Sports – Zimbabwe Today

Grace Chingoma, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S biggest football clubs are set to lose $1 million which a potential sponsor has dangled for them this year because the principal backers of the two giants, BancABC, have blocked the duo from going to bed with the new partner.

Our correspondent is realiably informed that this has sparked outrage at both DeMbare and Bosso with some of the club’s officials unhappy that they are being held hostage by their flagship sponsors.

The officials, say the sources, are unhappy that even though the potential sponsors don’t compete with their principal sponsors, spanners have been thrown in the path of the potential sponsors who are believed to have been frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations.

The sticking point, though, is centred the amount which the potential sponsors, NetOne, wanted to pour into both Dynamos and Highlanders.

The mobile telecommunications company, which has turned its fortunes around and has been growing at a very fast pace, has targeted football as a partner to grow its brands.

NetOne sponsored the Warriors during their 2017 Nations Cup campaign and had also targeted sponsoring the domestic Premiership after negotiations between the PSL and Delta Beverages appeared to hit a snag.

The company offered the PSL $1.5 million, for their championship, and a further $700 000 for a knockout tournament.

But the country’s top-flight league’s leaders decided to stick with Delta Beverages and extended their deal by another three years.

It has also been reported that some NetOne officials were only comfortable with coming into partnership with the PSL only if their deal with Delta Beverages had collapsed.

“The reality is that the guys at NetOne believe they don’t need to compete with Delta Beverages, there is some form of respect between the two companies, and what we gather is that NetOne were only comfortable in coming through if Delta were nolonger in the picture,” said the sources.

“Once it became clear that Delta and the PSL were going to renew their partnership, the guys at NetOne decided to inject their funds elsewhere.

“We can tell you that they had targeted five clubs in the PSL and Dynamos and Highlanders were two of those clubs but it appears the deal between NetOne and the big boys has hit a snag.”

NetOne officials were not available to comment yesterday but The Herald has been shown a letter that appears to be blocking Dynamos and Highlanders from going into partnership with the company.

“Whilst Section 3.4 of our contract agreement states that the Bank will not preclude Dynamos FC from appointing any further non-competing sponsors/suppliers, it’s important to ensure that the exercise by a third party sponsor of any sponsorship rights and/or benefits granted to it by Dynamos FC does not derogate from the sponsorship rights granted to BancABC as stated in Section 3.4.3 of the contract between BancABC and Dynamos of January 2017.

“May you please provide the draft contracts and names of potential sponsors before signing,” read a letter from BancABC.

The sections quoted say that BancABC should be the main sponsors but with the bank giving both DeMbare and Bosso $200 000 each per year, it means the two giants cannot go into bed with a sponsor who provides more in terms of sponsorship.

The proposed NetOne deal was worth $500 000 for each of the two giants.

Dynamos or Highlanders officials were not available for comment.

However, sources said they were concerned that BancABC also wanted to see every draft contract, which these two giants should enter into, before giving their greenlight even in an atmosphere where the two sponsors did not compete.

“When you look at the NetOne case you can understand why there were some reservations at the company that their draft agreement should go to a third party, before it has been signed, because there are no guarantees that, in this market, it will not be taken to their major rivals and they will come up the following day with a better sponsorship deal for the two teams,” said the sources.

While local sponsors have always been uncomfortable with having other partners coming onto a turf they control, it’s a different story in South Africa where clubs like Kaizer Chiefs have a number of sponsors with Vodacom and Hollard Insurance being the Amakhosi’s two main partners.

Chiefs and Orlando Pirates signed a R1 billion deal with Vodacom.

In February this year, Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung announced a new transport sponsorship deal for his club from Japanese car manufacturing giant Toyota.

Toyota replaced Nissan as Chiefs’ transport partner. “These two iconic brands say a lot about being in a partnership‚” Motaung said.

“We couldn’t have chosen a better car sponsor than Toyota because they have a very large car manufacturing footprint in the country‚ and they are one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world.”

Motaung said such partnerships were crucial to the overall success of the club.

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Erol Akbay

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ coach thinks his side can bounce back from the shock 0-1 loss to new boys Shabanie Mine if his players avoid “stupid mistakes” in their next encounter.

The Dutchman’s side dropped precious points against a well-oiled Shabanie Mine outfit, which was determined to go back to Zvishavane with maximum points.

Nelson Maziwisa scored the solitary goal for the visitors.

Having spent the day reflecting on the defeat, Akbay said lack of cohesion and “a stupid” red card for skipper Erick Mudzingwa cost them points.

“Our defending in the box was bad. Actually we were too soft and too nice to our opponents and that is why they even hit the cross bar. Going forward we lacked the final touch, having created good chances. We missed about three to four chances which we should have scored and worse still that stupid red card forced us to change our plans,” Akbay said.

Maziwisa’s goal came eight minutes after Mudzingwa had been sent off by Gweru-based referee Thomas Masaa for dissent.

Mudzingwa was first yellow-carded for protesting a decision against impressive young Highlanders’ midfielder Brian Banda, who seemed to have been fouled by Shabanie’s Trevor Mavhunga.

An angry Mudzingwa walked away grumbling at Masaa who summoned him back and showed him a second yellow.

Mudzingwa was sent off when Bosso were in control of the game and they struggled to adjust to being a man down.

Shabanie used their numerical advantage to force Highlanders on the back foot.

Masaa’s red card to Shabanie’s Lloyd Manyande five minutes before fulltime did not help Highlanders.

Despite his team’s poor performance on Sunday, Akbay is optimistic they will bounce back.

“Losing is part of football. We need to have more fighting spirit. Every game we try to give our best and in the next match we’re going for it and must not make stupid mistakes,” Akbay said. He also expressed delight at the availability of the Congolese duo of winger Yves Ebabali and striker Tambwe Kalunga, who received their work permits on Friday.

“I have an opportunity to play another dimension of football now that these guys have been cleared to play. The other one is a winger, meaning we can have Prince (Dube) back in the centre with the new guy sending in crosses. We’ll see what style to use, but I’m happy that they’re available and hope they are going to do a good job,” said Akbay.

Manuel Esono Obiang Buale of Equatorial Guinea remains on the sidelines as Highlanders are waiting for his international clearance to start processing his work permit.

@ZililoR

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United……………………………..(0) 2
Harare City …………………………….. (0) 1

LLOYD Chitembwe won the battle of wits against his Harare City counterpart Mike Madzivanyika with his second-half substitutes swinging the pendulum in favour of the champions who finished this Castle Lager Premiership derby with 10 men at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

Makepekepe needed a late winner from Ronald Pfumbidzai, who capitalised on the Sunshine Boys’ sloppy defending after Jerry Chipangura had cancelled out substitute Tafadzwa Rusike’s opener.

Harare City defender Jimmy Tigere takes a tumble after being shoved off by CAPS United forward Dominic Chungwa – All pictures by Wilson Kakurira

Nonetheless, Chitembwe was elated that the win not only broke the goal duck for the defending champions but it also brought their campaign back on the right path after they had opened the season with a share of the spoils away at Shabanie Mine last week.

Going into the match yesterday, Makepekepe’s potency in front of goal was under the spotlight.

And with much to prove in front of an appreciative home crowd, the champions could not punch above their weight in the first 45 minutes which lacked action at both ends of goal.

The Green Machine enjoyed much of the possession with Abbas Amidu and Ronald Chitiyo, who were given the responsibility of shoring up striker Dominic Chungwa, the most visible but they could not get it right in the final third.

With one rare chance coming nearly half an hour into the game, Amidu almost opened the scoring but was denied by the foot of the post after unleashing a powerful grounder from a distance.

Coach Chitembwe sensed he needed some movement going forward and was spot on when he brought in Rusike and Joel Ngodzo but the latter could not last the match after he was shown a straight red card by referee Norman Matemera midway through the second period.

Chitembwe praised the spirit exhibited by his charges despite finishing a man down and the former Zimbabwe midfielder was particularly impressed by the effect of his substitutions as Makepekepe appeared to have raised the momentum in the second half to maintain their dominance at the giant facility where they have not lost a league match since his return to the club in September 2015.

Newboy James Nguluve, who could replace undecided forward Simba Nhivi, was also given a run and showed glimpses of brilliance.

“We are happy we got the result that we wanted. There is great character within the group and that’s the mark of greatness in the team. You know, we are one man less but we still go on and get a result that we so desired. I think it’s a sign of greatness.

“Moses (Muchenje) and Chitiyo, I’m sure they didn’t give us the mobility that we wanted in midfield and we thought maybe Fire (Rusike) was going to give us that kind of mobility as well as Josta (Ngodzo).

“They were obviously going to give us the right kind of balance in terms of distribution as well as making sure we retain possession.

“So (winning at home) it’s a great feeling. It’s good to continue with the good work but obviously the challenge is still huge. We still have more than 15 or so games to play at home. That’s the challenge, we want to continue with the good work. But it’s never going to be easy,” said Chitembwe.

Barely five minutes after the half-time double substitution, Makepekepe were celebrating when Rusike finished a good build-up with a fine curling shot that proved too much for veteran goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu as it sailed into the roof of the nets.

But the anti-climax for the hosts was when Ngodzo was sent for an early shower following a crude tackle on James Jamu in what appeared a harsh decision by the referee who also dished out five cautions in the match.

The Sunshine Boys capitalised on numerical advantage and they found the equaliser in the 82nd minute substitute Chipangura forcing the ball home via a deflection.

But the sunshine lasted less than two minutes for City as Pfumbidzai was on hand to restore the CAPS United lead from a free-kick by Cabby Kamhapa. Denis Dauda headed the ball back in play and the roving full-back rushed in to beat the exposed goalkeeper from point blank.

Chitembwe was still satisfied despite his team earning most of the cards doled out yesterday.

Harare City coach Madzivanyika was disappointed by the lack of concentration late in the game as they failed to hold on for at least a crucial point against the champions.

“We lacked concentration from that free-kick. We took too long to organise in defence and allowed the opponents to score. I think if we had put in a little bit extra into this game the result would have been different,” said Madziva- nyika.

CAPS United now have four points from two starts while the Sunshine Boys are still winless and have a point from last week’s stalemate against newboys Yadah Stars.

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Alois Bunjira

Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe international Alois Bunjira has challenged the Premiership players to breach the 15-goal mark in the race for the Golden Boot this season.

The 1996 Golden Boot winner criticised the opening week of the Premiership campaign after 10 goals were scored in nine games, with five of them coming from one team.

But the league was pregnant with goals at the weekend after the clubs doubled the harvest with 23 being realised from nine games.

Bunjira, who has been critical of the falling standards in front of goal, yesterday pledged to present any player that scores over 15 goals with a brand new kit at the end of the season.

“We want to see more of the goals than the barren spells. It’s all interesting and hopefully they will continue on this path. This is what football is all about, this is what fans want. The fans want to see goals because that is what makes the game interesting.

“The strikers should give us more and I would like to give a challenge to our players. I want to promise that I will give away a brand new kit to any player that scores more than 15 goals at the end of this season.

“I am sure this year this should be a bit easier because they will play four games more than the other season. I guarantee this, no matter how many breach that 15-goal mark, I will give a brand new kit to each and every one of them,” said Bunjira.

Ngezi Platinum Stars were the biggest winners after pumping in three goals without reply past Hwange away at the Colliery.

The platinum miners got their goals through veteran Washington Pakamisa, Donald Teguru and Tatenda Mchisa to maintain a perfect start which took them to the top of the table.

FC Platinum were also potent winning 3-2 in a five-goal thriller against basement side Bantu Rovers.

A double from Rodwell Chinyengetere and another goal from Charles Sibanda won the Zvishavane side the match.

Bantu Rovers, who conceded five in their opening match, managed to minimise the damage as they hit back twice through their captain Bukhosi Sibanda and Newman Sianchali.

Harare giants Dynamos, who had opened the season without a goal, were also involved in a scoring match after racing to a 2-0 lead against Triangle at Gibbo.

The former champions however, should be extremely worried after giving away the advantage and settling for a 2-2 draw. Newboys Quality Kangadze and Emmanuel Mandiranga were on target but veteran Nhamo Lameck and goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu who converted from the spot ensured a share of the spoils.

Bulawayo City upstaged Chicken Inn 2-1 on Saturday while defending champions CAPS United also scored for the first time in the 2-1 win over Harare City at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Tafadzwa Rusike and Ronald Pfumbidzai delivered for the champions with Jerry Chipangura reducing the arrears.

Bunjira said it was worrying that the young forwards are not stepping up to the plate.

“I think the problem is there are no specialist coaches on the bench. In developed leagues they have specialist coaches for each department.

“We need something along those lines. If we can have specialist goalkeepers’ coaches then we should also have specialists for strikers.

“The players should also take it upon themselves to do the extras. Most of these guys do not put individual effort. They just wait for the official training session and when it’s finished they go home and wait for the next. But in football you can only be as good as you train,” said Bunjira.

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Zifa-house

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
NEW ZIFA technical director Wilson Mutekede reckons that his appointment to the post is a calling by football for him to develop the game on a macro scale with the seasoned coach advocating for a holistic approach to lifting the standards of the country’s biggest sport.

Mutekede was last week named as the successor to Taurai Mangwiro for the influential post of technical director with the mandate to drive ZIFA’s development in all technical aspects of the game.

By virtue of being ZIFA’s technical director Mutekede will also sits as an ex-officio member of the High Performance Committee that supervises all the national teams under the soccer mother body.

The 46 year-old former CAPS United technical manager lasted just two games in charge of Premiership returnees Shabanie Mine when ZIFA announced that they had settled for him for the key post of their technical director.

Mutekede, who has always thought of himself as “the servant of the game’’ yesterday described the move as a calling by football and revealed he was relishing the challenge of taking the national game to another level.

A former coach with the now defunct Division One outfit Twalumba, Mutekede becomes the fourth technical director at ZIFA inside the last five years, after Nelson Matongorere, Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe and lately Mangwiro.

A day after he guided Shabanie Mine to a crucial 1-0 Premiership away win over fancied Highlanders at Barbourfields, Mutekede hit the ground running beginning his ZIFA duties in Masvingo yesterday by helping visiting FIFA instructor Ulrich Mathiot of Seychelles with conducting a grassroots course that will run from April 10-14 and has drawn participants from the country’s 10 provinces.

But for Mutekede, the ZIFA appointment comes as literally living a dream he spelt out in 2010 during his days at CAPS United when he announced that it was his ambition to eventually work for ZIFA and enhance the growth of football on a national scale.

His good friend and former boss at CAPS United Lloyd Chitembwe, also reckoned that Shabanie’s loss was ZIFA’s gain arguing that Mutekede was a rare breed of committed and passionate coaches the country is endowed with.

Mutekede, who is under no illusions about the task that awaits him at ZIFA where resources are also very limited, also appealed for stakeholder support in order for the association to play its role in managing and developing all facets of the game.

“The burden is there but from the onset I used to say football for me is a calling. I have worked in the private sector for such companies like Coca-Cola, Cottco and UNICEF but after it all, football kept calling and I have been in it since 2001.

“It is a road that I started when I got my Level 1 up to the time I got my CAF instructors-hip badge and I am happy to be participating even more as TD.

“I want to ensure that I play my role in the development of the game,’’ Mutekede said.

Mutekede also clarified the misconception that his role at ZIFA would be restricted to only coach education.

“It is true that the TD’s job is just associated with coach education when in fact we also do youth football, programmes for women football, five a side and even beach soccer if we have to play it in this country.

“This job also entails drawing programmes for sports medicine as well as refereeing and goalkeeper coach training programmes.

“I believe that we should be taking a holistic approach to development of football in the country,’’ Mutekede said. Although he had begun enjoying life at Shabanie Mine, Mutekede said he had no regrets having to work for the national association.

“At club level it has been the route but here is national assignment and it takes precedence over club duties and I would have to quickly develop strategies on a macro scale but I will obviously need the support of everyone,’’ Mutekede said.

Chitembwe, whose CPS United outfit will be chasing glory on both the domestic and continental fronts having reached the Champions League group stage, backed Mutekede to succeed in driving the ZIFA development ship.

“I think he (Mutekede) deserves the appointment. He has worked hard for his career.

“He is very passionate and knowledgeable about football I always knew that one day something like that would happen.

“Widzo (Wilson) has got very good articulation of technical matters,” Chitembwe said.

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Lloyd Chitembwe

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
LLOYD Chitembwe has tipped the CAPS United defence to be the envy of every coach in the Castle Lager Premiership as he believes his Class of 2017 have the qualities to make them the best in the league this season.

The Green Machine have started their title defence with some solid showing after getting four points in their opening two matches.

Chitembwe said his team’s rearguard, though still work in progress, will be the key component in the quest to win back-to-back titles like they did in 2004 and 2005.

Makepekepe’s back four is made up of vice-captain Hardlife Zvirekwi, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Justice Jangano and former Soccer Star Denis Dauda with the likes of Valentine Musarurwa, Zvikomborero Biseki and Charlton Munzabwa making the reserves.

Injured first-choice goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda has also been impressive between the sticks while Jorum Muchambo came back into the team and made a difference on Sunday with some good saves, much to the delight of the coach.

“Mark my words, by the end of the season this team will have conceded the least number of goals. Remind me about this at the end of the season,” said Chitembwe. Makepekepe played a goalless draw against Shabanie Mine in their opening match.

Chitembwe was hurt by the way his side conceded the goal against Harare City in the 2-1 win at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Green Machine were caught off-guard after they had taken an important lead soon after the restart through Tafadzwa Rusike when Harare City’s Jerry Chipangura found space and unleashed a thunderbolt that beat the goalkeeper via a deflection.

“Each time you concede obviously there is something very wrong. At the end of the day I’m very happy with their contribution because they only let in one goal I’m sure in the last four-five games that we have played and that’s remarkable,” said Chitembwe.

Makepekepe will play Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba away at Nyamhunga on Good Friday.

The Premier Soccer League have released a bumper Easter programme with this Good Friday clash among the pick of the crop.

Their big rivals Dynamos will get the Easter programme underway in Harare when they host Premiership returnees Black Rhinos at the National Sports Stadium.

The Harare giants are looking for their first win this season following the disappointment at Triangle where they let go a two-goal advantage and settled for a share of the spoils against Taurai Mangwiro’s men.

After losing the first match against FC Platinum 0-1 at home, DeMbare will be targeting to give their supporters a win to cheer up the terraces.

Log leaders Ngezi Platinum will be back home as they host How Mine at Baobab. The platinum miners have maintained their perfect start with a 3-0 thrashing of Hwange away at the Colliery last Sunday.

Former champions Chicken Inn will play FC Platinum at Luveve on the same day while exciting newboys Yadah Stars make the long trip to Beitbridge for a good test against Tsholotsho.

Another interesting fixture is expected between Harare City and Highlanders at the National Sports Stadium. The clash pitting Bantu Rovers and Triangle at Luveve will bring the curtain down to the Easter programme.

Fixtures

Good Friday: Shabanie v Bulawayo City (Maglas), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve), Dynamos v Black Rhinos (NSS), Tsholotsho v Yadah (Dulivadzimu), ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga)

Saturday

Harare City v Highlanders (NSS), Ngezi v How Mine (Baobab)

Sunday

Chapungu v Hwange (Ascot)

Easter Monday

Bantu Rovers v Triangle (Luveve)

The post Chitembwe confident in his defence appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

FORMER Zimbabwe international Alois Bunjira has challenged the Premiership players to breach the 15-goal mark in the race for the Golden Boot this season.

The 1996 Golden Boot winner criticised the opening week of the Premiership campaign after 10 goals were scored in nine games, with five of them coming from one team.

But the league was pregnant with goals at the weekend after the clubs doubled the harvest with 23 being realised from nine games.

Bunjira, who has been critical of the waning standards in front of goal, pledged to present any player that scores over 15 goals with a brand new kit at the end of the season.

Ngezi Platinum Stars were the biggest winners after pumping in three goals without reply past Hwange away at the Colliery. The platinum miners got their goals through veteran Washington Pakamisa, Donald Teguru and Tatenda Mchisa to maintain a perfect start which took them to the top of the table.

FC Platinum were also potent winning 3-2 in a five-goal thriller against basement side Bantu Rovers. A double from Rodwell Chinyengetere and another goal from Charles Sibanda won the Zvishavane side the match.

Bantu Rovers, who conceded five in their opening match, managed to minimize the damage as they hit back twice through their captain Bukhosi Sibanda and Newman Sianchali.

Harare giants Dynamos, who had opened the season without a goal, were also involved in a scoring match after racing to a 2-0 lead against Triangle at Gibbo.

The former champions however should be extremely worried after giving away the advantage and settling for a 2-2 draw. Newboys Quality Kangadze and Emmanuel Mandiranga were on target but veteran Nhamo Lameck and goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu who converted from the spot ensured a share of the spoils.

Bulawayo City upstaged Chicken Inn 2-1 on Saturday while defending champions CAPS United also scored for the first time in the 2-1 win over Harare City at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. Tafadzwa Rusike and Ronald Pfumbidzai delivered for the champions with youthful Jerry Chipangura reducing the arrears.

Bunjira said it was worrying that the young forwards are not stepping up to the plate.

“I think the problem is there are no specialist coaches on the bench. In developed leagues they have specialist coaches for each department.

“We need something along those lines. If we can have specialist goalkeepers’ coaches then we should also have specialists for strikers.

The post Bunjira Challenges Strikers appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

THE rebranded Zimbabwe Rugby Union Intercity Rugby League kicks off this weekend with double headers in Harare and Bulawayo headlining the return of the game after a three-year hiatus.

The league returns after a three-year absence with Old Hararians and Old Johanians starting the ball rolling at Harare Sports Club with old rivals Harare Sports Club and Old Georgians later taking the stage on Saturday afternoon.

The clash between Old Miltonians and Western Panthers is expected to be the pick of the game in Bulawayo after the Mat Warriors and Police Bulldogs have clashed in the opening match at Hartsfield.

There will also be rugby in Mutare where Mutare Sports Club will host Gweru Sports Club. Zimbabwe Rugby Union general manager Sifiso Made said they are excited to have the games back despite the lack of sponsorship, which had led to the shelving of the league in 2014.

“Our domestic league is the only platform that determines how we perform on the international stage. The more rugby we play the more competitive we become.

“The national team coaches can only be guided by a league structure when they do their selection of national teams. That’s when they see the best performers who have been consistent through watching them play week in week out.

“So for us, whether we have the sponsorship or not we have to get the league programme going. We would have loved to have a big sponsorship for this game but it’s unfortunate we are operating under a harsh economic environment,” said Made.

The teams will play each other twice with the top four teams making it through to the semi-finals and the winners to the finals.

At the end of the season, there is going to be relegation of the bottom three teams but we are not going to be promoting any team for the 2018 season.

The 2018 season will have eight teams as they aim at improving the competitiveness of the league going forward. The relegated teams will take part in the proposed Intercity Division two league. All teams that have second teams will take part in their provincial development leagues.

The team that will be top at the half way stage (week 11) of the league will automatically qualify for the 2017 Club Gold Cup competition in South Africa.

“The team that will take part should have been confirmed by July 31, we believe this will give the team enough time to prepare for the competition that kicks off in September.

“Gold Cup is very important for Zimbabwe Rugby as it affords us an opportunity to expose more players on the international stage.

“We believe that the revival of Intercity League competition will go a long way in reviving the fortunes of and rebranding the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and rugby as a whole. We look forward to a successful 2017 season not only on the local front but also on the international stage where our various teams will be taking part.”

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Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela is adamant Shabanie should have a qualified coach before Friday or face sanctions

PREMIERSHIP side Shabanie Mine have three days to hire a qualified head coach or face Zifa sanctions.

The Zvishavane side takes on Bulawayo City on Good Friday at Maglas Stadium following the departure of head coach Wilson Mutekede, who has taken up a new role as Zifa technical director.

Mutekede masterminded the 1-0 downfall of Bulawayo giants Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

The asbestos miners must appoint a Caf A Licence holder to comply with the new Zifa club licensing requirements.

Shabanie Mine had initially appointed Taku Shariwa, but he falls short, with his highest qualification being a Caf B Licence.

They eventually bulked and appointed Mutekede head coach, while Shariwa was reassigned to the post of technical manager.

Zimbabwe has about 86 coaches with Caf A licences and most of them have already been engaged making it difficult for the financially struggling Zvishavane side.

Sources said the Shabanie Mine executive pleaded with Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda for a special dispensation on Sunday during the Highlanders’ game whilst they put their house in order, but the pleas were spurned.

Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela was adamant the club should have a qualified coach before Friday or face sanctions.

“There are no special favours for any club under any circumstances. While we understand that Shabanie Mine no longer have a coach, we cannot compromise on standards,” said Gwesela.

“This is to ensure that clubs are professional and the professional benchmarks include the recruitment of a qualified coach. We therefore expect Shabanie Mine to hire a qualified coach as soon as possible.”

Shabanie Mine chairman Elias Marufu refused to comment.

“I have no comment on that. In fact, it is you reporters who fuel such problems we find ourselves in,” said Marufu.

@lavuzigara1

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Last week Erol Akbay briefly boycotted training over his welfare

Despite publicly throwing their weight behind Lloyd Mutasa, Harare giants Dynamos are reportedly working on a bid to lure unsettled Dutch coach Erol Akbay from bitter rivals Highlanders.

Dynamos have made a typical slow start under the tutelage of Mutasa, managing a point from their opening two assignments against FC Platinum at home and Triangle away.

Akbay is understood to be unhappy at Bosso largely because of the problems he has had with the club’s management over his remuneration.

Our Harare Bureau understands that Dynamos are now mulling taking on board the want-away Highlanders coach who of late has been quarrelling with the leadership at Highlanders for their alleged failure to take care of his welfare in terms of the contract they have with the expatriate.

Last week Akbay briefly boycotted training over his welfare and also complained among other things about problems related to sending money to cater for his family in his native Netherlands.

This led to the coach briefly downing tools before he returned to work last Friday.

Mutasa has been working under immense pressure despite the Dynamos leadership having scrapped an initial target they had given him to garner 23 points from 10 games.

Some of Mutasa’s fiercest critics believes the former Kiglon coach does not have the pedigree to lead Dynamos to a championship fight.

Akbay, however, dismissed as mere speculation any talk linking him to Dynamos.

“It’s not true. It is the first time I am hearing this. Maybe people are just speculating. Yes, I have problems here but they have been sorted now,” he said.

Akbay also said there was nothing amiss with any other club expressing interest in him.

“As a coach if at any time there is no club that is interested in you, then you have to ask yourself whether you are doing a good job or not. But no local team has shown any interest in me yet,” said Akbay.

Akbay lost his first game this season on Sunday when Shabanie Mine upstaged Highlanders 1-0 at Barbourfields and the Dutchman said the defeat had nothing to do with the problems he had had earlier in the week.

“The defeat had nothing to do with the problems. We failed to score that was the problem. Shabanie beat us on the counter and the red card affected us and we lost concentration. But it happens, you lose some matches. But it had nothing to do with last week’s problems,” said Akbay.

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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
CAPS United’s 23-game league unbeaten home run has squeezed them into an exclusive company of global football aristocrats, with Manchester United having knitted a 21-match run without defeat in the English Premiership while Tottenham Hotspur haven’t lost a game in their 16 home English Premiership matches this season.

The Green Machine beat Harare City 2-1 on Sunday at the National Sports Stadium — which they have converted into their fortress — where they haven’t lost a league match since a 0-1 loss to the same opponents on July 25, 2015, in an incredible run where their indomitable spirit in their backyard has shone brightly.

That victory meant CAPS United, who went the entire season unbeaten in the league at home last year, took their impressive run — without a loss in their backyard to 23 league games in 21 months — in a period in which they have perfected the art of not losing a match before their fans who, until last year, had suffered badly for the cause of this club.

Makepekepe have now equalled the record 23-game unbeaten streak by coach Roy Baretto’s championship-winning Zimbabwe Saints immortals of 1988, one of the finest teams ever assembled on the domestic front, although — unlike the Green Machine — Chikwata’s run involved matches played at home and away.

The Harare giants have won 14 of those 23 matches and drawn nine, scoring 39 goals and conceding 16, in a remarkable run that has seen them accumulate 51 out of a possible 69 points for an impressive 73.91 percent success rate on which they have built their transformation into the dominant force on the domestic football scene.

Eleven of those victories have come in the past 16 home games, which is exactly the number of matches they have played in their backyard since the beginning of last season, while they have also kept 11 clean sheets at home.

Last season, only three teams — Dynamos, FC Platinum and Triangle — managed to force a draw against CAPS United at the giant stadium while the Green Machine’s two other draws came on the two occasions they used Rufaro as their home ground in matches against ZPC Kariba and Hwange.

They have also turned themselves into the masters of snatching decisive last-gasp goals at home, with their never-say-die spirit pushing them to defy expectations, go beyond the limitations of mere mortals and smash the threshold of pain in their quest never to succumb to defeat in their backyard.

That indomitable spirit was demonstrated in the way CAPS United rose from the dead, from three goals down with five minutes of regulation time left, to force a 3-3 draw against bitter rivals Dynamos in the Harare Derby, the way they refused to let a late equaliser by How Mine to destroy them as they raced up the field, in the final minute, to snatch the winner in a 3-2 victory and how Leonard Tsipa’s last-minute header won them a point against ZPC Kariba.

CAPS United are unbeaten in the league, whether at home or away, in the past dozen games since they succumbed to a surprise 1-3 defeat at the hands of Bulawayo City last year, one of only three matches they lost all season.

Since the opening day of the season last year, the Green Machine have only lost league matches in Bulawayo — where they were beaten 0-1 by Highlanders and 1-2 by How Mine — and are unbeaten either at home, or on the road, in other areas of the country.

They have also used their impressive home record to write their CAF Champions League success story this year, where they have knocked five-time African champions TP Mazembe along the way, to book their place in the group stages of the continent’s flagship inter-club football tournament.

In the Zambian top-flight league, ZESCO United have recorded for the longest unbeaten run in the championship after going for 15 matches without a loss one season while in South Africa, SuperSport equalled Kaizer Chiefs’ 19-match unbeaten run only to be humbled to a 0-1 defeat by Baroka.

CAPS United’s formidable home record, where they have become unbeatable in the league in the past 21 months, has seen them join illustrious company like English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur, who are chasing the championship, and are unbeaten at their White Hart Lane in the league in this current campaign.

Spurs have won 14 and drawn two of the 16 league matches they have played at home, accumulating a remarkable 44 out of a possible 48 points, to remain in contention for the English Premiership title where they trail leaders and favourites Chelsea by seven points in the tail-end of the campaign.

Manchester United, the most successful team in the English Premiership, have put together a 21-match unbeaten run in the league, stretching back to October last year when they were handed a 4-0 thrashing by Chelsea — whom they meet in their next fixture — winning 11 games and drawing 10 with most of their stalemates, frustratingly, coming in their backyard.

Jose Mourinho’s men have scored 33 goals and conceded 12 along the way but the points they have lost to the drawn matches mean their unbeaten run — unlike that of CAPS United — might not reap them huge dividends.

United’s unbeaten run has been mocked, by some pundits, as the worst such run without defeat in the history of the English Premiership with Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils of 2002 and 2003 also going for 21 matches without defeat but winning 18 and drawing only three matches for a points tally of 57. Arsenal went on a 30-game unbeaten run between December 2001 and October 2002 and won 25 games and drew five; Chelsea’s unbeaten run between October 2004 and October 2005 stretched to 40 matches and saw them winning 33 and drawing seven of those games for a points tally of 106; Manchester United’s unbeaten run between February 2000 and September 2001 saw them winning 16 and drawing five of their 21 league matches.

The Gunners also went for a 49-game unbeaten run in the league between May 2003 and October 2004 and won 36 of those games, drew 13, and took home 121 points during that amazing run.

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Phillip Chiyangwa

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
COSAFA president Philip Chiyangwa is walking the talk and has written to CAF leader Ahmad Ahmad to officially protest over the manner in which the hosting rights for the African Cup of Nations were handled by the continental body’s previous leadership and is seeking a review.

Chiyangwa says there is something wrong in how former CAF president Issa Hayatou’s regime awarded the hosting rights of four successive editions of the Nations Cup to countries from one region. Hayatou also controversially stripped the right to host the CAF Under-17 tournament from Madagascar and tasked Gabon with staging the youth competition.

Yesterday, Chiyangwa followed up on the meeting they had with Ahmad by officially writing to the CAF president to submit COSAFA’s protest and call for a review of the process.

The Harare property mogul has a grand vision in which he wants the zone to play a more influential role in the administration and development of the continental game and not just be recognised as the biggest bloc in African football numerically.

“The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations writes to congratulate you on your recent election as CAF president with a resounding victory in Addis Ababa. We are proud that COSAFA has produced a CAF president against all odds.

“President, we wish to bring to your immediate attention the following issues which arose during the COSAFA presidents meeting of 7th April, 2017 in Johannesburg:

“1. CAF decision to remove the African Cup of Nations U-17 tournament from Madagascar and allocating the same to Gabon.

“We wish to place on record our displeasure in the manner this matter was handled as it was clear that the decision to replace Madagascar was not due to football-related reasons. It is our considered view that in awarding the hosts for the same tournament consideration should have been given to COSAFA members to replace Madagascar as opposed to nominating Gabon who have already hosted the senior Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in January and February 2017,’’ wrote Chiyangwa.

Chiyangwa, who is also the ZIFA president, highlighted in his letter to Ahmad that COSAFA was not amused with the decision by the previous CAF leadership to overlook all the other regions when naming the hosts for the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Nations Cup tournaments.

“We wish to draw your attention to the above and note with grave concern that the AFCON 2015 was held in Equatorial Guinea, 2017 in Gabon, 2019 has been allocated to Cameroon, 2021 has been allocated to Cote d’Ivoire and 2023 to Guinea.

“It is inconceivable that five tournaments in a row can be hosted in one region of Africa. This clearly shows the insensitivity and provides the unnecessary imbalance in CAF member interests. It is on this basis of the foregoing that COSAFA demands that the process of awarding the hosting rights for 2019, 2021 and 2023 be subjected to a new and transparent evaluation process.

“We have received strong interest from COSAFA members willing to participate in the new bids. It is our expectation that an independent team of experts be constituted immediately to undertake this exercise so that there is an equitable and fair distribution of hosting rights for AFCON which remains the flagship for CAF.

“We submit for your urgent consideration our concerns,’’ read part of the letter.

Chiyangwa also said COSAFA would be looking at how its members could best benefit from FIFA’s recent decision to give Africa nine places at World Cups from 2026 onwards and to be better represented in CAF’s committees and competitions.

The COSAFA boss had before officially writing to CAF also told the media that his region had the right to ask questions where they felt shortchanged by the continental body’s leadership.

“These were politically, aggressively awarded wherein one region benefits from all competitions,” he said in reference to the 2019 finals in Cameroon, 2021 in Cote d’Ivoire and 2023 in Guinea.

“This is our continent and our Africa and we have the right to ask questions and where we feel that we have been abused, we just have to do what we did. In these circumstances we are questioning the status quo; the locating of all interests in one region.’’

The meeting between COSAFA and Ahmad was the first since the CAF president swept to power in the March 16 election in Addis Ababa that ended Hayatou’s 29-year tight grip on the continental game.

Chiyangwa and SAFA president Danny Jordaan were among the leading voices in the campaign to land the outgoing Madagascar Football Federation president in the hot seat with the ZIFA boss being Ahmad’s campaign manager.

Meanwhile, the COSAFA Castle Cup will be played in South Africa’s North West province from June 25 to July 9, while the regional Under-20 competition will be staged from December 1-10 at the same venue.

Mauritius will host the COSAFA Under-17 Championship from July 21-30, while the Women’s Championship is set to be staged in Zimbabwe from September 13-24.

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AIMING HIGH . . . Zimbabwe-born welterweight boxer Tamuka Muchapondwa wants to be one of the finest boxers in the UK

READING. — Reading welterweight boxer Tamuka Muchapondwa is desperate to pay back the town which has allowed him to live his dream.

The undefeated Zimbabwe-born fighter followed his mum, a nurse, from Mufakose in Harare to Reading in the UK at the aged of 11.

And after overcoming a struggle to shed weight and fit in, he has now developed into a popular athlete on the verge of a British title shot.

Now he wants to be one of the finest boxers to ever come from these parts.

“My big ambition is to become a world champion, but the short-term goal is to become British champion and one of Reading’s best,” Muchapondwa, trained by decent 1970s pro Trevor Francis, declared.

“I’ve called out the British champion Bradley Skeete and I hope he responds. I’m back out on April 15 in a keep-busy fight against Rob Hunt, who is quite tall, so he’s good preparation for (the lofty, rangy) Skeete.

“I can learn some things about myself and I can adjust before I fight Skeete.”

Muchapondwa weighed a whopping 105kg at the age of 15 — a love of food compounded by the isolation of being a stranger in a strange land — but boxing proved his saviour and helped him shed almost 40kg en route to his first amateur title.

“I used to go to the gym when I was in high school (now the John Madjeski Academy),” the 24-year-old reflects.

“I got my fitness up then I went to Reading ABC. Everyone was looking at this 105kg 14 or 15-year-old kid and they were like: ‘Oh my goodness, there’s no hope for this kid.’ But I was just determined to be the best I could become.

“It wasn’t just boxing training, the vice-principal at my high school used to take us to the gym once every Friday. I learned to run on a treadmill, then I joined the gym next to my house.”

He continued: “I’d 20 minutes in the morning, 20 in the evening, then I started increasing my mileage. Once I started boxing I had found something I loved, something I was passionate about and going to the gym became so much easier. Plus I was only about 5ft 5ins then, so not big enough for a heavyweight; I had to lose weight!

“After going to the boxing gym, I was gaining confidence, started making friends and actually enjoying life in the UK.”

Tamuka, from the Shona dialect of Zimbabwe, translates as “We are awake, aware, arisen”.

It could be argued that Muchapondwa was truly none of those things before finding his vocation.

The progress of Tamuka and his family, underlined by mum Olgah buying a house in Swindon three years ago, offers a welcome rebuttal to the widespread but often ill-informed concerns about UK immigration that have found partial expression in the rise of UKIP and the Brexit decision.

Genuine fear for the future of stretched public services has been manipulated in many cases by bigots with the same thinly veiled agenda — one that rapidly disintegrates at the feet of Muchapondwa and his kin.

“They come over here, they make their own money, they inspire those around them and purchase their own property,” doesn’t resonate with the ignorant demographic quite as effectively as the usual propaganda, but it is arguably more representative.

Now 16-0 (4) and heading towards a British title shot — towards which the next way-marker is in Swindon on April 15 — Muchapondwa retains that desire to forge ahead.

He is trained by the estimable Francis and managed by the highly respected Sanigar team, but his determination is inspired by a key figure outside the gym.

“From watching my mother (Olgah),” he declares with considerable pride.

“There were times when things were difficult, she had to work hard, leave Zimbabwe, leave us behind; it was quite tough for her.

“Every time she would visit she would cry when she left and she had to do that multiple times in a year. That touched and influenced me greatly in my life, so I want to work that hard to build a better life for her, and work even harder to build a better life for my children one day, and my family back in Zimbabwe. She is one of the biggest influences in my life.

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Admire Masenda

Sports Reporter
WITH nominations for the upcoming Zimbabwe Olympic Committee elections closing today, ZIFA have become the first association to publicly throw their weight behind a candidate with the football body’s boss Philip Chiyangwa yesterday backing the candidature of incumbent president Admire Masenda.

The ZOC elections are scheduled for April 30 at Prince Edward School with the posts of president, two vice-presidents, treasurer and seven board members up for grabs.

Masenda has been at the helm of the National Olympic Committee since 2006 when he took over from Paul Chingoka and is seeking another four-year term.

The verification process of the nominations has been set for April 22, a week before the polls.

But Chiyangwa told the ZIFA website yesterday that the association would support Masenda to continue at the helm of ZOC.

ZIFA also announced that they would back the bid by Northern Region vice-chairperson Martin Kweza to challenge for the ZOC vice-presidency.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association hereby endorses the candidature of Admire Masenda for the position of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president in the upcoming elections.

“Mr Masenda has vast experience in Olympic sport, and the association is confident that another term will enable him to implement to completion, all projects he had undertaken in recent years,” read the statement.

Chiyangwa also reckoned that ZIFA Northern Region vice-chairperson Martin Kweza has the pedigree to work as a ZOC vice-president.

“The ZIFA executive committee also backs seasoned football administrator and ZIFA Northern Region vice-chairperson, Martin Kweza, for the position of vice president of ZOC.

“ZIFA has great confidence in the ability of versatile football administrator, Kweza, in enhancing the work of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee in developing Olympic sport and promoting participation at the global stage.”

The names of the nominees will be made available after the verification process.

Former Zimbabwe Karate Union president Joe Rugwete has also already indicated he would challenge Masenda for the ZOC presidency if he receives a nomination.

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SHABANIE MINE have engaged ZIFA to give them time to look for another coach while Wilson Mutekede remains in charge of the Premiership side.

The Zvishavane club were dealt a huge blow when their new head gaffer, who had just replaced Taku Shariwa in the hot seat, was appointed ZIFA technical director.

Shabanie want Mutekede to take care of their Good Friday match against Bulawayo City at Maglas as they try to put their house in order.

Club chairman Elias Marufu said they were confident ZIFA will understand.

“We have engaged the powers that be at national level to allow for a smooth transition. We are talking to them on how best they can help us. But we are confident that we will reach some agreement as I don’t see them being against the existence of our club,” he said.

Mutekede has already begun his duties at ZIFA and on Monday he was in Masvingo helping visiting FIFA instructor Ulrich Mathiot of Seychelles, who is conducting a grassroots course that will run from April 10 to 14 and has drawn participants from the country’s 10 provinces.

Shabanie started life in the top-flight on a good footing, under Mutekede, following a goalless draw against champions CAPS United at Maglas in the season opener and then shocking Bosso 1-0 at Barbour- fields.

Shariwa was elevated to the club’s technical director post because he doesn’t have the CAF A Licence needed to take charge of the team from the bench.

He told ZTV’s Game Plan Monday night football magazine programme that he will try and get a coach who shares his vision while he continues to improve his coaching qualifications.

Marufu said they are yet to identify a candidate who will replace the former CAPS United team manager.

Meanwhile, ZIFA have urged the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe to stick to their mandate of players’ welfare and not get themselves involved in in players’ dis- putes.

“ZIFA would like to categorically state that it fully recognises and respects the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe as a trade union for players.

“However, the association strongly urges FUZ to stick to its mandate, while avoiding encroaching into association football business.

“The ZIFA Player Status Committee is the only football authority sanctioned to deliberate on disputes involving players and clubs,” read the statement on the association’s website.

In the same statement the mother body warned individuals who are not certified to stop masquerading as intermediaries engaging in player transfers.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to advise all football stakeholders involved in any player transfers to engage bona fide player intermediaries, duly registered and licensed by the local football mother body.

“In that vein, ZIFA strongly warns all individuals and corporates who are masquerading as intermediaries to desist from handling player transfers, failure of which will force the association to invoke football statues on the offending parties.

Fixtures

Friday: Shabanie v Bulawayo City (Maglas); Tsholotsho v Yadah (Dulivadzimo).

Saturday: Ngezi v How Mine (Baobab), Chapungu v Hwange (Ascot).

Monday: Bantu Rovers v Triangle (Luveve).

Postponed: Chicken Inn v FC Platinum; Dynamos v Black Rhinos; Harare City v Highlanders; ZPC Kariba v CAPS United.

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Lloyd Mutasa

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Mutasa says they are desperate for a victory after a mixed start to their season and a victory over bitter rivals CAPS United could provide just the tonic the Glamour Boys need.

The capital’s two biggest football clubs meet in the Independence Cup semi-final at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

DeMbare are without a win in their opening two league matches of the season.

Makepekepe won the two giants’ clash in a ZNA Charities Shield semi-final tie at the same stadium 3-1 recently.

CAPS United went on to win the ZNA Charities beating Highlanders in the final in Bulawayo.

The other semi-final will feature last year’s finalists Highlanders and FC Platinum at Barbourfields.

The winners will play the final on Independence Day on Tuesday while the losers will battle it out for third and fourth place at Barbourfields.

Last year’s Independence Cup winners Chicken Inn will not be able to defend their title.

“We have already played CAPS United before and we lost. We want to atone for that defeat. So we are itching for a victory.

“We are thirsty. That game was our first competitive game of the year, but we have since played four matches.

“CAPS United are on a roll and they are also playing in the Champions League, but we also want to stand up and be counted.

“Such games give players an element of belief and confidence,” said Mutasa.

Samaita doesn’t believe there is added pressure going into the Cup game against CAPS United at a time when his team are yet to register a win in the league.

“Every game is a pressure game. Any game that Dynamos play is like a cup final. We have played three games, so we are saying we have never won in a competitive match and here is our chance to redeem ourselves,” he said.

However, the DeMbare coach might have found some comfort from the fact that his charges were able to score two goals away against Triangle last weekend.

His newboy Quality Kangadze was on target and the coach is already planning a partnership between him and Cameroonian striker Christian Joel Epoupa.

“We are still working on combinations looking for someone who can give us that edge,” said Mutasa.

Epoupa is still waiting for his clearance, but the papers should be ready by the weekend.

ZIFA have pegged their gate charges at $3 for the rest of the ground, $5 for the VIP Stand while people in the VVIP section will have to part away with $10.

Independence Cup Fixtures

Sunday: CAPS United v Dynamos (National Sports Stadium), Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields).

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By Grace Chingoma

DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Mutasa says they are desperate for a victory after a mixed start to their season and a victory over bitter rivals CAPS United could provide just the tonic the Glamour Boys need.