am sure we have had a much longer preparation phase, so just that in itself has brought about the coordination that we want in the team,” said Chitembwe.

“We are happy everyone understands one another, that’s more important for us. I have told my players that we just have to make sure that we are better than we were last season and I am happy with their response.

“They have responded very positively and if I’m to look at their application at training, it leaves me satisfied that they still want to improve.

“For me that’s very key, I am happy with that.

“I’m sure you saw when we played those other teams — Lioli, TP Mazembe, Dynamos at home and Highlanders away in the ZNA Charities — the application was excellent.

“You see, you can’t really blame them for not winning against Shabanie in a very bad pitch.

“But if you ask me what lessons I got from winning the league last year, it’s very clear you can win the league even if you are not leaders from Week One up until the later stages of the race. These are lessons and the other lesson is that you can be leaders and fail to win the league. This is very possible.”

Makepekepe are coming up against a Harare City side that is also on the prowl for a first win this season.

Their former midfielder Tendai Samanja, who is now turning out for Harare City, said they are not intimidated by CAPS United’s form.

The experienced midfielder has targeted to resuscitate his career with the Sunshine Boys this year after playing a peripheral role in the previous campaign under Moses Chunga.

“We are preparing, everyone is ready, everyone is working hard, everyone wants to play that game, especially myself,” said Samanja.

“I don’t have anything to say about CAPS United.

“I am now concentrating on Harare City because that’s where I am now. I have to continue working hard to keep on playing.

“But CAPS United are just like any other team in the Premiership, so I don’t have any pressure on this game. It’s only that this year I didn’t get to see much about them.

“I have only heard people saying they are good.

“They are last season’s champions, not this season. This is a different year altogether and I can take this game like we are playing Tsholotsho because Tsholotsho are in the Premiership and CAPS United are in the Premiership league as well, so they are the same,” said Samanja.

Their coach Mike Madzivanyika, who was recently elevated to replace Mkhuphali Masuku, said they aim to collect maximum points.

The Sunshine Boys have beefed up their squad and Madzivanyika is happy with how the likes of Malvin Gaki, Pritchard Mpelele and Protash Kabwe are fitting into his philosophy of play.

“We are working on combinations with the new players and they are doing well.

“Last week we didn’t do well, especially in the first half, so we have been doing the practices.

The only way we can win a match is by scoring goals and we are working on it,” said Madzivanyika.

Philip Chiyangwa

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
THREE weeks after assuming office, CAF president Ahmad is getting down to serious business and has revealed that they are reviewing the African Cup of Nations calendar and the 12-year broadcasting deal as the continental soccer body begins sweeping changes that have followed the fall of Issa Hayatou from power.

Ahmad is in South Africa, where he met with COSAFA president Philip Chiyangwa and the regional body’s leadership in Sandton yesterday.

The new CAF boss, who was flanked by Chiyangwa and South African Football Association president Danny Jordan told a media conference that the continental body was seriously looking at the viability of continuing to play the biennial African Cup of Nations under the same calendar of January-February.

Ahmad said the decisions on the continental game’s television rights and tournament hosting agreements will be the focus of discussion in the months ahead.

The timing of the African Nations Cup finals has often caused serious problems and friction between associations and clubs, with footballers playing in professional leagues, in Europe in particular, being forced to abandon their teams at a delicate stage of the season.

West African giants Cameroon had to dig deep into their reservoirs to win the 2017 Nations Cup in Gabon after seven of their players opted to stay at their European clubs rather than join the Indomitable Lions at the tournament. There have also been several cases of club-versus-country disputes each time there is a Nations Cup tournament and Ahmad said his executive would also consult the media among a host of stakeholders as they seek to review the calendar.

“I will be discussing with as many stakeholders as there are around African football to come up with the best solution for the problems,” Ahmad said

Ahmad, who swept into power on March 16 following a convincing 34-20 victory over Issa Hayatou, also raised serious concern over the 12-year television deal that CAF signed last year with French-based Lagardere Sports.

“This contract is the subject of a judicial challenge in the Egyptian courts at the moment and it was to protect the integrity of CAF in this issue that the general-secretary Hicham (El Amrani) submitted his resignation, which we accepted,” he said.

“We will investigate, but I am concerned about the length of the contract. I would never sign anything for longer than three years.

The contract was signed by the previous CAF President. Right now there are procedures against this contract, we just got elected and I have appointed people to look after this contract, people who are specialised in TV and in marketing, to study this case about the contract,’’ Ahmad said.

The new CAF boss has been preaching transparency and strategic changes since he officially assumed duty on March 26 and yesterday he also said he is awaiting the analysis of those who have been appointed to study the broadcasting contract, but explained that there is unanimous agreement that it is not a good deal for the continent.

“We’re living in an environment where everything must be transparent and with a democracy. The new CAF will follow up with everything that is not transparent or democratic.

“This is why I’m waiting for the analysis to come back to me before I make any decision.

“Everyone is completely agreed that it is not a good contract and it is not good for African football’’.

CAF, who have previously denied any wrongdoing, have been criticised after reportedly brokering the partnership without allowing any other bidders to get involved, with Hayatou and El Amrani being targeted for legal action.

Ahmad also spoke about the need to review the manner in which youth tournaments are staged with a view to have the Under-17 and Under-20 teams competing on a zonal basis.

If Ahmad’s plan sails through, those zonal champions would then secure tickets to such competitions like the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, with the CAF boss expected to take some of his proposed restructuring programmes to the FIFA Congress in Bahrain on May 11.

Chiyangwa also said many countries on the continent were not happy with the distribution of tournament hosting decisions undertaken by CAF under the Hayatou regime, which were largely biased towards Francophone Africa.

The ZIFA president, who reiterated his support for Ahmad, said the manner in which CAF was operating had become a hindrance to the development of young players from across the continent.

But with Hayatou out of the way, the changes have begun to be effected at CAF, with high hopes that they will usher in a new era for African football and help the continent reach its full potential.

Meanwhile Ahmad was on Wednesday reportedly honoured by the government of Madagascar, with the CAF boss bestowed with the national award for his election as the head of continent’s football governing body at a function in Antananarivo.

During the occasion, Ahmad was elevated to the rank of Grand Officer of the National Order by Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina at a colourful ceremony that was attended by high ranking government officials.

THE COOL RULER. . .Zimbabwe football legend Alexander Maseko poses with his wife at their home in Johannesburg

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ALEXANDER “Cool Ruler” Maseko’s career ended in a familiar way – an injury on duty which left him with broken bones, frustrated and disappointed after his South Africa club Mamelodi Sundowns refused to settle his hospital bills.

But unlike most players, this did not break his dream.

Fast forward 21 years later and he is now a successful businessman in the telecommunications industry.

The South Africa-based Warriors legend has moulded himself into a businessman of note from the time he made the break into the industry after being employed by Vodacom in South Africa exactly 20 years ago.

“I remember long back when I was young there were players like Rodrick Muganhiri, he was a doctor and that was a good example before we came on board,” said Maseko.

“Then we also had Tauya Murehwa who was also a medical doctor and by then people should have realised that a player’s life is not all about football.

“Many people think that footballers are not educated, which is wrong.

“There are footballers who are educated. The thing is that those who are not educated; the mistakes which they make are taken to portray that all footballers are the same, which is not.

“Just after the ordeal with Sundowns I decided that let me look after my family. That was it.

“Whatever I wanted to do then it was all about me looking after my family.

“I didn’t think about other people, I didn’t think about soccer.

“I told myself my kids are still going to school, let me just look after them and I am glad I did look after them.

“I will not talk about my first-born because he is now big, he is in IT.

“My last born is doing fifth year medicine. So we have a doctor in the family.

“The other thing, most people think footballers love womanising and whatever but you know what? If you are a well-known figure, it’s obvious people talk to you and when they see you speaking to people of the opposite sex, they rush to say ‘look they love women’ yet that’s not the case.

“Some of us have been married for the past 26 years and I am still with my wife, happily married.”

Maseko said he was still worried about his former teammates.

“We need ex-players who have made it to come out and say life is not about this, life is not about you being seen and you womanising.

“When you are a footballer, there are girls who will fall for you but you must be disciplined enough.

“If you have someone, you must believe in that person, that’s all.

“The main thing I can say on my part is focus, discipline and respect. That’s all.

“If you discipline yourself and respect others, then you will make it,” said Maseko.

Besides, his personal business in the telecommunications area, Maseko also runs a sports management company called Focus Sports Management which has vested interests in grassroots development.

He belongs to the generation of the Dream Team assembled by Reinhard Fabisch in the early 1990s.

“It was a pleasure playing alongside those guys. It was like playing with the cream of the players in the history of Zimbabwe. Like I said, to us it wasn’t more about the money but about enjoying the game.

“There was great competition when clubs met in league games.

“But football has changed drastically. It’s now commercialised, it’s more of how much am I going to get at the end of the day.

“Despite that, Zimbabwe still has talent and as you can see South Africa has been on the prowl for talent from this side. The Zimbabwean players have made a huge impact in the ABSA Premiership,” said Maseko.

Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
PROPHET Walter Magaya’s Yadah FC have exerted pressure on teams that play their Week Two encounters today and tomorrow after ascending from position 13 to the top of the Premiership table yesterday following a 1-0 win over ZPC Kariba.

Yadah, coached by former national team assistant coach Jairos Tapera who is on record as saying he believes the anointing from club owner Prophet Magaya will shake the topflight league, has led the Premiership newboys to a perfect start.

The club, which is bankrolled by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries’ Prophet Magaya, might be praying that the teams which include former champions Chicken Inn, title hopefuls FC Platinum, Chapungu and Tsholotsho – who are all in action today – slip up and allow them to be at the top for another day.

Bulawayo City v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields Stadium)

Season opening weekend’s biggest scorers Chicken Inn face a tricky encounter against Bulawayo City this afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium.

Chicken Inn, the 2015 champions, fired warning shots on their opening match of the season beating Premiership returnees Bantu Rovers courtesy of goals from Innocent Mucheneka, Obidiah Tarumbwa, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and a brace by Ishmael Lawe.

Buoyed by that good start, Chicken Inn should be wary of Bulawayo City who are a wounded side following a 0-2 loss to Highlanders on Match day One.

Unlike Bantu Rovers who had half of their players being Under-20 lads, Bulawayo City, who caused anxious moments for Bosso in that defeat, have an experienced squad that can shock Chicken Inn.

What might also give confidence and reason to believe among Bulawayo City players is that last season the local authority bankrolled side beat the Gamecocks with identical 1-0 scorelines.

“It’s a tricky game for us because we’re facing a side that has a seasoned gaffer and experienced players. What we’re going for is a positive result. Last week we gave our opponents (Highlanders) lots of respect and we paid dearly for that. We’ve worked on our shortcomings and are looking forward to the game,” said Mandla Mpofu, Bulawayo City’s coach.

Going into today’s game, the Bulawayo City coach said their preparations have been dealt a blow after exciting midfielder Sipho Ndlovu picked an injury during the week which has ruled him out of the tie.

In the absence of Ndlovu whose impressive performances won him a national team call up recently, Bulawayo City will among other players bank on Mkhokheli Dube, Mkhululi Moyo, Eddie Nkhulungo, Kelvin Madzongwe and Trevor Ndlovu.

How Mine v Tsholotsho FC (Luveve)

The goldminers who lost their opener 1-0 away to ZPC Kariba are in the hunt for their first points of the season against a side that wants to steer away from relegation having survived the axe by a whisker in previous seasons. Tsholotsho opened their account with a goalless draw against Hwange at their adopted Dulivhadzimu home, Beitbridge.

Tsholotsho have always been a thorn in the flesh for the goalminers, winning their last encounter 2-1. However, on paper How Mine are stronger and more organised than Tsholotsho and that might work in their favour.

The goldminers’ coach Kelvin Kaindu will look to national team goalkeeper Donovan Bernard to guard his goal with Praise Tonha, Brian Mbiriri and Mukundika Sakala forming the defence line while Peter “Rio” Moyo, Milton Ncube, Adolf Muganyi, Pasca Manhanga and Thembani Masuku could feature in Kaindu’s midfield.

Tinashe Makanda, Kuda Musharu and Toto Banda are some of the strikers at Kaindu’s disposal.

Farai Tawachera, Tsholotsho’s coach will be hoping that veteran utility player Felix Chindungwe, Thando Ncube and Spar Dube are at their best to contain How Mine’s attacks.

Highlanders v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields)

The Bulawayo giants who trained for two days without their gaffer Erol Akbay who was on an alleged industrial action over outstanding allowances will be hoping to continue with their good run.

Highlanders should not expect an easy walk in the park as Shabanie Mine are also fired up coming into the game following a 0-0 draw against champions Caps United.

Matchday Two

Today: Bulawayo City v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), FC Platinum v Bantu Rovers (Maglas), Black Rhinos v Chapungu (National Sports Stadium), How Mine v Tsholotsho FC (Luveve Stadium)

Tomorrow: Caps United v Harare City (National Sports Stadium), Triangle United v Dynamos (Gibbo), Highlanders v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields), Hwange v Ngezi Platinum (Colliery)

— @ZililoR

Lovemore Zigara, Midlands Correspondent
THE Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) roars to life this afternoon with six fixtures lined up across the region while three more games will be played tomorrow.

It promises to be an intriguing and competitive season if what the clubs have been doing during the off season is anything to go by.

Shurugwi-based Nichrut, who on paper have assembled a strong side having gone on an off-season shopping spree where they signed about 10 players with Premiership experience and also roped in ex-Chapungu gaffer John Phiri, start the season as championship favourites.

However, ZPC Munyati, Whawha, Blanket Mine and returnees Border Strikers also have a say in the destiny of the league judging by the quality in their teams.

MSU, TelOne and Vumbachikwe could prove to be the title race dark horses and are capable of springing surprises.

The pick of the opening weekend pits ex-PSL and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services side Whawha taking on Blanket Mine at Whawha grounds this afternoon in what promises to be a blood and thunder encounter.

Whawha’s side was bolstered by the arrival of players from Flame Lily which was dissolved by ZPCS and promises to have a say in the race for the championship.

On the other hand, Blanket Mine were runners up last season and have largely the same team which did duty last year.

Whawha coach,, Luke Petros-Jukulile, is confident of coming up with a positive result.

“Opening games of the season are always tricky because we will still be trying to adjust but judging by the pre-season friendlies that we played, the team is raring to go. We want to take each match as it comes and see where we end on the last day of the season. Tomorrow’s (today) match is a must win for us to boost our confidence as we undertake the campaign,” Petros-Jukulile.

His Blanket Mine counterpart Barnet Vhinkumbu was equally bullish saying they are going to Gweru to collect maximum points.

“We are going to Gweru to collect maximum points. Just like last season our mission is to gain promotion into the topflight league and the only way we can do it is to win our games,” said Vhinkumbu.

Fixtures

Today: Tongogara v Ivan Hoe (Battlefields), Border Strikers v ZRP Gwanda (Dulibadzimu), Black Eagles v Makusha (Buchwa), Whawha v Blanket Mine (Whawha), Vumbachikwe v ZPC Munyati (Vumbachikwe), Silo United v Gwanda United (Mbizo)

Tomorrow:  FC Platinum U19 v Telone (Mandava), Kwekwe Stars v MSU (Mbizo), Nichrut v Chrome Stars (Peak Mine)

Lovemore Zigara/Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporters
FC PLATINUM are not leaving anything to chance, ruling out complacency from their camp when they take on Bantu Rovers in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match to be played at Maglas Stadium, Zvishavane this afternoon.

The platinum miners are temporarily using Maglas for their league matches until renovations at their home ground Mandava Stadium are complete.

FC Platinum’s call against complacency comes at a time when Bantu Rovers suffered a massive 0-5 defeat to Chicken Inn in their season’s opener.

Despite seeing his charges collect maximum points against Dynamos in Harare where they won 1-0 courtesy of a Winston Mhango goal, FC Platinum’ mentor Norman Mapeza said they are concerned about a possible backlash from Bantu Rovers who have nothing to lose.

“It’s not going to be an easy game against Bantu Rovers because they lost their opening game against Chicken Inn by a huge margin but that does not mean they will be pushovers. They are in the league to compete and I am sure they worked on their shortcomings. I am sure they will have rectified their problems when we play them hence we need to be at our best for us to get a positive result. We are not guaranteed the three points unless we fight for them. Therefore we need to approach the game with the same mentality we showed against Dynamos,” said Mapeza.

Odds favour FC Platinum for victory this afternoon given the quality in their side as compared to their opponents who have in their ranks teenagers without Premiership experience.

The Zvishavane-based outfit will be banking on the likes of Mhango, goalkeeper Petros Mhari, newly signed Gift Mbweti, Charles Sibanda, speedster Marshal Mudehwe as well as Talent Chawapihwa.

Rovers’ coach Methembe Ndlovu said: “The bigger challenge was lifting morale after our 5-0 defeat and making sure that the players are focused for the coming match. We have been trying to tell the players to focus on the next game because the result (loss to Chicken Inn) does not really weigh much on us as compared to other teams who are hard-pressed for results. We’re here to give younger players a platform to showcase their talent.”

Rovers will be without injured defender Dumisani “Fazo” Sibanda while young striker Obrey Chirinda who picked up a knock against Chicken Inn is subject to passing a late fitness test.

Meanwhile, Rovers’ captain Bukhosi Sibanda believes they have what it takes to shock FC Platinum, saying they are geared for today’s match.

“It hasn’t been easy for most of our youngsters because it’s their first time playing in the PSL. The coaches have been trying to motivate us, to pick ourselves up. That defeat is now water under the bridge and the team is looking forward to the next match,”  Sibanda said.

— @lavuzigara1/@khumzallen

Harare Bureau
THE Harare province team to compete at the 10th edition of the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games, starting this morning at various venues in Bindura, is aiming high as they seek to improve their previous performance.

The competition is running until Monday and Tuesday.

Participants will take part in athletics for the visually impaired, athletics for the intellectually challenged and athletics for the amputees, football for the deaf and five-a-side for the intellectually challenged, goal ball, netball for the deaf as well as wheelchair basketball and tennis.

Speaking on the sidelines of a send-off ceremony for the team at Girls High School, the province’s general manager, Nathaniel Madzivanyika said they are gunning for first position after finishing outside the top three last year.

Chipadze High School, Hermann Gmeiner, Mazowe Boys and Chindunduma School will host the different sporting disciplines. The province’s contingent is made up of 121 athletes and officials.

Guest of honour at the send-off ceremony, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Harare Metropolitan Province, Miriam Chikukwa, saluted the province for managing to field a team in the Games despite lack of resources. In a speech ready on her behalf by her personal assistant, Rumbidzai Kahari, Chikukwa said she is aware of the challenges.

“However, I am happy that with the constrained environment that you have been working in, we have managed to enter a full complement of the team,” said Chikukwa.

The team also received $300 from the Minister.

Grace Chingoma, Harare Bureau
Yadah Stars 1-0 ZPC Kariba

IT needed a “Miracle Goal” to make all the difference at the National Sports Stadium yesterday to power exciting newboys, Yadah Stars, to the top of the Castle Lager Premiership table as they continued their fairy-tale start to life among the big boys.

The club is owned by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya, who is also its technical advisor, and new coach Jairos Tapera has repeatedly said they are powered by the anointing from their spiritual leader.

Yadah Stars stunned the country when they won the Zifa Eastern Region Division One League, in their first season in the championship race, after Magaya — who is a football-mad prophet — formed his own club.

And, during pre-season, he has been saying his men can win the league championship this year, which many analysts doubt given the pedigree of the opposition they will face in the top-flight league.

The last time a club coming straight from Division One won the league championship in this country was in 1984 when Black Rhinos ended Dynamos’ four-year dominance of the scene.

And Magaya believes his men can do it this year.

Yadah defender, Jimmy Dzingai, scored the all-important goal in the 45th minute when he met a corner from Wellington Kamudyariwa only for his effort to be cleared by a ZPC Kariba player after it had already crossed the line.

With many wondering how it went in, assistant referee Astma Mataya confidently advised referee Nomore Musundire that midfielder Talent Chamboko had cleared the lines after the ball had already gone in.

And, what was dubbed the “Miracle Goal” by those who were at the giant stadium yesterday, stood.

The victory set up a good start for the newcomers as they have now collected four points in two matches following a goalless draw against Harare City, in a match they dominated and should have won, last week.

However, the goal did not go down well with the opposition goalkeepers’ coach Brenna Msiska whose protests earned him an ejection from the bench after he hurled a volley of insults on the match officials.

Yadah coach, Tapera hailed his team for a good show.

“I think it’s a very important win. A win we got after playing a seasoned team and a seasoned coach. We gave them little space to operate and we were organised in defence compared to our last game.

“It is unfortunate that we got one goal, we could have scored even two and I am happy with the way the players are responding to the coaching methods.

“I would like to thank our Prophet. He has been very supportive,” said Tapera.

The coach was probably charmed with the way the duo of Leeroy Mavhunga, who once again turned on a good show, and Leeroy Murape -who came in the second half – went about their duties.

Murape is the younger brother of former Dynamos forward and assistant coach, Murape Murape.

The duo provided a strong wing play which, however, was not complimented upfront by their fellow forwards.

Mavhunga is a former Marlborough High captain who has been earning rave reviews and justified his growing legend yesterday with another excellent performance.

He kept making a mockery of his markers with his dribbling skills.

“Lee is just a young player, only 18 and is doing his best and he should just keep his feet on the ground,’’ said Tapera.

“If he continues like this, the future is bright for him.”

ZPC Kariba , Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, who got off to a winning start last week with a win against How Mine, said they played badly.

“I think overall we played badly, never controlled the game and as a result we failed to convert some of the chances that we got.

“It happens in football. Sometimes you play well and sometimes badly,” he said.

Big forward Francesco Zekumbawire failed to convert two good chances, including one after he had rounded goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube, while Raphael Manuvire’s long range effort just sailed over the bar.

“If a team fails to control the game, the midfield especially, where we were giving the ball cheaply, the result is a loss,” said Chidzambwa.

The veteran coach, who is the country’s most successful football gaffer, refused to comment on the goal.

“I am not a referee. I can’t speak for them. They said it was a goal,” he said.

Teams

Yadah: T Dube, A Makopa, B Chikwenya, J Dzingai, R Dongo, B Mapfumo, W Kamudyariwa, D Svanhu (M Ncube 80th minute), L Mavhunga, M Musiyakuvi (L Murape 57th min), J Sibanda (M Meleka 65th min)

ZPC Kariba: T Hove, T Munyanduri, M Kunyarimwe, A Sylvester, A Chiveya, T Mamvura (T Nyamandwe 54th min) D Chakupe (T Mugoniwa 76th min), T Chamboko, T Mandizadza (N Tigere 46th min), R Manuvire, F Zekumbawire

Milton High School boys tussle for possession during a schools rugby tournament played at Hartsfield Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE 2017 edition of the Schools Sports Rugby Festival kicked off at Hartsfield grounds in Bulawayo yesterday.

One of the event organisers, Themba Phiri, said the first day of the competition kicked off on a high note with an interesting Bulawayo derby pitting Milton and Petra High schools.

Milton won the match 10-5.

“Everything went well on day one and we are hoping that the final day (today) of the competition will be even more interesting. We had a slow start as schools were not able to access their monies from the banks so the competition delayed a little bit.

“However, looking at the performance on the field it was great because we had players who will be representing the country in Madagascar next week so the competition was tough. We were also graced by the presence of the national team coach which increased the level of competition as the youngsters tried to impress him,” said Phiri.

He said fireworks are expected in today’s matches with some interesting matches to look out for.

“The teams have been paired strength to strength so we don’t expect anything less than the clash of the country’s rugby giants. I just want to urge all the fans to come and witness this annual event as teams gear up for the 2017 rugby season,” Phiri said.

Yesterday’s results

Under 16: Milton 46-5 St Bernards, Gifford 0-17 St Columbus, Allan Wilson 17-5 Petra, Churchill 17-3 Plumtree, Entumbane 5- 12 Nkulumane, Northlea (girls) 5-5 Msiteli (girls)

Under 19: Entumbane 12-27 Northlea, Msiteli 8- 22 Churchill, St Columbus 12-0 Hamilton, Allan Wilson 48-0 Gifford, Churchill 52-0 Plumtree, Milton 10-5 Petra.

Today’s fixtures

Field A under-19: St Columbus v Hamilton, Northlea v Amhlophe, Northlea v Msiteli, Churchill v Entumbane, Gifford v St. Bernards, Plumtree v Kwekwe, Petra v Allan Wilson, Churchill v Milton.

Field B under-16: Entumbane v St. Bernards, Allan Wilson v Nkulumane, Petra v St Columbus, Msiteli (girls) v Northlea (girls), Churchill v Milton, Msitheli (girls) v Amhlophe (girls), Gifford v Plumtree, Kwekwe v Entumbane

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
MPOPOMA High School have undertaken the task of conquering Zimbabwe through sports and will leave no stone unturned in their quest to reach that milestone.

The school, known for its undoubted success on the academic front, decided to go on a quiet, but deliberate journey of improving its sporting performance, which has seen the school representing Bulawayo in national competitions with distinction.

At the recently held Bulawayo National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) track and field inter-districts athletics competition at White City Stadium, the school collected 38 medals, of which 16 were gold, while the next school Northlea High only managed five gold medals.

The feat saw the school providing 21 athletes to Team Bulawayo for the national Nash meet that was held in Chinhoyi last week.

The Chinhoyi competition was also used to select a team that will represent Zimbabwe in the upcoming Confederation of School Sports Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) track and field tournament to be held at the National Sports Stadium from May 2-7.

Five athletes from the school made it into the national squad. Tatenda Ndlovu, Linnett Dhliwayo and Jenipher Tembo were chosen for the 1 500m, 800m, javelin, high jump, long jump and triple jump in the girls’ Under-15, while Brian Ndlovu and Ronald Muchichwa will carry the country’s hopes in the boys’ Under-15 high jump and 400m events respectively.

“It’s really the determination to succeed from everyone involved that has seen us doing well. We have been known for academic excellence, but we now want to translate that into sporting excellence as well,” said Mpopoma High sports director James Rugwevera.

He said they had also received tremendous support from the school’s headmaster Christopher Dube which has helped make their work, not only easier, but enjoyable as well.

“Our head understands the vision we have; which is to conquer Zimbabwe in sports performance, and this is not only in athletics, but other disciplines as well. If you remember, our boys’ Under-17 soccer team lost in the final at national level to Pamushana High and so did our girls’ Under-17 volleyball side.

Our girls’ Under-20 netball team settled for bronze medal, again losing to Pamushana High, but we remain resolute and optimistic,” said Rugwevera.