Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THERE was another twist to the build-up to the Warriors’ opening 2021 AFCON qualifier with the Bulawayo City Council claiming Barbourfields was never booked for the match against Botswana. ZIFA had said the match would be played in the City of Kings but then announced they had shifted it to the National Sports Stadium after failing to get some guarantees from the BCC officials.

The game is set for Friday at 6pm.
However, BCC’s senior public relations officer, Nesisa Mpofu, yesterday said ZIFA never officially booked Barbourfields for the match.

“The City of Bulawayo would like to clarify the issue on the above subject matter and subsequent press release from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA),’’ Mpofu said.

“Council is not involved in the decision on the venue for the football match nor were we involved in the proposal for the game to be held in Bulawayo.

“The City of Bulawayo did get communication from a representative from ZIFA asking about the floodlights at Barbourfields Stadium and they were duly advised, through a letter after tests, that the lights were in a good working condition.

“Council, however, explained that there was need for ZIFA to further engage the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) taking into consideration the high power outages in the country.

“ZIFA was also advised that, as per norm, applicants intending to use the stadium should pay for floodlights in advance and equally meet the hire costs for the stadium.

“The Barbourfields Stadium is reserved once all the necessary payments have been done. If no payment has been made, council considers that there is no booking of the stadium.’’
Mpofu said had a booking been made, they were ready to ensure the game would be played.

“In the instance of a booking (being) made and payment done, council avails a standby generator that has the capacity to power the floodlights in the case of an electricity outage,’’ Mpofu said.

“In this instance, the issue of the venue switch does not arise as no payments were made nor was there any booking made for the stadium.’’

ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela on Tuesday said the decision to move the game was taken by CAF to avoid a floodlighting disaster at Barbourfields.

“We don’t want to be seen to be fighting. But we are surprised with the statement, honestly,’’ said Gwesela.
“We have a letter from their office and what they are saying in their statement and what is in the letter are different.

“What we just did is that we took the letter from BCC to CAF and the authorities at CAF made a decision based on that letter.
“There were no definite guarantees in that letter and we don’t blame them. But CAF don’t take chances.’’

Bulawayo City Council wrote to ZIFA on October 31, in a letter signed by the Director of Housing and Community Services, acknowledging the floodlights had not been tested since 2017 when they hosted the COSAFA women’s tournament.

“We acknowledge receipt of your inquiry pertaining to the use of Barbourfields Stadium for an international match pitting Zimbabwe against Botswana.

“You have gone on to highlight variations that point to the possibility of the match being played under floodlights.
“To this end, we would like to point out that the floodlights have not been used for a long time as they were last used during the women’s COSAFA games in 2017.

“This is also because of the heavy electricity bill that would have to be incurred by the customer. Furthermore, the floodlights are yet to be tested for their conformance to the requisite lux.

“Most of all, Zimbabwe is experiencing unprecedented power outages that would obviously threaten the proceedings of the match.

“In that regard council cannot guarantee uninterrupted power supply,” wrote the BCC in response to ZIFA.

The post WHO’S FOOLING WHO? appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Collin Matiza Sports Editor
THERE is an old saying that goes “No Guts, No Glory”.
It is a cliche but it helped promising young Zimbabwean female long-distance runner Anna Bungu in her “voyage to immortality.”

She impressed at the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday morning.
The 23-year-old Bungu was thrown into the deep end by her coach Collen Makaza who asked her to be part of thousands of runners that swarmed the FNB Stadium.

They were taking part in the 10km, 21,1km half-marathon and the main 42,2km marathon.
And, coming up against the likes of the event’s three-time winner Irvette Van Zyl of South Africa, Kenya’s Jenniffer Koech and two of Ethiopia’s top female long-distance runners Selam Abere Alebachew and Gadise Getachew Bekele in the women’s 42,2km race, Bungu knew she had a tough task.

But, at the end, she was smiling after she came home in seventh place in a surprising good time of 2 hours 57 minutes 47 seconds.

She was one place behind seasoned runner, and fellow Zimbabwean female athlete, Rutendo Nyahora. That’s a phenomenal achievement for a rookie long-distance runner.

Speaking to The Herald yesterday as she made her way back home to Zimbabwe, Bungu, who was born in Murehwa, revealed she was “scared” to run in her first full marathon.

“It was very tough for me and I was just aiming to finish my first marathon and that was all but by the time I realised that I was in the top 10, that’s the time I told myself that I can do it,’’ she said.

“I was scared at first to run a marathon. It was my dream to do a marathon but not this early. I was motivated by my coach Collen Makaza. He is the one who told me to try a marathon and I was like ‘no man, I can’t do it’ because I knew that I’m not that strong to run a marathon.

“But, at the end of the race, I was feeling happy that I did it. At the same time, I found myself crying at the finish line and I don’t remember why I was crying.

“Maybe, they were tears of joy. I don’t know what they call it.’’
Bungu, who lives in Chitungwiza’s Unit M, said she started running in 2013 when she was still at school.
“My first time to represent the country was in the COSSASA Games in Harare but that was in track events. Then I adjusted from there to road races but that time I was just running (for fun) not even thinking about my future.

“My father is the one who kept telling me to take this sport seriously until someone introduced me to my current coach Collen Makaza and that’s the time I started performing well because I’m getting enough training programmes from him.”

By finishing in the top 10 in the women’s race at this year’s Soweto Marathon, Bungu got some prize money “but I’m not sure about the prizes for now”.

“But I’m sure in the next future events, I’m going to be a champion of a marathon event and winning a marathon is my biggest dream for now but going for the World Championships will be my greatest achievement,” she said.

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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
THE Sports Commission are still studying the submissions made by Zimbabwe Netball Association and will only comment at the appropriate time.

This was said yesterday by the Sports Commission director general Prince Mupazviriho.
ZINA came under spotlight after a group of netball stakeholders submitted a petition to the SRC expressing concern over how ZINA were running the game in the country.

The SRC gave the association a November 1 deadline to respond to all the charges which included alleged lack of transparency, accountability and that ZINA had different constitutions.
Yesterday, Mupazviriho said they were seized with the matter.

“We are looking into the issue. They have given us their response and we cannot comment on that at the moment and we will communicate once we have finished,” he said.

ZINA president Leticia Chipandu said they had nothing to hide.
“We are going to respond. We have no problem in doing that because we have the requirements that they need,’’ she said.
“But I just want to highlight that we are one of the few national associations that were given a licence to operate by SRC early this year.

“Those licences were only given to national associations that are compliant, which also means that ZINA is compliant in terms of the SRC Act and we haven’t deviated a centimetre from that.

“We will respond accordingly. We have got their request, we will go sentence by sentence and give them what they are asking for.’’

ZINA will have to patiently wait for the outcome of the Sports Commission board deliberations.
The SRC Act are empowered to act when they feel an association have lost their way.

“(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 sub-paragraph (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.”

The post SRC still studying ZINA submissions appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CLIVE AUGUSTO might have left the Premiership three months ago for South Africa but the 14 goals he scored for Chicken Inn are proving to be a handful for competitors.

Augusto’s bid in the race for this year’s Castle Lager Premiership Golden Boot still stands strong despite featuring only in the first half of the season.

The 25-year-old played 17 games for the Gamecocks and scored 14 times before attracting the attention of modest South African Premiership side Maritzburg United.

In a serious indictment of the local players, Augusto’s tally is yet to be matched by anyone even though 11 more games have been played since his departure in August.

Augusto, who started the season on fire, was probably the only player who had the capacity to cross the 20-goal barrier for the first time since Norman Maroto in 2010.

The lanky forward dominated the domestic Premiership before he left, winning three Player of the Month awards on the bounce.

But he has had a slow start to life in the Supa Disk where he has featured in only two league games and is yet to open his account for his new club.

With five games remaining in the Castle Lager Premiership, it looks like the Golden Boot race will be another low-scoring affair.

The Golden Boot winners, in the last two seasons Dominic Chungwa and Rodwell Chinyengetere, had 17 goals apiece.

Dynamos’ Evans Katema, who scored his 11th goal of the season last Sunday when the Glamour Boys drew 1-1 with Highlanders at Rufaro, is in second place behind Augusto.

But, like many other players, he has not been scoring regularly and had to miss almost a month of action after he got injured during the national team’s preparations for the CHAN qualifiers.

“It is not like we don’t have good strikers here but the tactics that are being used do not promote open play and strikers to thrive,’’ said Katema.

“I think teams these days are becoming too cautious and very defensive. No one wants to lose games so it becomes very difficult to break down the defences.

“But, as for me, I think I have done well. My target at the start of the season was to reach double figures and I have managed that. My next step now is to better the tally.

“I am confident more goals will come in the remaining five games if I don’t pick up injuries. I feel I have a good chance to fight for the Golden Boot more than anyone else.

“Unfortunately, I missed some games in the previous month because of injury. If you remember well I got injured when I was enjoying good form.’’

CAPS United’s Joel Ngodzo is in third place in the race with 10 goals while his teammate John Zhuwawu is a distant fourth on eight goals.

Highlanders’ Prince Dube has also hit top form, of late, but missed the previous two games because of a red card he picked at ZPC Kariba and this could derail his momentum.

He has taken his tally to six goals following a month of blitzkrieg which won him the Castle Lager and Footballers Union of Zimbabwe Player of the Month awards for September.

The post Augusto still leads, three months on appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
WARRIORS midfielder Thabani Kamusoko has predicted a tough encounter between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the 2021 AFCON qualifier in Lusaka in a fortnight.

The cross-Zambezi River rivals meet at the giant National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka in what will be the pair’s second game of the qualifiers.

Kamusoko, who plies his trade with Zesco United in the Zambian Premier League, has warned his teammates to brace for a bruising battle in Lusaka.

“Both teams know each other very well and it will be a tightly-contested fixture,’’ said Kamusoko.

Zimbabwe and Zambia last collided in an AFCON qualification in 1993.

“The National Heroes Stadium is ideal for this tie. Its turf is perfect, I once played there when we were participating in the CAF Champions League while I was still plying my trade in Tanzania,’’ said Kamusoko.

“What I know is we have to be very careful against Chipolopolo for they have an array of good stars who can beat any team on this continent.

“That their league is now a bit more competitive than ours, as evidenced by their performances in the CAF inter-club competitions, is proof that they can be tough opponents.”

Kamusoko said Zimbabwe can still win the match.

“As Warriors, they also regard us very highly due to what has happened in matches involving the two countries in the past,’’ he said.

“That rivalry is well documented and the match will be super-charged. They have good players but we also have many of them in our ranks.”

Kamusoko is part of Zimbabwe caretaker coach Joey Antipas’ squad which was trimmed from 32 to 24 on Wednesday.

They are expected to go into camp on Monday to start their preparations for 2021 AFCON qualifiers Group H opener against Botswana at the National Sports Stadium on November 15.

The match is scheduled to start at 6pm.

Kamusoko, who was part of the Warriors squad for this year’s AFCON finals in Egypt, joined Zesco from Tanzanian giants Young Africans in July this year.

The deal was brokered by former CAPS United midfielder Butler Masango.

The post Kamusoko ready to bite bullet appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

LONDON. — Derek Chisora’s manager David Haye claims Oleksandr Usyk is “interested” in a fight, and he is in talks with the WBO should their heavyweight boxing belt become vacant.

Anthony Joshua challenges Andy Ruiz Jr for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships on December 7 but his promoter Eddie Hearn has said: “Some belts may become vacant.”

The winner of Joshua’s rematch with Ruiz Jr will have Usyk and Kubrat Pulev as WBO and IBF mandatory challengers, respectively, each expecting the next shot at the champion leading to the option of vacating a belt and pursuing other fights instead.

Zimbabwe-born Chisora could be picked as an opponent for Usyk in a vacant WBO title fight, his manager Haye believes. He said: “Usyk’s people have been in contact with (promoter Hearn) to say they are interested.

“The WBO have a convention in Tokyo where I will lobby them. The WBO want exciting fighters, and it makes sense for them to sanction Usyk vs Chisora.”

Hearn had previously said: “It’s a fight that they could do, potentially even for the WBO title next year.”

Chisora won the WBO intercontinental title when he stopped David Price in his most recent fight, which could see him enter their rankings, so the wheels are already been in motion if the winner of Ruiz Jr vs Joshua opts to vacate the belt.

Tyson Fury is No. 2 in the WBO rankings, behind Usyk, but is targeting a fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder instead, opening up the race to challenge for the gold.

“My gut says the WBO (will be vacated) because Usyk is a tricky customer,” Haye said. “I believe Joshua will go the Pulev route, a bigger guy who will stand and fight, rather than the Usyk route.” Chisora, prior to beating Price, mocked Usyk for “juggling balls” and said: “I want that fight.”

Unbeaten Usyk won his heavyweight debut last month against Chazz Witherspoon and made it clear that he wanted to challenge for a world title in his next fight. He has previously won an Olympic gold medal and the undisputed cruiserweight title.

“Derek has more of a shot of achieving that goal (of becoming heavyweight champion) than I did, if you look back to 2004,” said Haye on the eve on the 10-year anniversary of his win over Nikolai Valuev which won him the heavyweight title. — Sky Sports.

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JOHANNESBURG. — Former Proteas wicket-keeper Mark Boucher says South African cricket is in a dire state and that the Mzansi Super League will not solve Cricket South Africa’s problems.

CSA has been in the spotlight following the Proteas’ seventh-place finish at the recent Cricket World Cup and their 3-0 Test series defeat to India.

Last week, CSA suspended three senior officials alleging they had neglected their duties in a payment dispute between the South African Cricketers Association and CSA relating to last year’s MSL.

The focus has turned to the local scene with the MSL getting under way on Friday with a repeat of last year’s final as the Jozi Stars take on the Cape Town Blitz in Gauteng.

Tshwane Spartans coach Boucher says he wouldn’t want people to think the T20 tournament is “sugarcoating” any problems.

“There might be quite a few people looking at this and saying we’re sugarcoating the actual situation we are in with South African cricket at the moment,” said Boucher, as quoted by SACricket Mag.

“We’ve got ourselves into a pretty bad state. Hopefully there are some clever heads there to try and turn things around.”

Boucher firmly believes that the tournament will do well this year, but cautions we shouldn’t rely on the tournament to fix SA cricket’s issues. — Sport24.

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England-born Zimbabwe international forward Macauley Bonne could snub the recent call-up to the Warriors squad ahead of the start of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as he has reportedly set his sights on a possible England call-up in the future.

The in-form Charlton Athletic striker looked on course to finally making his home bow for the Warriors against Botswana at the National Sports Stadium on November 15 before the away tie against neighbours Zambia four days later.

This is after the Registrar General Clement Masango reportedly assured the country’s football governing body, ZIFA that passports for Bonne and other England-born players would be ready before the upcoming matches.

However, according to a report by the English sports radio station, Talksport, “Bonne could be about to pause his international career as he sets his sights on a possible England call-up in the future”.

The 24-year-old striker has already played once for the Warriors but this was in a friendly fixture and he could still play for his country of birth, should he continue his current run of form.

“Charlton Athletic striker Macauley Bonne could be about to pause his international career as he sets his sights on a possible England call-up in the future,” the Talksport website, which has extensively covered Bonne’s rapid rise reported on Wednesday.

“The Addicks ace has had an excellent spell in the side as a replacement for Lyle Taylor, scoring five goals in seven starts, and given his exceptional rise at 24-years-old, there is a chance he could replicate the fortunes of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who went from Stocksbridge Park Steels all the way to Euro 2016 with the Three Lions.”

Talksport added: “Bonne has not turned his back on Zimbabwe, the homeland of his parents, but is considering the options he has after frustrating complications as he attempted to get a passport ahead of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament. He was ultimately unsuccessful and missed out on the opportunity to play in the competition.”

The latest reports of an impending about-turn by Bonne comes after the player recently revealed that he was confident that his passport situation would be resolved to pave way for him to feature for the Warriors

“I’ve been trying to get it sorted for years and years now and the process seems to be getting longer and longer,” he said in an interview with 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.”

The striker hit 45 goals in 90 National League matches with Leyton Orient in the past two seasons, helping them earn promotion to League Two before earning a switch to Charlton, where he has continued his brilliant scoring form.

The post Bonne to Snub Warriors, Sets Sights On England Career – Report appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
THE Sports Commission are still studying the submissions made by Zimbabwe Netball Association and will only comment at the appropriate time.

This was said yesterday by the Sports Commission director general Prince Mupazviriho.
ZINA came under spotlight after a group of netball stakeholders submitted a petition to the SRC expressing concern over how ZINA were running the game in the country.

The SRC gave the association a November 1 deadline to respond to all the charges which included alleged lack of transparency, accountability and that ZINA had different constitutions.
Yesterday, Mupazviriho said they were seized with the matter.

“We are looking into the issue. They have given us their response and we cannot comment on that at the moment and we will communicate once we have finished,” he said.

ZINA president Leticia Chipandu said they had nothing to hide.
“We are going to respond. We have no problem in doing that because we have the requirements that they need,’’ she said.
“But I just want to highlight that we are one of the few national associations that were given a licence to operate by SRC early this year.

“Those licences were only given to national associations that are compliant, which also means that ZINA is compliant in terms of the SRC Act and we haven’t deviated a centimetre from that.

“We will respond accordingly. We have got their request, we will go sentence by sentence and give them what they are asking for.’’

ZINA will have to patiently wait for the outcome of the Sports Commission board deliberations.
The SRC Act are empowered to act when they feel an association have lost their way.

“(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 sub-paragraph (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.”

The post SRC still studying ZINA submissions appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

HIGHLANDER’S top striker Prince Dube bounces back on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium to lead the Bulawayo giants’ charge against ZPC Kariba in the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup after missing two league matches due to suspension.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Dube was shown a straight red card against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium two weeks ago and missed the league games against Yadah and Dynamos.

Coach Hendrikus Pieter de Jongh is glad to have Dube back.

“All the players that I have been working with are available. Prince is back from the red card and we have no injuries. We might be dropping one player from the regular squad of 18 because Prince is back, but we will see about that tomorrow (today) or Saturday. He is doing fine. He missed two matches. Like every other player he is in good spirits. He is an important player and has a good fighting spirit. He is back and I am happy. As a coach he will give me more tactical options on how I can surprise the opponents,” De Jongh said.

The Dutchman said he was impressed by his central defender Peter Muduhwa in the mid-week league game against Yadah FC at Barbourfields Stadium last Thursday, adding that the player showed great leadership qualities.

Highlanders won that match 3-1.

Ruled out is attacking midfielder Devine Mhindirira who picked up a severe knock against Chicken Inn early last month and De Jongh said he could be out for four weeks, probably ruling him out for the rest of the season.

He was replaced in that game by Adrian Silla who has been in good form lately together with Denzel Khumalo, Tinashe Makanda and the defensive linkman Nqobizitha Masuku.

De Jongh yesterday said it was very important for Highlanders to reach the final of the Chibuku Super Cup.

“It’s important for the club to reach the final and not necessarily for me. For me it’s just doing my job and look at each game as it comes. Let’s hope we get to the final for the first time for the club in the history of Chibuku (since the tournament returned). It will give the club a big boost for the future. I want to win; that is normal for any coach but it’s for the club to get a boost and that is very important,” the Dutchman said.

The other semi-final pits Harare City against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium tomorrow after the Sunshine City Boys beat Triangle in a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday.

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

FRESH from a successful season in Australia, Zimbabwe rugby star Connor Pritchard will be hoping for more success on his return to the Cheetahs ahead of their title defence at this year’s Africa Men’s Sevens, which kicks off tomorrow at Bosman Stadium in Brakpan, South Africa.

BY DANIEL NHAKANISO

Pritchard, who last featured for the Cheetahs at the Cape Town leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series in December, is part of a Zimbabwe squad that will do battle in this year’s continental championship, which will double as the qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The 14-man squad arrived in South Africa last week and set up camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) in Cape Town in preparation for the Africa Men’s Sevens, where Zimbabwe will battle it out against 13 other nations for the sole ticket to Tokyo.

Pritchard, who was a key member of the Cheetahs squad which famously beat Kenya 17-5 in the final of last year’s competition staged in Tunisia, said he was confident that the team would do well again this year.

“It’s been a very good and constructive camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport. We all met in camp last Wednesday and have been in full training. The vibe in the camp is very good. All the boys are gelling well and I am keen to see young guys showcasing their skills,” Pritchard told NewsDaySport from South Africa yesterday.

“Obviously, being defending champions, we have a lot on our shoulders, but I feel very confident that we have a very big chance of going to the Olympics. As I said, the camp has been really good and there are high spirits among the team. All we need to do is go out there and believe in our game plan and play the way we play and we should come out on top.”

The 23-year-old highly-rated player, who plays openside flanker in rugby union, has been on a steady rise in Australia where he is edging closer towards earning a contract with the Super Rugby franchise Queensland Reds.

Pritchard broke into the Queensland Country side which plies its trade in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) – a top-level tournament for players in Australia and one team from Fiji following the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.

“Initially, I was on the bench for the NRC, but managed to work my way into the starting team for the later half of the season. We just missed out on the finals after losing to Fiji Drua in Fiji.

Obviously, most of the players in the team are contracted Reds players who play Super Rugby. So the next step is to get a senior contract at the Reds and be full-time with them,” Pritchard said.

While his next goal is to earn a professional contract with the Reds, his immediate task is to lead the Cheetahs to qualification for the Olympics.

Zimbabwe squad: Njabulo Ndlovu, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Martin Mangongo, Ngoni Chibuwe, Riaan O’Neill, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Biselele Tshamala, Hilton Mudariki, Tarisai Mugariri, Stephan Hunduza (captain), Takudzwa Kumadiro, Connor Pritchard, Shingirai Katsvere.

Coach: Gilbert Nyamutsamba

Physiotherapist: Margie Gibson

The post Pritchard eyes Olympic qualification appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

THE Warriors will not face Red Bull Salzburg sensation Patson Daka when they clash with neighbours Zambia in a Group H 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Lusaka on November 19.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

Daka has caught the attention of watchers of the global game with a sparkling performance for his club who are also in the Uefa Champions League.

Salzburg are in the same pool as Liverpool, Napoli and Genk in the European premier club competition.

The 21-year-old scored his second hat-trick of the season last week to guide the Austrian top division log leaders to a 3-0 win over Mattersburg in the Bundesliga.

The goals lifted him to the top goal scorer’s chart with a total of 12 league goals and 14 in all competitions this season. The 2017 Caf Young Player of the Year also scored a hat-trick on October 5 in the 6-0 humiliation of SC Rheindorf Altach.

Zambia have opted to send Daka to the Under-23 Afcon which doubles as an Olympic Games qualifier. The junior Chipolopolo side kick off their campaign with a match against the South Africa Under-23 side tomorrow. The two teams are in the same pool as Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

Midfielder Enock Mwepu, who also plays for Red Bull Salzburg, will also miss the matches against Algeria and Zimbabwe as he will be involved in the Olympics qualifier.

Their absence together with other Chipolopolo stars is likely to ease the burden on the Warriors, who will be looking to capitalise and take the crucial points.

Zambia coach Aggrey Chiyangi overlooked Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

The Warriors get their campaign rolling with a home clash against the Zebras of Botswana at the National Sports Stadium next week Friday before travelling to face neighbours Zambia four days later.

Zambia squad

Goalkeepers:

Sebastian Mwange (Green Eagles, Zambia), Mwenya Chibwe (Polokwane City, South Africa), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco, Zambia).

Defenders:

Lawrence Chungu (Zanaco, Zambia), Stophila Sunzu (FC Metz, France), Clement Mwape (Zesco United, Zambia), Tandi Mwape, Kabaso Chongo (both TP Mazembe, DRC), Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon, Zambia).

Midfielders:

Rally Bwalya (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, DRC), Kelvin Kampamba (Nkana, Zambia), Salulani Phiri (Polokwane City, South Africa), Donashano Malama (Black Leopards, South Africa), Clatous Chama (Simba Sports, Tanzania), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows, Zambia).

Strikers:

Evans Kangwa (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Mwape Musonda (Black Leopards, South Africa), Lazarous Kambole (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Justin Shonga, Augustine Mulenga (both Orlando Pirates, South Africa).

The post Red-hot Zambia striker to miss Warriors tie appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

CAPE TOWN — Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok legend Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira yesterday announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 34-year-old veteran of 117 Tests confirmed his decision after a monumental performance in his final match, Saturday’s emphatic 32-12 victory over England in the Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.

In a trademark scrumming performance from the 115kg front ranker, the Springbok pack forced a succession of penalties from their opponents, many of them conceded by Mtawarira’s direct opponent. It crowned a storied career for the Springboks’ and Cell C Sharks’ “gentle giant”.

Mtawarira made his senior provincial debut for the Cell C Sharks in 2006 and won his first Springbok cap in 2008, setting records on the way.

Beast became the third most-capped Springbok (behind Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana), the most capped prop, made the most appearances for a South African Vodacom Super Rugby team (159) and won the Rugby World Cup (2019), Tri-Nations (2009), Castle Lager Rugby Championship (2019), a series against the British & Irish Lions (2009) and the Currie Cup (2008, 2010 and 2013).

“I’ve been privileged to play this great game and achieve many career goals over the last 12 years of playing senior rugby,” Mtawarira said.

“I’ve been blessed to have been part of teams that achieved so much success over the years, and I have many memories to cherish forever, but I can honestly say that winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top.

“I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by many top coaches at the Springboks and the Sharks, and grateful to my numerous team mates in green and gold, and black and white, over the years.

“But most of all, to my wife Kuziva, and our two beautiful children, Talumba and Wangu, for sacrificing so much to allow me to chase my dreams. I really appreciate it immensely.

“I would also like to thank my parents, other family and friends for their support over the years – I could not have done this without you.”

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, paid tribute to Mtawarira, who made his Springbok debut in the second Test against Wales in Pretoria in 2008, and played his last match in green and gold in Yokohama last Saturday.

“Beast is someone who never complained, always put in the hard work and simply got on with his job in his typically unassuming way,” Alexander said.

“When he first got an opportunity at the Sharks, he rode a bicycle to training, which perfectly sums up not only his humbleness, but his desire to make it to the top. He worked very hard to achieve what he has and we’re all very proud of him.

“Beast, thank you for what you’ve done for South African rugby, to show that Springboks can indeed be gentle giants, and for never putting your own interests above that of the team. We salute you and will miss you in green and gold.”
— SA Rugby

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

MACAULEY BONNE almost ended his dream of playing for the Warriors as he endured frustrations over securing a Zimbabwean passport, with England ready to pounce and get his services.

This was revealed yesterday when the striker finally received his Zimbabwean passport, which will enable him to fulfil his dream to become a Warrior.

Bolton Wanderers left-back, Adam Chicksen, also secured his passport but the defender will not be available for the opening Group H 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia next week.

Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare, who has been moving mountains for the British Brigade to get passports, confirmed the Registrar-General’s Office released the two passports yesterday.

He was confident Swansea teenage sensation Tivonge Rushesha, Cliff Moyo and Bournemouth Under-21 defender Jordan Zemura will also be able to collect their passports early next week.

Rushesha is also out of the two matches because of injury.

Warriors caretaker coach, Joey Antipas, was excited by the developments.

“This is good news for the national team. It’s good to have such type of players in your squad,’’ said Antipas.

‘‘I believe they will do their best for the country. I hope they bring a different dimension, in terms of competition.

“I would want to thank the authorities for making it possible.’’

However, there were disturbing reports from England suggesting Bonne almost ended his dreams to become a Warrior.

The Charlton Athletic forward has started life in the English Championship in blistering form and has so far scored five goals in seven outings.

This has earned him rave reviews among top players in the English second-tier league, thereby brightening chances of a future call-up from the Three Lions.

His script has often been compared to that of Leicester City forward, Jamie Vardy, who rose from the obscurity of lower league football to become one of the hottest properties in the English Premiership.

One of UK’s top sports radio stations, Talk Sport, hinted this week that the 24-year-old was so frustrated by the failure to get a Zimbabwean passport he even considered a future with England.

“Charlton Athletic striker Macauley Bonne could be about to pause his international career as he sets his sights on a possible England call-up in the future,” wrote Anton Stanley of Talk Sport.

“Bonne has already played once for Zimbabwe but this was in a friendly fixture and he could still play for his country of birth (Engand), should he continue his current run of form.

“The Addicks ace has had an excellent spell in the side as a replacement for Lyle Taylor, scoring five goals in seven starts, and given his exceptional rise at 24-years-old, there is a chance he could replicate the fortunes of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who went from Stocksbridge Park Steels all the way to Euro 2016 with the Three Lions.

“Bonne has not turned his back on Zimbabwe, the homeland of his parents, but is considering the options he has after frustrating complications as he attempted to get a passport ahead of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

‘‘He was ultimately unsuccessful and missed out on the opportunity to play in the competition . . .

“The striker hit 45 goals in 90 National League matches with Leyton Orient in the past two seasons, helping them earn promotion to League Two before earning a switch to Charlton.

“Several top clubs continue to keep an eye on Bonne following his recent upturn in form, although he will soon face a battle with fellow forward Taylor for a starting berth in the team.”

Mpandare said they have also heard about Bonne’s links with England, but nothing official came from the player.

The Warriors manager said they were expecting him in camp when the Warriors start trooping in from tomorrow for the twin assignment against Botswana and Zambia.

“It’s obvious there is bound to be talk to that effect because Bonne has been enjoying excellent form of late,’’ said Mpandare.

‘‘It’s obviously tempting for any player in his situation if you hear that England are after you. But the guy has committed himself to playing for Zimbabwe and that is the reason we have been running around to make sure he gets the requisite documents.

“Now, we have the passport. We would like to thank the Minister (Kirsty Coventry) and the RG’s office for all their efforts.

‘‘It’s been a struggle in the past but I tell you, for the first time, the process has been so smooth.’’

The Warriors are expected to start camp tomorrow with 24 players.

Nine have dropped from the original 32-member squad.

These include Spain-based goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Douglas Nyaupembe, Adam Chicksen, Tivonge Rushesha, Jordan Zemura, Phineas Bamusi, Jonah Fabisch, Admiral Muskwe and Evans Rusike.

But the backbone of the team, who include the likes of Khama Billiat, Alec Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe, Marshall Munetsi, skipper Knowledge Musona and Marvelous Nakamba of Aston Villa, are fit and ready.

Chapungu goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, who replaced Mapisa, is the latest addition.

Zimbabwe get the ball rolling in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Botswana next Friday at the National Sports Stadium before travelling to Zambia four days later for a date against Chipolopolo in the Group H duels.

Warriors squad

Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze, Simbarashe Chinani, Talbert Shumba

Defenders: Alec Mudimu, Cliff Moyo, Teenage Hadebe, Devine Lunga, Ian Nekati, Partson Jaure, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Kelvin Moyo.

Midfielders: Marvellous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Ovidy Karuru, Butholwezi Ncube, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Terrence Dzukamanja, Thabani Kamusoko

Strikers: Khama Billiat, Tino Kadewere, Knowledge Musona, Macauley Bonne, Knox Mtizwa, Prince Dube

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

THE Exide 7s Series rugby third edition roars into life this morning at Belgravia Sports Club.

The main matches will feature Pitbulls and Old Hararians, while Mutare Sports Club take on Old Georgians.

After a one-week break, the Chloride Zimbabwe-sponsored tournament returns after the second round where Pitbulls emerged as the top team.

Harare Rugby Board secretary, Shingi Vere, said they were looking forward to the third round of the tournament.

“The second round was highlighted by excellent rugby with the final ranking match, involving Old Georgians and Pitbulls, where the later coming off as victors,’’ said Vere.

“Pitbulls will go into tomorrow (today’s) round as the number one-ranked team for the remainder of the 2019 series.

This edition will see the top eight ranked teams — namely Pitbulls, Old Hararians, Zambezi Steelers, Mabvuku, Old Georgians, Mutare Sports club, Mbare Select and Police Defenders going head to head in Pools A and B.

‘‘The other eight will compete in Pools C and D. This makes for more even competition, as well as ensuring the matches are exciting,” said Vere.

Fixtures

Men: Mufakose v Hatcliffe, Police Defenders v Mbare Select, Mabvuku v Zambezi Steelers, UZ v Mufakose, Old Geogians, Pitbulls v Mabvuku, Rhinos v Mufakose, Mutare Sports Club v Police Defenders, Old Hararians v Mabvuku, , UZ v Hatcliffe, Old Geogians v Mbare Select, Pitbulls v Zambezi Steelers, XP Horns v Alex Sports Club, Hatcliffe v Rhinos, Mbare Select v Mutare Sports Club, Zambezi Steelers v Old Hararians, Rhinos v UZ, Mutare Sports Club v Old Georgians, Old Hararians v Pitbulls.

Women: Zimbiru v XP Horns, Southern City v Zimbiru, Alex Sports Club v Zimbiru, Southern City v XP Horns, Alex Sports Club v Southern City.

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LONDON. – Manchester City and Liverpool’s ascension to be the two top dogs in the English Premier League football has seen every meeting in recent seasons met with increasing animosity.

No player bears the brunt of that bad blood more than Raheem Sterling on his return to Anfield.

Sterling has flourished under Pep Guardiola, becoming a vital part of City’s two title-winning campaigns in the last two seasons, while Liverpool’s wait for a league crown has now stretched to 30 years.

Sterling left just three months before Jurgen Klopp arrived to revitalise the Reds after a season in which they finished sixth, 17 points behind City.

Liverpool have still yet to finish above the English champions in Klopp’s four seasons in charge, but the gap was down to a single point as City edged a titanic title race last season.

And it is Liverpool who will start tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash with an early six-point lead over City in the title race.

Sterling cannot be faulted for a sloppier start to the season by Guardiola’s men after two near-perfect campaigns.

For club and country, Sterling has already scored 18 goals in 20 appearances, including his first against Liverpool as City won the Community Shield in August.

“All the credit is for him,” said Guardiola after Sterling’s recent Champions League hat-trick against Atlanta.

“His physicality is incredible. He’s strong the day after the game, he could play another game. He can play on both sides, is fast, defensively help us a lot, so is an extraordinary player.”

Sterling’s input at both ends of the field will be key if City are to somehow halt Liverpool’s momentum and inflict a first league defeat at Anfield for the hosts since April 2017.

City’s defence has been decimated by a long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte, while goalkeeper Ederson is out. Attack is likely to be the best form of defence for the visitors, but Sterling will also be forced to keep an eye on one of Liverpool’s most potent attacking outlets in right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“He’s crucial for us, you need this type of player, a game-changing player, and he is probably the one player who can change everything for us,” said City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on Sterling’s influence.

“Just now it’s about consistency but he has shown in the last 12 to 18 months that he is able to be that consistent. He is among the five best attacking players in the world, definitely.”

Sterling has won five major trophies and plenty more plaudits since moving to Manchester, but is yet to score or win in a City shirt at Anfield.

End that drought and City will be well back in the hunt to inflict more title pain on his former employers.

But Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City’s hopes of a third successive Premier League crown in a seismic clash at Anfield tomorrow but failure to do so could revive bitter memories.

English Premiership Fixtures (all 5pm unless otherwise stated)

Today: Chelsea v Crystal Palace (Stamford Bridge, 2:30pm); Burnley v West Ham United (Turf Moor); Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth (St. James’ Park); Southampton v Everton (St. Mary’s Stadium); Tottenham Hotspur v Sheffield United (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium); Leicester City v Arsenal (King Power Stadium, 7:30pm).

Tomorrow: Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion (Old Trafford, 6pm); Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa (Molineux Stadium, 4pm); Liverpool v Manchester City (Anfield, 6:30pm).

Italian Serie Fixtures

Today: Brescia v Torino (4pm); Inter Milan v Verona (7pm); Napoli v Genoa (9:45pm)

Tomorrow: Cagliari v Fiorentina (1:30pm); Lazio v Lecce; Sampdoria v Atalanta; Udinese v SPAL (4pm); Parma v Roma (7pm);

Juventus v AC Milan (9:45pm)-AFP.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

CAPS United players will each receive $2 000 in winning bonuses in the remaining five Castle Lager Premiership football matches.

The Green Machine sit on the summit of the log standings with 51 points, two ahead of closest challengers FC Platinum.

But their form has slumped in recent games after they managed a mere point, out of a possible nine, in their last three outings.

That poor run has of late stirred rumours the players were unhappy, but it has since emerged Darlington Dodo’s charges will now be among the best-paid players in the league each time they win games.

The club chiefs this week met the players at one of their training sessions and pledged a sharp hike in victory bonuses, starting with the tricky home task against ZPC Kariba next week.

The players will get half of the amount for drawn games.

Sources within their camp told The Saturday Herald yesterday the club have indeed raised the bonus to $2 000.

The players are understood to have been previously receiving around $600 per win.

“CAPS United have promised to give the players $2 000 each as winning bonuses for their next match against ZPC Kariba on Thursday next week and half the amount for draws.

“The figures are likely to be reviewed going forward as the management have expressed keen interest in seeing the club going all the way.

“The boys have not been performing very well, but they are willing to do their best for the club going forward,” said the sources.

Makepekepe welfare manager, Shakespeare Chinogwenya, referred questions to finance manager, Morgan Nyikahadzoyi, with the latter saying he was not in a position to comment on club matters.

“What I can say at the moment is that the morale is very high in the camp. There are no complaints.

“Everyone is happy but, about the winning bonuses, you can get in touch with our finance manager Morgan (Nyikahadzoyi),” said Chinogwenya.

The Green Machine have a tough schedule in the run-in which is set to be one of the most intriguing in recent years with FC Platinum, Chicken Inn as well as ZPC Kariba all in the picture.

CAPS will be in Harare in four of their five remaining games, starting with ZPC Kariba on Thursday, three days before they clash with Yadah Stars.

They will then take on Dynamos before travelling to Mhondoro for a date against Ngezi Platinum Stars.

The Green Machine conclude the season with a home tie against FC Platinum.

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Sports Reporter

THE Premier Soccer League are still to receive an official complaint about match-fixing allegations raised by Black Rhinos last week.

The army side raised the red flag after losing 0-3 to Herentals last month.

They have made their independent investigations and team manager Gift Kamuriwo admitted to getting a bribe to influence the result of the match.

However, the domestic football authorities at the PSL and ZIFA were yet to say anything yesterday.

They said the matter had not been communicated to them officially.

PSL spokesperson, Kudzai Bare, said their office was in the dark about the matter.

“We haven’t received any communication concerning that issue,’’ she said.

“So, we cannot confirm whether the incident you are referring to has really happened or not.”

Rhinos have since fired Kamuriwo.

Herentals have been maintaining their innocence. They claim the allegations stem from their historical rivalry with the army side which date back to their days in Division One.

The teams have played each other four times in the top-flight with Herentals winning twice, drawing once and losing one.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

HARARE City midfiel, will be the centre of attention in today’s Chibuku Super Cup semi-final clash against Ngezi Platinum at Baobab.

Tournament favourites Highlanders welcome chief striker Prince Dube back into the fold in the other semi-final at Barbourfields when they host ZPC Kariba.

Manondo had scored in three consecutive Chibuku Super Cup matches since the tournament was re-introduced six years ago.

But the former Warriors forward is yet to open his account in this year’s contest.

Ironically, with him failing to rise to the occasion, none of his teammates have and Harare City have gone for 180 minutes, in the tournament, without scoring in open play.

Their first round match against CAPS United ended goalless as did their quarter-final battle against Triangle.

On both occasions they won on penalties.

City coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, has backed his vice-captain and he believes form, not history, is what matters in their showdown with Rodwell Dhlakama’s charges.

“It’s not really about how the team has performed in the Chibuku Super Cup in the previous years.

‘’It all comes down to how the team is performing. I think the team is doing well, of late, and we hope to continue on the same trajectory,” said Chitembwe.

His charges have had only two days to rest between today’s encounter and the quarter-final clash with Triangle on Wednesday at Rufaro.

“Preparations have been perfect, we have tried to regenerate some energy after a very difficult match against Triangle.

‘’We are ready and looking forward to the match against Ngezi Platinum Stars.

“We have a group of professional players who know what it means to be playing competitive football.

“What matters now is their ability to recover after that match two days ago. We tried by all means to help them refresh their bodies.”

Chitembwe has a full complement of the squad to choose his troops from.

“We are happy, morale is at a level we want it to be. We don’t have any injury concerns, which is one area which has been an issue.’’

Dhlakama has turned Ngezi around and they were unlucky to go down to FC Platinum in a league match at Mandava.

At their Ngezi fortress, they have proved a tough team to beat and a capacity crowd is expected to cheer them on as they eye the final.

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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter

CHICKEN Inn midfielder Clement Matawu reached another milestone in his life when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sport Science and Coaching.

He joins a growing list of footballers who are attaining academic qualifications. This was also a perfect birthday present for the former Warriors midfielder who turns 37 on November 28.

Two years ago, he reached another milestone when he joined an exclusive club of the country’s finest players by finishing among finalists for the Soccer Stars of the Year awards for the sixth time. Matawu, who has refused to be slowed down by age and has not looked back since he returned from Poland in 2011, has made it onto the calendar three times in a row from 2015.

Previously, he had made the short-list in 2003, 2004 and in 2006 when he was crowned the king of domestic football.

Matawu has the most appearances on the calendar since the establishment of the Premiership in 1992.

The football constituency yesterday congratulated Matawu.

Mariztburg United player, Gabriel Nyoni, who also has a Degree in Marketing with the same University praised Matawu on his Twitter account.

“A generation of soccer players that is changing societal belief that soccer players are dull,’’ tweeted Nyoni.

“You represent possibilities. Well done Clemence Matawu. Football world here is your son. Let’s celebrate him.’’

Former Warriors defender, Cephas Chimedza, also turned to Twitter to congratulate his colleague.

“Congratulations Gadhaffi. Wadadisa,”.

Premier Soccer League clubs such as CAPS United and Chicken Inn also showered the footballer with love on his special day.

Players such as Martin Vengesayi, Godfrey Nguwodzawo, Alfred Chinodakufa and Mavhuto Mapani have attained some tertiary qualifications at different universities.

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