Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Gems finally left for Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday on the day the Africa Netball Cup got underway with uncertainty surrounding their opening encounter. The Gems’ game against Uganda was moved to 8pm yesterday, but the team were only expected to arrive in Cape Town at about 9pm.

They failed to travel on Thursday due to chaotic planning that saw the Zimbabwe Netball Association failing to secure funding on time.

The team’s trip to South Africa only materialised after the intervention by National Foods, through their brand Pearlenta Instant Porridge, who availed a $250 000 sponsorship package.
Zimbabwe were drawn in Pool B alongside Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
However, Tanzania are no longer taking part in the tournament.

Pool A consist of hosts South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Lesotho.
Ropafadzo Mutsauki is in charge of this campaign as Lloyd Makunde is attending a sport ethics-coaches workshop being held by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

“We are going there to play good netball and we need results, but the challenge we are facing is fatigue,’’ said Mutsauki.
“What’s important is teamwork and combination. This team has been together for some time.
“The team was at the World Cup and most of the players we have called up to beef up the team, only two are new.’’
Makunde dismissed reports that he has been sacked as the head coach of the Gems.

“It’s not true, I am actually attending a workshop on behalf of the national team itself and the national association,’’ he said.
“I am still in the structures . . . I have never done the course, so I am actually there now.
“I have come to realise that it’s worthwhile to attend and it’s not bad that the assistant coach goes with the team, it’s something which is good for me and the team as well.’’

Zina had released a statement on Thursday saying the game against Uganda had been rescheduled to be the last game for both teams in the tournament.

They said the national association’s president Leticia Chipandu notified the organisers of the delay regarding the team’s travelling arrangements.

“The Zimbabwe Netball Association president Mrs Chipandu has made the African Netball Association aware of this, and consequently, the Zimbabwe versus Uganda game has been re-scheduled to the last game for both teams in the tournament.

“We are very grateful to the African Netball Association for understanding our situation and to Uganda for agreeing to this rescheduling,” read part of the statement.

According to an updated fixture released yesterday morning, Zimbabwe were set to play Uganda at 8pm.

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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
THE country’s top motor racing drivers and bikers converge at the home of local motorsport — Donnybrook Park in Harare tomorrow for the main circuit racing season-ending Turbo Solutions Africa Race Day.

This year has seen the organisers of main circuit racing successfully hosting their National Championship race meetings either at Donnybrook or in Bulawayo despite the current economic challenges in the country.
The events have been well supported by the local motorsport enthusiasts.

Temba Mazvimbakupa of Motorsport Zimbabwe said tomorrow promises to be another fun-filled day at Donnybrook as most of the country’s top drivers and bikers have already confirmed their participation at the event.

Mazvimbakupa has also urged the country’s motorsport enthusiasts to come to Donnybrook in their thousands tomorrow.
“This is the final main circuit race meeting at Donnybrook for the 2019 season, and we are expecting a huge competitor and spectator turn out to end a very successful season.

“Motorsport is growing in stature in Zimbabwe, thanks to all the sponsors, officials and spectators who have made this possible.

“We also have dedicated organisers and competitors who have been giving their all in terms of seeing that motor racing does not die a natural death in Zimbabwe and that is why we have been able to successfully host these race meetings in Harare and Bulawayo despite the harsh economic climate,” Mazvimbakupa said.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
ARTWELL MANDAZA, the greatest sprinter to emerge from Zimbabwe, who once ran a world-record equalling 9,9 seconds in the 100m, has died. He was 73.

His son, Durai confirmed the death.

The Sports and Recreation Commission yesterday led the nation in mourning the iconic sprint star.

The “Mhangura Meteor”, as Mandaza was affectionately known, rose to fame in 1970 when he ran a world record-equalling time of 9,9s in the 100 metres at the South African Bantu Championships in Welkom.

Although not recognised, that time was the world’s joint fastest along that of Cuba’s Pablo Montes.

But the official best time attached to the Zimbabwean in the 100m was 10,2s which put him as the 11th fastest athlete in the world in the same year.

He was voted the Sportsperson of the Year that very year, becoming the first black person to win the honour. This is the same year he broke the 100m, 200m and 400m records.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness and sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of one of our greatest athletes ever to emerge from our beloved country Atwell Mandaza, who passed on earlier today (yesterday),’’ SRC director-general Prince Mupazviriho said.

“Artwell made an indelible mark during his era in the pre-Independence period where he distinguished himself as a highly-talented athlete who went on to become a sprint specialist and a champion of that time.

“Artwell, though he was retired, was one of the first inductees of the Zimbabwe National Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 alongside such other athletes like George “Mastermind” Shaya, Nick Price, Dave Houghton, among others.

“This was in recognition of his immense contribution to the role that he played in athletics and sport in general.

“The sport sector and, in particular, athletics is now poorer without Artwell, as it had gained immensely from his experience and exposure over the years.

“On behalf of the SRC, we would like to convey our deep sympathies to his family, beloved ones and the athletics family at large.

“May his dear departed soul rest and anchor in eternal peace. We shall forever cherish his contributions to the growth and development of athletics in Zimbabwe.”

Mandaza, born January 4, 1946, never took athletics seriously until he was 20 when Mhangura Mine coach Dave Klinker spotted him.

In 1972, Mandaza was sent for an attachment in Germany and qualified for the Olympics held in Munich.

Unfortunately, politics put paid to his dreams of participating in Munich as Zimbabwe was excluded from the fiesta following a vote by the International Olympic Committee.

One of the episodes Mandaza will be remembered for was when he was involved in a race against a horse at Borrowdale Race Course in 1983.

Interestingly, by then, he had already quit active athletics and coaching at Trojan Mine when he decided to race Hi Chester, a juvenile champion.

Hi Chester was ridden by Gordon Whyte and the event also acted as a fundraiser for Team Zimbabwe headed for the Los Angeles Olympics the following year.

The event was well attended with government dignitaries led by then Youth, Sport and Culture Minister Simba Makoni.

Former National Amateur Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Robert Mutsauki described Mandaza as an athlete-par-excellence.

“He mentored me personally. I still remember that when I did my first coaching course, he took me under his own roof in Bindura where I stayed with his family while he mentored me,” said Mutsauki.

“He was, by far one of, if not the most polished personality in our sporting fraternity. We have lost an icon. May his soul rest in eternal peace “Our prayers are with his family and the whole sporting fraternity.”

Mutsauki recalls, in particular, when he and his board had to put their weight behind Mandaza to retain his post as the athletics coach ahead of the All-Africa Games in Zimbabwe in 1995.

Then, the board was under pressure to relieve him of his post and appoint a Cuban mentor.

But in the Games, where Mandaza was bestowed with the honour of lighting the opening flame, the icon went on to lead his athletics team to seven medals (a gold, two silver and four bronze).

Mourners are gathered at his rural home in Nzvimbo, Chiweshe.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
LEADING professional golfer, Scott Vincent, made the cut again at the Mercuries Taiwan Open at Taiwan Golf Club in the Asian Tour at the weekend.

The former Chapman Golf Club member was part of the 121-player field and finished in 19th place.

Vincent had rounds of 72 and 74 before he rounded off the final two rounds with scores of 72 and 71.

The 26-year-old pocketed US$9 427.50 for his efforts.

He finished tied with Khalin Joshi, Miguel Carballo and Kosuke Hanamoto at the course that proved quite challenging for many of the golfers.

Vincent is now ranked eighth on the current order of merit with earnings of US$251 643.84 from 11 events he has taken part so far this season.

He is one of the top contenders every week and came close to getting his breakthrough Asian Tour win at the Shinhan Donghae Open two weeks ago.

He finished third.

Vincent needed to finish no worse than third for a chance to qualify for the WGC-HSBC Champions.

Defending champion Adison da Silva finished second to winner Yongcharoenchai Suradit of Thailand who took home US$180 000.

The Mercuries Taiwan Masters is the longest running full-field event on the Asian Tour, having been part of the schedule since 2004.

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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Gems registered their third win at the Africa Netball Cup when they beat Zambia 57-51 in a close-contest yesterday at Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town, South Africa.

The Gems are hoping for a top four finish at the show-piece and they picked two important points yesterday although Zambia gave them a good run for their money in game that could have gone either way.

The match started on an even pattern with the first quarter ending 14-13 in favour of Zimbabwe before the Gems upped their game to take a 10-goal lead by half time.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s goal shooter Joice Takaidza had to be stretched off the court mid-way through the second quarter after she landed awkwardly.

Linda Nkorongo took over.

Takaidza, however, returned in the fourth quarter.

Although Zimbabwe emerged winners, they lacked consistency yesterday and allowed Zambia to erase the deficit.

Zambia were trailing by seven goals going into the last quarter.

But a good fighting spirit by the Gems saw them snatching their third victory, which was important if they are to, at least, finish on fourth position at the tournament.

Zimbabwe had hoped for a top three finish but the game against Uganda, which they missed has had a negative effect on their campaign.

The Gems will conclude the competition with a tie against Malawi, who are also a good side.

Speaking to SuperSport after the game, Ropafadzo Mutsauki said she was pleased with the team’s performance and is looking forward to today’s game against Malawi.

“First of all, I am very happy with the play of the team, they played as a team and they managed to utilise our chances, they played (a) slow game but they tried to make sure every chance they get they utilised.

“It was a strategy we used . . . we take more time with the ball and we tried to avoid them to score two goals in advantage so it was a plan.

“I think we will do better (in the) next game because Malawi is a good side. So, we will try by all means to play our usual game against them,” said Mutsauki.

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
GIANTS CAPS United have a lot of emotional baggage to deal with ahead of the top-of-the-table clash against title contenders Chicken Inn at Barbourfields tomorrow.

The last few days have been particularly bad for the Premiership log leaders, who are riding on a five-point cushion at the summit with eight games remaining.

One of their most influential players, Method Mwanjali, picked up an injury that ruled him out for the season.

Then their coach Darlington Dodo lost his son in a road accident at the weekend.

They also have two other players unavailable because of injury and suspension.

The Green Machine family yesterday spent the better part of the day with the Dodo family for the burial of the late Don Dodo at the Zororo Memorial Park.

Dodo confounded critics after taking over from his former boss, Lloyd Chitembwe, who shifted base to Harare City two months ago.

While their opponents have been dropping points, Makepekepe are currently on a four-match winning streak which has helped gather momentum in the homestretch.

The least, they had wanted at the moment was anything to disrupt their positive spirits.

It was not clear yesterday if Dodo would travel to Bulawayo for the match against Chicken Inn but indications were that he would not be part of the cast.

Kudzai Nyamupfukudza is nursing an injury while Valentine Musarurwa has been suspended for the top-of-the-table league clash against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields tomorrow because of yellow cards.

CAPS United need to cement their place at the summit.

However, the absence of the defensive players could also be a potential source of headaches for the technical team.

“Of course, we have to remain focused, we haven’t lost sight of the mission. But it’s been a difficult week for us,’’ said a club official.

“Things were happening one after another and it’s emotionally taxing for anyone to be in such a situation.

“The coach is devastated by the death of his son and the normal thing is that he should take some days off but it’s all up to him if he feels he needs to be part of the team in Bulawayo.

“We also have injured players like Kudzi (Nyamupfukudza) who is set for an x-ray.’’

Chicken Inn are in third place but have fallen seven points off the mark.

Makepekepe have 50 points while the Gamecocks have 43 and are desperate to close the gap.

Defending champions FC Platinum are the closet rivals on 45 points.

They take on Dynamos at Rufaro.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab), Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro), ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga), Chicken Inn v CAPS United (Barbourfields)

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OITA. — Eddie Jones believes England have the weapons to upset New Zealand in this coming weekend’s Rugby World Cup semi-final — as long as his players are not dazzled by the All Blacks’ stardust.

England are daring to dream in Japan after smashing Australia 40-16 in Oita, but Jones knows his side have a mountain to climb in the shape of treble-chasing New Zealand when the heavyweights clash in Yokohama.

“You always want to play the best and they are the best — no one can dispute that,” said the Australian.

“You want to be the best in the world, you have to beat the best,” added Jones.

“New Zealand are a great team with a great coach and a great captain, but like any team they are beatable.

“But I think what happens is you become part of the show,” he warned, pointing to the aura of invincibility built up by the All Blacks, who destroyed Ireland 46-14 in the quarter-finals and are unbeaten in a World Cup match since 2007.

“You watch — I thought that happened (with) Ireland. They really only got stuck in when the game was lost. Against any of the best teams, you have to go hard from the start. That’s going to be important for us.”

England were edged 16-15 by New Zealand at a rain-soaked Twickenham last November in their only meeting since Jones took charge following the 2015 World Cup debacle under his predecessor, Stuart Lancaster.

But after reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 12 years, England’s players are on the cusp of greatness, according to Jones.

“The reason I took this job is because I saw a team that could be great,” he said.

https://www.herald.co.zw/all-blacks-beatable-jones/ “We’ve got to look at it as almost a one-off game rather than try to link it to past performances.”— AFP.

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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S sprinter Panashe Majuru is fancying his chances of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after wrapping up his season in the United Kingdom.

He is attached to Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club.

Majuru, who returned home towards the end of last month after spending close to three months in the UK training and competing under Birchfield Harriers, said his attachment to the club has helped him improve his performances.

He posted several positive results as he ran his personal best times in both the 400m and 400m hurdles.

He is back home where he has just started training at the University of Zimbabwe with the aim of qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games.

Majuru is still attached to Birchfield Harriers until next August and is working using the programmes he gets from his UK-based coach Joseph Caines.

“Now, my plan is to train for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. I have already started my training,’’ he said.

“I started on Friday, so I will be training here at UZ preparing for the Olympics to represent Zimbabwe.

“I am just working with my coach from the UK, he is just sending me programmes on what to do and what not to do.”

The former Prince Edward School pupil said his stay in the UK helped him understand himself better and identify the areas he needs to work on.

“My coach said I didn’t have strength and speed endurance, so he started working on that.

“So it shows that the workouts I used to do here were more to do with just speed only, I didn’t deal with speed endurance and strength.

“When you are running 400m hurdles, it’s a race for stamina and you need to have strength and speed endurance.

“I am not saying that the training I was doing here was weak but I would like to say I only trained for a month when I was in England and I just started improving.

“I was happy with the way I was training and my programme had changed and I now understood my body as an athlete.

“If I have more time for base work, it’s easier for me to run fast times next year because I know I would have done proper base work with quality training and quality gym,” said Majuru.

Apart from the training programmes he is getting from Caines, he is also being helped by his former coaches David Tinago and Keegan Cooke. Majuru has dropped the 110m hurdles for now just to focus on the 400m and 400m hurdles.

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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
A TEENAGE Zimbabwean footballer, Cedric Dube, collapsed during a league match in Bulawayo on Sunday and died.

He was 18 and was playing for Division Three side Talen Vision.

Cedric was a student at Mpopoma High School.

He collapsed during a league match between his team and Bulawayo City at the Barbourfields B Arena on Sunday.

The footballer was in the middle of writing his Ordinary Level examinations and had already sat for two subjects out of the seven he had registered.

Dube played for the ambitious Talen Vision, a Division Three side in the Bulawayo Province, which serves as the feeder to the Division One club.

He collapsed and died during the match.

As fate would have it, the utility player, who commanded a first team place in the team, arrived late for the match.

His coach advised him he would have to start from the bench. Dube was introduced in the second half, but after only 10 minutes on the pitch, he collapsed and landed on his face.

He was alone at the time, unmarked.

Medics from both teams rushed to try and help him and, sensing the seriousness of the condition, they instructed the player be rushed to the hospital.

Dube was taken to Mpilo Hospital by the Talen Vision team manager’s car as it was going to take longer to call an ambulance.

Mpilo Hospital is close to Barbourfields, but the player was, unfortunately, pronounced dead upon arrival. Post-mortem results have since ruled the death was due to an asthmatic attack.

His grandfather, Caleb Sibanda, who raised him from the age of seven months, said he was treated for asthma when he was still a boy.

“He left home as usual to go and play a match, but he didn’t even play for more than 10 minutes. He appeared like he got a cramp and fell down.

“Two days before the fateful day, I heard him coughing, but he said he was okay. His grandmother offered some pills, but he said he was okay and it did not require that.

“He was diagnosed with asthma when he was still a young boy, but he was treated and was fine. Even when he featured for Mpopoma at the NASH tournament in Marondera,he never complained of any discomfort,” he said.

Sibanda said the family was in shock that the budding footballer met his death this way.

“I started looking after this boy when he was only seven months old because my daughter had other twin children to look after,’’ he said.

“So, we decided, together with my wife, that it was better to take good care of him.

“He was now 18 years and I was looking forward to the day he would also look after me.

“The family is very sad, no death is easy, but honestly, this has shaken the family.’’

Talen Vision operations manager Brian Moyo, who is closely working with the family during the bereavement, said the players and club officials had all been shattered.

“The players collapsed when they heard the news. We have a group of young players, so you can imagine everything unfolding in their eyes.

“He had a cousin in the team, and this has been difficult on every one.

“He was in the middle of his examinations. He was a versatile young player, who was comfortable in different positions, but had grown so much in the centre half position and was in the Under-20 team,” said Moyo. The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe paid tribute to the player on their Twitter page.

“We were saddened to hear of the passing of Talen Vision Division 3 player Cedric Dube. “Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” tweeted FUZ.

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LONDON. — Tottenham’s miserable start to the season shows little sign of improving quickly, but prior to Red Star Belgrade’s visit tonight, Spurs can take some solace from the fact they are in a better position in the Champions League football than they were 12 months ago.

Defeats to Inter Milan and Barcelona saw them travel to PSV Eindhoven for what manager Mauricio Pochettino described as a “must-win”. After a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands, Pochettino admitted his side’s Champions League campaign was “nearly over.”

Yet, eight months later, the Argentine had led Tottenham to their first ever Champions League final. The hangover from defeat to Liverpool in that final in Madrid has been long and sobering. Spurs have won just three of their opening 12 games in all competitions this season. Chances of a first trophy under Pochettino in the League Cup have already gone after an embarrassing exit on penalties to fourth-tier Colchester and they are already five points off the pace just for a place in the Premier League’s top four.

However, Pochettino admitted that the most damaging defeat of all came last time out in the Champions League, when Bayern Munich ran riot in the second-half to leave London 7-2 winners.

Champions League Fixtures

Today: Shakhtar Donetsk v Dinamo Zagreb (Metalist Stadium 6:55pm); Atletico Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen (Wanda Metropolitano 6:55pm); Juventus v Lokomotiv Moscow (Allianz Stadium 9pm); Manchester City v Atalanta (Etihad Stadium 9pm); Club Brugge v Paris SG (Jan Breydel Stadion 9pm); Olympiacos v Bayern Munchen (Karaiskakis Stadium 9pm); Tottenham Hotspur v Red Star Belgrade (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 9pm) Galatasaray v Real Madrid (Turk Telekom Arena 9pm).— AFP.

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
SPAIN is becoming a favourite entry point into Europe for many young Zimbabwean football players.

Another prodigy, Eddington Gwindi, yesterday joined the track after he was invited for trials by Spanish lower division side Terrassa FC.

Gwindi is a product of Harare-based Friendly Football Academy who took Zimbabwe international Marshall Munetsi to South Africa four years ago.

The former Watershed student is expected to be in the European country for the next month.

Terrassa FC are based in Barcelona and play in the Tercera Division which ranks as the Spanish fourth tier.

This is the same division where Zimbabwe Under-23 goalkeeper Martin Mapisa is plying his trade with a club called Velez.

One of the Friendly Football Academy directors, Patridge Muskwe, said Gwindi was a talented 21-year-old left-back.

“We are happy that one of our players has been invited for trials. He is such a good player and I am sure he will acquit himself well.

“Eddy has been with us since the age of 13 and we have seen him developing into a player that he is today.

“I think he is one of the best left-footers that we have had at the academy.

“We have been in contact with these guys from Spain for some time so they decided to have a closer look at him,” said Muskwe.

Gwindi left for Spain yesterday and is expected to get down to business from tomorrow. Unfortunately, he had to travel alone because the invitation came at a short notice and the Academy could not raise enough money for air tickets for an official to accompany him.

Spain is becoming a favourite destination with many young players.

Apart from Mapisa, there is also midfielder Abubakar Moffat.

Goalkeeper Panashe Kazamba also had a trial with Spain’s Segunda Division (Second Division) side Malaga this year.

Muskwe said two other Friendly Football Academy players — Tafadzwa Samuriwo and Innocent Manhangira — were also in line for trials in Europe.

The post Another football prodigy Eddington for Spain appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

The local sporting family yesterday woke up to the heart-breaking news of the death of athletics legend Artwell Mandaza, who died at his rural home in Chiweshe.

By Sports Reporter

The former sprinter died at the age of 73.

His demise comes barely four years after his wife passed away.

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) announced the passing on of the former athletics great, who once clocked a world record equalling 9,9 seconds in a 100-metre race at the South African Bantu Championships at Welkom in 1970.

“It is with deep sense of sadness and sorrow that we have received the news of the passing on of one of our greatest ever athlete ever to emerge from our beloved country Artwell Mandaza, who passed on earlier today. Mandaza made an indelible mark during the pre-independence era, where he distinguished himself as a highly talented athlete who went on to become a sprint specialist and champion of that time. Artwell though he was retired, was one of the first inductees of the Zimbabwe National Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, alongside such other athletes like George “The Mastermind” Shaya, Nick Price, Dave Houghton, among others. This was in recognition of his immense contribution to the role he played in athletics and sport in general,” SRC said in a statement.

“The sport sector, in particular athletics, is now poorer without Artwell as it had gained immensely from his experience and exposure over the years. On behalf of the SRC, we would like to convey our deep sympathies to his family, beloved ones and the athletics family at large. May his dear departed soul rest and anchor in eternal peace. We shall forever cherish his contributions to the growth and development of athletics in Zimbabwe.”

The powerful-striding sprinter from then Mangula Mine, now known as Mhangura, rose to stardom before the country’s independence by becoming the fastest man in Rhodesia.

He held national records in 100m (10,3secs), 200m (20,8secs) 400m (46,8secs) and 400m hurdles (52,18secs) from 1969 to 1976.

On the world map, he was ranked among the world’s top 100 on six occasions.

For his dazzling efforts, Mandaza was chosen as the nation’s Sportsman of the Year for 1970 and was also presented with the John Hopley Memorial Trophy to make him the first African to be honoured as the country’s supreme sportsman.

Sadly, he never competed at the Olympic Games.

The post Athletics legend Mandaza dies appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor

KHAMA BILLIAT has joined the bandwagon of Zimbabwe international footballers who are using their privileged positions, as well-paid professional sports stars, to give back to communities back home.

Nyasha Mushekwi has already splashed US$120 000 on a brand new state-of-the-art bus for his former local club, CAPS United, for the Green Machine to use as their team bus.

Midfielder Marshall Munetsi took on board over 60 children under his wing in Mabvuku, where he grew up, and will pay school fees for all of them.

The project will be run under the fledgling Marshall Munetsi Foundation.

Billiat, the 29-year-old Kaizer Chiefs forward, yesterday announced the launch of the “Khama Billiat Foundation,’’ which he says will try to contribute to society by positively impacting on the lives that matter.

The announcement sent Twitter exploding with a number of people congratulating the football star for his initiative.

“Welcome to the Khama Billiat Foundation,’’ Billiat announced on Twitter. “Our vision is to contribute to society by positively impacting on the lives that matter.

“Our mission is to make our foundation a vehicle to changing the lives of the less unfortunate through sports tournaments, donations and fundraising.’’

Billiat has in the past been criticised, by some analysts, for his colourful lifestyle, which plays out on social media, where he is accused of having a taste of life’s fine tastes, including investing in some of the most expensive vehicles around.

The same people, without giving him a chance to defend himself or to clear the air, said they would rather see him investing in such things like property. However, the latest initiative by one of the Zimbabwe’s best footballers at the moment, whose superb goal helped the country avoid the ignominy of crashing out of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers at the preliminary stage at the hands of Somalia, is set to change all that.

It shows Billiat has a heart, to help the less fortunate members of society, and he is prepared to make a difference in their lives through a number of initiatives.

Scores of people took to Twitter yesterday to congratulate Billiat for the move with one company even offering to partner the foundation.

“We are IsaDi, a proudly African owned sports brand. We would love to get on board by aligning ourselves with your programme to supply and sponsor kits and off-field apparel,’’ the company said.

“We 100% black youth owned sports brand. Proudly For Africa By Africans.’’

Recently, Billiat’s Warriors teammate, Munetsi, revealed that the tough ghetto life during his youth taught him some priceless lessons about love and giving back to the less privileged members of society.

Munetsi moved from the South African Premiership into the French Ligue 1 at the start of the season and has been running the foundation with the assistance of his close friend Munya Wayne Tembo, who does all the work on the ground.

“Growing up in Avondale and Mabvuku helped me realise a lot of things and how hard it is, especially living in the ghetto where there are less privileged people,’’ Munetsi told The Herald.

“It’s a challenge for kids to get a better education when they can’t go to school because of (lack of) finances. So, the idea has always been there, but I was waiting for the right time to start it.

“I’m glad it has been possible with the help of a friend and a brother Munya Tembo.”

The foundation paid school fees for 30 primary school children in Mabvuku before they spread their wings by adding 30 more pupils from his former school — Donnybrook Primary School.

“It’s always good to see the kids happy and to see people in my own community happy as they saw me grow to be the person I am today with help from most of them,’’ said Munetsi.

“As a Christian, I was taught in the Bible that the greatest thing we can use as children of God is love and to love one another, to share whatever we have and in love.

“So, my motivation is love, it needs to be shared to everyone regardless of who they are and where they come from.

“I feel the need to empower kids to choose the course of their lives and future from a point of strength, not desperation.

“Education is key to everything we do in life, and when you are educated, there are greater chances you will have a better life and it helps you to make the best decisions in life.

“The foundation is something that is going to grow big by God’s Grace to different aspects and those will be seen in the future once everything is done.’’

Mushekwi, who played alongside Munetsi and Billiat for the Warriors at the 2019 AFCON finals, set the ball rolling when he announced the assembling of the US$120 000 specially-customised 45-seater passenger bus, which he bought for his old club CAPS United, had now been completed.

He said the luxury coach was now expected to be delivered to the Green Machine once its branding had been completed in South Africa.

The Zimbabwe international striker, who turned 32 last month, acquired the luxury bus as a token of appreciation for the role CAPS United played in his career as a professional footballer. The acquisition of the bus came exactly 10 years to the year Mushekwi left the Green Machine.

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LONDON. — Derek Chisora’s eyes light up and his voice suddenly goes high.

He is cooing over a new-born calf.

Welcome to the farm — this is the unlikely solace for the Zimbabwe-born heavyweight hero, the controversial but beloved stalwart of the British boxing scene.

It is completely bizarre to learn that the great outdoors, on this farm, is Chisora’s happy place.

When he isn’t flipping tables, angering officials or dishing out beatings, he is here on the farm.

Often alone, except for the animals which he looks after.

And. on this occasion, he is caring for the latest addition to the family, the calf, which he immediately visits to deliver a loving caress.

This is a side to the man known as “War” that has never been seen before.

He looks the part, too, wearing wellies, gloves and a farmers’ jacket.

He is, admittedly, the only farmer who adds a “War Chisora” snapback and a bandana to the traditional look.

So how did this become a thing?

How did a dangerous heavyweight contender discover a love for agriculture?

“When I’m here, when the gate closes, I shut off. I shut off from everything,” Chisora says.

“You don’t look at your phone, when you’re here. It’s the only place where you won’t look at your phone.”

Chisora is typically mysterious but life on the farm is nothing new for him.

He has cows, sheep, Shetland ponies, horses (which he knows how to ride) and two reindeers. The sheep know their master has arrived because, to break the silence of the countryside, Chisora bellows “baaaa” at the top of his voice when he sees them.

He has a bag of apples when he arrives, and munches one himself while hand-feeding the rest to his cows.

Chisora lights up when explaining that a pig, contrary to its reputation, is actually the cleanest animal of them all.

The former world heavyweight title challenger rides motorbikes and quadbikes, and shoots clay pigeons, on this land which is a million miles from a boxing ring.

The farm helps his training, too.

He has been known to take natural ice baths in ponds during the winter.

He will retreat back to his peaceful solitude between monster sessions at David Haye’s gym.

Chisora’s manager Haye, for his part, is hilariously out of his comfort zone on his first visit to the farm. — Sky Sports.

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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter

FORMER Warriors skipper Knowledge Musona is expected to bounce back into the squad, to be announced by coach Joey Antipas today, for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.

The talismanic forward was overlooked for the World Cup preliminary round qualifier against Somalia. The Anderlecht forward subsequently lost his armband to Alec Mudimu.

But The Herald understands the former Kaizer Chiefs star will be part of the enlarged squad that has been selected by the Chicken Inn gaffer.

The team will first host Botswana on Friday November 15 before they take on Chipolopolo the following Tuesday in Zambia.

Zimbabwe are in Group H, which also features AFCON champions Algeria, and the Warriors will meet the Desert Foxes next year in August. The squad is also likely to include a handful of players who were either born in Europe or went there at a tender age.

They include defenders Tivonge Rushesha, who plays for Swansea City development side.

His family roots are in Wales.

Bury defender Douglas Nyaupembe, Kidderminster Harriers’ Cliff Moyo and Charlton Athletic forward Macauley Bonne are set to be named in the squad.

However, the British Brigade do not have valid documents required for this competition and will have to get Zimbabwean passports for them to feature in the two games.

Young Warriors goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who is based in Spain, is also likely to be named in the squad.

The coach has kept faith in Baroka’s Elvis Chipezeze and Dynamos’ Simba Chinani.

It appears the door, for now, remains shut for the duo of George Chigova and Edmore “Zikeeper” Sibanda, who played at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.

Antipas, who qualified for the 2020 CHAN finals over the weekend, following a 3-1 victory against Lesotho, is also likely to pick local based in the provisional squad.

They include in-form Highlanders forward Prince Dube, who led the scoring charts during the CHAN qualifiers, ZPC Kariba’s Ian Nekati, Kelvin Moyo, Partson Jaure and CAPS United winger Phineas Bamusi.

Some of the regular players such Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Khama Billiat, Golden Arrows’ Knox Mutizwa, the SuperSport United duo of Evans Rusike and Kuda Mahachi, Turkey-based Teenage Hadebe and Wales-based skipper Mudimu, are also part of the squad.

They are set to go into camp on November 11, when the FIFA date for November friendly or official matches begins. Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba also returns into the team’s fold after missing the Somalia tie as he was still settling at his new club.

He has caught the eye with solid performances at Villa.

Le Havre forward Tino Kadewere, who scored his 11th goal of the season last weekend, is also expected to make a return.

Leicester City forward, Admiral Muskwe, who was ruled out of the home tie against Somalia because of an injury sustained on the eve of the match, also makes the squad.

Crucially, for Antipas and his men, the two opening games will set the tone for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers which will be completed next year.

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Robert Mutsauki Special Correspondent

THE news of Artwell Mandaza’s untimely demise has been received with profound sadness and grief by all of us within the Zimbabwean athletics family.

The fact that we knew that our colleague had not been well for sometime does not make it any easier for us to accept this great loss.

Mandaza was a strong pillar in our sport over several decades — from being the most outstanding sprinter in this country, to a very successful coach and competent administrator.

The reason why he did not realise his full potential as an athlete can be put down to the fact that he was born “at the wrong time.”

He became a victim of the colonial era.

I got my first athletics coaching lessons from him in the mid-80s when I was still a sprinter competing in the colours of the ZRP Athletics Club.

I turned to him when I wanted to try my hand at coaching and he readily took me under his wing and roof when I stayed with him, and his family, in Bindura for a month learning the ropes.

This is when I really got to know and appreciate what a wonderful person Mandaza was away from the limelight of the athletics track.

He was down-to-earth and full of wisdom.

By the time I was awarded a scholarship to study athletics coaching at the University of Mainz in Germany in 1986, I had already had the sound grounding and a coaching manual from my mentor.

He should get credit for the first class coaching diploma I brought back.

On my return from Germany I worked under Mandaza, who was then National Director of Coaching, when I became the national event coach for sprints and relays.

While I was at that stage armed with a coaching diploma, I benefited from Mandaza’s vast coaching experience.

The other national event coaches he ably led at the time included Ian Harries, Bernard Dzoma, Derah Magodo (both late) and Mathew Mafiro.

Mandaza successfully coached and managed many athletics teams to World Championships, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

In the run-up to the 1995 All-Africa Games (held here in Zimbabwe) when I was president of the then Amateur Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (AAAZ), we put our faith in Mandaza, our own expert, to be head coach of the athletics team.

Others wanted a Cuban coach.

We believed Mandaza was a competent coach who was familiar with the local athletes and their environment and that, given time and financial resources, he could deliver to expectations.

If we had engaged the Cuban, who would have been given credit for the best ever performance by athletics at the All-Africa Games (7 medals: 1 gold; 2 silver; 4 bronze)?

When COJA Zimbabwe ‘95 requested the AAAZ to nominate a deserving athlete to light the flame during the opening ceremony, we did not need to scratch our heads deliberating on that.

This was a God-given opportunity for the nation to honour him and he truly appreciated the recognition and honour bestowed on him.

He was later included among the first Zimbabwe Sports Hall of Fame inductees together with luminaries like footballer George “Master Mind” Shaya, the late boxer Langton “Schoolboy” Tinago, cricketer Dave Houghton, golfer Nick Price and the women’s field hockey “Golden Girls”.

A few years ago Mandaza was also befittingly invited as guest of honour to the Annual National Sports Awards where he delivered the key note address.

It was on that day I last met him face-to-face and he told me he was planning to start an athletics academy in his rural home of Chiweshe, having been allocated a sizeable piece of land for the purpose, by the local chief.

Mandaza wanted me to work with him on that noble project, given my background with the Millennium Athletics Academy, although I was still based in Abuja, Nigeria, working for Anoca at the time.

Although I readily agreed to collaborate with him I regret the fact that we never got to concretise this initiative as it could have gone a long way in cementing the legacy of this great legend.

I have yet to come across a man or woman who is more passionate about athletics in Zimbabwe.

He was an inspiration to many and his humility put many arrogant “pseudo champions” to shame.

He recorded many achievements, particularly in terms of nurturing athletics talent, and his late son Wellington became a national hurdles champion.

Artwell . . . you not only ran your race well but you also served as a good role model for many of us.

You epitomised the concept of servant leadership and we hope to emulate your good works.

Rest in Eternal Peace . . . son of the soil.

Robert Mutsauki is the former president of the Amateur Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (now National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe) and ex-chief executive of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

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Sports Reporter

WARRIORS defender Teenage Hadebe continues to make waves in the Turkish Super Liga where he is now one of the main players at Yeni Malatyaspor.

He joined the Turkish side from Kaizer Chiefs in July.

And, he has been catching the eye with a string of powerful performances.

Hadebe played the entire match as Matyaspor emerged 2-0 winners over Konyaspor on Monday night.

He was on top of his game in the heart of defence and earned a rating of 7.3 out of 10.

The Warriors centre-back had also played a blinder in the 5-1 win over Denilispor before the international break in a match he was given a 6.5 rating.

Malatyaspor are fifth on the log with 13 points, just four behind leaders Alanyaspor, after eight games.

Hadebe has so far played four full matches while he was substituted in one of the games with him being an unused substitute in three encounters.

“So far so good for me. I am starting to gel, I am starting to believe in my abilities more and more,’’ he said.

“It is a process but the good thing is I am now starting to play regularly.

“I know with hard work everything is possible. I had to work very hard. I know the demands, the standards needed are very high and you have to be up there to have a place in the team.

“I have been playing well for the last two successive games and I hope to continue with the form I have just picked.

Hadebe said although it was still early days into the campaign, he would be happy to win silverware with the club in his maiden season in Europe.

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Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE Gems’ caretaker coach, Ropafadzo Mutsauki, says he was satisfied by the team’s performance at the Africa Netball Cup.

The Gems finished fourth in Cape Town, South Africa, at a tournament that featured seven countries.

Hosts South Africa were crowned the 2019 Africa Netball Cup winners after winning all their matches.

Malawi were second and Uganda third while Zimbabwe finished fourth.

The Gems ended their campaign on a losing note when they went down 46-71 to Malawi yesterday.

They were walked over by Uganda in the first game and lost to South Africa before they recovered to register three consecutive wins against Kenya, Lesotho and Zambia.

The Gems had a good start in their match yesterday, going toe-to-toe with Malawi for most of the first quarter.

But they suffered a huge blow towards the end of the quarter when goal shooter Joice Takaidza was forced out due to an injury and was replaced by Linda Nkorongo.

With their seasoned shooter out, Zimbabwe struggled to adjust and Malawi were five goals ahead by the end of the first quarter, with the score reading 16-11.

Mutsauki made a couple of changes in the second quarter as he tried to find the right combinations upfront.

He brought in Sharon Bwanali for Nkorongo.

He later settled for Nkorongo and Bwanali, which saw some improvement in the attack in the last quarter, but the damage had already been done.

Malawi extended their lead to go into half-time leading 34-19.

They carried the momentum into the third quarter and managed to hold on to their lead throughout the game despite Zimbabwe having some fine moments in the last quarter.

“Overall, the team played well, they played as team and I am very happy with the substitution, the substitutes played very well,’’ Mutsauki told SuperSport.

“At first, the team was affected very much (by the injury to Takaidza), but, as time went on, they gained confidence.”

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe are set to take over a project which was being run by iconic sprinter Artwell Mandaza in Chiweshe.

Mandaza died on Monday at the age of 73.

He will be buried at his rural home at Nzvimbo Village in Chiweshe this afternoon.

The “Mhangura Meteor,” as Mandaza was affectionately known, had been given a piece of land to nurture rural talent by traditional authorities in Chiweshe.

There were fears the project would collapse following his death.

But NAAZ vice-president Enias Nhoro yesterday reaffirmed his association’s commitment to keeping the project alive.

“It is something that, as an association, we would like to seriously consider,’’ he said.

“This is one project we would like to remember Artwell Mandaza with.

“He will be happy wherever he will be seeing the association trying to push forward his vision.

“He pioneered a whole lot of projects in this country and it is the responsibility of the association to make sure that the Chiweshe project lives beyond all of us.

“We will get the necessary information and sit down with the traditional leaders on the ground who will help us going forward.”

Mandaza rose to fame in 1970 when he ran a world record-equalling time of 9,9 seconds in the 100 metres in the South African Bantu Championships in Welkom.

Although not recognised that time, it was the world’s joint fastest alongside the time set by Cuban Pablo Montes.

But the official best time attached to the Zimbabwean in 100m was 10,2 seconds which put him as the 11th fastest athlete in the world in 1970.

He was voted the Sportsperson of the Year that very year, becoming the first black person to win that honour.

He also broke the 100m, 200m and 400m records.

Born on January 4, 1946, Mandaza never took athletics seriously until he was 20 when Mhangura Mine coach Dave Klinker spotted him.

In 1972, Mandaza was sent for an attachment in Germany and qualified for the Olympics in Munich.

The country was barred from taking part in that showcase.

He went head to head in a race against a horse at Borrowdale Race Course in 1983.

Interestingly, by then, he had already quit active athletics and was coaching at Trojan Mine.

He raced Hi Chester, a juvenile champion, ridden by Gordon Whyte and the event also acted as a fund-raising event for Team Zimbabwe headed for the Los Angeles Olympics.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

CAPS United manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya, has challenged his players to fight for coach Darlington Dodo.

The Green Machine take on Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Babourfields this afternoon.

Their closest rivals FC Platinum are in Harare for a date against draw specialists Dynamos at Rufaro today.

Dodo lost his son, Don, in a car crash on Saturday morning but he travelled with the squad to Bulawayo yesterday.

“It is a difficult time for our head coach, Darlington Dodo, who lost his son in a horrific accident on Saturday,’’ said Chinogwenya.

“We have been with him and the players now need to do everything on the pitch against Chicken Inn to try and comfort the coach.

“We have won four games on the trot, a run which has helped us cement top place.

“However, the game against Chicken Inn comes at a time when everyone is hurt by the passing on of the coach’s son.

“The players need to fight for the coach who has made the trip to Bulawayo.”

While the team will be missing the suspended Valentine Musarurwa and Kudzi Nyamupfukudza, who is injured, they welcomed back striker John Zhuwawu.

The bereaved Dodo yesterday sent a touching message to his colleagues in the coaching fraternity while on his way to Bulawayo.

“May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your love, contributions in cash and kind,’’ he said.

“Your presence at the funeral, some very comforting messages to me and my family.

“I am so humbled . . . thank you and may the good Lord bless you all.’’

Elsewhere, Highlanders, are away to ZPC Kariba while Bulawayo Chiefs, who are desperately fighting to survive the axe, take on Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.

Today’s Castle Lager Premiership Fixtures

Chicken Inn v CAPS United (B/F)

ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga)

Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro)

Ngezi Platinum v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab)

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