Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
AFTER a three-year absence, league rugby returns this weekend under the Inter City Rugby League.

The league is being administered by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) after the National Rugby League (NRL) again failed to secure sponsorship.

In 2014 the NRL was suspended following squabbles, which resulted in Delta Beverages through its Lion Lager brand pulling the plug on its sponsorship.

Despite being unbranded, winners of the Inter City Rugby League will earn the ticket to participate at the South African Gold Cup franchise.

The Gold Cup features top rugby franchises in South Africa, which include the Vodacom Blue Bulls, Toyota Free State Cheetahs, Golden Lions and the Cell C Sharks, among others.

ZRU vice-president Noddy Kanyangara said they expect tough competition when the league kicks off this Easter holiday.

“We are excited to re-introduce the rebranded league under the banner of the Inter City Rugby League because ZRU is running the league, but the structure is basically the same. We have also increased the number of teams to 11 from eight,” said Kanyangarara.

“There will be more excitement this season, which will run until early November where a total of 24 matches will be played on a round robin basis.

“The catch is the club which wins the league will get a chance to play in the Gold Cup in South Africa where they will get the chance to play with top South African rugby franchises,” he said.

He said ZRU had made great strides to create synergies with more developed South African franchises to make local rugby more competitive.

The pick of the weekend will be the clash between Harare Sports Club, who will be at home against Old Georgians, while Old Hararians are up against Old Johanians.

Mutare Sports Club entertain Gweru Sports Club in Mutare, while in Bulawayo the Matabeleland Warriors are up against Police Bulldogs and Old Miltonians will clash with Panthers.

@lavuzigara1

Xolisani Gwesela

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
ZIFA have come down hard on player agents in Zimbabwe by claiming they are all in breach of the Fifa statutes with the association insisting none of them is registered to represent players in the country.

The association’s communications and competitions manager, Xolisani Gwesela, yesterday said no one had so far applied for a licence to practice in Zimbabwe despite the move to slash their annual fees by half.

Gwesela reckoned that players and clubs were in danger of being short-changed by individuals who are “masquerading” as intermediaries and facilitating movements of players at home and abroad.

“The Association has noted with dismay that some individuals are already practicing as intermediaries without requisite licenses.

”We are disturbed that last week one individual was quoted in the newspapers masquerading as an intermediary. We feel this is fraudulent,” said Gwesela.

The annual fees for individuals were slashed from $2 000 to $1 000 recently following an outcry from the intermediaries.

Companies seeking to represent players or clubs are now expected have to part with $2 000.

Zifa also removed the $15 000 bank balance guarantees for all existing intermediaries with the candidates now only expected to produce a police clearance and a valid insurance cover.

However, the bank balance guarantees are still required for new applications.

“We had a meeting with representatives of the player intermediaries and they agreed to slash fees to $1 000 and we also waived the bank balance requirement. We then told them to register until the end of March but up to now no one has come forward.

“So what it means is we don’t have an intermediary in Zimbabwe and we are actually shocked and dismayed to see people posing as intermediaries and even going to the extent of giving interviews to the press about player movements.

“We would like such characters to desist from masquerading as intermediaries and we would want to urge clubs, players and the Premier Soccer League not to entertain anyone claiming to be an intermediary until they get verification from the association.

“Fifa are very clear on this subject that people have to be licensed by the football association to be recognised as intermediaries and anyone who operates without this is in breach of the football statutes and we cannot allow that.

“They have to desist from handling player transfers or they get licensed immediately, failure of which we will force the association to invoke football statues on the offending parties,” said Gwesela.

Zifa last year had five intermediaries who were accredited with them and these are Gibson Mahachi, Cousin Zilala, George Deda, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda and Mlindeli Tshuma.

One of the intermediaries Deda yesterday told our correspondent that they have faced liquidity challenges under the current economic climate.

Deda said they did not have any issues with Zifa but argued that intermediaries have received raw deals especially from local clubs that allegedly play hide-and-seek with the signing-on fees of the players.

“Personally I think that what Zifa have done should be applauded. I think the Philip Chiyangwa-led executive has done well to recognise that the requirements were exorbitant and we are behind this vision.

“For a long time the levies had been exorbitant and it was almost impossible to operate in Zimbabwe. We are hopeful that this vision will go a long way to make our operations as smooth as they are in other African countries.

“While I do not dispute the fact that the fees were slashed, Zifa also have to look at the environment in which we are operating where more than 90 percent of the clubs are not able to pay their new players signing on fees.

“Imagine clubs themselves are failing to pay their own affiliation fees on time. What more the signing on fees? It’s a big cause for concern for the intermediaries because that is where they get their share.

“The situation is dire. If you are to look at statistics, not more than three clubs have settled their dues with players.

“That is why when you go to the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe offices there are files and files of players claiming signing on fees.

“So, in a way, it complicates the way we are supposed to work and we are pleading with Zifa if they can stagger the payment of the annual fees.

“We are also advocating for a situation where an intermediaries’ organisation becomes a member of Zifa and pay a levy as a body and not as individuals,” said Deda.

He said he remained fully supportive of what the Chiyangwa-led Zifa board were doing.

Hebert Dick

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ZIFA has warned the Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Fuz) against encroaching into the national association’s football business.

In a statement posted on the Zifa website on Tuesday, the association said Fuz, a trade union that represents football players, must stick to its mandate and stop intruding into its footballing business.

“Zifa would like to categorically state that it fully recognises and respects the Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Fuz) as a trade union for players. However, the association strongly urges Fuz to stick to its mandate, while avoiding encroaching into association’s football business. The Zifa Player Status Committee is the only football authority sanctioned to deliberate on disputes involving players and clubs,” read the statement.

When contacted to clarify the statement, Zifa spokesman Xolisani Gwesela said: “We as Zifa have great respect for Fuz as a players’ trade union. However, there is a demarcation between what these two bodies (Fuz and Zifa) ought to do and what not to do and we should stick to that. I can’t say more to that as I believe the association’s statement was self-explanatory.”

Fuz vice-president Herbert Dick said he was puzzled by Zifa’s statement.

“This is the first time I am hearing about this statement and I don’t know what Zifa is referring to. I will have to speak to Fuz president maybe he has seen it,” said Dick.

Efforts to get a comment from Fuz president Desmond Maringwa were fruitless as his phone rang unanswered.

In the same statement, Zifa advised all football stakeholders involved in any player transfers to engage bona fide intermediaries, duly registered and licensed by the association.

“Zifa strongly warns all individuals and corporates masquerading as intermediaries to desist from handling player transfers, failure of which will force the association to invoke football statutes on the offending parties. Zifa recently invited applications from individuals and corporates interested in becoming intermediaries, and all who are interested are encouraged to apply for licensing in order to avoid punitive action,” the statement read.

@khumzallen

Luke Masomere

THE self-proclaimed doctor of football Luke Masomere is set to bounce back into mainstream football coaching at Shabanie Mine with well-placed sources saying he has been earmarked to replace Wilson Mutekede, who has joined Zifa as technical director.

The Midlands based side has had a good start to the season, picking four points from their first two assignments against champions Caps United and Highlanders, but have been forced to make changes to their technical team.

The club last week pleaded with Zifa to allow Mutekede to continue coaching them until end of April, but the pleas fell through as Zifa already has a programme for their new technical director.

“They made a proposal to have him (Mutekede) continue until the end of the month, a proposal which we declined,” said Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela.

“We have, however, urged them to immediately appoint a qualified coach because the association will not accept a situation where unqualified people take charge of our clubs,” he said.

Masomere refused to rule out a return to Zvishavane, but said he can only comment on the matter when the club approaches him.

“I have not received a call from the club,” said Masomere.

“Or maybe if they called then I think I missed the call so I have to check my call log. I can’t say I will accept or turn them away. I can only comment when the club officially engages me,” he said.

A source close to the club, however, told Sportszone.co.zw that the path is being cleared for Masomere’s return.

“He is the best man for the job and he understands our culture very well,” said a source, who declined to be named.

“The club has sounded him out and I am sure an announcement will be made very soon once terms have been agreed.

“But it must also be noted that we are not in a good financial position so this might be the biggest undoing,” said the source.

Club chairman Elias Marufu would not be drawn into commenting on who the target is, insisting that they are in discussion with Zifa over a smooth transition.

Zifa have however said the issue is a closed chapter and what they only await is for the club to announce their next coach.

“I can’t say what the solution is for now because what we are doing is we are talking to the association with the hope that they will assist us get a smooth transition,” said Marufu.

“I can’t say who the next coach will be at this stage, as we can only be able to proceed after our negotiations with Zifa,” he said.

Shabanie Mine fans have fond memories of Masomere, who won them the 2013 BancABC Super 8 Cup after beating the then Lloyd Mutasa coached town rivals FC Platinum in the final. — Sportszone.co.zw.

PC Kariba coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa was yesterday involved in a car accident which left one man injured in Kariba.

Chidzambwa who is the ZPC Kariba coach was a passenger in a vehicle that hit a pedestrian and then ploughed into a house.

The pedestrian identified as Courage Ndoroyerwizi was taken to Kariba Hospital where he was admitted after suffering bruises on his arm and injuries to his right leg.

One of the on-lookers said the vehicle, a Honda Fit was not seriously damaged.

Chidzambwa was not picking up his phone yesterday, but he visited the victim in hospital.

ZPC Kariba are inactive this weekend and they trained under assistant coach Oliver Matava who was being aided by goalkeepers’ trainer Msiska and team manager Paul Chimalizeni.

Chidzambwa did not attend the training session.

Their home match against CAPS United was postponed after the champions were invited to take part in the Independence Cup tournament, which gets underway on Sunday with semi-finals in Harare and Bulawayo.

Makepekepe will face bitter rivals Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium for a ticket to play in the Uhuru Cup final scheduled for next Tuesday as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

Highlanders will host FC Platinum in the other semi-final at Barbourfields.

The final will be played at the National Sports Stadium while the losing semi-finalists will clash in the third place play-off at Barbourfields on Independence Day.

But the rest of the league programme will continue tomorrow with Shabanie Mine hosting Bulwayo City while newboys Yadah Stars have a tough test awaiting them in Beitbridge where they take on Tsholotsho.

Castle Lager Premiership:

Tomorrow: Shabanie Mine v Bulawayo City (Maglas), Tsholotsho v Yadah (Dulivhadzimu)

Saturday: Ngezi Platinum Stars 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

Independence Cup semi-finals

Sunday: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfirleds), CAPS United v Dynamos (NSS)

By Eddie Chikamhi

ZIFA have come down hard on player agents in Zimbabwe by claiming they are all in breach of the FIFA statutes with the Association insisting none of them is registered to represent players in the country.

The Association’s communications and competitions manager, Xolisani Gwesela, yesterday said no one had so far applied for a licence to practice in Zimbabwe despite the move to slash their annual fees by half.

Gwesela reckoned that players and clubs were in danger of being short-changed by individuals who are “masquerading” as intermediaries and facilitating movements of players at home and abroad.

“The Association has noted with dismay that some individuals are already practicing as intermediaries without requisite licences.

“We are disturbed that last week one individual was quoted in the newspapers masquerading as an intermediary. We feel this is fraudulent,” said Gwesela.

The annual fees for individuals were slashed from $2 000 to $1 000 recently following an outcry from the intermediaries. Companies seeking to represent players or clubs are now expected to part with $2 000. ZIFA also removed the $15 000 bank balance guarantees for all existing intermediaries with the candidates now only expected to produce a police clearance and a valid insurance cover.

However, the bank balance guarantees are still required for new applications.

“We had a meeting with representatives of the player intermediaries and they agreed to slash fees to $1 000 and we also waived the bank balance requirement.

“We then told them to register until the end of March, but up to now no one has come forward.

“So what it means is we don’t have an intermediary in Zimbabwe and we are actually shocked and dismayed to see people posing as intermediaries and even going to the extent of giving interviews to the press about player movements.

“We would like such characters to desist from masquerading as intermediaries and we would want to urge clubs, players and the Premier Soccer League not to entertain anyone claiming to be an intermediary until they get verification from the association.

“FIFA are very clear on this subject that people have to be licensed by the football association to be recognised as intermediaries and anyone who operates without this is in breach of the football statutes and we cannot allow that.

“They have to desist from handling player transfers or they get licensed immediately, failure of which will force the association to invoke football statues on the offending parties,” said Gwesela.

ZIFA last year had five accredited intermediaries among them Gibson Mahachi, Cousin Zilala, George Deda, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda and Mlindeli Tshuma. One of the intermediaries Deda yesterday told The Herald that they have faced liquidity challenges under the current economic climate.

Deda said they did not have any issues with ZIFA, but argued that intermediaries have received raw deals especially from local clubs that allegedly play hide-and-seek with the signing-on fees of the players.

“Personally I think that what ZIFA have done should be applauded. I think the Philip Chiyangwa-led executive has done well to recognise that the requirements were exorbitant and we are behind this vision.

“For a long time the levies had been exorbitant and it was almost impossible to operate in Zimbabwe. We are hopeful that this vision will go a long way to make our operations as smooth as they are in other African countries.

“While I do not dispute the fact that the fees were slashed, ZIFA also have to look at the environment in which we are operating where more than 90 percent of the clubs are not able to pay their new players signing-on fees.

“Imagine clubs themselves are failing to pay their own affiliation fees on time.

“What more the signing-on fees? It’s a big cause for concern for the intermediaries because that is where they get their share.

“The situation is dire. If you are to look at statistics, not more than three clubs have settled their dues with players.

“That is why when you go to the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe offices there are files and files of players claiming signing-on fees.

“So, in a way, it complicates the way we are supposed to work and we are pleading with ZIFA if they can stagger the payment of the annual fees.

“We are also advocating for a situation where an intermediaries’ organisation becomes a member of ZIFA and pay a levy as a body and not as individuals,” said Deda.

He said he remained fully supportive of what the Chiyangwa-led ZIFA board were doing.

DESPERATE for game time, Zimbabwe have secured a date with another Associate member the Netherlands for three One-Day Internationals in June before proceeding to Sri Lanka for a Test and limited-overs series.

The matches against the Netherlands scheduled for June 20, 22 and 24 will come just days after Zimbabwe’s two ODIs against Scotland in Edinburgh.

The Scotland fixtures are pencilled in for June 15 and 17 with Zimbabwe expected to leave for the Netherlands the next day.

The Chevrons have not played enough cricket in the calendar and this has impacted on their competitiveness on the international stage.

Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa welcomed the programme against the Associate sides, which he said will provide the Chevrons with the much-needed game time.

“We are pleased to confirm Zimbabwe will be touring the Netherlands as part of a potentially exciting and competitive five-game programme that will also see us visiting Scotland for two of the matches,” he said.

“While the tour will give our boys the much-needed game time and a feel of unfamiliar conditions, it will also go a long way in preparing our team for the tougher series away to Sri Lanka.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe were yesterday picked in Pool C of the third edition of the Africa Cup tournament in South Africa between August and September.

Zimbabwe are one of the three countries that have been invited to the tournament alongside Namibia and Kenya.

Chevrons have featured in the previous editions of the tournament and this year they will face Free State, KZN Inland and Boland Pool C to be played at Mangaung Oval from September 9-11.

Pool A which comprise Easterns, Western Province, South West Districts and Namibia will get the ball rolling at the Sahara Park, Willowmoore from August 25-27.

According to the draw conducted by Cricket South Africa Chief executive Haroon Lorgat yesterday, Kenya will be in Pool D together with Northern Cape, KZN and Border while Pool B will be made up of North West, Northerns, Gauteng and defending champions Eastern Province.

The semi-finals and final for pool winners will be played at the Diamond Oval on the weekend of September 24-25.

“The Africa Cup is finding a coveted place in our domestic season and once again it will launch the 2017 /18 season and if past experiences are anything to go by we can again look forward to highly entertaining and competitive cricket.

“We wanted this competition to bridge the gap between senior provincial and franchise cricket and to aid the development of cricket on the African continent. I believe we are achieving both aims.

“This tournament has become an important part of our development pipeline. Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Andile Phehlukwayo all played in the inaugural Africa T20 Cup in 2015 and have gone on to represent the Standard Bank Proteas this past season.

“I would like to thank Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya for once again accepting our invitations to participate in this tournament,” said Lorgat.

Africa Cup draw:

Pool A: Easterns, WP, SWD, Namibia

Pool B: North West, Northerns, Gauteng, EP

Pool C: Free State, KZN Inland, Zimbabwe, Boland

Pool D: Northern Cape, KZN, Kenya, Border

Cameroonian international Ntouba (right) is set to make his debut for Dynamos on Sunday

DYNAMOS will unleash their Cameroonian acquisition Christian Joel Epoupa Ntouba on Caps United when the two sides clash in the semifinal of the Independence Cup on Sunday.

The Cameroonian finally received his international clearance on Wednesday evening and is available for selection according to team manager Richard Chihoro.

“We now have his international clearance,” Chihoro told SportsZone.

“It’s the best news we could have gotten this week and I am happy to advice he is available for selection on Sunday against Caps United because he already has a work permit,” he said.

DeMbare are yet to register a win in two league outings this season having fallen to FC Platinum on Match Day One before being forced to a share of the spoils by Triangle at Gibbo last Sunday.

But the availability of their offseason headline signing is set to give Coach Lloyd Mutasa’s men the much needed sting in front of goals.

Hamilton Masakadza made 43 off 45 balls in Zimbabwe’s last-ball win at the 2014 World T20 over Netherlands

DESPERATE for game time and competitiveness, Zimbabwe have secured a date Associate member Netherlands for three one-day internationals in June before proceeding to Sri Lanka for a Test and limited-overs series.

The matches against the Netherlands – scheduled for June 20, 22 and 24 – will come just days after Zimbabwe’s two ODIs against Scotland in Edinburgh.

The Scotland fixtures are pencilled in for June 15 and 17, with Zimbabwe expected to leave for the Netherlands the next day. The Chevrons have not had enough cricket on the calendar and this has impacted on their competitiveness on the international stage.

Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa welcomed the programme against the Associate sides, which he said will provide Zimbabwe with the much-needed game time.

“We are pleased to confirm Zimbabwe will be touring the Netherlands as part of a potentially exciting and competitive five-game programme that will also see us visiting Scotland for two of the matches,” he said.

“While the tour will give our boys the much-needed game time and a feel of unfamiliar conditions, it will also go a long way in preparing our team for the tougher series away to Sri Lanka,” said Mukondiwa.

Quincy Antipas (born 20 April 1984) is a Zimbabwean international footballer who plays for Danish club Hobro, as a striker.

CAREER

Born in Harare, Antipas has played club football in Zimbabwe, Morocco and Denmark for Motor Action, CAPS United, Moghreb Tétouan, MAS Fez, Blokhus, HB Køge and SønderjyskE. He signed for Brøndby on 3 September 2012. He moved to Hobro, also in Denmark, in July 2014.

He made his international debut for Zimbabwe in 2006, and has appeared in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches for them.

Byron Black (born 6 October 1969 in Harare, Zimbabwe) is a former touring professional tennis and Davis Cup player for Zimbabwe.

PERSONAL LIFE

He is the son of Donald Black and Velia Black and brother to Wayne Black and Cara, who were also professional tennis players. He attended the University of Southern California and was named and an All-American by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).

TENNIS CAREER

Black started playing tennis at a young age at his father’s grass court in Highlands, and played the game for Prince Edward School in his hometown. He played for the tennis team when he moved to the Oriel Boys High School, where he was exposed to other future Davis Cup players for Zimbabwe like Greig Rodgers and Mark Gurr.

Pro tour

In 1995 Black was a US Open quarter-finalist and in 2000 he reached the same round at Wimbledon. His career-high singles ranking was World No. 22, which he achieved in June 1996.

An accomplished doubles player, Black became World No. 1 in doubles in February 1994. He won the 1994 French Open partnering Jonathan Stark. Black was a doubles finalist in three other majors, the 1994 and 2001 Australian Opens and 1996 Wimbledon.

Black is one of the few professional players to have played with a double-handed forehand.

Black formed the core of the Zimbabwean Davis Cup team with his brother Wayne.

CAREER FINALS

Doubles (22 titles, 19 runner-ups)

Outcome	No.	Date	Tournament	Surface	Partner	Opponents	Score
Runner-up	1.	20 April 1992	Hong Kong	Hard	Byron Talbot	Brad Gilbert Jim Grabb	2–6, 1–6
Winner	1.	5 April 1993	Durban, South Africa	Hard	Lan Bale	Johan de Beer Marcos Ondruska	7–6, 6–2
Runner-up	2.	12 July 1993	Newport, United States	Grass	Jim Pugh	Javier Frana Christo van Rensburg	6–4, 1–6, 6–7
Winner	2.	26 July 1993	Washington, D.C., United States	Hard	Rick Leach	Grant Connell Patrick Galbraith	6–4, 7–5
Runner-up	3.	30 August 1993	Schenectady, United States	Hard	Brett Steven	Bernd Karbacher Andrei Olhovskiy	6–2, 6–7, 1–6
Winner	3.	4 October 1993	Basel, Switzerland	Hard (i)	Jonathan Stark	Brad Pearce Dave Randall	3–6, 7–5, 6–3
Winner	4.	11 October 1993	Toulouse, France	Hard (i)	Jonathan Stark	David Prinosil Udo Riglewski	7–5, 7–6
Winner	5.	25 October 1993	Vienna, Austria	Carpet	Jonathan Stark	Mike Bauer David Prinosil	6–3, 7–6
Winner	6.	8 November 1993	Paris, France	Carpet	Jonathan Stark	Tom Nijssen Cyril Suk	4–6, 7–5, 6–2
Runner-up	4.	10 January 1994	Adelaide, Australia	Hard	David Adams	Mark Kratzmann Andrew Kratzmann	4–6, 3–6
Runner-up	5.	31 January 1994	Australian Open, Melbourne	Hard	Jonathan Stark	Jacco Eltingh Paul Haarhuis	7–6, 3–6, 4–6, 3–6
Runner-up	6.	7 February 1994	San Jose, United States	Hard (i)	Jonathan Stark	Rick Leach Jared Palmer	6–4, 4–6, 4–6
Winner	7.	14 February 1994	Memphis, United States	Hard (i)	Jonathan Stark	Jim Grabb Jared Palmer	7–6, 6–4
Runner-up	7.	28 February 1994	Indian Wells, United States	Hard	Jonathan Stark	Grant Connell Patrick Galbraith	5–7, 3–6
Winner	8.	6 June 1994	French Open, Paris	Clay	Jonathan Stark	Jan Apell Jonas Björkman	6–4, 7–6
Winner	9.	1 August 1994	Toronto, Canada	Hard	Jonathan Stark	Patrick McEnroe Jared Palmer	6–4, 6–4
Runner-up	8.	10 October 1994	Sydney Indoor, Australia	Hard (i)	Jonathan Stark	Jacco Eltingh Paul Haarhuis	4–6, 6–7
Runner-up	9.	17 October 1994	Tokyo Indoor, Japan	Hard	Jonathan Stark	Grant Connell Patrick Galbraith	3–6, 6–3, 4–6
Runner-up	10.	7 November 1994	Paris, France	Carpet	Jonathan Stark	Jacco Eltingh Paul Haarhuis	6–3, 6–7, 5–7
Runner-up	11.	9 January 1995	Adelaide, Australia	Hard	Grant Connell	Jim Courier Patrick Rafter	6–7, 4–6
Runner-up	12.	15 May 1995	Hamburg, Germany	Clay	Andrei Olhovskiy	Wayne Ferreira Yevgeny Kafelnikov	1–6, 6–7
Winner	10.	29 May 1995	Bologna, Italy	Clay	Jonathan Stark	Libor Pimek Vince Spadea	7–5, 6–3
Winner	11.	13 November 1995	Moscow, Russia	Carpet	Jonathan Stark	Tommy Ho Brett Steven	6–4, 3–6, 6–3
Winner	12.	19 February 1996	Dubai, UAE	Hard	Grant Connell	Karel Nováček Jiří Novák	6–0, 6–1
Runner-up	13.	4 March 1996	Philadelphia, United States	Carpet	Grant Connell	Todd Woodbridge Mark Woodforde	6–7, 2–6
Runner-up	14.	15 April 1996	New Delhi, India	Hard	Sandon Stolle	Jonas Björkman Nicklas Kulti	6–4, 4–6, 4–6
Winner	13.	20 May 1996	Rome, Italy	Clay	Jonathan Stark	Libor Pimek Byron Talbot	6–2, 6–3
Winner	14.	24 June 1996	Halle, Germany	Grass	Grant Connell	Yevgeny Kafelnikov Daniel Vacek	6–1, 7–5
Runner-up	15.	8 July 1996	Wimbledon, England	Grass	Grant Connell	Todd Woodbridge Mark Woodforde	6–4, 1–6, 3–6, 2–6
Winner	15.	19 August 1996	New Haven, United States	Hard	Grant Connell	Jonas Björkman Nicklas Kulti	6–4, 6–4
Runner-up	16.	19 May 1997	Rome, Italy	Clay	Alex O’Brien	Mark Knowles Daniel Nestor	3–6, 6–4, 5–7
Winner	16.	13 April 1998	Hong Kong	Hard	Alex O’Brien	Neville Godwin Tuomas Ketola	7–5, 6–1
Runner-up	17.	1 March 1999	London, England	Carpet	Wayne Ferreira	Tim Henman Greg Rusedski	3–6, 6–7(6–8)
Winner	17.	2 August 1999	Los Angeles, United States	Hard	Wayne Ferreira	Goran Ivanišević Brian MacPhie	6–2, 7–6(7–4)
Runner-up	18.	9 August 1999	Montreal, Canada	Hard	Wayne Ferreira	Jonas Björkman Patrick Rafter	6–7(5–7), 4–6
Winner	18.	16 August 1999	Cincinnati, United States	Hard	Jonas Björkman	Todd Woodbridge Mark Woodforde	6–3, 7–6(8–6)
Winner	19.	1 November 1999	Stuttgart Indoor, Germany	Hard (i)	Jonas Björkman	David Adams John-Laffnie de Jager	6–7(6–8), 7–6(7–2), 6–0
Winner	20.	28 February 2000	Mexico City, Mexico	Clay	Donald Johnson	Gastón Etlis Martín Rodríguez	6–3, 7–5
Winner	21.	8 January 2001	Chennai, India	Hard	Wayne Black	Barry Cowan Mosé Navarra	6–4, 6–3
Runner-up	19.	29 January 2001	Australian Open, Melbourne	Hard	David Prinosil	Jonas Björkman Todd Woodbridge	1–6, 7–5, 4–6, 4–6
Winner	22.	24 September 2001	Shanghai, China	Hard	Thomas Shimada	John-Laffnie de Jager Robbie Koenig	6–2, 3–6, 7–5

Singles (2 titles, 8 runner-ups)

Outcome	No.	Date	Tournament	Surface	Opponent	Score
Runner-up	1.	8 January 1996	Adelaide, Australia	Hard	Yevgeny Kafelnikov	6–7, 6–3, 1–6
Runner-up	2.	15 April 1996	New Delhi, India	Hard	Thomas Enqvist	2–6, 6–7
Winner	1.	29 April 1996	Seoul, South Korea	Hard	Martin Damm	7–6, 6–3
Runner-up	3.	13 April 1998	Hong Kong	Hard	Kenneth Carlsen	2–6, 0–6
Runner-up	4.	20 April 1998	Tokyo, Japan	Hard	Andrei Pavel	3–6, 4–6
Runner-up	5.	22 June 1998	Nottingham, England	Grass	Jonas Björkman	3–6, 2–6
Winner	2.	12 April 1999	Chennai, India	Hard	Rainer Schüttler	6–4, 1–6, 6–3
Runner-up	6.	15 November 1999	Moscow, Russia	Carpet	Yevgeny Kafelnikov	6–7, 4–6
Runner-up	7.	21 February 2000	Memphis, USA	Hard (i)	Magnus Larsson	2–6, 6–1, 3–6
Runner-up	8.	26 June 2000	Nottingham, England	Grass	Sébastien Grosjean	6–7, 3–6

PERFORMANCE TIMELINES

Doubles

A = did not attend tournament

Young Talkmore Nyongani (born 2 September 1983 in Makonde) is a Zimbabwean sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. His personal best time is 44.96 seconds, achieved in March 2005 in Pretoria. He carried the flag for Zimbabwe at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics. Nyongani started running in his rural home of Makonde before he was brought to the capital Harare by the Millennium Athletics Academy, which is one of Zimbabwe’s school of athletics excellence. He then continued to do well and took part at the World Junior Championships in Jamaica. In 2003, Nyongani was awarded a scholarship and spent time in Dakar, Senegal. At the moment his kit is sponsed by Japan sportwears Mizuno.

COMPETITION RECORD

Year	Competition	Venue	Position	Event	Notes
Representing  Zimbabwe
2002	World Junior Championships	Kingston, Jamaica	4th	400 m	45.93
	Commonwealth Games	Manchester, United Kingdom	22nd (qf)	400 m	47.14
			–	4 × 400 m relay	DQ
	African Championships	Radès, Tunisia	5th	200 m	21.16
2003	All-Africa Games	Abuja, Nigeria	15th (sf)	400 m	47.45
			3rd	4 × 400 m relay	3:05.62
2004	African Championships	Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo	3rd	400 m	45.69
			1st	4 × 400 m relay	3:02.38
	Olympic Games	Athens, Greece	28th (h)	400 m	46.03
2005	World Championships	Helsinki, Finland	20th (sf)	400 m	47.20
			17th (h)	4 × 400 m relay	3:08.26
2006	African Championships	Bambous, Mauritius	3rd	400 m	45.60
2007	All-Africa Games	Algiers, Algeria	2nd	400 m	45.76
			3rd	4 × 400 m relay	3:04.84
	World Championships	Osaka, Japan	23rd (h)	400 m	46.23
2008	Olympic Games	Beijing, China	30th (h)	400 m	45.89
2009	World Championships	Berlin, Germany	26th (h)	400 m	45.92

Khama Billiat (born 19 August 1990 in Harare) is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa. He also plays for the Zimbabwe national team.

CLUB CAREER

Ajax Cape Town

Khama Billiat made his professional debut for Ajax Cape Town on 20 August 2010 against Mamelodi Sundowns, winning (4–3) on penalties after a 1–1 draw, in a quarterfinal match of the 2010 MTN 8 tournament at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. He was acquired by Ajax Cape Town in the summer of 2010 as a transfer from Zimbabwean club CAPS United, only 3 months after the club had recruited him from Aces Youth Soccer Academy in Harare. Billiat was joined at Ajax CT by CAPS club mate Tafadzwa Rusike, who had also transferred to the Cape club.

On 21 July 2012, in a friendly encounter during the off season, Ajax Cape Town held the visiting Manchester United to a 1–1 draw in which Khama Billiat received high praise from Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. Rio labelled the young attacking midfielder as an agile and exciting player to watch, with great speed and ball control.

Mamelodi Sundowns

After a trial with Lokomotiv Moscow in July 2013, Billiat joined Mamelodi Sundowns on 19 August 2013 on a five-year contract. He made his Sundowns debut on 28 August in a 1–1 draw versus Platinum Stars, while his first goal for the club came almost a month later in a 2–1 home victory against Bidvest Wits.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

Khama Billiat has represented Zimbabwe on various youth levels. Since then he has seen several appearances with the Zimbabwe national team during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and various friendly matches scheduled, becoming a regular starter in the attacking midfield for the Warriors. His senior debut came in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mali on 26 March 2011. Later that year, in August, Billiat scored his first goal for Zimbabwe in a friendly match versus Zambia.

CAREER STATISTICS

Club

As of 18 June 2016.

1 Includes CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup matches.
2 Includes Telkom Knockout and MTN 8 matches.

International

As of 18 June 2016.

International goals

Scores and results list Zimbabwe’s goal tally first.

Goal	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	10 August 2011	Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Zambia	2–0	2–0	Friendly
2.	4 September 2011	Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Liberia	2–0	3–0	2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
3.	9 September 2012	Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Angola	2–0	3–1	2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
4.	6 February 2013	Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Botswana	1–1	2–1	Friendly
5.	9 June 2013	National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Egypt	2–3	2–4	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
6.	13 June 2015	Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre, Malawi	Malawi	2–1	2–1	2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
7.	29 March 2016	National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Swaziland	4–0	4–0	2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
8.	5 June 2016	National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe	Malawi	2–0	3–0	2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

HONOURS

Club

Mamelodi Sundowns

• Premier Soccer League (2): 2013–14, 2015–16
• Nedbank Cup (1): 2014–15
• Telkom Knockout (1): 2015
• CAF Champions League (1): 2016

Individual

• Ajax Cape Town Rookie of the Year: 2011
• Ajax Cape Town Top Goalscorer: 2012
• PSL Player of the Season: 2016
• PSL Players’ Player of the Season: 2016
• PSL Midfielder of the Season: 2016

• ^
• ^ “2015/16 Premier Soccer League awards”. Kickoff.com.

Timothy Jones (born 1 August 1975 in Harare) is a Zimbabwean professional road racing cyclist. He has raced in Europe for ten years, for Amore E Vita, Mobilvetta, Mercury, Domina Vacanze and Tenax professional cycling teams. His most notable victories are stage 3 of the 2003 Settimana Ciclista Lombarda, Tour of Slovenia (1999), Giro Del Capo (1998) in South Africa and the 2001 Trofeo dell ‘Etna in Italy where he beat Davide Rebellin and Ivan Basso. He is the first Zimbabwean to compete in a Grand Tour, finishing 73rd in the 2001 Giro d’Italia. Jones brother, Nathan represented Zimbabwe at the 1991 Cycling Junior World Championships that were held in Colorado USA, his youngest brother Adam is a notable publisher and editor of Wealth Magazine in Botswana. He is also the brother-in-law of Italian cyclists Antonio and Ivan Fanellii. In the late 1990s Jones tested positive for elevated levels of hematocrit.

PALMARÈS

Brian Dzingai (born 29 April 1981) is a Zimbabwean Olympic sprinter who specializes in the 200 metres He ran to his personal best time of 20.12 seconds in June 2004 in Austin, Texas. This is the current Zimbabwean record.

EDUCATION

He is an Old Georgian, and attended St George’s College, Harare in Harare, Zimbabwe. He attended college at both Truman State University in Kirksville, MO and Florida State University in the United States, where he was a member of both track teams. He was also a member of the African Students Association at Truman. Shortly after completing his undergraduate degree at FSU, Brian earned a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Florida State University.

CAREER

He finished sixth at the 2006 African Championships and won a bronze medal in 4 × 100 m relay at the 2007 All-Africa Games. He also competed at the 2003 World Championships, the 2004 Olympic Games and the 2005 World Championships.

Dzingai represented Zimbabwe at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing where he was selected as the flag-bearer for the Zimbabwean contingent. He competed in the 200 metres and placed first in his first round heat, just in front of Christian Malcolm with a time of 20.25 seconds. He improved his time in the second round to 20.23 seconds and won his race again, this time in front of American sprinter, Walter Dix. He ran his semi final race in 20.17 seconds and placed second after Churandy Martina, but again before Dix. With his appearance in the Olympic 200 meter final, Dzingai became the most accomplished sprinter in Zimbabwean history. In that race, Usain Bolt shattered the world record, and Dzingai ran a time of 20.22, which placed him unofficially in sixth place. However, due to the disqualifications of Martina (second) and Wallace Spearmon (third) he moved up to the fourth place overall, behind Dix and missing out on the bronze medal by 0.24 seconds.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• 4th in 200m Final at the Beijing Olympics.
• 5th Round 2, Heat 2 in the 200m at the 2004 Olympic Games.
• 6th in 200m at the 2006 African Championships.
• 6th in 200m at IAAF Final 2008.
• 5th IAAF World Athletics Final 2007.
• 11th in 2007 IAAF World Championships in Athletics.
• 9 (semi-final) 2003 World Championships in Athletics.
• 3rd in 4×100 relay at the 2007 All-Africa Games.

PERSONAL BESTS

• 100 metres: 10.19
• 200 metres: 20.12

PHILANTHROPY

He is an ambassador for Ndoro Children’s Charity. He is currently working on setting up his own Zimbabwean based charity, the Kushinga Foundation.

Kennedy Chihuri (born 2 April 1969) is a retired Zimbabwean footballer who played 200 matches in the Czech Gambrinus Liga, almost all of them for FK Viktoria Žižkov. He was the first black player in the Czech league. He won the Czech Cup with Žižkov in the 2000–01 season. Chihuri made 30 appearances for the Zimbabwe national football team.

Gary Hamilton Teichmann (born 9 January 1967) is a retired South African rugby union player. He played number eight and captained the South African national team, the Springboks, between 1995 and 1999. Teichmann stands 1.95 metres tall and weighed about 100 kilograms for most of his career. His humility and fair play earned him wide respect throughout the rugby world.

EARLY CAREER

Teichmann was born in Gwelo, Rhodesia. He moved to South Africa with his family when he was 11 years old. He was educated at Hilton College.

Teichmann started his career playing club rugby for the University of Natal team in Pietermaritzburg before being spotted by the Natal Province’s Currie Cup team in 1991. He was soon promoted to captain by then Natal coach Ian McIntosh and played for Natal in three Currie Cup victories in 1992, 1995 and 1996 (Captain in 1995 and 1996). The team under Teichmann also finished in second place in 1993 and 1999 and made it to the final of the Super 10 (the precursor to the Super 12 and Super 14) competition in 1994. The Natal Currie Cup team became the core of the team now known as the Sharks when the Super 12 competition began in 1996, and Teichmann also captained that side. After the team was renamed the Sharks in 1998 he led them to the final of the Super 12. In all, Teichmann represented Natal and the Sharks in 144 matches.

SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN

In 1993 he was selected for the Springbok tour to Argentina, and in 1994 he was again selected as part of the squad that toured Wales and Scotland. It wasn’t until 2 September 1995 that he played his first full international as a Springbok however. He scored a try in his debut test as the Springboks went on to defeat Wales 40–11 at Ellis Park.

After playing only 6 test matches for the Springboks, Teichmann was appointed as captain of the squad in 1996, and went on to become one of South Africa’s most successful captains ever. He captained the Springboks in 39 tests between 1996 and 1999 with 27 of those (72%) ending in victory. The Springboks, with Teichmann at the helm, were considered by many the greatest South African team in history.

Between 1997 and 1998 the Springboks went on a record winning streak of 17 consecutive test matches. As part of their unbeaten run they won the 1998 Tri Nations Series undefeated, beating both Australia and New Zealand away from home. They kicked off the feat with a record dismantling of Australia to win 61–22 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and ended with a defeat against England at Twickenham at the end of a long tour.

A list of record victories during that period includes:

• 23 July 1997: South Africa 61–22 Australia at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
• 22 November 1997: South Africa 52–10 France at Parc des Princes, Paris
• 6 December 1997: South Africa 68–10 Scotland at Murrayfield, Edinburgh
• 27 July 1998: South Africa 96–13 Wales at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Although not records, they also beat Ireland 33–0 at Loftus and Italy 74–3 in Port Elizabeth. In all Teichmann played 42 tests for the Springboks, and held the record for the most consecutive test matches played for the Springboks with 39. This has since been surpassed by another Springbok captain, John Smit.

LATER YEARS

In 1999 coach Nick Mallett, who thought that Teichmann had lost most of his form, controversially dropped him from the squad shortly before the 1999 Rugby World Cup. The Springbok squad’s performance suffered after Teichmann was dropped until 2000 when Mallett resigned as coach of the Springboks. Mallett has since admitted that with the benefit of hindsight, dropping Teichmann was a big mistake.

Teichmann described himself as “gutted” after being left out of the squad. He moved to Wales where he played for the Newport club. He captained Newport to their first Principality Cup win in 24 years in 2001, announcing his retirement from rugby shortly after. He also wrote his autobiography, “For The Record”, during this time.

As of 2005 Teichmann serves in an advisory capacity on the board of The Sharks (Pty) Ltd. He lives in Durban and runs a successful earthmoving business

Tapuwa Kapini is a football goalkeeper and member of the Zimbabwe national football team. He plays for AmaZulu in the South African Premier Soccer League. His first club was Highlanders FC. On 10 February 2015, Kapini join Highlands Park on a free transfer.