Grace Chingoma Sports Reporter
AFRICANS reacted furiously yesterday after Zimbabwean daredevil, Alvin “Aluvah’’ Zhakata, whose Cape to Cairo adventure to watch the AFCON finals captured the imagination of the world, was surprisingly left out of a short-list for FIFA awards last night.

The world football governing body released a short-list for the award, handed last night at the FIFA awards ceremony in Milan, Italy, and Zhakata didn’t feature among those who were set to get the vote.

That torched furious reactions from Africans who turned to Twitter to pour out their frustrations.

“I’m voting for @AlvinZhakata for sure!’’ Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, had tweeted before the FIFA short-list was revealed.

However, when the list was made public, it attracted a backlash.

“No @AlvinZhakata. You must be sick in the head . . . honestly,’’ said Howard Kudakwashe Mataga.

While the Twitter handle Swave said, “without the Cape To Cairo Fan for the @CAF_Online in Egypt, this award is a Fraud.’’

The Twitter handle Ugly Zaka Native wrote, “without having the man who hiked from Cape to Cairo to watch AFCON then you are playing games (pun intended).’’

FIFA short-listed, Silvia Grecco, a blind fan of Brazilian club, Palmeiras, Justo Sanchez, of Uruguay and the Dutch fans at the Women World Cup in France.

“Nickollas Grecco is a massive Palmeiras supporter . . . and he is blind. He would not appreciate the game nearly as much as he does were it not for his mother, Silvia, who takes him to the matches and narrates them for her adoring son, who is also autistic,’’ FIFA said.

“Silva has become something of a famous face amongst Palmeiras fans, thanks to her huge heart and amazing commitment to her son and their shared passion for the beautiful game.

“Justo Sanchez’s son Nicolas was tragically killed in a road traffic accident while travelling back from watching his beloved Rampla Juniors play in Uruguay’s top-flight.

“Justo, himself a lifelong supporter of Rampla’s closest rivals Cerro, switched allegiance to support Rampla, so that his son’s passion could live on through him. The story gained widespread coverage in Uruguay, a nation whose residents live and breathe football as if it is a religion.

“Justo now attends Rampla games, with a flag — which reads: “Nico, forever present” — honouring his late son.’’

FIFA also reserved praise for the Netherlands fans.

“One of the enduring images of France 2019 was undoubtedly the Oranje fans invading every city that their team conquered en route to the Final in Lyon,’’ FIFA said.

“Huge swathes of orange stretched as far as the eye could see as the well-natured and fanatical support highlighted the nation’s passion for the women’s game.

“Despite ultimately being defeated in the Final against the USA, the Dutch fans certainly earned everybody’s respect and admiration after their remarkable display of support during the tournament.’’

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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
TINO Kadewere’s 10th league goal of the season has once again kept him top of the scorers’ charts, in Europe’s Big Five top-flight and second-tier leagues, in yet another massive boost to his rising profile.

The 23-year-old scored his 10th league goal, in eight matches, on Friday to propel his side Le Havre back to the top of the French Ligue 2 table with 16 points.

After being shut out by Paris FC, in a goalless draw in Round 7, the only league match he has failed to score in this season, Kadewere was back among the goals, on Friday, converting a penalty in the 2-2 draw against US Orleans.

Austrian forward Adrian Grbic of Clermont Foot is second, in the race for the Golden Boot in Ligue 2, with six goals — four goals adrift of the Zimbabwean international.

Kadewere has provided two assists in his eight league appearances and has been on target, on average, every 69 minutes, this season, scoring an average 1,3 goals per game and pushing all the 245 players, who have played, at least, three matches, in Ligue 2, into the shade.

He has scored twice as many goals as those who lead the Golden Boot in the other three Big Five second-tier leagues in Europe — the English Championship, Spanish Segunda and Serie B in Italy where the leading goalscorers have scored five goals.

Senegalese strike, Sekou Gassama, of Almeria leads the scorers’ charts in the Spanish Segunda with five goals, the same number which have been scored by Real Oviedo’s Ortuno and Girona’s Uruguayan forward Cristhian Stuani.

Nahki Wells (Queens Park Rangers), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Lyle Taylor (Charlton), Jordan Hugill (QPR), Karlan Grant (Huddersfield) and Borja Baston (Swansea) have all scored five goals, to lead the race for the Golden Boot, in the English Championship.

Wells is averaging a goal every 67 minutes, in the 333 minutes he has played, Mitrovic is averaging a goal every 114 minutes, in the 720 minutes he has been in action, Taylor is averaging a goal every 108 minutes, in the 540 minutes he has been in action, and Baston is averaging a goal every 123 minutes.

Hugill is averaging a goal every 129 minutes, in the 643 minutes he has featured for his club, with six shots of his 23 finding the target this season while Grant is averaging a goal every 114 minutes in the 719 minutes he has been in action.

Italian forward Michele Marcon of Pisa leads the Serie B scoring charts with five goals, half the number Kadewere has scored since the start of the new season.

Kadewere has also scored four more goals than the leading goalscorer in the German Bundesliga B, Fabian Klos of Arminia Bielefeld, who has six goals in seven matches in this campaign.

Crucially, the Zimbabwean forward isn’t just leading the second-tier leagues, but none of those who are leading the top-flight race for the Golden Boot, in the Big Five leagues in Europe, have done better than him, so far.

Argentine forward Sergio Aguero is the leader of the Golden Boot race in the English Premiership with eight goals, at an average of a goal every 56 minutes of the 447 minutes he has been in action, and two assists.

Aguero has fired 19 shots towards goal, this season, with nine on target.

French striker, Karim Benzema, of Real Madrid and Gerard Morena of Villarreal have both scored five goals in the Spanish La Liga.

Benzema is averaging a goal every 87 minutes and Morena is averaging a goal every 86 minutes.

In the French Ligue 1, Victor Osimhen of Lille and Moussa Dembele of Lyon lead the race for the Golden Boot with five goals.

Osimhen, the Nigerian international footballer, has been scoring, at an average, a goal every 104 minutes while Frenchman Dembele has been finding the net every 85 minutes this season.

High-flying Dutchman Memphis Depay of Lyon has four goals, at an average of a goal every 112 minutes, and an assist in the new campaign.

Polish gunslinger, Robert Lewandowski, leads the scoring charts in the Bundesliga with nine league goals since the new season started.

He has been scoring, at an average of a goal every 48 minutes.

Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi is leading the race for the Golden Boot in Serie A with five goals and has been averaging a goal every 51 minutes.

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Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
TRIANGLE coach Taurai Mangwiro believes Yadah gave his team a reality check ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup battle against Azam of Tanzania at Barbourfields.

The Sugar Sugar Boys carry a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Tanzania.

But, ahead of the second leg in Bulawayo, Mangwiro’s men gave away a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 to basement side Yadah Stars.

“We were careless. We made a lot of technical errors and they punished us,’’ the coach said.

“It’s the second time for me at Triangle that we have thrown away a lead. The other time was in 2017 when we lost to Black Rhinos in the Chibuku Cup.

“But, it will be a different competition against Azam on Saturday. We have not conceded in the three outings we played in the competition.

“And, we hope we will be able to carry that form into the weekend game.’’

Triangle have been enjoying fine form with Mangwiro and forward Allan Tavarwisa winning the August Coach and Player of the Month awards.

They were on cue on Sunday when Tavarwisa put them ahead in the 20th minute.

Timothy January doubled the lead soon after the restart but Yadah reduced arrears on the hour mark with a well-taken goal from Paddington Nyamukura.

Wellington Kamudyariwa levelled terms from the spot after Obey Mwerahari handled inside the box.

Yadah completed their comeback by scoring their third goal through veteran striker Ralph Matema.

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Sports Reporter
YOUTH, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry has clarified the remarks she made on Saturday regarding athletes who want to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympic Games.

The follows concerns by members of the public and stakeholders over remarks that no athlete will represent Zimbabwe at the Olympic Games if they have not represented the country, at least, three years prior to the Olympic Games.

But Coventry clarified the position.

“Hie everyone so I just want to clarify exactly what I was talking about to the national federations yesterday (Saturday) in terms of representing Zimbabwe.

“In the past, we have had athletes who are not born in Zimbabwe, who don’t have a link to Zimbabwe but they have a grandparent or a relative that is Zimbabwean and they have been living in the UK, they are born in US, they are born abroad they suddenly realise they are not gonna make the Olympic Games for those countries that they are born into.

“So, they, (at the) last minute, come to Zimbabwe and somehow get a passport which is suspicious, and they then take money away, scholarship money away from Zimbabwean athletes, they go to the Olympic Games, they don’t actually do very well and then we never hear from them again,” said Coventry in a Twitter video on Sunday.

Some national sport associations who spoke to The Herald yesterday were in agreement with the minister.

Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president, Grant Campbell, said one has to be involved in the process not just to appear when it suits their interests.

“I think if you want to represent Zimbabwe you must be a Zimbabwean, you must have played for Zimbabwe and then you are entitled to represent Zimbabwe.

“So, from our point of view, we are fully supportive of all these initiatives and have been in the past. “I firmly believe that you can train and you can advance yourself wherever you want. But if you want to represent your country you must be available to come back and represent your country both in preparation and the actual competition, not just to come back for the competition itself,” said Campbell.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president, Tendai Tagara is of the same view.

“The minister is right . . . Olympics are in 2020, qualify for the World Championships 2019, attend Africa Senior Championships in 2018, feel the home and Africa experience. “The issue is some of the athletes try to push into the teams of the countries they are staying in or were born, when they fail they want to come to Zimbabwe.

“We are not getting the best but left overs. They just need to show they are Zimbabweans from the onset,” said Tagara.

Zimbabwe Aquatic Union president Mary Kloppers said there was need for athletes to be loyal to their country.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
WARRIORS coach Joey Antipas has shifted his focus to helping Chicken Inn overcome Herentals in a rearranged Premiership fixture at Luveve tomorrow.

The gaffer, who is in temporary charge of the senior national team, masterminded the Warriors’ 3-1 win over Lesotho in the first leg of the final round of the CHAN qualifiers.

“This is going to be a very tough match. We are trying to keep a place among the leading pack while Herentals will be trying to move off the relegation zone,’’ said Antipas.

“We are preparing for the game and it will be interesting for the fans.

“I think we have a lot of pressure considering where we are but I also believe Herentals have pressure, too, as they obviously want to take a leap out of the situation they are in.’’

Four of Antipas’ players were involved in the Warriors’ match against Lesotho.

Tichaona Chipunza and Xolani Ndlovu played the entire game while Valentine Kadonzvo was substituted in the second half.

Midfielder Sipho Ndlovu was an unused substitute.

“It’s hectic but we will have to do it. We have guys who have been with the national team like Tichaona (Chipunza), Valentine (Kadonzvo), Sipho (Ndlovu) and Xolisani (Ndlovu).

“We know the targets we have set ourselves are still quiet attainable and we need to win games like these to remain on course.”

Chipunza said his team should not underrate Herentals.

“We have our season goals and that can only come if we manage to pick results,” said Chipunza.

Chicken Inn will shoot to the top, because of their superior goal difference over leaders CAPS United, if they manage to beat the struggling Harare team tomorrow.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Herentals (Luveve)

Bulawayo Chiefs v Highlanders (B/F)

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TOYOTA CITY. — Six Nations champions Wales opened their Rugby World Cup campaign with a bonus-point 43-14 victory over Georgia in Toyota City yesterday.

The victory not only sent out a signal of intent to main Pool D rivals Australia, who beat Fiji in their opener, but also dispelled any doubts there might have been of a hangover in the Welsh camp over the sending home of assistant coach Rob Howley amid allegations of illegal betting.

Four slick first-half tries from Jonathan Davies, Justin Tipuric, Josh Adams and Liam Williams ensured a bonus point for Wales, who were given a stern examination by a strong Georgian scrum that came to life in the second period.

There were barely two minutes on the clock when centre Davies was played in under the posts after a perfect pass by scrumhalf and namesake Gareth, decoys Dan Biggar and Hadleigh Parkes bamboozling a leaden-footed defence.

Biggar’s conversion surprisingly came back off the posts, but the flyhalf redeemed himself with a penalty shortly afterwards.

Another well-drilled midfield move saw winger Adams split the defence before offloading to Gareth Davies. The scrum-half was brought down short, but Tipuric was on hand to swoop for the ball and sidestep inside Giorgi Tkhilaishvili to run through unmolested for Wales’ second try, Biggar converting.

The third came soon after, Adams running in from almost halfway after an inside Biggar pass off a lineout, with the Georgian defence glaringly absent.

Biggar hit the extras and it was a point a minute after 22 minutes, the 35,545-strong crowd at a sultry Toyota Stadium scenting a rout.

The sole bright spark for Georgia in a grim first-half display saw a rare break into Welsh territory by hooker Shalva Mamukashvili, Gareth Davies twice on hand with tapdowns to halt the foray.

Skipper Alun Wyn Jones, matching Gethin Jenkins’ record of 129 Wales caps, and No 8 Josh Navidi were at the heart of the effective Welsh rush defence to nullify the threat from the “Lelos.”

Instead it was Wales who had the last word of the first 40 minutes, Liam Williams scooping up Jonathan Davies’ pass to dot down in the corner, Biggar making no mistake to stretch the score out to 29-0.

The Georgians opened the second-half exactly as coach Milton Haig would have liked, Mamukashvili bundled over from an attacking line-out for a well-received try that Tedo Abzhandadze converted. — AFP.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Chinese Table Tennis Association chairperson, Li Ping Wang, said the tournament was a great success and believes it helped to boost relations between the two countries.

The two-day event was held at the Harare international School.

The Zimbabwe men got the better of their Chinese opponents while the Chinese women won their showdown against the hosts.

“We thank everyone who made it possible we are grateful to all those whose efforts enabled us to have a successful tournament,’’ said Wang.

“We are hopeful that next year it will be bigger and better, there was intense competition and the sport is getting popular with the locals, which is good. “China is a powerhouse in the world of table tennis and has dominated on the world stage and we decided to help develop the sport here in Zimbabwe two years ago through the Ambassador’s Cup and each year it is growing, which is good.

“I am happy that there is a growing interest in the sport in Zimbabwe and the desire to emulate China, which has players who come tops in international events.’’ The tournament saw nine men and seven women taking on each other in the annual competition.

The Chinese Ambassador’s Cup was sponsored by local companies and Chinese business communities in Zimbabwe.

It is expected to further strengthen the friendship and promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

The tournament was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe and co-organised by the Zimbabwe Chinese Table Tennis Association and the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union.

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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
A MOTHER, who provides a comprehensive minute-by-minute narration to her blind son during every match at 10-time Brazilian champions Palmeiras, brought the house down at the 2019 FIFA awards on Monday night.

Silvia Grecco gave a rousing speech, after accepting her FIFA Fan Award in the company of her 11-year-old son, Nikollas, with the star-studded audience giving her a standing ovation at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala .

Grecco captured the award ahead of Uruguay’s Justo Sanchez, the man who shifted allegiance to support his late son’s favourite team, the fiercest rivals of the team Sanchez grew up supporting, in honour of his memory after his death in an accident.

The Dutch fans, whose sights and sounds captured the imagination of the globe at the 2019 FIFA Women World Cup finals in France, had also been short-listed for the award.

‘‘The Award rewards the best fan moment between September 2018 and September 2019 regardless of championship or nationality,’’ FIFA said.

‘‘This could be, for example, for a choreographed display, chant or other fan moment which struck a chord with people globally and expressed a special form of commitment and passion for the supported team or football in general.

‘‘The Award is presented for the fan moment that has received the highest number of public votes from fans registered on FIFA.com.’’

Grecco, whose story came to global prominence after she was picked out by a Brazilian TV reporter narrating a game to her blind son, received 58.36 percent of the vote.

Nikollas, who was born five months prematurely and is mildly autistic, joined her mother on the big stage in Milan on Monday night.

Last year, Silvia Grecco was spotted narrating a game to her blind son Nickollas

“Since my childhood, I live football,” Silvia told FIFA.com. “I live Palmeiras, the football in my life, in the life of my son, is life changing. It is a love that transforms; a love for the art of playing football.

“At the stadium is complete freedom, he is transformed, he feels at ease, stands up, cheers and jumps. Nikollas becomes another child. I am the eyes of Nikollas.

‘‘I really try to pass on what I’m feeling to him, with the emotion of a mother who is a fan and a narrator.’’

Ahead of the FIFA awards gala, scores of Zimbabwean football fans, and a sizeable number of their African counterparts, took to Twitter to pour out their frustration that Warriors’ super fan, Alvin ‘‘Aluvah’’ Zhakata, was not even considered among the three short-listed candidates.

Aluvah captured the imagination of the continent when he completed a 10 000km eight-nation Cape to Cairo hitch-hiking adventure to watch the 2019 AFCON finals.

He was then feted by the CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad, who gave him a special invitation to watch the 2019 Nations Cup final, with the continent’s football governing body funding his flight back home.

But, rather than viewing Aluvah’s Cape to Cairo adventure as a snub, what this country’s football community should actually address, in the wake of the decision by FIFA to honour Grecco, is its allergy to celebrate some of its amazing stories while being fixated with negativity.

A community that ignores its beautiful stories and would rather spend weeks, and months, debating any negative stuff that emerges, including circulating the image of its highest profile footballer, and mocking him on various social media groups, for being left sprawling on the ground by his Arsenal opponent.

A community that has spent the last few weeks mocking an image of former Dynamos stars, Henry Chari and Stanley Chirambadare, on social media, rather than appreciating the beauty of Prince Dube’s five goals, in his country’s colours, in his last two CHAN matches.

The same community that seemingly doesn’t care why the Afghanistan and American Samoa national team coaches, and captains, can vote for the 2019 FIFA World Player and Coach of the Year awards while, for some strange reasons, the Warriors’ coach and skipper don’t take part in the same exercise.

Because, if we cared and celebrated our amazing stories, rather than negativity, Etias Machekeche’s story – his love for Highlanders despite his visual impairment – would, just like Grecco’s tale, have been appreciated by the world and possibly won him a FIFA Fan Award before the Brazilian.

“I started following Highlanders when I was still a boy, attending school at Copota School of the Blind here in Masvingo. I was doing Grade 3 by that time but I shudder to think I started supporting the black-and-white striped team when I was still in my mother’s womb,’’ he told our sister newspaper, Sunday News, five years ago.

‘‘I am emotionally attached to this team. I am from a special group and people take it as a ‘misnomer’ to find me at the stadium watching soccer.

“Due to the knowledge of my team’s players that I have, and the way they play, I would give a detailed account of how my team fared.

‘‘This sounds funny but that is how I follow proceedings of a match. I would also be listening to the radio commentary during and after the match. On the build-up of every Bosso match I make sure I listen to Star FM or Sports FM.

“While I do not condone violence at soccer matches, the violence you see happening after we lose to DeMbare is an expression of emotions.’’

And, of course, the world would also have celebrated the amazing life of Obert Sithole of Zvishavane, who defied the blindness caused by a mine accident where he worked, to become a football correspondent for Star FM.

“The loss of my eyesight was tragic,’’ he told the Masvingo Mirror in January this year.

‘‘I, however, have always been an ardent football fan and my eyesight did not go away with this pastime.

‘‘I remained vocal on football issues . . . the depth of my reviews is strengthened by the fact that I was a footballer myself.”

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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
GERMAN coach, Dieter Klaus Pagels, says he feels proud that many of the players he introduced into the Warriors have now become core players for the national team.

Pagels arrived in Zimbabwe as ZIFA technical adviser in 2011 following his secondment to the association by the Germany Olympic Committee.

He was then appointed interim coach the following year after Rahman Gumbo resigned following the failed 2013 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Pagels took over the 2014 World Cup qualification process and presided over matches against Guinea and Egypt.

Pagel’s team had fresh-faced players and was captained by Denver Mukamba, who then was only 20, while the chief striker was Knowledge Musona.

“I am really proud that most of them (are doing) a very good job. It is important to trust young players and give them the chance to perform on a high level,” he told The Herald.

He was speaking from his home town of Stade, a few kilometres outside Hamburg.

“ZIFA announced a better future (for) grassroots, youth and women football,’’ said Pagels.

‘‘They said there is money now to come up with youth leagues (girls and boys), women leagues and better equipment for the clubs.

‘‘That is the only way to success. But it needs time. I hope they have a long breath.”

The German mentor also spoke about the Mighty Warriors, a brand which improved during his time here, as he assisted the team secure high-level training camps in his home country.

“I was really happy about the successful women “Dream Team” of Zimbabwe. To take part at the Olympic Games is for each player an incredible experience,’’ he said.

‘‘But, when I read about the preparations for this worldwide tournament, I was disappointed. I was sorry for the girls.

‘‘They deserved better treatment.’’

He also spoke about Mukamba and the challenges the player has faced.

‘‘Everybody is different. I read in the newspapers about Denver and his problems,’’ said Pagels.

‘‘He was one of the most talented players of his age. To push his self-confidence, I gave him the captain’s armband.

‘‘He took this very seriously and was proud. He performed very well. I hope he is well now and enjoys life.’’

The coach also fondly remembers the three years he spent in this country.

“I enjoyed the stay in a wonderful country. I learned a lot about life in Africa. I met so many friendly people,’’ he said.

‘‘Till now, I am happy cause most of them are friends for ever. Very often I communicate via Facebook, or emails, with former players or coaches.

“I have no regrets. We worked hard and did a lot. So many teachers and coaches took part in our courses and went back home with balls and other equipment to train the kids in their home area.

‘‘I met people who only wanted to make football possible for kids and women. I am proud till now to have met them, especially Nelson Matongorere.

‘‘Without him some of our projects were cancelled. He always knew how to manage difficult situations. He is very important for Zimbabwean football.’’

Pages is now enjoying his retirement after his last coaching stint came in Dubai two years.

He says he is still available should any coaching offers come up.

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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
THE Warriors, represented by their coach and captain, were conspicuous by their absence as the global football family chose the 2019 FIFA World Player and Coach of the Year.

The awards were held in the Italian city of Milan on Monday night, with Argentine and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi winning the men’s award.

Megan Rapinoe, who captained the United States to victory at this year’s FIFA Women World Cup in France, was named the best female player of the year.

Of course, there was a touch of controversy, which is always the case during such nights, with many suggesting Liverpool’s Dutch towering defender, Virgil Van Dijk, was the outstanding player this year.

While that will be debatable, given Messi’s strong statistics in the past season, the absence of some players whose performances really touched the heavens, from the Best XI squad, took some gloss off the awards.

How, the Liverpool duo of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson – whose flying missions down the flanks helped deliver another Champions League trophy for the Reds – could lose out to the likes of Marcelo, appeared a joke in bad taste.

The Reds’ Jurgen Klopp won the Coach of the Year ahead of his English Premiership rivals Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino.

But, while the majority of the FIFA membership took part in the exercise, except just a few, the Warriors were not represented in the vote as neither their coach nor their captain voted.

ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, yesterday said he would require some clarification from their technical director, Wilson Mutekede, who was said to be away in Italy having graced the FIFA awards night.

Maybe, ZIFA were caught in a fix given that the deadline for the submission of the nominations came at the time when the association had said they had dissolved the national team.

That even the coach and captain of Eritrea – Africa’s lowest-ranked football country whose record top-scorer has two goals while its most capped player has just eight caps – took part in the voting process, puts the absence of the Warriors representatives into perspective.

Ranked 207 in the world, only higher than Bahamas, Anguilla, San Marino and the Cook Islands, Eritrea have also had to grapple mass defections, every time the national team plays outside the country, with scores of the players seeking asylum.

Four years ago, 10 players refused to return home after a World Cup qualifier in Botswana, where they sought, and were granted asylum.

The East Africans were not the only lightweights who took part in the poll.

The tiny South Pacific Ocean island nation of America Samoa, whose land size is only 200 square kilometres, also had their coach and captain taking part in the FIFA poll for the awards.

America Samoa’s worst defeat, in a World Cup qualifier was a 0-31 loss to Australia on April 11, 2011, while they also lost 0-15 in a 2010 World Cup qualifier to Vanuatu.

Their national coach, Lui Tunoa, voted for Guardiola as the Coach of the Year while also included Klopp and Pochettino among his top three.

Their captain, Nicky Salapu, went for Ronaldo as his Player of the Year while his top three had Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Of the COSAFA countries, only Zimbabwe and Madagascar coaches, and captains, did not take part in the voting process for this year’s FIFA awards.

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LONDON. — Formula One Championship leader Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari will be tough to beat for the rest of the season.

Ferrari took their third consecutive victory in Singapore on Sunday as Mercedes’ Hamilton finished fourth.

Hamilton believes it means Ferrari, who were previously quick only on fast circuits, will now be competitive on all tracks.

“Clearly their car works really well everywhere now so it’s going to be very hard to beat them,” the Briton said.

“They are so quick on the straights. We can’t compete with them on the straights. But we have won before with not the best car. It’s really how we deliver over the weekend.”

Five-time champion Hamilton was running second in the early laps in Singapore behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc but dropped to fourth as Mercedes made strategy mistakes and pitted him for fresh tyres too late.

The race was won by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel after he leapfrogged from third to first at the pit stops, ahead of Leclerc, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Hamilton.

Ferrari’s previous two wins had gone to Leclerc on the high-speed Spa-Francorchamps and Monza tracks in Belgium and Italy respectively.

Ferrari expected to struggle relatively in Singapore, having finished a minute behind Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix in early August, a similarly tight and twisty track to Marina Bay.

But an upgrade to the Ferrari in Singapore made it competitive and Leclerc was able to take pole, from Hamilton and Vettel.

Hamilton said: “I’m sure we do have upgrades coming at some stage. I don’t know how much is coming, but these next few races are going to be tough.”

Hamilton remains in a commanding position in the world championship, leading team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 65 points, with Leclerc and Verstappen 96 behind and Vettel a further six adrift.

But Hamilton said Mercedes still had work to do to seal their sixth consecutive world title, which would be an all-time record. Hamilton’s championship position was founded on a run of seven victories in the first 10 races of the season, but he has won only once in the last five grands prix. — BBC Sport.

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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
THE Aces Youth Soccer Academy’s conveyor belt of talented young players has once again produced two more players — Nicholas Guyo and Kundai Mukweva — who have settled at Spanish lower division sides FC Malaga City Academy and CD Almunecar.

According to AYSA, they are the second pair from their academy to go to Spain through its partnership with different clubs in the European country. The first two were goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and midfielder Abubakar Moffat who have since been signed by Tercera División club Velez CF.

Both Mapisa and Moffat are members of the Zimbabwe Under-23 team.

Mapisa is the only goalkeeper from Zimbabwe plying his trade in Europe and he recently indicated that he would like to follow the footsteps of legendary goalminder Bruce Grobbelaar by breaking into the English Premiership.

The 21-year-old is the first choice goalkeeper at Velez CF in the fourth level of the Spanish football league system.

Guyo (20) and Mukweva (19) have now settled at Spanish sides FC Malaga City Academy and CD Almunecar.

They left Zimbabwe for Spain two weeks ago.

FC Malaga City Academy are an elite Spanish football academy based in Almunecar and home of talented 16-year olds and over from across the globe.

CD Almuñécar are a new professional football team owned and operated by FC Málaga City Academy, giving players the chance to progress. It is the hope of AYSA that both Guyo and Mukweva will be nurtured and groomed well at their academies and turn into fully-fledged professionals.

AYSA produced the likes of Knowledge Musona, who captained Zimbabwe at this year’s African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt in June, and Khama Billiat.

They have an impressive list of graduates who have gone on to play football on the local and international leagues.

AYSA have entered into a strategic partnership with Spain-based Football Center of Excellence and USA/Zimbabwe-based College Connect International to promote access to international football opportunities for Zimbabwe’s youth.

Through this partnership AYSA have established new channels for placing its talent internationally and are also creating more opportunities for boys and girls to enrol at American universities. FCE is a network of football academies that advise, train, coach, support and manage football players, and will collaborate in the development and placement of AYSA players with quality football clubs in Europe.

AYSA have partnerships with a number of clubs and academies in Europe and this has seen the likes of Mapisa, Moffat, Guyo and Mukweva moving to Spain with the hopes of one day being snatched by top La Liga clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Valencia.

Barcelona already have on their books a 16-year-old African sensation Ansu Fati whose parents are from Guinea Bissau.

Fati made his full debut for Barcelona when he came off the bench in the Catalan side’s 5-2 win over Real Betis towards the end of August this year. He has since been granted a Spanish citizenship although his father is reported to have wanted him to play for Portugal since Guinea Bissau is a former Portuguese colony.

The post Two more AYSA stars settle in Spain appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO

Bulawayo Chiefs…………………..(0) 1

Highlanders………………………..(2) 3

PRINCE DUBE scored his third goal in as many days to power Highlanders to a comfortable Castle Lager Premiership victory at Barbourfields yesterday.

Incoming Bosso Dutch coach, Hendriek Pieter de Jongh, watched from the terraces as his charges demolished their neighbours.

It’s the first time Bosso have scored more than two goals in a league match this season.

It should also be a massive boost for them ahead of their trip to Harare for a showdown against Dynamos in a Chibuku Super Cup showdown on Sunday.

Yesterday, Bosso finally managed to turn their usual dominance into goals.

Tinashe Makanda, who missed a sitter when Bosso drew with Hwange at the Colliery two weeks ago, made amends by firing home a superb brace.

The other goal came from in-form Dube, who is fresh from grabbing a Warriors brace.

Dube opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Malvin Mkolo and Arthur Ndlovu to slot home from close range.

Makanda got Bosso’s second eight minutes before the break with a beautiful free-kick taken from the edge of the box.

His curled effort beat Liberty Chirava in goals for the Chiefs.

His second goal, in the 56th minute, was of rare quality, the striker leaving the Chiefs defence for dead before slotting home from a tight angle.

The goal sent the Bosso faithful, who had braved the chilly weather conditions, into delirium.

Substitute Desire Shumbanete got Chiefs’ consolation four minutes before full-time.

The victory ended Bosso’s three game winless streak, ensuring they move two places up the table into 11th position.

A delighted Highlanders gaffer, Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu, heaped praises on his charges after a fine day at the office.

“It took some time for the floodgates to open. There was a little bit of pressure on us because of our position on the log at this moment,’’ the coach said.

‘‘We have been talking about these chances week in week out but l am happy today we were a little bit clinical.

‘‘Our strikers, Dube and Makanda, managed to score today which is good. Overally, l think we controlled the game from the onset, we took the game to Chiefs, who are a difficult team to beat.

‘‘Today it was an unbelievable performance. Getting those three points will be our build-up for the upcoming games.’’

Chiefs’ coach, Thulani Sibanda, accepted defeat.

“We had planned okay, in terms of dropping off and closing down the midfield options for Highlanders, whom we forced to play the long ball,’’ said Sibanda.

‘‘The mistake that we did, maybe, was to drop Isaac Badu.

‘‘We felt Arthur Ndlovu would come in and do the tracking part of things while Malvin Mkolo does the intercepting.

‘‘But when Highlanders realised that there were no middle options, they played the long ball resulting in those two mistakes that changed the complexion of the game.’’

Teams

Bulawayo Chiefs: L. Chirava, B. Mpofu, Malvin Mkolo, S. Dube, L. Ndlela, A. Musiyiwa (D. Francis 79th min), K. Chakanyuka (D. Shumbanete 56th min), S. Nyahwa, S. Mhlanga, H. Chikosa, A. Ndlovu (F. Matare 50th min)

Highlanders: A. Sibanda, P. Mudhuwa, A. Mbeba, M. Ndlovu, N. Masuku, B. Banda, D. Mhindirira (C. Kapupurika 76th min), P. Dube (B. Sibanda 85th min), R. Lunga, M. Phiri

The post Bosso’s Prince Charming appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THE light is beginning to shine again for Warriors skipper knowledge Musona who has begun his rehabilitation with the Anderlecht reserve side after recovering from a hernia problem that kept him out of action for the past few months.

The Zimbabwe international recently underwent surgery and it appears he is now fit enough to begin his battles to prove himself with the new technical team led by Vincent Kompany and Simon Davis.

Musona played 64 minutes for the Anderlecht Under-21 side on Monday night and scored a goal in the 3-2 win over KAA Gent.

The Zimbabwe international had been placed on the injury list by his club after he underwent a hernia operation.

Anderlecht use their Under-21 side for rehabilitating players working their way back to the senior side from injuries or after having lost their place in the first team.

Musona’s goal helped Anderlecht Under-21 win 3-2 and climb top of the table with nine out of a possible 12 points.

Antoine Colassin and Nayel Mehssatou scored the other goals.

British forward Kemar Roofe (26), who joined them from Leeds recently, was also expected to feature in the match after shaking off a two-month injury.

But, he had to be reserved for last night’s Belgian Cup game against Beerschot.

Musona, however, is still nowhere near the first team.

He had fallen out of favour with the previous coach but Anderlecht decided against offloading him because of his long contract which expires in 2022.

According to the information on the club’s website, Anderlecht have 37 players who can be considered for first team, including Musona, who was handed back his number 11 jersey after initially having been left out.

Musona’s career at the Belgian giants had been shrouded in uncertainty after he was considered excess baggage at the beginning of the season.

But the Warriors forward is determined to prove his critics wrong by reclaiming his place back in the first team.

He can still raise his hands to provide the options after the team struggled early in the season.

Despite holding the record as Belgium’s most successful club, Anderlecht have experienced their worst start in nearly a century after managing only five points from eight matches.

This has left them reeling fourth-from-the-bottom of the table, with five points from eight games, following their latest defeat to Club Brugge.

Anderlecht have also been facing a crisis of proportions, in front of goal, where they have only found the target six times in 720 minutes of Pro-League football this season.

Reports from Belgium suggest the technical team could be forced to look down into the reserve side for reinforcements.

“The staff can also count on another player, Knowledge Musona. Operated from a hernia, the Zimbabwean is back in training for a big fortnight.

“He played with the reserves Monday night and showed some nice things.

“In addition to scoring a goal, he showed a strong desire to play that earned him a yellow card.

“He is ready to troubleshoot and offers an alternative to Kompany if he wants to turn his staff,” reported Belgian magazine La Dernière Heure and Les Sport.

The forward had been out of action since his last appearance for the Warriors during the disastrous 2019 AFCON finals held in Egypt.

His recovery will also come as sweet music in the ears of Zimbabwe interim coach Joey Antipas ahead of the opening matches of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Botswana and Zambia in November.

The post Knowledge Musona back in action appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO

Chicken Inn…………………………………………(3) 4

Herentals…………………………………………….(0) 1

CHICKEN Inn players reacted positively to coach Joey Antipas’ tongue-lashing after last week’s home defeat to Manica Diamonds to turn on the style at Luveve yesterday.

The Gamecocks brought their A-game to outclass Herentals in a rearranged Castle Lager Premiership match.

The move by Antipas to detain the players for about three-hours, and read the Riot Act after their loss to Manica Diamonds, played the trick as Chicken Inn showed the desire to win from the first whistle.

Knowing that victory would catapult them to the top of the table, Chicken Inn survived a seventh- minute Herentals scare to score four goals past their opponents. Young Tinotenda Benza hesitated to stab the ball home, with acres of space in the box, before being dispossessed of the ball.

The 2015 champions now sit at the top due to a superior goal difference, tied on 41 points after 23 matches, with CAPS United.

A spectacular goal by defensive midfielder Tichaona Chipunza, his long-range shot catching Herentals goalie Simbarashe Gondo off guard, opened the floodgates in the 24th minute.

Five minutes before the break, Brett Amidu capitalised on a defensive boob by Carlos Mavhurume to shoot past an advancing Gondo.

Amidu completed his brace in the 51st minute, finishing off a George Majika goal-bound effort on the line. Midfielder Innocent Mucheneka put the game to bed with a well-struck, long-range shot in the 67th minute. “This was a perfect result, as we took our chances well,’’ said Antipas.

Herentals got their face-saver from Juan Mutudza in the 90th minute. Herentals coach, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, said his men gifted the hosts their victory.

Teams

Chicken Inn: D. Bernard, P. Bernard (B. Nyahunzwi, 81st min), N. Gurende, L. Chakaroma, G. Goddard, T. Chipunza, B. Amidu, I. Mucheneka, V. Kadonzvo, S. Ndlovu (C. Matawu, 58th min), G. Majika (N. Mutatiwa, 85th min)

Herentals: S. Gondo, C. Mavhurume, G. Chinobva, B. Majarira, W. Chimbetu, J. Mutudza, I. Benza (S. Cheya, 65th min), R. Hachiro, W. Kapumha (A. Majarira, 61st min), P. Chota, T. Benza (K. Bingala, 58th min)

The post Gamecocks shoot to the top appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Charles Mabika Special Correspondent
WHEN another Battle of Zimbabwe explodes on Sunday in a Chibuku Super Cup first round tie, the country’s two biggest clubs will be playing for more than just the silverware.

Two of their greats — Hamid “Muzukuru” Dhana and Madinda “Kathazile” Ndlovu — are under the weather.

Dhana is recovering at home in Arcadia from colon cancer while Madinda is in hospital in Gaborone after collapsing at his team’s training base two weeks ago.

The two fought many battles at Rufaro and Barbourfields in the Golden Era of the ‘80s as they featured for their clubs.

While Dhana left DeMbare for Black Rhinos at the end of the 1982 season, Kathazile stuck with his beloved Bosso.

He also had stints in England and Germany in-between his long association with the Bulawayo giants.

This Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup encounter will feature an array of emerging players like Dynamos’ Simba Chinani, Emmanual Jalai, Jarrison Selemani, Tawanda Chisi, Tinotenda Muringai and Nigel Katawa.

Bosso will have the likes of Prince Dube, Peter Muduwa, Nqobizitha Masuku, Bukhosi Sibanda, Ray Lunga (Jnr) and Maclive Phiri.

All these players dream of one day becoming household names like Dhana and Madinda.

Dhana will forever be remembered for his unique and mesmerising swivel, with the ball firmly under control, followed by a defence-splitting pass to set up the likes of Gift Mpariwa or Oliver Kateya.

Madinda used to accelerate down the right wing, leaving his markers sprawling before he floated a perfect cross for the likes of Tobias Mudyambanje to prod home.

Mandigora, who played alongside Dhana in midfield at both Dynamos and the Warriors, recalls that golden era.

“Hamid is, undoubtedly, one of the most skilful players I have ever played alongside,’’ said Mandigora.

“I was more of a defensive shield at both sides while Dhana would be given the licence to roam around the field and create openings for the strikers . . . and boy, he do it so diligently.

“Then, of course, there is that inimitable back body swerve where he would be facing his own goal and, all of a sudden, his marker would stumble following that miraculous swivel.

“And, he would glide up-field as he looked for an opening to cause more havoc.

“I truly wish him all the best as he recovers from his ailment. He was a creative genius on the pitch from whom the current youngsters could learn a lot.

“And, ooh, by the way Dhana was always the life of the party as he was a master narrator of many humorous jokes . . . even today, he is never short of churning out a couple of rib-chucklers.’’

Former Bosso defence stalwart, Douglas Mloyi, revealed that during their era, every player looked up to Madinda to engineer the team’s victory.

“This guy (Madinda Ndlovu) was a phenomenon, whenever he put on a Highlanders or Warriors jersey,’’ he said.

“All he wanted to do was dash towards his opponents and weave past them and create goals or, better still, score them himself.

“I was not surprised when he took up coaching after he hung up his boots.

“He was so intent on passing on his skills and knowledge to the future generation.

“He is a great fighter and I know that he will come out of this unlucky phase and bounce back into his beloved coaching job at Gaborone United.’’

Another former Bosso player, Collsen “Cossy’’ Mabeza, who also had a stint with Dynamos, said Madinda used to rise to the occasion, especially when the chips were down.

“Every time this tearaway winger dashed down the right flank, you would have to be prepared for a perfect cross because that was his speciality,” he said.

As the flutters of recovery continue to nestle in both Dhana’s and Madinda’s limbs, the small voices, in their hearts and minds, will no doubt be rooting for each of their side’s victory on Sunday.

One thing is for certain, though.

When it comes to creativity, and pace in domestic football, the two names of Hamid Dhana and Madinda Ndlovu will always be emblazoned on the first pages of that script.

The post This is for Madinda Ndlovu, Hamid Dhana appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

BARCELONA. — Lionel Messi endured yet more injury frustration on Tuesday night after going off at half-time against Villarreal, but Barcelona gave their coach Ernesto Valverde some much-needed relief with a comfortable 2-1 victory.

Messi received treatment in the first half for what looked like a problem with his left thigh and was then unable to continue after the interval, replaced by Ousmane Dembele.

His withdrawal will be a major concern for Barca, particularly given this was Messi’s first start of the season after just recovering from a niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August. After the match, Valverde struck a note of calm.

“When something happens to Messi, everyone stops, not only on the field, but in the stands as well,” he said.

“It is a small problem in the adductor and as a precaution we have decided not to risk it. In theory, it is nothing more but we will see tomorrow how it is.”

Barcelona visit Getafe in La Liga on Saturday before playing Inter Milan at home in the Champions League four days later.

Certainly, they would have been eager to see Messi back in their line-up, having suffered a humbling 2-0 loss at newly-promoted Granada last weekend, a result that left them with seven points from five games, their worst start to a season since 1995.

They arrived at Camp Nou with doubts hovering, particularly over Valverde, but delivered a far more convincing win than the scoreline suggested, thanks to early goals from Antoine Griezmann, his third of the season, and Arthur Melo. — AFP.

The post Lionel Messi injured again appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE City begin their quest for a third Chibuku Super Cup title this weekend, with coach Lloyd Chitembwe again facing his old club CAPS United.

The Sunshine Boys, who are the most successful club since the competition marked its return five years ago, have an unrivalled record in the tournament.

They have also made two other final appearances, including last year when they lost to Triangle. Taurai Mangwiro was the first coach to lift the silverware for the Sunshine Boys in 2015 before Philani “Beefy” Ncube repeated the feat in 2017.

Unfortunately, the Sunshine Boys were relegated the same year and only managed to find their way back into top-flight football via a technicality.

This followed the dissolution of How Mine.

Interestingly, they find themselves in almost similar circumstances this year ahead of the opening match against the Green Machine at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Makepekepe have a psychological advantage after beating their opponents 1-0 in a tense league encounter recently.

The Sunshine Boys were also the same team that knocked CAPS United out of this tournament last year with a 2-1 semi-final win at Rufaro. Harare City are looking to have all their players, including their captain Marshal Machazane, available for this game.

The skipper missed the league game after he was allowed to visit his relatives in South Africa.

Former CAPS United skipper Moses Muchenje, who also missed the league encounter because of suspension, should also be available.

Chibuku Super Cup Fixtures

Saturday: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Mushowani Stars (Baobab), Black Rhinos v Tel One (NSS 1pm), CAPS United v Harare City (NSS), ZPC Kariba v Hwange (Nyamhunga)

Sunday: Dynamos v Highlanders (NSS), Chicken Inn v Manica Diamonds (Luveve)

Postponed: FC Platinum v Chapungu (TBA), Triangle v Herentals (TBA).

The post Another tense City, CAPS duel on the horizon appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZDF Queens coach Joel Sibanda is pleased with his side’s consistency after they beat Beta Queens 53-39 at Harare Metropolitan Police yesterday in the Rainbow Amateur Netball League.

Although both teams had a slow start, on a slippery court after a light drizzle, ZDF took a 14-7 and 15-12 lead in the first and second quarter.

The attacking pair of goal shooter Mercy Mukwadi and goal attack Caroline Matura had a good game as they led their team to victory.

Mukwadi was part of the Zimbabwe senior team at this year’s Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, in July but she did not feature for the Gems during the tournament.

“I just want to give credit to my girls. They really played well even though the weather affected us at some point because the court was now slippery.

“They started on a slow pace but, at least, they tried to adjust to the conditions and we played well.

“I want to thank them for a job well done,” said Sibanda.

Despite some resistance from Beta Queens, and some good defending by Julie Banda and Prudence Goreraza, ZDF proved the better team.

ZDF went into half-time leading 28-19.

They were 43-27 up by the end of the third quarter.

Beta Queens coach, Philemon Mangwiro, conceded defeat but expressed disappointment with the officiating.

“We started the game well but the court was slippery, it was raining, we had a disadvantage as our players had shoes which were not suitable for the conditions.

“I think that’s why we lost the game. But, as the game progressed, we adjusted to the situation on the ground, we played well, they were just good and better than us but we tried our best.

“They played a physical game, it’s a plus for them and we went back into the shell and we couldn’t play our own game.

“But, as the second and third quarter progressed, we adjusted and we played well,” said Mangwiro.

For her 48 goals Mukwadi got the golden hand while Beta Queens’ goal attack Irene Mugabe was awarded player of the match.

The match between ZRP Mambas Queens and Ngezi Platinum that was also scheduled for yesterday was cancelled.

The post ZDF overpower Beta Queens appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
EMERGING schools’ football giants, Waddilove High, have set their sights on winning the sole ticket to represent Mashonaland East Provincial in the Proton-Nash Under-20 boys’ tournament.

The Mashonaland East Provincial finals will be held at Marondera High School tomorrow with the national finals set for next week at the same venue.

The tournament was scheduled to take place last year but had to be cancelled at the last minute owing to the cholera outbreak which hit the country.

And, having outsmarted all before them in Marondera District, Waddilove High sports director, Jerry Marumure, believes his team has what it takes to nail first place tomorrow.

“We are looking forward to the provincial finals at Marondera High,’’ he said.

“It is a high-stakes tournament and we know that it is going to be very tough considering the calibre of teams we will meet from all districts in our province.

“But Waddilove High is a fast growing footballing institution. We have the players who can deliver. Our players are of high class.

“They do not easily get intimidated. So, in as much as we know that the tournament will be tough, we are very confident that we will win.

“Our ultimate aim is to win the national tournament so we can only do that if we manage to sail through in the provincials.

“But, for now, all our efforts are on seeing how best we can manage to see ourselves through the provincial finals.”

Waddilove beat Nyameni in the district finals and will face stiff competition from such teams as Rusununguko and Gumbonzvanda.

The latter are fresh from winning the Tinmac Foundation tournament in Wedza last month.

Gumbonzvanda beat Makanda 2-0 in the finals at St Anne’s Goto Mission.

Waddilove High have some players from Premiership side Harare City who are on scholarship at the Marondera-based school.

Midfielder Tinashe Goriyati, goalkeeper Blessed Mutonhori and Malvern Mbedzi are some of the players carrying Waddilove High’s hopes.

Proton chief sales officer, Daniel Chipato, said all was set for the provincial finals across the country.

“This tournament started a year before last year but at a small scale. We were supposed to hold the inaugural fully-fledged one last year but we couldn’t owing to the outbreak of cholera,” said Chipato.

“But this time around everything is flowing. The provincial finals are set for Friday (tomorrow) around the country.

“The national finals will be held at Marondera High School on October 4.

“So, basically, all is set. There will be lots of prizes to be won in all the 10 provinces.”

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