TOKYO. — South Africa’s Zimbabwe-born Springbok prop Tendai “Beast’’ Mtawarira says the experience of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan has been the highlight of his career so far.

The 34-year-old has played 114 Tests for his country and is at his third World Cup, yet he has been blown away by the hospitality of the Japanese public.

“I have been blessed with a long career and I must say this has definitely been the best experience in my entire rugby career,” Mtawarira told media yesterday.

“You have the warmth of the people, and they really made us feel welcome and at home.

“It has been really great and, for us, it is just about giving back and showing them respect in the way we treat them back.

“It has been a wonderful experience.”

The Boks, who arrived in Japan all the way back on September 1, are preparing for their quarter-final against the tournament hosts in Tokyo on Sunday.

Quarter-finals fixtures (all times Zimbabwe)

Saturday, October 19: England v Australia, Oita — 9:15am; New Zealand v Ireland, Tokyo — 12:15pm

Sunday, October 20: Wales v France, Oita — 9:15am; Japan v South Africa, Tokyo — 12:15pm — AFP.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
MANCHESTER United chief scout and UEFA instructor, Tommy Moller Nielsen, could be on his way to Zimbabwe this December.

This is a landmark development which could see him conducting coaching clinics for locals as well as scouting young talent.

The visit is being facilitated by the Team Zimbabwe-UK chief executive, Marshal Gore, who has been working tirelessly to make a difference to local football.

Nielsen, a holder of a UEFA Pro Licence, has expressed interest in visiting the country on a scouting mission as well as conducting some coaching clinics for the Zimbabwean coaches.

Gore said they were running around to seal the deal which could open several opportunities for players and coaches in Europe since Nielsen is well-connected across that continent.

“We have secured an agreement in principle with Manchester United Football Club for one of their chief scouts, Tommy Moller Nielsen, to visit Zimbabwe on a scouting tour and assess potential talent.

“We are still finalising on the dates but it’s most likely to be in December this year.

“We will organise matches in Zimbabwe as soon as we finalise the dates. We are working with the Sports Commission, ZIFA as well as the Premier Soccer League in this. “So, as soon as we are done with organising the dates, then we will be in a position to tell which games, in particular, will suit the criteria he wants to pick the players from.

“But, I am sure, young players from academies stand a better chance of making the grade.

“The systems here support young players’ development and it will be good for the country if we were to see three or four of our players being seconded to Manchester United juniors.

“Obviously, Nielsen will be accompanied by several others who could as well take aboard other impressive players.”

Gore, who has been the ZIFA representative in Europe since 2015, is largely credited for opening the way for Zimbabwean players based in the diaspora to play for the national team. Such players as Warriors captain Alec Mudimu, Tendayi Darikwa, who plays for English Championship side Nottingham Forest, as well as Leicester City centre forward Admiral Muskwe, were linked to the national team by Gore.

Young Warriors stars, who include goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and Seth Patrick, also came through him.

In May this year, Gore organised a visit for the Zimbabwe diaspora team which played a couple of friendly matches against local teams.

Gore said the diaspora team will again visit the country next year.

“Next year, Team Zimbabwe UK will tour the country once again and, resources permitting, a Diaspora tournament will be held in Zimbabwe.”

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PARIS. — Poland and Russia secured their places at Euro 2020 football finals on Sunday with victories over North Macedonia and Cyprus, while Germany and the Netherlands boosted their hopes of reaching the finals.

Russia eased to a 5-0 thrashing of 10-man Cyprus, with Poland joining them, Belgium and Italy in qualifying this week by seeing off North Macedonia 2-0.

Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russia, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals on home soil last year, only had to avoid defeat in Nicosia to follow Belgium in qualifying from Group I.

Valencia winger Denis Cheryshev fired in a ninth-minute opener for the visitors, before Magomed Ozdoev, who scored a fabulous long-range strike on Thursday against Scotland, made it two midway through the first half. Any thoughts of a Cyprus comeback were ended in just the 28th minute when Kostas Laifis was dismissed for a nasty lunge on Russian full-back Sergei Petrov.

Striker Artem Dzyuba scored his third goal in two games in the 79th minute, before Aleksandr Golovin and Cheryshev’s second completed the rout late on.

Russia will attempt to overtake Belgium, who beat Kazakhstan 2-0 earlier on Sunday, at the summit when they host the world’s No. 1 side on November 16.

The European Championship finals, which start on June 12 next year, are being held at 12 different venues across the continent, including Saint Petersburg in Russia.

Poland went into their game against North Macedonia knowing victory would punch their ticket for the Euros.

They were forced to be patient by the visitors, who could qualify through the playoffs after winning their Nations League group if they fail to do so automatically. — AFP.

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Sports Reporter
THERE is a ray of hope for the Gems’ with the team set to travel tomorrow for the Africa Netball Championships which start on Friday in Cape Town.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Netball Association yesterday said the Gems were scheduled to leave South Africa tomorrow.

Indications are that they have secured sponsorship to be unveiled today at a local hotel in Harare.

“Training started in earnest yesterday (Monday) and we plan to travel on Thursday, finances and material resources permitting,’’ the statement said.

“It has been a struggle to secure funding and it remains so but we are hopeful that we will make the trip.”

Zimbabwe are set to take on Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in Pool B while Pool A is made up of South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Lesotho. Of the 13 players called up for the assignment, nine were at training yesterday under the guidance of Ropafadzo Mutsauki.

The others are still expected to join the team.

Mutsauki said it was difficult to try and come up with a formidable team within a short space of time.

“This is our formal first session, so the team is there and the team is good, we just want to try to make new combinations and to see their fitness levels,” Mutsauki said.

“It’s very difficult to make a team and produce good results in a short period like this.

“We will see their performance on court then we will try to adjust one or two positions.’’

Newly-appointed Gems captain, Felistus Kwangwa, says they want to continue their incredible story when they take part at the tournament. Kwangwa takes over from Perpetua Siyachitema, who retired after the World Cup in July, in Liverpool.

“What I am expecting from the team is just to continue from where we left in Liverpool,’’ she said.

“We just have to showcase ourselves when we get on court, play our hearts out and bring good results back home.

“We have not had enough time for training but that shouldn’t make us lose focus.

“We are still determined to win considering that we have previously brought good results, we are still expecting to just continue and do what we are good at.

“When we were in Liverpool, we just told ourselves that we were going to fight until the last whistle and I think that’s what we are going to do. “We know that all those teams, which are over that side, have been in camp for some time. “But that won’t really affect us, we just keep on fighting because I think everyone has been participating in the league so I think, in terms of fitness levels, we are good.’’

Squad

Shooters: Joice Takaidza, Tafadzwa Mawango, Ursula Ndlovu, Sharon Bwanali.

Mid Court: Patricia Mauladi, Claris Kwaramba, Progress Moyo, Lorraine Manjoro.

Defenders: Felistus Kwangwa, Tanaka Makusha, Queen Sigauke, Beverly Chipadze, Tatenda Dziva.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
CHEGUTU Pirates coach, Richard Chunga, believes the return to their Pfupajena fortress will be a major boost to players and their fans.

The club have spent several months using Chakari as their home ground.

But, they will be at Pfupajena today for the match against leaders Cranborne Bullets this afternoon.

Pirates were sanctioned for their rowdy fans.

“We all know how competitive the Northern Region Division One League is and we cannot allow a team to march towards the championship and even win with five games to play,’’ said Chunga.

“We are going to use our home advantage, after several months playing away from home, and I think we need to bring our supporters something to cheer with a victory over Cranborne Bullets.

“We know we have suspensions but we will give some of our youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves.

“It is good to be back home and we look forward to a tough encounter.’’

Cranborne Bullets coach, Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera, is on the cusp of taking his man into the Premiership.

“My boys are now confident that they can achieve our set target, that is the championship,” said Saruchera.

Northern Region Division One Fixtures

Today: Beta XI v Blue Jets (Morris Depot), CAM and Motor v Black Tigers (Rimuka), Ngezi Platinum Stars U-19 v Golden Valley (Boabab), Blue Swallows v PAM United (Manyame), Karoi United v FC National Mbare (Chikangwe), Banket United v Kariba Waves (Kuwadzana), Grain Tigers v Black Mambas (GMB Aspindale), Chegutu Pirates v Craneborne Bullets (Pfupajena), Harare City Cubs v Herentals U-20 (Rufaro).

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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe are looking at strengthening their structures after securing support from the Olympic Solidarity.

They believe this will improve results on the track and field.

Athletics, through the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, got funding from the Olympic Solidarity who availed US$30 000 for the programme expected to run until December.

NAAZ president, Tendai Tagara, said they want to reinforce the various areas from administration to athletes’ development.

They have engaged veteran administrator, Robert Mutsauki, to assist them with the initiative.

“The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe is entering a new era of rebirth by advocating the strengthening of the organisation’s structure after securing support from the Olympic Solidarity,’’ said Tagara.

“We have hired an expert to lead the process in the name of Robert Mutsauki. This is part of our preparation for the next Olympic cycle.

“The objective is to see how best we can strengthen the organisation’s capacity to achieve better results.

“Mutsauki is a former president of athletics (in Zimbabwe) who went on to lead the continental development portfolio for Africa and later on became a sports consultant.

“Recently he was in Kenya spearheading Kenya Olympic Committee strategic plan.

“Because he is one of us, and he has been there, we hope to open a new chapter with him.’’ Tagara said they were in the process of consulting their stakeholders, including athletes, sponsors, provincial executives, uniformed forces, clubs, Naph and Nash.

They want to come up with comprehensive solutions and mechanisms that will lead to the realisation of their goals.

“The process has started and will last until end of December 2019. We want to start planning for the implementation by January and coincide with the next Olympic cycle of 2021-2024,” Tagara said.

The NAAZ president admitted the major challenge is bridging the gap between juniors and seniors as they were losing talented athletes after school.

“The Chamber of Mines was (in the past) the backbone as athletes from schools were absorbed into mines clubs where there were guaranteed jobs, apprentice and salaries.

“This is a critical issue we have to tackle in the next cycle.

“We will evaluate our strategic plan quarterly and we felt it was wise to look for support now to start preparing for the creation of a foundation for the next cycle rather than to start late.

“We are happy that when we applied we got the support through our Olympic committee,” said Tagara. The national association were also hoping for qualification for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and some of the athletes include long-distance runner Rutendo Nyahora and triple jumper Chengetayi Mapaya.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
DAKAR Rally 2020-bound Zimbabwean rider, Graeme Sharp, has upped his preparations after he completed the Rallye du Maroc in Morocco last week.

Sharp wants to become the first Zimbabwean rider to finish the Dakar Rally on a motorbike after he qualified as part of the BAS Racing KTM Team.

The team includes fellow Southern Africans Ross Branch, Kirsten Landman and Kenny Gilbert.

“After completing my toughest rally to date, I’m pleased to be in one piece physically after a calculated, measured ride over some of the most spectacular terrain Morocco has to offer,’’ Sharp said.

“I certainly learnt a great deal and will take away further information and ideas as I prepare for Dakar (Rally) in January.”

Sharp came 35th in the FIM bike class, a good result in a very competitive, Dakar laden line-up that included the best in the world, including Toby Price, who has won the Dakar Rally twice.

He has been working closely with trainer Grant Mitchell with four training sessions a week to improve his fitness and get himself race ready.

Grant has worked as the strength and conditioning coach to many of Zimbabwe’s great sports-people, including swimming legend Kirsty Coventry, Bright Chipoongo, female rower Micheen Thornycroft, motocross rider Tanya Muzinda, the Zimbabwe Warriors and the Zimbabwe national sevens rugby team.

For the Rallye Du Maroc, Sharp rode for six days and covered almost 3 000km — the equivalent of racing around Zimbabwe’s border — through dunes, camel grass, rocks, mountain passes, alpine lakes and river valleys.

Navigation is a key aspect of the Dakar Rally and Sharp is attending a rally camp from the October 14-19 in Barcelona with Jordi Viladoms (KTM Rally Manager) to get some insight into navigation, preparation and mechanical support.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
BARELY a fortnight after the death of legendary midfielder Hamid “Muzukuru” Dhana, the country’s football community has once again been plunged into mourning.

This follows the death of Partson Ndabambi and John Demanyundo.

Ndabambi, a former ZPC Kariba manager, died at his rural home at Kana in Gokwe yesterday morning.

He was 48.

Mourners are gathered at the Ndabambi homestead in Chitsiga Village, Kana, under Chief Mukoka, Gokwe.

He will be buried at the family cemetery today. A group of coaches, led by former TelOne boss Jairos Tapera, have pooled resources and sent representatives to Gokwe for the funeral.

Family spokesperson, Modekai Kende, said Ndabambi died at around 4am yesterday.

“He had been unwell for some time. He had been in and out of hospital. In the past week, he had not been eating well and two days ago, his condition deteriorated,’’ said Kende.

“Unfortunately, he died under our watch at around 4am today (yesterday).

“I would like to thank the coaches and football stakeholders who have contributed immensely towards the funeral.

“We are humbled by the support they have given us. We are grateful for that. It shows that he was a good person who worked well with his peers.” The charismatic Ndabambi was a well-known development coach who scouted some of the players who went on to make a name for themselves in the top-flight league.

The former Shooting Stars gaffer shot to fame in 2014 when managing the newly-promoted ZPC Kariba which came to within a match of winning the league title in their maiden Premiership season.

The team was coached by Saul Chaminuka.

But they came unstuck in the last match against CAPS United in the last match of the season. Needing just a draw to land the title, their lack of experience told as they fell 2-3 and that result, coupled with Dynamos’ win over Black Mambas, handed the Glamour Boys the title. CAPS United legend, Charles “Raw Meat” Sibanda, said he had been saddened by Ndabambi’s untimely death.

“My condolences to the Ndabambi family. May the good Lord comfort you during these darkest hours,” Sibanda said.

Columbus Makumbe, a board member of former Premiership side Zimbabwe Saints, said the death of Ndabambi has left Zimbabwean football poorer.

ZIFA and the PSL also mourned Ndabambi.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ndabambi family and friends of the deceased in this difficult moment of grieving.

“May the soul of our dearly departed father, brother, colleague and teammate rest in eternal peace.” Former BAT Ramblers defender, John Demanyundo, died at Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare yesterday.

He was 66. Family spokesperson, Ambrose Kunaka, said the former hard tackling defender had been unwell for months.

Former Warriors coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, who played against Demanyundo in his heydays at Dynamos, said the defender was a rare talent. “Demanyundo was one of the best players on show during those days. BAT Ramblers achieved a lot during his days. “Football has once again been robbed of one of its icons,” said Chidzambwa.

Demanyundo is expected to be buried at Zororo this afternoon.

Mourners are gathered at Number 163 Close, Budiriro 1, Harare.

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LONDON. — Zimbabwe-born British heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora and his manager David Haye hope Anthony Joshua will agree to be sparring partners this week.

Chisora will fight David Price on October 26 while Joshua will challenge world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz (Jnr) in a rematch on December 7.

“Sparring, yes,” Chisora said. “He’s tall, I’m short!

“I’m going to see him . . . He’s asked me a couple of times before but I’ve been too busy.”

Chisora and Joshua came through the same Finchley amateur gym and remain close, but have never sparred as professionals.

Chisora’s manager Haye said about negotiations to spar Joshua: “For both of their respective fights, they are ideal sparring partners for each other.

“If any heavyweight can mimic Ruiz Jr’s pressure, it is Derek. If anyone can mimic Price’s long-range jab, it is AJ.

“There is potential for sparring, particularly in the last week (of Chisora’s training camp). Six or eight rounds would be good preparation, not just for Derek, but for AJ as well.

“Hopefully we can get it over the line.”

Joshua’s team are keen to improve his pool of sparring partners, after promoter Eddie Hearn admitted they “struggled” to adequately copy Ruiz Jr’s style in the build-up to their first fight.

Hearn told Sky Sports earlier this week about Joshua’s revamped sparring: “We’ve got that under control.

“Sparring is something we’ve been working at. First time around we only had four weeks, and three weeks of sparring. We found guys but probably not the guys we really wanted.

“Now the sparring is top class. He is focused and looking great.”

Joshua was frustrated by rumours, which he denied, that a sparring partner had hurt him before he lost to Ruiz (Jnr).

Joshua said on AJ: The Untold Truth: “I feel like people are more interested in their five minutes of fame.

“Even in sparring, everyone wants to be famous, rather than a good fighter.

“You can’t even enjoy your training and work on things without someone trying to make up false allegations, and trying to get five minutes of fame.

“You bring someone into your training camp to do them a favour, you’re paying them, nothing like (the knock-down rumour) in that nature has happened, you beat them up in every round, then they go and do an interview.

“It just happens all the time in boxing, there is just a lot of envy.”

Hearn previously explained: “It’s so difficult to replicate the style of Andy Ruiz.

The guy is 6’1”, he’s 19st, and he’s got speed like a middleweight.

“It’s one thing getting a sparring partner in, it’s getting them to let their hands go against Anthony Joshua. Would you want to do it? You’ve got to be mad to even spar with him, let alone fight him.

“(Last time) we tried to get the sparring in, we struggled a little bit, no excuses, but this time around the preparation has got to be spot on.” — Skysport.

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By Collin Matiza
One of the country’s top junior motocross riders Emmanuel Bako has stepped up preparations for this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series.

He has set up a training camp in South Africa where he has engaged the services of one of that country’s top trainers Tyron Juul.

The Zimbabwe Summer Series is a three-day annual motorcycling event which is held during the second week of December, and it marks the end of the motocross season in this country.

This year’s event will once again comprise of two Supercross (night racing) events on the nights of December 11 and 13, and a full day of motocross action on December 15 and will be staged at the home of local motosport — Donnybrook Park — in Harare.

The Zimbabwe Summer Series usually attracts international riders from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and a few individuals from Europe who are joined on the track by most of the country’s top junior and senior bikers, including 13-year-old Bako.

Bako’s father and manager, Brighton, told The Herald yesterday that his son is already preparing for the 2019 Zimbabwe Summer Series and is currently on a strenuous training programme in Johannesburg.

Juul has been into motocross coaching since 2012 and more than 200 amateur and professional riders have passed through his hands since he established his training school where he “grills” his proteges at Terra Topia and Dirt Bronco tracks outside Johannesburg.

“Emmanuel has just finished writing his Grade Seven exams and is now on a special training programme which has been designed by his trainer Tyron Juul as he prepares for the Zimbabwe Summer Series and the final round of the 2019 South African National Championship series which is scheduled for October 29 at Terra Topia,” Brighton said.

On Sunday, Emmanuel took part in Round 8 of the 2019 Mayfair Gauteng Series, which is a big regional event in South Africa, and the 13-year-old Zimbabwean once again made his presence felt at this one-day race meeting at Terra Topia where he came out tops in the 85cc (Junior) Class.

Emmanuel claimed the top step on the podium ahead of two of South Africa’s top junior riders Deegan Bloomfield and Jordan van Wyk. There were 14 riders in this class.

“Emmanuel did extremely well in this race meeting considering that he was coming from a shoulder injury which sidelined him for nearly a month.

“On Sunday, he was just hungry for victory and this saw him getting both hole shots and never looked as he swept to victory,” Brighton said.

Emmanuel will settle for third place in the final standings of the 2019 Mayfair Gauteng Motocross Championship.

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By Tadious Manyepo
Manchester United chief scout and UEFA instructor, Tommy Moller Nielsen, could be on his way to Zimbabwe this December.

This is a landmark development which could see him conducting coaching clinics for locals as well as scouting young talent.

The visit is being facilitated by the Team Zimbabwe-UK chief executive, Marshal Gore, who has been working tirelessly to make a difference to local football.

Nielsen, a holder of a UEFA Pro Licence, has expressed interest in visiting the country on a scouting mission as well as conducting some coaching clinics for the Zimbabwean coaches.

Gore said they were running around to seal the deal which could open several opportunities for players and coaches in Europe since Nielsen is well-connected across that continent.

“We have secured an agreement in principle with Manchester United Football Club for one of their chief scouts, Tommy Moller Nielsen, to visit Zimbabwe on a scouting tour and assess potential talent.

“We are still finalising on the dates but it’s most likely to be in December this year.

“We will organise matches in Zimbabwe as soon as we finalise the dates. We are working with the Sports Commission, ZIFA as well as the Premier Soccer League in this. “So, as soon as we are done with organising the dates, then we will be in a position to tell which games, in particular, will suit the criteria he wants to pick the players from.

“But, I am sure, young players from academies stand a better chance of making the grade.

“The systems here support young players’ development and it will be good for the country if we were to see three or four of our players being seconded to Manchester United juniors.

“Obviously, Nielsen will be accompanied by several others who could as well take aboard other impressive players.”

Gore, who has been the ZIFA representative in Europe since 2015, is largely credited for opening the way for Zimbabwean players based in the diaspora to play for the national team. Such players as Warriors captain Alec Mudimu, Tendayi Darikwa, who plays for English Championship side Nottingham Forest, as well as Leicester City centre forward Admiral Muskwe, were linked to the national team by Gore.

Young Warriors stars, who include goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and Seth Patrick, also came through him.

In May this year, Gore organised a visit for the Zimbabwe diaspora team which played a couple of friendly matches against local teams.

Gore said the diaspora team will again visit the country next year.

“Next year, Team Zimbabwe UK will tour the country once again and, resources permitting, a Diaspora tournament will be held in Zimbabwe.”

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By Eddie Chikamhi
Method Mwanjali’s season suffered a premature ending on Sunday when the defender picked an ugly ankle knock.

He has been CAPS United’s most influential player this season, with his leadership qualities helping the team in their quest for the league championship.

The club’s medical team yesterday said the former Warriors skipper is set for an operation at a local hospital this morning.

Mwanjali, who has been admitted at Michael Gelfand Clinic since Sunday, is out for the rest of the season.

X-rays confirmed he suffered bone fractures on his ankle and he will need, at least, three months to recover fully.

Club doctor, Dennis Chabwera, yesterday said a team of specialists recommended that the veteran defender undergoes surgery.

“Method suffered a complex ankle fracture, he is admitted at a local hospital. He is due for an operation tomorrow morning (today).

“It’s quite a bad injury, it takes about 12 weeks to heal, including rehabilitation.

“Of course, there are cases where people heal ahead of schedule but to be honest, for this season, I don’t think he will make it.

“As it stands, we are working with the 12 weeks, which is three months,” said Chabwera.

The 36-year old defender was injured in a tussle with a Hwange player after 24 minutes at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Makepekepe won the match 3-1 and cement their place at the top of the table.

The Green Machine have a five-point lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premiership table with just eight games remaining.

Fidelity Life Assurance will chip in to cover all the medical expenses as part of the $1 million sponsorship deal signed with the Premier Soccer League clubs at the beginning of the season. The deal caters for the medical welfare of players and technical officials.

Team manager, Shakespeare Chinogwenya, said Mwanjali’s injury came at the wrong time of the season.

“It’s a pity the Hwange player landed on top of his twisted ankle when he made that tackle,” said Chinogwenya.

“He is in pain but it’s something that the doctors are working on.

“He is set for an operation tomorrow (today) and will probably be out for three months thereafter.

“It’s sad it happened when we would rather have wanted everyone to participate.

“As you know, his experience and leadership qualities on the pitch are top-notch. But we trust in the team we have to pull through to the finishing line even in his absence.”

Coach Darlington Dodo was forced to make three injury-induced substitutions on Sunday.

Youthful forward Kelvin Ndebele, who scored a contender for the goal of the season, limped off for the second week running after he suffered the same fate at Mushowani, where he also scored a beauty. John Zhuwawu, who was introduced as a second half substitute, lasted barely 30 minutes before he was helped off the pitch with a shoulder injury.

“John injured his right collar bone. Thankfully, there is no fracture so he should be back inside two weeks if it all goes well but, for Kelvin, it’s nothing serious.

“It was just a cramp,” said Chabwera.

Makepekepe have amassed 50 points from 26 games while FC Platinum have 45.

The other championship contenders Chicken Inn fell seven points off the pace after they were held to a goalless draw by Black Rhinos.

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Zimbabwe’s participation at the Africa Netball Championships, which get underway this Friday in Cape Town, hangs in the balance.

The national association are still to finalise logistics regarding the team’s preparations and travel arrangements.

The tournament runs until October 22 with eight countries, grouped into two pools, taking part. Zimbabwe were drawn against Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in Pool B.

Pool A features hosts South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Lesotho.

But the Zimbabwe Netball Association secretary-general, Barbara Rice, yesterday said they were not certain on the team’s preparations and travel arrangements as they were still working on the logistics.

“I will come back to you tomorrow morning (today) because we are still working on logistics,” said Rice.

It would be a sad development if the Gems, who punched above their weight to finish eighth at the Vitality Netball World Cup on their maiden appearance, miss the continental tournament.

Coach Lloyd Makunde has said he is targeting a podium finish at the event and believes they stand a good chance of making it beyond the group stages.

“On paper, the draw is the best that we could have wanted. Personally, I am very happy with the draw, so it actually increases our chances of a podium finish,” said Makunde.

However, the Gems coach is not underrating any team.

“Kenya is a very strong side and they have good funding, we beat them during the qualifiers and we won by only 10 goals.

“They have got very tall players, with an average height of 1.7m, and then we have Tanzania, who are unknown but, coming to the African Championships, means they are geared up for winning the tournament.

“So, it’s not that easy.

“Tanzania used to play and they were one of the best teams in Africa so, I believe, they have picked from where they left,” said Makunde.

Makunde said they would have preferred an early camp for the team.

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

WARRIORS coach Joey Antipas yesterday said he had to leave out Evans Katema from the squad travelling to Lesotho for the final CHAN qualifier as he needed men who are 100 percent fit to do the job in Maseru on Sunday.

The Zimbabwe side are chasing a record fifth CHAN finals appearance at the 2020 edition in Cameroon.

But they have to overcome the last hurdle on Sunday against Lesotho.

The Warriors are expected to leave for Lesotho this afternoon via Johannesburg where they will connect to Maseru by road.

“We are quite confident with the squad that we have. Obviously, we would have wanted all our best players available but one of the key men Evans is not at 100 percent,’’ said Antipas.

“We all know what he is capable of doing and we had to call him into our squad following his recovery from that injury.

“But he last played competitive football a couple of weeks ago. We need everyone to be at 100 percent when going for such a battle.”

Katema was included in the 25-member training squad this week after recovering from an elbow dislocation he suffered during the preparations for the first leg which the Warriors won 3-1 at the National Sports Stadium last month.

Yadah winger Leeroy Mavhunga, who also missed the first leg with an ankle knock, was another casualty along with Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, Nomore Chinyerere, Sipho Ndlovu, Juan Mutudza and Donald Teguru when the squad was announced yesterday.

Zimbabwe carry a healthy lead to the mountain kingdom but the job is not done yet.

They have been training at the artificial turf at the ZIFA Village this week to familiarise with the type of surface they will play on at the Setsotho Stadium in Maseru.

Midfielder Joel Ngodzo, who missed the early part of the campaign because his passport had expired, features after finally securing a new document.

But his teammate Ronald “Rooney’’ Chitiyo, who has been overshadowing Ngodzo in recent games, will consider himself unlucky not to make the squad.

Antipas also beefed up with defender Frank Makarati and midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe.

Lesotho sharpened up their preparations with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Malawi in an international friendly last weekend.

But, it came at a cost as Tsepo Toloane and Makara Ntaitsane have been withdrawn from the Likuena squad due to injuries.

Their coach Thabo Senong told The Lesotho Times it was still game on.

“I still believe we can do well, we can win the game. The away goal has given us hope,’’ he said.

“We just have to ensure that we play better in the attacking third, improve the confidence in the box and finish the chances that we create.

“We have been having extra sessions with our strikers to ensure they improve.’’

Warriors CHAN squad

Goalkeepers: Simbarashe Chinani (Dynamos), Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders)

Defenders: Partson Jaure (Manica Diamonds), Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), Frank Makarati (Ngezi Platinum), Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba), MacClive Phiri (Highlanders), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken inn)

Midfielders: Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Tichaona Chipunza (Chicken Inn), Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders), Ralph Kawondera (Triangle), Joel Ngodzo (CAPS United), Valentine Kadonzvo (Chicken Inn), Phenias Bamusi (CAPS United)

Strikers: Prince Dube (Highlanders), Obriel Chirinda (Chicken Inn), Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos).

The post Antipas taking no prisoners appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Gems are expected to finally leave for Cape Town, South Africa, today for the Africa Netball Cup that gets underway tomorrow.

National Foods availed $250 000 to assist with the trip.

The Gems participation at the event was in doubt owing to financial challenges, but National Foods, through their brand, Pearlenta Instant Porridge, saved the day.

National Foods group marketing executive Lawrence Kutinyu said they want to see the Gems story continue after they also supported the team for their World Cup campaign.

“We deal in products that appeal and are used mainly by women in the household,’’ he said.

“So, we thought there was a strong fit between what we make and what the ladies were trying to do.

“And, there is an initiative to uplift the girl child and it’s something that we also want to be a part of.

“They did us proud by coming eighth at the World Cup. But we know that they can do better and we know that their story is not finished and we want to be part and parcel of that story.’’

The Gems are also set to receive food hampers from National Foods for the next 12 months.

Zimbabwe’s opening encounter in Pool B is against Uganda tomorrow.

They will then take on Kenya on Saturday and Tanzania on Sunday.

ZINA secretary-general, Barbara Rice, hailed National Foods for their timely intervention.

“It wasn’t clear whether the team was travelling or not but finally the team is now going,’’ said Rice.

“I just want to say thank you very much to National Foods for being there for the Gems . . . for bailing us out.

“We were facing a difficult situation.’’

Team captain Felistus Kwangwa said after a good show at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, it would have been a disappointment had they failed to fulfil their assignment in South Africa.

“On behalf of the team I would like to say to National Foods thank you so much for helping us to go and represent our nation at the African Championship.

“The only way to say thank you is by bringing good results,” said Kwangwa.

The team will be under the guidance of Ropafadzo Mutsauki, in the absence of Lloyd Makunde, who is attending a Zimbabwe Olympic Committee workshop for elite coaches.

Following the retirement of seasoned players such as Perpetua Siyachitema, shooter Pauline Jani and defender Rudo Karume after the World Cup, Mutsauki has roped in some new faces.

The trio of Joice Takaidza, Progress Moyo and Sharleen Makusha were expected to join the other players yesterday.

Final Team

Felistus Kwangwa (captain), Beverly Chipadza, Queens Sigauke, Sharleen Makusha, Claris Kwaramba, Lorraine Manjoro, Patricia Mauladi, Ursula Ndlovu, Sharon Bwanali, Joice Takaidza, Progress Moyo, Tatenda Dziva, Linda Nkorongo.

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DUBAI. — The World T20 Qualifiers have been hit by a corruption scandal just days before it starts, with the captain and two senior cricketers of the host team, UAE, charged by the ICC with 13 counts of breaching their anti-corruption rules.

Mohammad Naveed, Shaiman Anwar and right-arm paceman Qadeer Ahmed have been provisionally suspended with immediate effect. Mehardeep Chhayakar, who has participated in cricket in Ajman, has also been charged with multiple breaches of the anti-corruption code.

The players have been charged with attempts to corrupt games at the World T20 qualifiers themselves, which begin tomorrow with the UAE in action.

Qadeer, the 33-year-old who has played 11 ODIs and 10 T20Is for UAE, the charges were for “failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches, or invitations received, to engage in conduct that would amount to Corrupt Conduct under the Code.”

This relates to the UAE tour of Zimbabwe, which the Gulf nation suffered a 0-4 whitewash in April this year, and the UAE tour of the Netherlands for a T20I series in August 2019.

The UAE powered to a 4-0 clean sweep in the Netherlands. Qadeer is being charged for “disclosing inside information to Mehar Chhayakar in August 2019 in circumstances where he knew or should have known that the information might be used for betting purposes.” He is also accused of “failing or refusing to cooperate with an investigation being carried out by the ACU in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code”; and “obstructing or delaying an ACU investigation including by concealing information that may be relevant to that investigation.”

Naveed had been stood down as captain of the UAE and removed from the squad earlier this week, replaced by Ahmed Raza, the 31-year-old left-arm spinner.

Both Naveed and Anwar were charged with “contriving, or being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of matches in the upcoming ICC World T20 Qualifiers 2019.”

The four players now have 14 days from October 16, to respond to the charges. — Cricinfo.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

FIVE local professional golfers will go into today’s National Aids Council Pro-Am golf tournament final round tied as leaders at one-under-par 71 at Chapman.

The annual tournament teed off yesterday with 40 professionals taking part.

The purse money is over $100 000.

NAC are hosting the National Golf Day, which incorporate professionals and amateurs, for the fourth year now.

They are trying to raise funds for five cervical cancer screening machines.

Top golfers Brian Gondo, Tongo Charamba, Nyasha Muyambo, Trynos Muradzikwa and Tafara Mpofu are all tied on one-under-71 going into today’s round.

Gondo has, of late, been playing some tournaments in South Africa while Charamba finished as the runner-up at the Uganda Open.

Mpofu, who recently turned professional, is also gaining the much-needed exposure and experience by taking part in several Open tournaments within the region.

Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association president Garry Thompson is on sixth position on level par 72.

Thompson did well in the Platinum Classic where he finished in the top five.

Former Falcon Golf Club member Rogers Jack, who missed several tournaments through disciplinary issues, is making a comeback.

He shot a two-over par going into today’s round.

Jack is tied with Jack Allard, who is playing his first professional tournament, and Malawian Paul Chibale on seventh place.

Bulawayo-based Allard turned professional on Tuesday, a few days after representing the nation at the All-Africa Championship in Mauritius where he was the team captain.

Thompson said the turnout was encouraging.

“We are having great golf from the boys and having five red numbers on the leaderboard speaks volumes of the competitiveness,’’ he said.

‘’We have a good field of over 40 professionals who are taking part in the fourth edition of this tournament.

“It is also good to see some youngsters coming on board and doing well at the big stage and you can see Allard and Mpofu have done well.’’

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Collin Matiza Sports Editor

THE Donnybrook Park race track in Harare will explode into life this Sunday as Zimbabwe’s fastest racers contest the final round of the 2019 Zimbabwe National Championships.

Although some of the main circuit racing drivers have already clinched their class titles, there are still several trophies up for grabs, most notably in the Unlimited Saloon Car class.

Jim Perry has powered his Turbo BMW into a slender two-point lead over his teammate Hamish Perry despite not winning a single heat this year.

Those wins have been shared by Cole Bond (Mazda RX8), Richard Robinson (Toyota Supra), Darren Winterboer (BMW M4) and Hamish Perry (BMW Turbo), but Jim has consistently placed himself on the podium in all the heats and his clever driving is reflected in his points lead.

He will feel that he needs to up his game on Sunday though, as two second places will not be enough to defend his lead against his son Hamish.

He will need to push for at least one win.

With Turbo Solutions Africa sponsoring this race meeting, their Msasa workshops in Harare have been busy preparing the team race cars, as well as assisting with advice and time on other driver’s cars.

Team leader Mano Zevgolis has been uncatchable in his Castrol Honda in the 2000cc class, but his late start to the season has handed an unassailable lead to Bulawayo driver Calvin Rademeyer in his VW Polo, with the similar Polo of Darren Pragji running a close third.

Similarly, Steve Murton’s early season form in his Toyota Corolla has resulted in his already being crowned the National 1600cc Champion.

Mike Laing has been the only driver to beat Murton all year, but a catastrophic engine failure has left the Harare driver with a lot of work to do before Sunday’s race.

Bob Beaver’s 1275cc Mini has been a crowd favourite all year, but he has been relentlessly hunted down by the 1400cc Datsun driven by Shaun Kerwin.

Only one point separates the two drivers, so the maths is simple — whoever wins on Sunday will take home the 1400cc National Title.

Sports Cars will also be on track on Sunday, and although Mike Exton has put together a string of six wins to take a solid lead in the championship, no fewer than four drivers will be fighting for 2nd place in the title race.

The father and son team of John and Brett Cameron currently sandwich Ryan van Reenen, with Des Morris only two points behind, and, with 20 points on offer this weekend, Brett’s runner-up position is far from safe.

The Superbikes will also be adding noise and drama to the weekend spectacle, and although Doug Mellor’s Yamaha cannot catch Warren Thorne’s Kawasaki in the championship, that won’t stop him trying to win the races.

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ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, remained in Dubai to deal with the logistics related to the resumption of funding for the country’s second biggest sporting discipline.

This follows the lifting of the suspension, which had been imposed on Zimbabwe Cricket, by the International Cricket Council leadership at their board meeting on Monday.

The ICC had frozen all funding to ZC, after the suspension on alleged government interference, in the wake of the Sports Commission’s decision to suspend the board led by Mukuhlani.

This virtually left domestic cricket in limbo with players and staff not being paid for three months.

However, the funding is now set to resume.

“Funding to Zimbabwe Cricket will continue to be on a controlled basis as part of a collective effort behind getting the game in Zimbabwe back on an even keel,” the ICC said in a statement.

Mukuhlani remained in Dubai to work out the logistics which will now see the players and staff getting a relief as they receive salaries for the first time in months.

Players like Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza welcomed the ICC decision.

And, it appears, it was also a popular decision across the global cricket family.

“The concrete news emerging from yesterday’s ICC meeting in Dubai, most notably the lifting of Nepal’s membership together with that of Zimbabwe, was universally positive,” Betrus de Jong wrote on Cricbuzz yesterday.

“Beyond the restoration of Zimbabwe and Nepal’s membership, the notable news emerging from the meeting was the ICC’s stated ambition to increase the number of flagship global events to one per year for both the men’s and women’s games, looking to put on eight men’s events and eight women’s events over the course of an eight-year cycle, as well as four U19 events for each.

“Equally notable was the suggestion that allocation of hosting rights would move toward a more open bidding model, hinting that the monopoly that England, Australia and India currently hold may not be permanent.

“Other decisions included abolition of the boundary count-back rule in case of a tied Super Over at ICC events, an increase in prize money for flagship women’s tournaments, and the reappointment of Indra Nooyi as independent director for another two-year term.

“Of rather more direct relevance for Associates was the approval of the US$30.5 million revenue distribution to Associate Members for 2020, ticking up by 12% on 2019 as the new competition structure goes into full swing.

“Malaysia and Uganda were confirmed as hosts for the second rounds of Challenge Leagues A and B respectively, the former scheduled to be in the third week of March at Kuala Lumpur, and the latter starting in late July at Kampala.

“Nepal and Zimbabwe coming in from the cold, the latter after a suspension of three months, the former provisionally reinstated after over three years in limbo, was widely expected on both counts.

“Naturally, the announcement has been broadly welcomed in both countries, though in Zimbabwe as sense of relief is matched by a degree of pessimistic resignation.

“The lifting of the suspension comes too late for Zimbabwe to contest the T20 World Cup Qualifiers which begin this week in the UAE, Nigeria having been invited to take their place as the third African nation.” — Sports Reporter/CricBuzz

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Pretoria — SuperSport United have opened talks with coach Kaitano Tembo over an improved contract after the mentor led the club to MTN8 title two weeks ago.

Tembo is in the final year of a two-year contract‚ which has an option to renew‚ and United’s football manager Stan Matthews said the former Zimbabwean international defender had strengthened his case for an improved offer after the club beat Highlands Park 1-0 to win the trophy at Orlando Stadium.

“We are in discussions with him about a two-year extension‚” Matthews confirmed.

“I think we all know that what happened to Eric Tinkler after he won the MTN8.

“No one wants to get ahead of himself, but Kaitano delivered us a trophy and every coach who delivers us a trophy will be offered an improved or an extended contract.

“Kaitano will be no different.”

Matthews is confident he will find common ground with Tembo during the negotiations.

“I am pretty confident that he will get a contract extension and hopefully we will wrap that up by the end of the year‚” he said.

“At the beginning of his tenure‚ he signed a two plus two contract with us and this is his second year.

“He has earned (the right) to be offered an extension and we would like to improve it‚ but everything is in his hands.”

The MTN8 final appearance was the second for Tembo since he took over the club’s coaching job and Matthews said he is being rewarded for his hard work.

“I am delighted that he has won his first trophy as a coach and this one has a special feel to it‚” he said.

“Inasmuch as we won trophies with seven coaches‚ he has been with us the longest.

“He was truly groomed because if you remember the amount of time it took Pitso (Mosimane) from being an assistant to a head coach was short compared to Kaitano. He started from the bottom until he eventually became an assistant coach.

“He worked his way through the ranks‚ he prepared himself within our environment and that’s what makes us very special.

“To have a coach who is still with you 20 years later‚ is not by accident.

“He has built himself up and we are proud of him. “He won trophies with our other six coaches and it gives us confidence that the foundations of this club are strong.” — Sowetan

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