AMSTERDAM. — Chelsea’s young guns will test their run of form at one of the homes of youth development tonight as they attempt to stop an Ajax team on course to replicate last season’s thrilling Champions League football run.

The Blues are on a five-match winning streak in all competitions after beating Newcastle United 1-0 at the weekend but come up against the Group H leaders in Amsterdam.

Ajax are averaging over three goals a game at home and abroad and are hungry for European success after semi-final heartache last season.

Fikayo Tomori, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham all started Saturday’s win at Stamford Bridge, the first time since 2013 five English players made the London club’s starting XI.

They second on three points in Group H after a wobbly opening two games in the Champions League, with a pair of matches coming up against on-fire Ajax that could decide their European destiny.

“These two games against Ajax are really big because they’re such a strong team . . . The movement of the team and the way they play football will be a big test for us,” coach Frank Lampard told the Chelsea website on Monday.

Tonight’s Champions League Fixtures

Ajax v Chelsea (Amsterdam ArenA 6:55pm); RB Leipzig v Zenit St. Petersburg (Red Bull Arena 6:55pm); Benfica v Lyon (da Luz 9pm); Slavia Prague v Barcelona (Eden Arena 9pm); Genk v Liverpool (Luminus Arena 9pm); Red Bull Salzburg v Napoli (Red Bull Arena 9pm); Inter Milan v Borussia Dortmund (San Siro 9pm); Lille v Valencia (Stade Pierre-Mauroy 9pm). — AFP.

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Sports Reporter

NATIONAL heavyweight champion Vincent Muziri will be hoping to successfully defend his title when he battles challenger Simon Madanhire in the Gypsite Sports Promotions boxing tournament on Saturday.

Muziri has held the title for the past two years and takes on Madanhire at the Harare Show Grounds.

Dubbed “Battle of the Rawlers”, the tournament will see two other national title fights as well as eight non-title bouts on the undercard.

Tinashe “Chairman” Mwandziwana will defend his title against Tinashe Mutodza in the super bantamweight fight.

Rising female boxer, Zvikomborero Danzwa, will battle Revai Madondo in the vacant super bantamweight division.

Tournament coordinator, Clyde Musonda, said everything was in place for the tourney.

“We saw it fit to promote awareness for cancer since October is breast cancer awareness month.

“The main supporting bout is between Zvikomborero Danzwa and Revai Madondo.

“They are both champions but Revai is moving from super flyweight to super bantamweight, so it’s the main supporting.

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Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
Chicken Inn……………….(0) 1

CAPS United…………………..0

WHAT was billed as a showcase for the domestic Premiership was marred by mayhem at Barbourfields yesterday as CAPS United fans, players and officials protested against the decision by the referee to award the hosts a late penalty.

The chaos forced a six-minute stoppage and mirrored the scenes at Rufaro, where the game between champions FC Platinum and Dynamos, was also halted for 16 minutes after the referee turned down an appeal for a penalty by the Glamour Boys.

At the end of it all, CAPS United remained top, their advantage reduced to four points by the chasing pack of Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.

The Green Machine fans, the club’s security team and players all took part in the protests which erupted in the 73rd minute when referee awarded the hosts a penalty.

Livewire forward Obriel Chirinda went down under the challenge of visitors’ goalie, Tonderai Mateyaunga, inside the box.

The referee pointed to the spot and, unhappy with the decision, the CAPS United fans, housed at the Mpilo-end of the stadium, rained missiles onto the field of play in protest.

The Green Machine players also lost their cool and walked off the pitch to their dugout after their aggressive confrontation with Mabhena proved fruitless.

They staged a six-minute protest, while Ronald Chitiyo continued to confront the referee.

After the heated drama had died down, defender Passmore Bernard kept his cool and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to thrust the Gamecocks into the lead.

It proved to be the winning goal.

CAPS United pushed hard for an equaliser, but one could tell from their body language that they had lost their concentration during that six-minute stoppage.

Soon after Mabhena blew the final whistle, CAPS United substitute, Blessing Sarupinda, appeared to manhandle the referee.

Some of his teammates tried to restrain him but, suddenly, a wave of the Green Machine players menacingly charged at Mabhena.

Big striker Dominic Chungwa peeled off his shirt and took aim at Mabhena before being stopped by Chicken Inn bouncers and police details.

But the “war’’ wasn’t over as CAPS United players and security team, led by the trio of John Zhuwawu, Chungwa and Chitiyo were involved in a brawl with some PSL bouncers.

The shameful situation only calmed after more police details were deployed at the dressing room area.

Away from the drama, Chicken Inn were the better side on the day.

Inside the five minutes Chirinda outran the CAPS United defence on three occasions, but his decision making was horrible.

The visitors’ first real chance came in the 15th minute when Hardlife Zvirekwi broke on the left side and sent in a low cross, which was met by Chitiyo inside the box.

The midfielder, who has been in good form of late, controlled the ball with ease and shot at goal, but his effort was blocked by a sliding Moses Jackson.

The Gamecocks had a penalty appeal turned down in the 23rd minute after Simon Munawa went down inside the box under the challenge of Dominic Mukandi.

On the stroke of half-time, Innocent Muchaneka found himself free inside the box only to sky his effort from six yards.

In the second-half, the visitors fortified their midfield by bringing in a more defensive player, Sarupinda, and they began to match the Gamecocks.

However, at the end, it was Chicken Inn who were smiling.

The victory ended the Gamecocks’ three-game winless streak and brought them back into the title race.

They now trail CAPS United by four points with seven games to go.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas was a happy man after collecting points against their direct rivals for the league title.

“It was good to collect all three points. Of course, it’s just 1-0, but it gets us back into the title race.

‘‘We should have buried CAPS United in the first-half, but we wasted a number of chances,” said Antipas.

His CAPS United counterpart, Darlington Dodo, did not make it to the post-match interview following the dressing room brawl.

The Green Machine team bus had to be escorted by police out of the stadium.

Teams

Chicken Inn: D. Bernard, P. Bernard, B. Nyahunzwi, X. Ndlovu (P. Dube 49th min) S. Munawa, M. Jackson, T. Chipunza, V. Kandonzvo, G. Majika (S. Ndlovu 82nd min), O. Chirinda, I. Muchaneka (B. Amidu 45th min)

CAPS United: T.Mateyaunga, H. Zvirekwi, G. Gorayati, L. Zvasiya, C. Rusere, D. Mukandi, J. Ngodzo (J. Zhuwawo 70th min), P. Bamusi, (B. Sarupinda 45th min), K. Ndebele (N. Sianchali 83rd min), R. Chitiyo, D. Chungwa

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Sports Reporter
COSAFA president Philip Chiyangwa says Malawi have the potential to host the region’s senior tournaments after the country successfully staged the regional Under-17 tournament.

Zambia won the tournament which attracted capacity crowds at the Mpira Stadium, in the Chiwembe area of Blantyre, which was refurbished, using FIFA funds, to become a modern 10 000-seater ground.

The Zambians beat Mozambique 2-0 in the final last weekend.

Zimbabwe did not field a team in the tournament after ZIFA opted out of the tourney.

“The COSAFA president, Dr Philip Chiyangwa, has congratulated Malawi for hosting a successful COSAFA Under-17 tournament,’’ Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu said on his social media handles.

“He said the organisation was top-notch while patronage was impressive as Mpira Stadium was packed to the rafters.

“As reward for a job well done, the COSAFA president has extended an invitation towards Malawi to host the COSAFA Under-20 next year.

“Not only that, but we might even host the COSAFA senior tournament in 2021. Congratulations to Zambia for emerging as champions.

“I am optimistic Malawi will win the next one.’’

The huge crowds at the tournament caught the eye and the Zambians, who handed their South African counterparts a seven-goal mauling in a group game, were the deserved winners.

Zambian Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga congratulated the team for their success story in Malawi saying it spoke volumes about the bright future of the game in that country.

“I am happy to meet you this morning on a happy note, as I join His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu in congratulating the Under- 17 national football team for winning the 2019 COSAFA Youth Cup held in Blantyre, Malawi,’’ he said when he met the triumphant team at Government House in Lusaka.

“In the same token, I also wish to congratulate the senior national football team for qualifying to the 2020 CHAN tournament to be held in Cameroon.

“It is my hope that the senior team will also qualify for the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 World Cup. I have no doubt in my mind that the teams we have, as well as the Football Association of Zambia executive, are equal to the task.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm government’s commitment to supporting football and all other sports disciplines in our country.

“Football is a sport that unifies the nation and in this regard we cannot afford to have our football standards declining. It is for this reason that we hear the nation cry when we do not get positive results.

“Therefore, I encourage all stakeholders starting from the FAZ executive, the technical bench and players to put in your very best so that we can continue getting positive results. Our hope for the future of Zambian football lies in you.’’

The Zambians won the Player of the Match at every game they played in Malawi, scooped the Player of the Tournament as well as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament awards.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
THE domestic sporting fraternity connived to betray the best sprinter to emerge in this country, Artwell Mandaza, when they snubbed his burial yesterday.

Mandaza, who died at Howard Mission Hospital on Monday, was laid to rest at his rural home in Nhutsve Village, Chiweshe.

But the scenes at his homestead, before his burial, were not consistent with someone who once clocked 9,9sec in a 100m race back in 1970.

There was no one from the Ministry of Youth, Arts, Sport and Recreation in attendance for the burial of this legend.

Instead, his funeral resembled that of a mere villager.

Even his wife, Mebo, who died on December 23, 2015 was given a huge send-off, surprisingly by the same people who abandoned Mandaza yesterday.

Only National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe vice-president Enias Nhoro, former president Joseph Mungwari and some board members, as well as athletes Abel Chimukoko and Mako Mambo, were in attendance.

Sports Commissioner Nigel Munyati had to drive all the way to Chiweshe, just after touching down in Harare from personal business outside the country, to attend the burial.

Besides those few stakeholders, and a handful of journalists, the funeral only had mourners from surrounding villages and the Salvation Army’s Nzvimbo corps.

Nhoro gave a moving tribute in his speech.

“We are gathered here to celebrate the life of arguably the best athlete of all time in Zimbabwean sporting history.

“If one looks at it in retrospective, the feat he managed to attain against the background of racial inequalities, Mandaza was just a rare talent,” said Nhoro.

“The prizes he has under his belt are incredible.

“Had it not been for the punishing laws, against black Africans during his time, most probably, he would have won several medals at Olympic Games.

“His contribution to athletics is second to none right from his time as an athlete up to administration.

“Sport was his middle name and it’s unfortunate the country has lost such an incredible figure. The void he has left in the sport will be difficult to fill.”

Munyati described Mandaza as an inspirational figure.

“Whether one was into boxing, football or any other sport, Mandaza’s achievements would always inspire you to want to do even better.

“His records, his passion and determination pushed some of us into sport.

“The country has lost a hero,” said Munyati.

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA have again engaged the Government to help ensure some of the players called for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers next month have passports.

Among the new players called up by interim coach Joey Antipas are youth sensation Tivonge Rushesha, Stockport County’s Douglas Nyaupembe and Jordan Zemura of Bournemouth.

Adam Chicksen of Bolton Wanderers, Cliff Moyo, Hamburger SV midfielder Jonah Fabisch and Charlton Athletic forward Macauley Bonne have been drafted for camp.

The challenge, however, is to get the players the documentation to play for Zimbabwe inside the next three weeks since most of them do not hold valid passports, apart from Fabisch and Nyaupembe.

Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare yesterday said they have since engaged the authorities to help the players get passports before the assignments against Botswana and Zambia next month.

“We have players like Bonne and Adam Chicksen who still don’t have Zimbabwean passports,’’ said Mpandare. “These are key players for the coach and we have engaged the relevant authorities to expedite the processes.

“We don’t anticipate huge challenges with the likes of Rushesha, Moyo and Zemura because they have the passports which only need to be renewed. Yes, we have had problems in the past but we are positive, the engagements are taking place and by next week we should have a clear position.’’

The Warriors are in Group H of the 2021 AFCON qualifiers. Algeria are the fourth team in the pool.

The Warriors are set to get their campaign rolling against Botswana at Barbourfields on November 15 before travelling to Zambia, four days later, in the quest for a fifth AFCON appearance.

The home tie against Botswana will be played on November 15 at Barbourfields at 6pm and the away match against Zambia is set for 6pm on November 19 at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka.

Antipas retained the core of the squad that represented the nation at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt led by Knowledge Musona as revealed by The Herald yesterday.

Man-of-the-moment Marvelous Nakamba is also part of the squad along with Alec Mudimu and Teenage Hadebe.

The coaches also named 10 players from the South African Premier Soccer League led by poster boy Khama Billiat.

Defender Tendayi Darikwa is still recovering from an injury. Goalkeepers George Chigova and Edmore Sibanda have not been considered.

“Everyone we wanted we managed to get. As we move forward the coach is looking to cast the nets even wider to some other Zimbabwean players at home and abroad.

“But to make everything clear (on Sibanda and Chigova), there was no instruction whatsoever to leave them out.

Seventeen-year-old Rushesha was born in Zimbabwe but moved to the United Kingdom with his family in 2003. He has represented Wales at Under-17 level but is still eligible to represent Zimbabwe at international level.

Another defender Moyo (26) was born in Bulawayo, where he attended Robert Tredgold Primary School. In 2002, at the age of nine, he moved to England to live with his parents in Stoke-on-Trent.

Moyo was called up by the Zimbabwe national team for the first time in March 2018.

He made his debut in the semi-final of the 2018 Four Nations Tournament, during a penalty shootout defeat against hosts Zambia last year.

Nyaupembe (19) was born in England and played football for Bury from the Under-13 age-group.

Zemura, who recently joined Bournemouth’s Under-21 squad from Bonne’s Charlton Athletic, is also another interesting prospect. He was born in England to Zimbabwean parents and has since made his intentions clear to play for the Warriors.

“The coach is looking at the CHAN finals as well. Remember the team will be playing in Cameroon early next year.

“By including the locals, he hopes that they get the mental strength they need ahead of the tournament. Who knows?

“Probably, they will also impress and get to be selected for the AFCON qualifiers,” said Mpandare.

Zimbabwe Squad

Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka), Martin Mapisa (Velez CF), Simbarashe Chinani (Dynamos).

Defenders: Douglas Nyaupembe (Stockport County), Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba), Tivonge Rushesha (Swansea City), Cliff Moyo (Kidderminister Harriers), Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Adam Chicksen (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic), Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor), Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids), Partson Jaure (Manica Diamonds), Kelvin Moyo (Chippa United).

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Phenias Bamusi (CAPS United), Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV).

Strikers: Admiral Muskwe (Leicester City), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Bidvest Wits), Prince Dube (Highlanders), Knowledge Musona (RSC Anderlecht), Tinotenda Kadewere (Le Havre AC), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Macauley Bonne (Charlton Athletic), Evans Rusike (SuperSport United).

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Dennis Kagonye in KARIBA
ZPC Kariba……………………………..(1) 1

Highlanders ………………………… (0) 1

ZPC Kariba kept intact their unbeaten run on an afternoon with in-form Highlanders striker Prince Dube saw red at Nyamhunga yesterday.

The home side opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Samuel Makawa.

The forward could have doubled the tally from a free-kick after Tawanda Nyamandwe was deliberately pushed by Adrian Silla moments later.

Highlanders then won a free-kick in the 38th minute when Collen Muleya fouled Silla. But the home side goalkeeper, Future Sibanda, did well to save the effort and while he was still on the ground, Prince Dube, deliberately kicked him.

The Warriors forward was given his marching orders.

Bosso goalkeeper, Ariel Sibanda then denied Nyamandwe in a one-on-one situation.

However, with nine minutes remaining Peter Muduhwa ghosted in from the blind side for the equaliser.

“Today we never played very well, in terms of keeping the ball and creating chances,’’ said ZPC Kariba coach Godfrey Tamirepi.

“But we were a better team.

“We are actually dropping points at a very crucial time and it’s becoming very difficult for us to be in the championship race.’’

Bosso coach Pieter de Jongh was satisfied with the point.

“The field was not even but the important thing is that we collected a point away,’’ he said.

“It was a defensive communication mistake which gave them a goal. We were the better side in the second half.’’

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PARIS. — Raheem Sterling and Kylian Mbappe both scored second-half hat-tricks in Uefa Champions League football action on Tuesday night as Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur all recorded big victories.

Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich laboured to wins on a night which brought 30 goals in eight games, a third of which were scored by Premier League clubs.

Sterling’s three goals came 11 minutes apart in the second half as Pep Guardiola’s City thumped Atalanta 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium to maintain their perfect record in Group C.

The Italians had earlier taken the lead from Ruslan Malinovskyi’s 28th-minute penalty, but they were soon overrun and remain without a point in their debut Champions League campaign.

Sergio Aguero equalised from a Sterling assist and the Argentine scored a penalty to put City ahead before the break. Sterling then took over, although City finished with 10 men as Phil Foden was sent off late on.

“I should have had four. Riyad Mahrez put me through and I was looking to put one on a plate for him. But I went through and should have finished it,” Sterling admitted to BT Sport.

City’s will seal a place in the last 16 if they win away to Atalanta next, as nearest rivals Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb played out a 2-2 draw in Ukraine earlier.

Yevhen Konoplyanka and Brazilian substitute Dodo netted for Shakhtar, with Dinamo’s goals coming in between from Dani Olmo and a Mislav Orsic penalty.

Compared to Sterling, Mbappe took a sluggish 22 minutes to score his three goals in PSG’s 5-0 romp away to former European Cup runners-up Club Brugge in Belgium in Group A.

Mauro Icardi scored twice for the French champions, who were without the injured Neymar but had Angel Di Maria in exceptional form — the Argentine set up four goals.

According to sports statisticians Opta, the last player to come off the bench and score a hat-trick in the Champions League was Spaniard Joseba Llorente for Villarreal in 2008. “I wanted to start and I thought I was going to start, but the coach made his choice and I had to accept it. I also wanted to show that it’s difficult to get by without me,” Mbappe told French broadcaster RMC Sport. — AFP.

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Sports Reporter
THE Sports Commission have given the Zimbabwe Netball Association up to November 1 to respond to the several allegations levelled against them by their stakeholders.

This comes after a group of netball stakeholders submitted a petition to the Sports Commission early last month expressing concern over how ZINA were running the game in the country.

They raised several issues, including lack of transparency, accountability and allegations the netball mother body had different constitutions.

ZINA then made their submissions to the Sports Commission, in response to the issues raised, after the latter asked them for their response.

“The SRC Board, in light of the many controversies affecting the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA), has resolved to institute the appropriate disciplinary action against ZINA in terms of Section 30 of the SRC Act,’’ the SRC said in a statement.

“ZINA has up to Friday, 1st November, 2019 to respond to the several allegations levelled against it.’’

Part of Section 30 of the SRC Act, which deals with discipline of the registered national associations states that;

“(1) Where the board considers that any registered national association—

(a) has ceased to operate as a national association; or

(b) has failed to comply with any provision of this Act; or

(c) has conducted itself in a manner which is contrary to the national interest; the board may, after affording the association concerned an opportunity of making representations in the matter, do either or both of the following —

(i) suspend all or any of its officers;

(ii) direct the Director-General to strike the association from the register.

“(2) Where the board has taken any action referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of subsection (1) the Minister may on the recommendation of, or after consultation with, the board appoint a committee to administer the affairs of the association concerned.”

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TOKYO. — In terms of what they have to prepare for this week in facing Wales in the Rugby World Cup semi-final South Africa’s Springboks could not have asked for a more stark contrast with what they were getting ready for this time last week.

Whereas ahead of the quarter-final at Tokyo Stadium the South African squad was focusing on combating the Japanese pace and tempo, and were putting in place their own plans to launch an aerial bombardment on the team representing the host nation, this week they are getting ready to combat a Welsh strategy that is heavily accented on kicking and winning the territory battle.

“We are expecting a very tough battle with the kicking game, Wales have a very solid kicking game behind their plan,” said assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.

“We know they have four top class players when it comes to the boot. If you look at Gareth Davies at scrumhalf, he has good distance with his boot. Look at the back, a guy like Liam Williams and also Dan Biggar, they have both been around for a while, are good kickers of the ball and have experience. They are a very territory focused team.

“They just don’t allow teams to come into their half. That will be a big part of their game and I don’t think in the space of a week they will try to move away from that. So combating their approach it is going to be a big part of our game. We have got to make sure that any opportunity to get into their half and when we get into their 22 we must make it count. There will not be many opportunities, but when they come it is key that we convert them into points.”

Stick agreed that the preparations for this week’s game will have to be in direct contrast to what was put in place ahead of the Japan match.

“This week we are focused mainly on what we will get from Wales. Last week we knew that the biggest challenge was going to be containing the Japanese ball in hand game, whereas now it is a a very different beast. — AFP.

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By Robson Sharuko
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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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
MACAULEY BONNE scored for the third straight game, his fourth goal in the last five games in the English Championship on Wednesday night, as he continued a red-hot scoring streak that saw him being tipped to be the next Jamie Vardy last season. With his countryman, Tino Kadewere, scoring his 11th goal in 11 games for his French Ligue 2 side Le Havre last weekend, it’s fair to say the two are currently the deadliest 23-year-olds, among all African strikers, in European football’s Big Five Leagues and their second-tier branches.

The Big Five Leagues in European football are the English Premiership, the Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and the French Ligue 1 and their second-tier branches are the Championship, the Segunda Division, Bundesliga 2, Serie B and Ligue 2.

Both Bonne and Kadewere were drafted into the Warriors squad for the 2021 opening qualifiers against Botswana, at Barbourfields, and the away in Zambia next month. While Kadewere was part of the Warriors at the last AFCON finals in Egypt, Bonne did not make the squad because he could not secure a Zimbabwean passport in time to play at the showcase.

He is confident he will have received a Zimbabwean passport by the time the Warriors go into camp to prepare for the two matches against Botswana’s Zebras and Chipolopolo of Zambia.

Veteran coach Sunday Chidzambwa, who took charge of the Warriors in Egypt, said he felt his team badly missed a gunslinger like Bonne as they struggled for goals at the tournament.

A single goal in three goals, in the 1-1 draw against Uganda, was all the Warriors could get at the AFCON finals where they finished bottom of their group.

Chidzambwa quit just after the tournament and was replaced by Joey Antipas, who took over in an interim capacity, with ZIFA expected to name a substantive coach in January next year.

Antipas, just like Chidzambwa before him, has continued to pursue Bonne with the coach saying the striker can provide the ruthlessness, upfront, which the Warriors badly need.

And, in the last five games, Bonne has been displaying the full range of the predatory instincts which drew the attention of many English Premiership suitors, including Leicester City, while he was still playing in the non-leagues last season.

A number of analysts believe the Zimbabwean striker, just like Vardy before him, could propel himself from being a non-league footballer to a Premiership star.

Reports have indicated Leicester City have an agreement with Charlton Athletic that should Bonne score more than 20 goals this season, the Foxes will then have first option to get him next season.

While Bonne initially struggled to adjust to life in the Championship, he appears to have found his confidence and the goals have been flowing with three in the last three matches and four in his last five games.

His fourth league goal in the past three weeks came on Wednesday night, albeit in a losing cause, as Charlton slumped to a heartbreaking 1-2 defeat at Bristol Rovers. The hosts came from behind to claim victory with their winning goal coming in the eighth minute of time added on at Ashton Gate

‘‘Loved scoring another goal, but devastated to concede a goal in the dying minutes,’’ Bonne tweeted.

‘‘Thank you for your support — we will give everything again on Saturday. We also wish Jonnie Williams a speedy recovery.’’

And, it appears, the Charlton Athletic fans are beginning to fall in love with the Zimbabwean marksman. ‘‘No one can stop you mate,’’ Tyler Towlinson responded on Twitter. ‘’Absolutely unreal display from you, keep this going. Absolute warrior.’’

Charlton manager Lee Bowyer said his players gave it their all despite conceding the last-gasp goal that condemned them to defeat.

“I thought we should have won the game. It’s hard for the lads and again, I can’t fault them. They give everything,’’ Bowyer told his club’s official website.

“I thought we were the better side, especially for 70 to 75 minutes. They changed their shape and matched us up and went to the diamond and even then, I thought we were still better than them.

“But I said to the lads; ‘We have to learn from this’. We have to be more ruthless. The amount of chances that we had in the first half in so many good areas and we just didn’t punish them.

‘’I thought we held our own today and we were better than them.’’

Bonne’s scoring spree started on September 28 when he scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Leeds after he had been ushered into the starting team following injuries to key forwards Lyle Taylor and Tomer Hemed.

He didn’t score in his second match, against Swansea, despite playing the full 90 minutes but was on target in his next match in the 2-2 draw against Fulham where he also played the full match.

Bonne was again scored in the next match, a 3-0 home win over Derby last week, before finding the target again in the 1-2 loss at Bristol City.

He revealed his slow start to life in the Championship was because of the frustrations he endured, when he missed the chance to represent his country at the AFCON finals and how he struggled to adjust after the death of his former manager Justin Edinburgh. Edinburgh was Bonne’s manager at Leyton Orient and died at the age of 49 in June, shortly before Bonne moved to Charlton Athletic.

“At one point my head wasn’t in the right place,” Bonne told talkSPORT. “One second you hear he’s fallen ill then the next he’s passed away.

“I remember I was sitting in Mexico on my holiday thinking about how great my season had been. We’d just got promoted, I knew I had a lot of clubs after me and I was in a good place.

“Something like that then comes along. I didn’t process it for a long time.

When you realise someone of his stature has gone it doesn’t seem real.

“He made me love football again . . . made me the player I am today.’’

He also spoke about his struggles to get a Zimbabwean passport.

“I’ve been trying to get it (the passport) sorted for years and years now and the process seems to be getting longer and longer,” Bonne told talkSport.

“It will happen one day but I’m gutted I didn’t get to go to the Africa Cup of Nations but I’m still young and have plenty of years ahead of me to go and play for them.

“I’m just focused on the here and now and that’s the best thing for me.”

The post Bonne finds his Vardy touch appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS have said they will field the best players available to them today when they face traditional rivals Highlanders in a football match to mark the anti-sanctions campaign. The match, which bears great significance as sanctions have also indirectly affected football teams and the growth of the game in the country, is one of the major attractions on the programme at the National Sports Stadium.

DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro was excited that the country’s biggest football clubs have been given another sparring opportunity.

The Glamour Boys are keen to get some form of comfort after losing to the same opponents three times this year in different competitions.

“We are prepared for this game. It’s always difficult playing against a team like Highlanders but we will be going out in full force to win this game.

“Barring any fresh injuries to the players who have been doing duty of late, we are going to field the best team available to us.
‘’Remember, we have registered 30 players with the PSL and the coaches will pick from that pool the ones they want for this game,” said Chihoro.

Both teams have had a rough ride this season but they are still hoping to finish off the race strongly.
Dynamos, however, have been playing in the shadows of their rivals.

The Glamour Boys are still smarting from the 0-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of Highlanders when the teams last met in the Chibuku Super Cup at Rufaro just over three weeks ago.

For that reason, Bosso will be using the match today as a dress rehearsal for the quarter-final contest against FC Platinum at Barbourfields on Sunday.

The Chibuku Super Cup had remained Dynamos’ only hope for silverware this year after the Glamour Boys suffered a 0-2 heartbreak at the hands of Highlanders earlier this year in the Independence Cup final. DeMbare also lost 1-0 in the league at Barbourfields. Highlanders are still scheduled to travel to Harare for the reverse fixture expected to be played within the next two weeks.

Bosso have had a hectic period ahead of today’s assignment. They travelled to ZPC Kariba for the league match which ended 1-1 on Wednesday. They travelled back home to Bulawayo yesterday morning and by late afternoon they were on the road again.

Highlanders have another important assignment waiting for them this Sunday in the quarter-final of the Chibuku Super Cup against FC Platinum at Barbourfields.

Bosso coach, Pieter de Jongh, who has been crying foul over the tight midweek fixture programme, is likely to rotate his players with the Chibuku Super Cup in mind.

The Dutchman is becoming a favourite with the Bosso fans after steadying the ship and pushing them back into the light where they have been winning matches.

A video posted on social media, as he addressed his players while they cooled down in the swimming pool after the draw against ZPC Kariba, showed he has brought a professional touch.

De Jongh has already led Bosso to victory over Dynamos, in that Chibuku Super Cup match, which the Bulawayo giants won at Rufaro. Prince Dube scored the priceless goal for Highlanders.

The post Giants brace for anti-sanctions march showdown appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

LONDON. — Zimbabwe-born British heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora likened fellow Briton David Price to a “sheep going to the slaughterhouse” as he played farmyard animal noises from his phone at their final press conference.

The heavyweights with 42 combined knock-out wins will collide alongside the World Boxing Super Series final between Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and went head to head for the first time yesterday.

Promoter Eddie Hearn’s questions to Price were interrupted by strange noises coming from the phone at the opposite end of the table, belonging to Chisora.

The veteran fan-favourite, who has spent some of the build-up on a farm and brought his dog Winston to the public work-outs, said: “That is a sheep going to the slaughterhouse. Listen, I don’t need to sell anything. You’re not in my league, you don’t understand.

“That is you right there. I’m going to deck you, you don’t understand.”

Price calmly responded: “I know Derek needs this to get himself up for the fight. That’s sound, because the last thing Derek needs is to be shaking my hand, because we do like each other, and it’s cool. That’s fine. This is business, 100 per cent.”

Chisora and Price smiled at each other in their first face-off but both heavyweight contenders had previously been made aware of the importance of their match-up.

David Haye, Chisora’s manager, said: “Price is a weapon, I’ve sparred with him over the years, he has genuine world-class power.

“He’s the hardest person I’ve been hit by, behind Deontay Wilder. David Price is no joke! When a fighter has nothing to lose, they’re very dangerous.”

But Chisora threatened: “Everybody has power in the boxing game. He has to be aware of what I can do. We’re going to bring war, I can’t box.

“Bing, bing, bombs away, he’s getting knocked out!”

Price, a replacement for Joseph Parker who withdrew after being bitten by a spider, said: “I expect it to be a long fight and a painful fight for Derek because my accuracy is the telling point. I expect a knockout win.”

They briefly argued when Price interrupted Chisora by saying: “You will walk onto one.”

Chisora responded: “I’m happy to walk onto one but I will deliver one.”

Meanwhile, Chisora and Price are battling for “the opportunity to fight anybody in the division”, according to promoter Hearn, and new heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk is lurking.

Chisora and Price’s high-stakes meeting is alongside the World Boxing Super Series final between Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor tomorrow night. — Sky Sports.

The post Bizarre Chisora calls David Price a sheep appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE national Under-19 cricket team coach Prosper Utseya is targeting the Super League stage of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His team was placed in Group C which includes two-time winners Pakistan, Bangladesh and Scotland.

The 16-team tournament, that showcases the world’s future cricket stars, will be played between January 17 and February 9 across eight venues in Benoni, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and Kimberley in South Africa.

The young Zimbabwean side is expected to seize the opportunity after they benefited from the lifting of the ICC ban. The ban affected the senior men and women’s teams recently.

Utseya and his backroom staff will leave no stone unturned in the final preparations. The youth team has been preparing for the event for the past few months.

They toured South Africa twice this year and hosted Nigeria as part of the build-up.

According to the schedule released by ICC yesterday, Zimbabwe will open their campaign at the 16-team tournament against Bangladesh at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on January 18.

They will then face Pakistan and Scotland on 22 and 25 January respectively at the Witrand Oval, also in Potchefstroom.

The top two teams from each of the four groups at the tournament will advance to the Super League, while the remaining teams will feature in the Plate championship.

“It’s a given that every team would want to progress to the Super League stage. That said, should we play to our potential, we can achieve greater world-class heights,” Utseya told the Zimbabwe Cricket website.

“There’s no easy group in a World Cup. As Zimbabwe, we are going to mainly focus on things we can control — that is our game — not so much who is in our group.”

The former Zimbabwe national cricket team captain is expected to announce his final 15-member squad early next month.

Zimbabwe have made 11 appearances at the tournament since 1998 with their best performance being a sixth place finish in the 2004 edition.

The team has received a fair draw considering they managed to evade hosts South Africa, holders India and giants Australia.

Zimbabwe were in the same group with India and Australia at the 2018 edition and they lost to both nations and crashed out at the group stage despite the victory over Papua New Guinea in the opening game.

The Indians, who have won the tournament a record four times, this time headline a difficult Group A which also has New Zealand, Sri Lanka and first timers Japan.

Three-time winners Australia are in Group B along with England, West Indies and debutants Nigeria. Hosts South Africa are in Group D with Afghanistan, UAE and Canada.

Cricket South Africa have stepped up preparations for the event.

Groupings:

Group A: India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Japan

Group B: Australia, England, West Indies, Nigeria

Group C: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Scotland

Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE, Canada

The post Zim aim for Super League appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

FOOTBALL authorities have roundly condemned the barbaric episodes of violence and hooliganism which rocked the domestic Premiership during mid-week. The chaos, which all resulted from questionable decisions by the match officials, have also brought back to the fore debate over the refereeing standards in the country.

ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said violence had no place in football.

Missile-throwing supporters forced a 16-minute stoppage in the match between Dynamos and FC Platinum at Rufaro.

The match between CAPS and Chicken Inn was also disrupted for six minutes at Barbourfields while the referee Happy Mabhena had to be escorted out of the stadium by security details.

There were also skirmishes in Kariba where Highlanders drew 1-1 with the hosts ZPC Kariba.

“We have seen footage circulating on social media depicting acts of hooliganism and violent scenes in some PSL matches played yesterday,’’ said Gwesela.

“We are waiting for the match commissioners’ reports which we will study meticulously. However, let me hasten to state that violence and hooliganism have no place in our beautiful game. We are now in the new millennium where football celebrates tenets of fair play, respect, peace and tranquillity.

“The association will also examine the footage and all these heinous elements causing mayhem will be identified and brought to book. ZIFA will also invoke football statutes to ensure that these ghastly and violent elements are banned from attending our matches. We also appeal to the police to ensure that these hoodlums are prosecuted.’’

The Premier Soccer League called for clubs and supporters to respect the rules of the game and also urged the ZIFA Referees’ Committee to investigate the rising reports of questionable officiating by their members.

“The Premier Soccer League is appalled by skirmishes and match disturbances that took place during Castle Lager PSL Matchday 27 fixtures played on Wednesday 30 October 2019,’’ league spokesperson Kudzai Bare said. “The PSL strongly condemns the unacceptable behaviour witnessed at Rufaro Stadium during a match between Dynamos v FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba FC v Highlanders FC at Nyamhunga Stadium and Chicken Inn v CAPS United FC at Barbourfields Stadium.“Hooliganism has no place in our football and as such we urge football fans, players and administrators to respect the referee’s decision, to abide by the rules and regulations of the competition and to act in a responsible manner.

“We further advise all stakeholders to know, understand and respect the 17 FIFA Laws of the game. We also call upon the ZIFA Referees’ Committee to investigate clubs’ complaints of poor match officiating.

“The league is committed to taking decisive and appropriate action and will work closely with law enforcement agents to ensure that those responsible for this hooliganism are brought to book.

“The league is currently awaiting reports from all the relevant parties.”

Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya also condemned the disturbances that rocked their match against FC Platinum.

Ndiraya said referees must up their game to avoid “provoking” similar incidents in the future.

“I don’t condone such behaviour but sometimes if you are provoked what can you do?’’ said Ndiraya.

“They thought their team was being treated unfairly and they are right (to vent their feelings) but in the end what I am not happy about is (the violence).

“Of course, you can voice your anger but we must raise ourselves to another level. The era of disturbing the play and the proceedings is long gone.

“I think we must get to another level; I think there are better ways of voicing our concerns without being violent.

“The referees, too, I am sure there are also told at some point to manage the game and control supporters.’’

The post Hooliganism, poor refereeing slammed appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Collin Matiza Sports Editor
TANYA Muzinda, the poster girl of Zimbabwean motocross, left the country last weekend for the United States where she is set to make her second appearance at the Thor Supercross and Motocross Winter Olympics in Florida in November. This year’s Thor Supercross and Motocross Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from November 24 to 30 at Gatorback Cycle Park in Florida where Muzinda hopes to leave a mark at this tough international motorcycling event popularly known as the Thor Mini O’s.

The event brings together more than 200 aspiring young amateur motocross riders from across the United States and the world.

Muzinda (14) made her maiden appearance at the Thor Mini O’s in November last year after she was invited to race in the 47th edition of the annual fiesta by its organisers through her international manager, former three-time World women’s motocross champion, Stefy Bau of Italy.

She left the country for the United States on Sunday accompanied by her father and trainer, Tawanda, and mother, Adiyon.

Her 10-year-old sister Alicia and seven-year-old brother Jayden, who are both into BMX racing, also travelled to the United States on Sunday and will compete in the 2019 USA BMX Florida State Championship Series in Florida next month.

Tanya is set to attend a two-week training camp in Florida before competing in the Thor Mini O’s.

Her latest tour of the United States got the blessing of the Government through the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Paul Mavima, who helped raise the funds for her trip to the USA.

And Tanya on Wednesday took to her Facebook wall to thank all the people who made her trip to the United States possible.

“Eight months of my team toiling, knocking doors trying all they could, at one time looking like the dream is shut but God never let dreams die. I want to give glory to the maker for making great things keep on track.

“Taking a power walk a day after landing safely in the United States having spent over 20 hours airborne, it’s always a great feeling to represent your country outside its borders despite your gender and challenges.

“I am here again (in the United States) with my siblings who will take part in BMX Championships in preparations for next year World Championships. Preparation is a key component if Africa wants to produce super athletes to compete at premier levels.

“This year, the Thor Winter Olympics in Florida will be held at the same venue in Gatorback Cycle track.

“I am joining camp with others who have been here since February preparing for this world class event.

“And as usual I will take no prisoners and will be on over time to catch up with others and make our great nation great again.

“I want to thank a private sponsor who bought Team Tanya the tickets (and they insisted to remain anonymous) and to those that made pledges and honoured them . . . thank you. Those that didn’t make it on time of our departure the work is still on until December.

“To the team that worked behind the scenes, I say many thanks and not forgetting the media that worked tirelessly for awareness thank you once again for the splendid job. God bless,” Tanya said.

The post Tanya readies for Thor Winter Olympics appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
CHICKEN INN midfielder Tichaona Chipunza says his team needs to be consistent if they are to win the championship this season. The Bulawayo club climbed into second place after beating leaders CAPS United 1-0 at Barbourfields on Wednesday.

“The game against CAPS United was always going to be tough and we knew as a team that once we lose it, we would be effectively out of the race.

“We did everything and, as tough as the game was, we came out tops, thanks to the determination and never-say-die attitude by the players,” said Chipunza.

The defensive midfielder, one of the best performers in the league this season, won’t stomach finishing the marathon without winning anything.

He has won silver medals in the league in the past two years while still at Ngezi Platinum Stars.

“We are in the final stretch of the marathon and we are back in firm contention. Truly speaking, by now we should have been leading the race by, at least, 10 points given the rate at which our challengers were dropping points.

“But, somehow we have been inconsistent. We blew hot and cold in the crucial moments. We lost a bit of our form in our last seven or matches.

“But, we are effectively back in the hunt for the title. We are behind the leaders by four points.

“In the game of football, a four-point gap is not a joke. We need to be consistent in the coming games if we are to eclipse the leaders, who I am sure will also be playing well.”

Chipunza said CAPS United, third-placed FC Platinum and ZPC Kariba all have the chance to win the title this year.

But, he urged his teammates to concentrate on winning their matches.

“What we have to do as a club now is concentrating on collecting points in our own games and just hope other results go our way.

“Yes, luck is needed in the game of football. We will need luck, especially in the games that we don’t have control over.

“But, above all, we need to be consistent and win our own games then see what happens.”

The post Chipunza calls for consistency appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIFA Central Region Division One Soccer League have sent their condolences following the death of The Venue owner, Tapson Ncube, who was shot dead at his home on Tuesday morning.

Ncube, who sponsored the Central Region Division One soccer outfit The Venue, took his team into the league at the start of this season.

The prominent Maphisa businessman was shot dead by unknown assailants at his home at the growth point in Matabeleland South and died on the spot.

Ncube had business interests in mining, transport, retail and was the owner of the Central Region football side.

“The Central Region Soccer League has learnt with great shock and sadness over the passing on of Tapson Ncube, the owner, president and sponsor of The Venue FC,’’ said Central Region chairman, Stanley Chapeta.

“He was a dedicated, passionate football leader, a warm and caring individual and the beautiful game has lost a true hero who will be sorely missed.

“As Central Region, we join the entire football fraternity, and the Ncube family, during this difficult time. Words alone cannot express the depth of this loss and we share with you this time of grief.

“With deepest sympathy, and condolences, may these words of comfort rest gently upon your hearts and in time may they become words of healing.’’

According to some sources who spoke tour sister paper, the Chronicle, Ncube was “assassinated”.

A source at Maphisa claimed Ncube’s killing, which he described as an assassination, was not a random attack.

The post Central Region mourns Tapson Ncube appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
Chicken Inn……………….(0) 1

CAPS United…………………..0

WHAT was billed as a showcase for the domestic Premiership was marred by mayhem at Barbourfields yesterday as CAPS United fans, players and officials protested against the decision by the referee to award the hosts a late penalty.

The chaos forced a six-minute stoppage and mirrored the scenes at Rufaro, where the game between champions FC Platinum and Dynamos, was also halted for 16 minutes after the referee turned down an appeal for a penalty by the Glamour Boys.

At the end of it all, CAPS United remained top, their advantage reduced to four points by the chasing pack of Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.

The Green Machine fans, the club’s security team and players all took part in the protests which erupted in the 73rd minute when referee awarded the hosts a penalty.

Livewire forward Obriel Chirinda went down under the challenge of visitors’ goalie, Tonderai Mateyaunga, inside the box.

The referee pointed to the spot and, unhappy with the decision, the CAPS United fans, housed at the Mpilo-end of the stadium, rained missiles onto the field of play in protest.

The Green Machine players also lost their cool and walked off the pitch to their dugout after their aggressive confrontation with Mabhena proved fruitless.

They staged a six-minute protest, while Ronald Chitiyo continued to confront the referee.

After the heated drama had died down, defender Passmore Bernard kept his cool and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to thrust the Gamecocks into the lead.

It proved to be the winning goal.

CAPS United pushed hard for an equaliser, but one could tell from their body language that they had lost their concentration during that six-minute stoppage.

Soon after Mabhena blew the final whistle, CAPS United substitute, Blessing Sarupinda, appeared to manhandle the referee.

Some of his teammates tried to restrain him but, suddenly, a wave of the Green Machine players menacingly charged at Mabhena.

Big striker Dominic Chungwa peeled off his shirt and took aim at Mabhena before being stopped by Chicken Inn bouncers and police details.

But the “war’’ wasn’t over as CAPS United players and security team, led by the trio of John Zhuwawu, Chungwa and Chitiyo were involved in a brawl with some PSL bouncers.

The shameful situation only calmed after more police details were deployed at the dressing room area.

Away from the drama, Chicken Inn were the better side on the day.

Inside the five minutes Chirinda outran the CAPS United defence on three occasions, but his decision making was horrible.

The visitors’ first real chance came in the 15th minute when Hardlife Zvirekwi broke on the left side and sent in a low cross, which was met by Chitiyo inside the box.

The midfielder, who has been in good form of late, controlled the ball with ease and shot at goal, but his effort was blocked by a sliding Moses Jackson.

The Gamecocks had a penalty appeal turned down in the 23rd minute after Simon Munawa went down inside the box under the challenge of Dominic Mukandi.

On the stroke of half-time, Innocent Muchaneka found himself free inside the box only to sky his effort from six yards.

In the second-half, the visitors fortified their midfield by bringing in a more defensive player, Sarupinda, and they began to match the Gamecocks.

However, at the end, it was Chicken Inn who were smiling.

The victory ended the Gamecocks’ three-game winless streak and brought them back into the title race.

They now trail CAPS United by four points with seven games to go.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas was a happy man after collecting points against their direct rivals for the league title.

“It was good to collect all three points. Of course, it’s just 1-0, but it gets us back into the title race.

‘‘We should have buried CAPS United in the first-half, but we wasted a number of chances,” said Antipas.

His CAPS United counterpart, Darlington Dodo, did not make it to the post-match interview following the dressing room brawl.

The Green Machine team bus had to be escorted by police out of the stadium.

Teams

Chicken Inn: D. Bernard, P. Bernard, B. Nyahunzwi, X. Ndlovu (P. Dube 49th min) S. Munawa, M. Jackson, T. Chipunza, V. Kandonzvo, G. Majika (S. Ndlovu 82nd min), O. Chirinda, I. Muchaneka (B. Amidu 45th min)

CAPS United: T.Mateyaunga, H. Zvirekwi, G. Gorayati, L. Zvasiya, C. Rusere, D. Mukandi, J. Ngodzo (J. Zhuwawo 70th min), P. Bamusi, (B. Sarupinda 45th min), K. Ndebele (N. Sianchali 83rd min), R. Chitiyo, D. Chungwa

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