Manchester United face an even tougher task to turn around the 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League football quarter-final with Barcelona than their miraculous comeback away to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted on Wednesday night.

United became the first side to ever overcome a 2-0 first leg defeat at home to reach the last eight with a 3-1 win in Paris last month.

But Solskjaer, who scored the winner when United won the Champions League at the Camp Nou in 1999, believes Barca’s prestigious European history makes beating the Spanish champions a different prospect to PSG.

“Of course the PSG performance away gives us hope and belief we can do it, but we know we are playing against probably the favourites for the tournament,” said Solskjaer.

“It will be a greater achievement winning that one with the history of Barcelona. They are not used to losing at home.”

Luke Shaw’s early own goal was all that separated the sides on the scoresheet, but Barca comfortably edged towards a first Champions League semi-final in four years as United failed to register a single shot on target.

“It leaves a good taste in the mouth to win here, but we know it is not a big enough lead given what happened (with United) in the last round,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

The post Ole wary of Barcelona appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
THE ZIFA Referees’ Committee have dismissed accusations that a purge of match officials who served under the previous leadership is going on in the family of domestic football match officials.

New chairman Brighton Malandule said they were handling the portfolio with professionalism.

A report of the claims was also sent to ZIFA president Felton Kamambo.

In the week that Kwekwe referee Thabani Bamala hogged the limelight for the wrong reasons following his questionable officiating in the high-profile Premiership match between Highlanders and CAPS United at Barbourfields last Sunday, allegations of victimisation and a systematic purge by the committee, targeted at some officials who worked under their predecessors, have emerged.

Malandule chairs the committee, while Brighton Mudzamiri is his deputy and their committee has been accused of flouting FIFA regulations on “their composition, failure to adhere to corporate governance tenets and critically also the manner in which their match officials are appointed’’.

But Malandule came out guns blazing insisting that his committee, which also has Sabelo Sibindi, Dennis Tshuma, Obert Zhoya and Masakadza Makonese, had been executing their duties without any bias.

“These days there are some people who make it their business to just trash people’s images using social media and I don’t know whether it is for financial gain or for some other reasons,’’ he said.

“I have been a match commissioner since 2013 after my retirement from refereeing and I have commissioned games even when I was a Southern Region board member. And there is nothing wrong with me carrying out those duties now.

“The purpose of a match commissioner is to assess referees’ performance and at FIFA level they have both a commissioner and a referees’ assessor, but since we don’t have money in Zimbabwe, the commissioner doubles up.

“It must also be understood that the match commissioner’s reports go to the competition organisers and the chief commissioner, so in the case of the game I commissioned between Highlanders and CAPS United for example, my reports will go to the PSL and the chief commissioner, who is Mudzamiri.

“If a referee scores low marks from five out of 10 and below, and if he constantly under-performs, he is downgraded, but for professional reasons we do not publicise the names.

“If a referee makes a game-changing decision or a glaring mistake in one game, he could be suspended. I must also stress that at the start of the season we held a course at Hillside College which was also used to re-grade the referees.

“We have a panel of about 72 referees and we must also create room to promote the younger and talented referees who would have excelled at the courses and no one is entitled to be on the panel for life.’’

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS have welcomed Belgian coaches on an exchange programme that could also see members of their technical team, led by Lloyd Chigowe, travelling to the European country.

Billian Valery Jozef and goalkeeper specialist Beelen Dirk Lode arrived in the country on Wednesday.

They have been helping with the drills as the giants prepare for a tough date against 2015 champions Chicken Inn at Barbourfields tomorrow.

Dynamos vice-chairman Moses Shumba said the duo will be in the country until April 29.

“They will be here until the end of the month. So, it’s only 20 days and it’s all part of an exchange programme that we are having with our counterparts in Europe.

“We also expect our coaches to go to Belgium on a similar arrangement.

“This is part of the new Dynamos leadership’s efforts to reposition the club and create synergies with Europe.

“We should prepare a comprehensive media release tomorrow (today).

“They are top-notch coaches who have coached in Belgium, Hungary and Ivory Coast,” said Shumba.

However, the Glamour Boys suffered a setback in their preparations after their highly-rated Cameroonian forward Claude Junior Ngahan was forced to sit out the remainder of yesterday’s training session with an ankle knock.

The club’s team doctors recommended the forward, who displayed flashes of brilliance on his debut against Hwange last Sunday, should not be included in the travelling team for the match against Chicken Inn tomorrow.

There are also concerns over versatile fullback Emmanuel Jalai, who needs to pass a fitness test before the team’s departure today.

“Mangala is back, but Junior is out. We are not sure about Jalai, but definitely Claude is not available for this game,’’ said Chigowe.

“He failed to last the distance in training, so the doctors have advised us that he cannot be used on Saturday.

“Otherwise the rest of the guys have a clean bill of health.

“Chicken Inn are a tough nut, but we believe we have got a side that is able to compete because of the overall performance of this team (against Hwange). I will not take anything away from them.’’

The post Belgian coaches at DeMbare appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
THE curtain comes down on the 2019 edition of Commissioner-General of Police Sports Gala where the national team to represent Zimbabwe in the regional games will be selected at Morris Depot today.

Athletes from various provinces have been battling it out in eight sporting disciplines.

The best performers will be included in the Team Zimbabwe for the 10th edition of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation bi-annual games slated for Luanda, Angola, from August 1-15 this year.

The teams battled in athletics, darts, chess, football (men and women), netball, shooting and volleyball (men and women).

Shooting was added to the disciplines in preparation of the President’s Medal Shoot competition to be held later this year.

Other disciplines such as swimming, golf and body building have been excluded as they will not feature in the SARPCCO sporting codes.

ZRP Acting Staff Officer Sports Joshua Tigere said it was all systems go.

“This year we have fewer teams, especially in ball games,as others were eliminated at provincial level.’’

The Zimbabwe Republic Police are the defending champions of SARPCCO trophy which they last won in Swaziland in 2015.

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CAPS United were left in suspense after the Premier Soccer League announced the indefinite postponement of their home game against Chapungu because of the unavailability of the National Sports Stadium this week.

Makepekepe were supposed to host the Gweru airmen at the giant facility on Sunday, but authorities have closed the ground for the Independence Day preparations.

CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe yesterday said he felt the unexpected break could affect his team’s momentum.

“To some extent it’s very disappointing. You are coming from a very long break since November-December thereabout and then it took us about nine weeks to prepare for the Manica Diamonds game.

“And, again, we have been given another break, rather by default.

“But, all the same, the effect is not very important, it’s just disappointing that we had the momentum and at the same time I feel the confidence levels are very high and you would want to play games in that kind of a situation.

“We have started very well. We are happy with the progress.

“The team looks good and I am sure there are chances we can keep on improving and we are looking forward to the season,” said Chitembwe.

The unavailability of the stadium has also affected the proposed double header which had been scheduled for tomorrow.

Newboys Mushowani Stars were supposed to host FC Platinum in a lunchtime kick off, while Black Rhinos and Bulawayo Chiefs square off at 3pm.

PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare said Mushowani and FC Platinum will now play at Rufaro on Monday, while the other two matches were postponed indefinitely.

Fixtures

Tomorrow

TelOne v ZPC Kariba (Mandava), Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields)

Sunday

Hwange v Ngezi Platinum (Colliery), Herentals v Yadah (Rufaro), Triangle v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo)

Monday

Mushowani Stars v FC Platinum (Rufaro)

Postponed

Black Rhinos v Bulawayo Chiefs, CAPS United v Chapungu.

The post National Sports Stadium Closed for Independence appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
KNOWLEDGE MUSONA has already delivered a lot for his country in an international football career in which he has established himself as probably the second best Warrior since King Peter Ndlovu. The Smiling Assassin is set to grace his second AFCON finals in Egypt this year after leading his Warriors to the showcase by helping them top their group.

Musona ended the 2019 AFCON qualifying campaign with five goals, the third highest individual tally of goals, with Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo (7) and Burundi striker Fiston Abdul Razzak (6) the only two men who did better than him.

El Fardou Ben Nabouhane of the Comoros tied with Musona on five goals. Percy Tau, the highly-rated Bafana Bafana forward, scored four goals, the same number as Mateus of Angola.

African Footballer of the Year, Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian and Liverpool superstar, also ended the campaign with four goals.

Musona, who became the first Warriors skipper to score an AFCON hattrick, could now match the legendary Ndlovu as the highest Zimbabwean goal-scorer at the Nations Cup finals if he scores two goals in Egypt.

The Belgium-based forward scored once at his debut AFCON finals show in Gabon two years ago where his participation was limited by injury.

He returned for the final group match against Tunisia and scored a sublime goal but could not prevent his Warriors from slumping to a 2-4 defeat.

Now, if he can score two more goals in Egypt, he will match the record of three AFCON finals goal by a Warrior set by Ndlovu.

King Peter scored all his three goals at the Warriors maiden Nations Cup finals show in Tunisia with one against Egypt and a brace against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

He didn’t score at the 2006 Nations Cup finals in Egypt.

Now, Musona is set to use the Land of Pharaohs to try and match the man who set the benchmark for excellence when it comes to service for the Warriors.

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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE coach Sunday Chidzambwa is set to become the first gaffer to guide the Warriors in more than three AFCON finals matches when he leads them at the 2019 Nations Cup showcase in Egypt. The country’s most successful football coach will underline his lofty standing when he returns to the AFCON finals for the second time, as coach, and first time in 15 years.

Chidzambwa became the first gaffer to lead the Warriors to the Nations Cup finals, ending a lengthy 23-year wait for the team in which it had repeatedly suffered from collapsing at the final hurdle when the Promised Land appeared within reach.

He masterminded the Warriors maiden show at the AFCON finals in Tunisia in 2004 and his team scored in each of their three group games, winning one, a 2-1 victory over Algeria, and losing twice aainst Egypt and then defending champions Cameroon.

The match against the Pharaohs was very tight, with the Egyptians squeezing a 2-1 victory, but things could have been very different if striker Wilfred Mugeyi had not missed a very good chance to equalise at the end of the contest.

Then, he was his men concede five goals against the then defending champions Cameroon, which meant the three goals they scored that day, the highest tally the Indomitable Lions had conceded at this level of the game in years, counted for little.

However, in the final group match, the Warriors roared to beat Algeria 2-1 for their first victory at the AFCON finals.

Charles Mhlauri then led the Warriors at the 2006 AFCON finals where his team lost to Nigeria and Senegal by identical 0-2 margins before they flexed their muscles to beat a World Cup-bound Ghana 2-1 in Ismailia.

Callisto Pasuwa then took over the challenge as he guided the Warriors to three Nations Cup finals matches in Gabon where they drew against Algeria but lost to Tunisia and Senegal.

Chidzambwa will, at least, make it four AFCON finals matches in charge of the Warriors in Egypt later this year, becoming the first coach to achieve such a feat with the team.

The post Mhofu set to break another record appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Chigowe expects his charges to respond and tame a poor away run against Chicken Inn when the two teams clash in a Castle Lager Premiership football match at Barbourfields this afternoon. The Glamour Boys have beaten the Gamecocks only once in eight meetings in Bulawayo since the side got promoted in 2011. Dynamos are coming from a disappointing home outing where they slumped to a 1-2 defeat to Hwange at Rufaro in their last game.

“We commended the boys for a very good performance in the last match, but we reminded them that defeat is not good enough even if you perform well,’’ said Chigowe.

“So, they have got to put in an extra shift and make sure we give Chicken Inn the fight of their lives. No doubt, Chicken Inn are one of the strongest contenders for the title this year.

“They have collected maximum points in their first two games and that is a statement of intent on its own. But we are ready to compete, the boys are showing hunger and we must expect a fight in Bulawayo. There is going to be a battle royale at Barbourfields.’’

DeMbare left for Bulawayo yesterday without one of their key forwards, Claude Junior Ngahan. The Cameroonian thrilled fans at Rufaro in the game against Hwange, but he picked an ankle injury during practice this week.

Right-back Emmanuel Jalai was also a doubt, but striker Ngandu Mangala has returned from a knee injury.

“I have always said that we are a collective group and we are getting stronger together. In the long run, modern football is about squads. It’s not about individuals.

“Yes, individuals do make a difference, like Lionel Messi or Neymar, but in the end it is about the group and the group is ready to go,” said Chigowe.

Chicken Inn have started the season on fire, winning their opening two games against ZPC Kariba and Yadah. The club’s new signing Clive Augusto has been in fine form after scoring three goals in those two matches.

He got a brace against ZPC Kariba and scored when they beat Yadah in Harare, with the other goal coming from fellow new signing Marlvin Gaki.

However, their coach Joey Antipas was cautious ahead of their battle against DeMbare.

The Gamecocks have won four of the eight games against Dynamos since 2011.

They drew three and lost once in 2015 when they ironically went on to win the title.

“We started off well and I think our win over Yadah last week was deserved. But we are still trying to get the magic formula called consistency. We need to keep working hard and try to be as focused as we can. We need to collect as many points as we can because competition will be tight as we go on.

“Already, we have seen a lot of good sides showing what they can do and I would think it will be a fatal mistake to think that you can win a game before you have played it.

“So, we are taking it one game at a time and we hope for a positive result against Dynamos,” said Antipas.

Fixtures

Today: TelOne v ZPC Kariba (Mandava), Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields)

Tomorrow: Hwange v Ngezi Platinum (Colliery), Herentals v Yadah (Rufaro), Triangle v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo)

Monday: Mushowani Stars v FC Platinum (Rufaro)

Postponed: Black Rhinos v Bulawayo Chiefs, CAPS United v Chapungu.

The post DeMbare wear underdogs tag appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Manchester City and Liverpool resume their epic battle for the English Premier League football title tomorrow after a midweek of contrasting Champions League fortunes, with both sides facing perilous fixtures.

City travel to Crystal Palace trailing Jurgen Klopp’s men by two points, but still with the title in their hands thanks to a game in hand.

However, the visit to Selhurst Park kicks off a tough run of fixtures in which Pep Guardiola’s men host Tottenham twice, play Manchester United at Old Trafford and face a tricky trip to Burnley.

The 1-0 defeat at Spurs in Tuesday’s first leg of their Champions League quarter-final snapped a 14-game winning streak and means Guardiola has huge calls to make with his team selection this weekend.

If he has one eye on Wednesday’s second leg on home soil, Palace could hurt City and hand Liverpool a title boost.
Roy Hodgson’s men inflicted City’s only home defeat of the campaign in December and also ended the champions’ record 18-game winning run in the English Premier League last season.

Victory for City to go back on top would flip the pressure onto Liverpool’s shoulders just minutes before they kick off against Chelsea at Anfield.

Chelsea are likely to be back down in fourth spot by the time they kick off, as Tottenham host already relegated Huddersfield today.

English Premiership Fixtures
Today: Tottenham Hotspur v Huddersfield Town (1:30pm); Fulham v Everton (4pm); Southampton v Wolverhampton Wanderers (4pm); Brighton & Hove Albion v AFC Bournemouth (4pm); Burnley v Cardiff City (4pm); Manchester United v West Ham United (6:30pm).
Tomorrow: Crystal Palace v Manchester City (3:05pm); Liverpool v Chelsea (5:30pm)
Monday: Watford v Arsenal (9pm)

The post Danger looms for City, Liverpool in titanic title race appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus head to SPAL today needing just a point to wrap up an eighth consecutive Italian Serie A football title in record time before their crucial Champions League decider against Ajax in Turin next week.

Ronaldo returned from injury to score a precious away goal for Juventus in their 1-1 Champions League quarter-final, first leg draw in Amsterdam on Wednesday, and the 34-year-old can claim his first Italian league title to add to his two in Spain with Real Madrid and three with Manchester United.

It would be a 28th trophy in four countries for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, a haul which includes five Champions League, and the Euro 2016 title with Portugal.

Juventus have a 20-point advantage on second-placed Napoli and a draw would seal their 35th “Scudetto” with six games to spare – the earliest any team has ever sealed Serie A – thanks to their superior head-to-head record over Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
SPAL, 16th and just four points above the drop zone, had eased their relegation fears with three consecutive wins that included victories over Champions League-chasing Lazio and Roma, but lost last weekend at Cagliari.

Leonardo Semplici dogged side also have history against them, as they have beaten Juventus just once in their history, way back in 1957.

Given the relative weakness of the weekend’s opposition, coach Massimiliano Allegri may not want to risk Ronaldo ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League decider and could rotate his side.

Italian Serie A Fixtures
Today: SPAL v Juventus (3pm), Roma v Udinese (4pm), AC Milan v Lazio (8:30pm)
Tomorrow: Torino v Cagliari (12:30pm), Fiorentina v Bologna, Sampdoria v Genoa, Sassuolo v Parma (all 3pm), Chievo v Napoli (6pm), Frosinone v Inter Milan (8:30pm)
Monday: Atalanta v Empoli (8:30pm)

The post Juve ready to seal title appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

– Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez might be the deadliest attack in Europe but Barcelona’s success in the Champions League football could rest on their increasingly mean defence.

After their 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Gerard Pique said Barca are tighter at the back than they have been all season.

“We put in an excellent performance defensively, we’re in our best form in defence of the season,” Pique said.
“The early goal relaxed us and we knew how to cope with the situation, the fact we didn’t concede helps us a lot.”
Barcelona face a trip to Spanish La Liga’s bottom-club Huesca today, when Ernesto Valverde is likely to rotate his line-up ahead of the return leg against United three days later.

An 11-point lead at the top of the table has earned Barca that luxury, while United face West Ham the same afternoon, still scrapping for a place in the English Premier League’s top four.
To turn the tie around, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team will have to score at least once at Camp Nou, where their opponents have endured only one defeat in 52 matches and, in the Champions League, one in 10 years.

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Today: Espanyol v Deportivo Alavés (1pm); Huesca v Barcelona (4:15pm); Atlético Madrid v Celta de Vigo (6:30pm); Sevilla v Real Betis (8:45pm).

Tomorrow: Real Valladolid v Getafe (12noon); Athletic Club v Rayo Vallecano (2pm); Real Sociedad v Eibar (4:15pm); Girona v Villareal (6:30pm); Valencia v Levante (8:45pm).
Monday: Leganés v Real Madrid (9pm).

The post Pique inspiring Barca appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Arsenal put one foot in the Europa League football semi-finals with one of their best displays of the season on Thursday night.

An Aaron Ramsey strike and a shot from Lucas Torreira which deflected in off Kalidou Koulibaly gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead by half-time over Napoli. Unai Emery’s side are now massive favourites to go through ahead of the second leg in Naples next Thursday.

Arsenal lost to Atletico Madrid in the last four last season, but they shrugged off Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Everton to bounce back in style. And crucially they did not concede an away goal as Petr Cech kept a clean sheet on what is set to be one of his last games for the club before he retires.

Goalscorer Ramsey said: “To keep a clean sheet and score a couple of goals is a lovely way to start the first leg. We’re delighted with that.

“We suffered a lot. They’re a good team and keep the ball well. We had to dig in.
“I should have scored in the second half again. We can go into the second leg with a little bit of a cushion. But we know it will be a difficult place to go.

“They were unlucky not to go through [in the Champions League]. They are a quality team. They’re a tough team to play against. We have given ourselves a great opportunity.”

Emery added: ”The first 90 minutes here we can impose a big plan. They can control ball with possession. They had one chance in the first half then two chances in second half. We deserved a third goal.

“Away there is going to be different. We need to be focused and clear. No more confident than we need.”
Meanwhile in the Czech Republic, Marcos Alonso’s late header dragged a lacklustre Chelsea to a 1-0 Europa League win at Slavia Prague. The Spain full-back ghosted clear in the box to nod home Willian’s teasing far-post cross, to hand the Blues the slender advantage midway through their quarter-final.

The post Arsenal, Chelsea win appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
ZIFA will have to wait a little longer before they know the outcome of their disciplinary hearing at COSAFA after it emerged yesterday that the regional football body were only likely to make a determination next week. Acting vice president Philemon Machana led a three-member delegation, which included chief executive Joseph Mamutse and lawyer Chenaimoyo Gumiro that represented the association at the hearing in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon.

Gumiro told The Herald yesterday ZIFA made their oral presentation to the COSAFA disciplinary board and they will also make a written submission of their case.

“The COSAFA matter is still on-going. We made oral arguments and now we are doing the written submissions. COSAFA are to file today (yesterday) and we will respond next week.
“Thereafter, a ruling will be made and we will be notified of the date of ruling,’’ Gumiro said.

ZIFA could be handed a fine of up to US$1 million, the heaviest financial punishment slapped on the country’s football controlling body, should they be found to have breached the agreement to host this year’s COSAFA Cup senior men’s tournament.

Although COSAFA had initially indicated that judgment could be handed down within 48 hours of the hearing, it has emerged that the ruling could come towards the end of next week.

‘The venue for the 2019 edition of the COSAFA Cup, scheduled from May 25 to June 8 was left undecided after ZIFA failed to secure government backing to host the tournament.”

It is COSAFA’s argument that “ZIFA is now in breach of their Hosting Agreement, signed by ZIFA late in January 2019, and returned to COSAFA”.

The regional football body said the uncertainty over the hosting of the tournament had come at a wrong time, given the importance which the nations, which have qualified for the 2019 AFCON tourney, had attached to the event, with all of them hoping to use it to prepare for the Nations Cup finals.

‘‘For the first time in 21 years, five COSAFA member countries have qualified to participate in the continental show-piece, including Zimbabwe’s celebrated Warriors,’’ the regional body said.

Meanwhile, the ZIFA disciplinary hearing for suspended vice-president Gift Banda suffered another still birth after it was deferred again, this time on a fresh technicality.

The disciplinary committee had convened in Harare yesterday after having been deferred last week.
Gumiro said Banda’s defence team was questioning the jurisdiction of the disciplinary committee to hear his case.
“The Banda matter was also deferred. We are to file our response next week to their preliminary issue on whether or not the disciplinary committee has jurisdiction.

“They will file their replication by 29 April and ruling will be on 10 May on the preliminary issue depending on the ruling we then do submission on the merits of the matter,’’ Gumiro said.
The latest postponement could, however, impact the April 27 ZIFA Congress indaba where it was expected that the matter would be taken for ratification by the councillors.

Gumiro, however, said he did not foresee any problems arising at the ZIFA Congress.

The post zifa to wait longer for cosafa fate appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
AFTER getting their Challenge League campaign off to a flying start, Eagles Academy will be hoping to make it two out of two when they entertain Cranborne at Hellenic Sports Club this afternoon.

Eagles were the biggest winners of the opening day of the inaugural Challenge League, a competition of academy football players in Harare, who are aged between 18-21 years.

Goals by Admire Gatsi in the 16th minute, Anesu Mufumha two minutes later and Maxwell Makomeke on the stroke of half-time gave Eagles just the kind of start they had hoped for in their triumph over Galaxy.

While Eagles were winning convincingly over Galaxy, Cranborne came-a-cropper against Dickson Choto’s DC Academy who beat them 2-0 via a goal each by Rufaro Kunjayira in the 30th minute and a 61st minute effort by Omar Tsuro from the penalty spot.

Organisers of the league, which is expected to produce talent for the domestic and international game, were left satisfied with the opening day proceedings and are hopeful the academies will maintain the same momentum every other weekend.

“With schools closing for the holidays, the crowds at Hellenic Sports Club are also expected to grow even bigger. The first weekend exceeded expectations with spectators impressed with the organisation of the league. ’As you know, this league accommodates more than 150 prospective players and prepares them for professional football careers. In addition to the soccer played, the players are taught life-skills and what to expect in a professional career. The competition is highly competitive and ensures players between 18-21 have maximum playing time and provides a platform for them to improve their game.”

The post Eagles eye second win appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE ZIFA Northern Region Division One League, the most competitive and best-run league outside the Premiership in this country, explodes into life today after a week’s delay to the marathon.

A high-profile battle between Cranborne Bullets, coached by Young Warriors assistant coach Nesbert ‘’Yabo’’ Saruchera, and Black Mambas today is one of the pick of the opening day matches.

Cranborne Bullets and Black Mambas were part of the teams that fought for promotion last year in a race that was won by Mushowani Stars.

“We are Cranborne, we cannot be intimidated in our barracks and it’s not going to be easy for them (Black Mambas),” coach Nesbert Saruchera told the league’s official Twitter account.

‘’This year we are looking at nothing short of promotion. We have a strong side that is competitive and we also brought on board some experienced players from Black Rhinos.’’

The league, under the chairmanship of Willard Manyengava, handed a car to its Soccer Star of the Year last season in yet another demonstration of the professionalism in their ranks.

Clive Dzingai reaped huge benefits for being the best player in the league by winning a car courtesy of sponsors Ruyamuro Service Station.

Seasoned coach, Clifton ‘’Somalia’’ Kadurira also returns to the league in charge of ambitious Golden Valley.
Arthur Tutani will be in charge of Karoi United this season and showed his ambition by signing for Zimbabwe international, Simba Sithole, who was with Yadah Stars last season in the Premiership.

‘’Tutani believes new signing Simba Sithole will add value and give young players direction as the club targets winning the 2019 championship,’’ the league said on Twitter.

Karoi United host Ngezi Platinum Under-19 at Chikangwe today.

ZIFA Northern Region Division One Fixtures

Cranborne Bullets v Black Mambas (2 Brigade), Golden Valley v Kariba Waves (Rimuka), PAM United v Black Tigers (Muriel Mine), FC Mbare National v Cam and Motor (Motort Action), Herentals U-20 v Banket United (Morris Depot), Harare City Cubs v Chegutu Pirates (NSS B Arena), Karoi United v Ngezi Platinum U-19 (Chikangwe), Blue Swallows v Blue Jets (Manyame).
Beta XI v Grain Tigers (Morris Depot)

The post ZIFA Northern Region Div One roars into life appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
NYASHA MUSHEKWI powered Dalian Yifang to their first Chinese Super League win of the new season by scoring the priceless goal in a 1-0 away win over Shandong Luneng yesterday.

The 31-year-old forward is being eased back into competitive football after undergoing major surgery in Madrid, Spain, last November to sort out a serious injury that forced him to play at half pace for most of last season.

The Zimbabwe international revealed the injury was so serious there were even concerns his football career could be brought to a premature halt.

However, some specialist Spanish doctors managed to deal with the injury and Mushekwi is slowly being rehabilitated back into action by a club that has relied heavily on his goals.

Last season the forward scored 15 goals in matches for Dalian Yifang, who were forced to delay his surgery, until their status in the Chinese Super League had been guaranteed for another year, because of the importance of his goals to their cause.

Yesterday the big forward showed his value to the team by scoring against Luneng.

It was Dalian Yifang’s first win of the season in five starts in which they have drawn two and lost two matches.

What was even more impressive was that this was Luneng’s first league loss of the new campaign.

“Amazing God, wow, it was a tough game but we thank God for this win,” Mushekwi told The Herald yesterday.

He has now scored two league goals in his first three appearances for Dalian Yifang at an average of a goal every other game.

The Chinese club are unbeaten since Mushekwi returned to action.

The powerful forward is one of the players likely to be considered by Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa for the AFCON finals in Egypt between June and July this year.

He was part of the cast of Warriors who featured at the last AFCON finals in Gabon two years ago and scored a penalty in the 2-2 draw against Algeria.

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
SEAN WILLIAMS sizzled with the bat yesterday with a new record for Zimbabwe’s fastest One Day International ton as the Chevrons cruised to a series win over United Arab Emirates at Harare Sport Club yesterday.

Zimbabwe took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four match series following yesterday’’s 131-run win.

The Chevrons underlined their dominance in the series when they raked up 307/4 after they were sent in to bat for the first time in this series.

Williams’’ unbeaten 109 and half tons from skipper PJ Moor (58*) and Craig Ervine (64), complemented by a fine outing by the bowlers, capped a brilliant all-round performance by the Chevrons in front of a vociferous crowd that kept swelling in numbers as the day wore on.

Ryan Burl rallied the hosts late on with his career best bowling figures of 4/32 from his leg spin after Kyle Jarvis had given Zimbabwe the head-start with two early wickets. UAE were bowled out for 176 in 46. 2 overs.

Williams was named Man of the Match for his third ODI century. The middle order batsman was excited by the knock although he wasn’t aware he had set a new record.

Zimbabwe, who won the first two matches comfortably, recovered from an early setback after opener Regis Chakabva edged to the wicketkeeper at the end of the second over.

Craig Ervine (64) and Solomon Mire (40) managed to put together the innings with a 104–run partnership for the second wicket. UAE were also their own enemies in the field because of the numerous gaffes.

Williams, who went on to be the destroyer-in-chief, got a lease of life in the 31st over when UAE skipper Mohammad Naveed dropped a sitter with the left hander still on 31 runs.

The middle order batsman had wanted to hit out Ashfaq Ahmed but he swept with the top edge high into the sky. Naveed was well positioned to take the catch but somehow he failed to hold on to the ball.

Williams, who had already begun taking steps back to the pavilion, could not believe his luck when the ground erupted in delirium after the dropped catch.

Zimbabwe were still looking good at 160/3 when the incident took place. However Zimbabwe could not hold on much longer with the partnership as Naveed returned to remove Sikandar Raza (18).

On the other hand, Williams continued to punish the opponents for their earlier mistake with a couple of big hits. The 32-year old got to his half ton in style with two sixes off the same bowler, Ahmed, in the 38th over.

Later on he had his bat and helmet in the air celebrating his 100 from 77 deliveries, with skipper PJ Moor for company. Moor, who is also enjoying a purple patch, was on song at the other end with a well scripted half ton and the pair ensured Zimbabwe crossed the 300-run mark. The pair contributed an unbroken 145 runs off 113 balls for the fifth wicket to help their team to 307 in their allotted 50 overs.

The Zimbabwe bowlers had UAE on the back foot early in the game after Jarvis struck twice to remove Ashfaq Ahmed and Ghulam Shabber before Chris Mpofu got Rohan Mustafa to leave the visitors reeling on 15/3 in the sixth over.

There was a sustained resistance when Chundangapoyil Rizwan and Shaiman Anwar added 44 runs for the fourth wicket but the latter was trapped lbw by Donald Tiripano and the scoreboard was reading 61/4.

The visitors still looked determined to bat through their overs although the game had always been beyond them from the start of the chase. The fifth wicket partnership between Rizwan and Muhammad Usman was a handful for the hosts. But Rizwan (47) just missed his half ton when he was caught by Ervine off the bowling of Burl to end a 65-run stand.

Still UAE were in some kind of trouble at 126/5 in the middle of the 37th over and the spinners Burl and Raza (2/44) played a big role cleaning up the tail.

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VETERAN goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo produced a man-of- the-match performance yesterday but his side Manica Diamonds blew a two-goal lead to settle for a share of the spoils with hosts Triangle in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gibbo.

Both teams’ technical benches were on several times not happy with referee Kuzivakwamwari Jaravaza’s decisions as he failed to control what looked like a local derby.

Manica Diamonds are using Gibbo as their home at the moment after Sakubva was deemed unfit to host top-flight games.

The Gems raced into the lead after 48 minutes through Tendai Mukono before extending their lead in the 72nd minute via Ishmael Lawe. Triangle, however, refused to be cowed into submission and scored two quick goals through substitute Timothy January and Ralph Kawondera inside two minutes. Manica Diamonds coach Luke Masomere, who will travel to Gibbo next week for his third consecutive game at the same venue, was disappointed by his side’s blundering late on but also took some positives from the game.

“I think we played very well, it was a good game of football. We won here last week (against Harare City) but today I think we played better. We gave them two silly goals, we had no stability in defence after Nelson Tachi went out injured and we were punished.

“Triangle played well, it was a balanced affair, we shared the spoils and I will be happy with a point,” said Masomere.

Triangle came in to the game a more organised side in the first half and could have easily taken the lead in the opening 20 minutes but they were denied by the impressive Muchambo heroics.

Their coach Taurai Mangwiro, who celebrated his 49th birthday yesterday was forced to make a first half substitution when veteran midfielder Russel Madamombe was forced off the pitch and immediately rushed to hospital after colliding with Carlton Munzabwa in the 37th minute.

January who was brought in for the injured player made an immediate impact and could have broken the deadlock with two minutes before the breather but Muchambo made another stunning save to ensure parity at the break.Mangwiro was happy with his side’s response after going 2-0 down to come back and bag a point but obviously a full set of points was going to be a perfect birthday present for the coach.

“I needed more than a point but in the end we are all happy because it’s a precious point that we have rescued against a determined Manica side. “We had to dig deep for it and in the end it’s a decent birthday present because it could have been worse,” Mangwiro said.

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Tiger Woods won the 83rd Masters yesterday, capturing his 15th major title to cement an epic return from scandal and injuries that once threatened his career.

Woods, who started the day two shots behind Francesco Molinari, fired a final-round 70 for a 13-under par total of 275 and a one-shot win over Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka.

Clad in bright red, Woods raised his club and fist to the sky then hugged his mother and two children after sinking a short bogey putt to seal the win as the crowd erupted in chants of “Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!”

Woods had birdied the par-five 15th hole to take a one-shot lead and stretched it to two strokes with a birdie at the par-three 16th as Molinari’s challenge faced with double bogeys at 12 and 15.

Woods’ majestic march to victory was made to the accompaniment of the roars of the Augusta National crowds — those watching him and those who saw his name go up atop the leaderboards around the course.

The 14 years between his fourth Masters triumph and his fifth topped the previous longest gap of 13 years between Gary Player’s 1961 win and his 1974 title.

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RED-hot Hwange continued with their blistering start to the 2019 Castle Lager Premier League season after downing a fighting Ngezi Platinum Stars in a pulsating encounter at the Colliery yesterday.

Those who thought the coalminers’’ win over DeMbare last weekend in Harare was a fluke needed to be at yesterday’s game to witness some sheer determination and fluidity by a team that bounced back into the Premier League this year following their demotion in 2017.

An own goal by Donald Teguru and a header by striker Ernest Gwitima ensured Chipangano maintain a perfect start by notching three wins on the trot.

Ngezi were not demoralised by the setback as they sniffed around for an equaliser which came in the stoppage time of the opening stanza through Keith Murera who headed home a Charamba corner kick.

The visitors came back from the breather in a menacing mood as they camped in the Hwange half with some incessant attacks and with their tempo increasing especially after the introduction of Liberty Chakoroma who came in for Bruno Mtigo in the 65th minute.

Ngezi’s hard work came to nought 10 minutes from time when Hwange launched a swift counter attack on the right flank which saw midfielder Eddie Nkulungo send in a teasing cross that was met with a glancing Gwitima header to seal victory for the hosts.

Hwange coach Nation Dube was elated after the match.

“I am a happy man especially with these two wins on the trot as they are coming against big sides in the league. We take each game as we go and I hope we can maintain the momentum.” he said.

Ngezi Platinum: T. Munditi; M. Charamba (O. Miniru 68th min); M. Mushonga; P. Moyo; J. Nguluve; F. Makarati; W. Makuva; B. Mtigo (L. Chakoroma 65th min); B. Mushunje; K. Murera (K. Bulaji 53rd min); D. Teguru.

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