Zimbabwe Women’s Football Super League clubs have requested ZIFA to increase their Covid-19 relief package.

The clubs received $256 000 which was deposited into their bank accounts.

By the time the clubs convened a meeting with their leadership, led by Barbra Chikosi, the money was already reflecting in their accounts.

Each club received $256 000 which, according to last week’s auction rate, translated to about US$3 764.

Currently, there are 19 clubs in the Super League following the promotion of four teams.

Two Bulawayo football powerhouses, New Orleans and Inline Academy, who are not playing in the Super League, are also believed to have received the same allowance from ZIFA.

Clubs feel they need more to help them deal with the challenges they have been facing.

There was commotion at the weekend’s meeting with some clubs unhappy with how their executive had not pushed for them to get more from the relief funds.

Club officials, who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, felt they should have been consulted before the money was disbursed.

The women’s football constituency was awarded US$500 000 by FIFA as Covid-19 relief package.

ZIFA gave women football $32 million but the Super League, who provide most of the players for the national teams, received just $4 million from that injection.

The rest of the money will be distributed to regional football entities and other affiliates who include NASH and NAPH.

“A club has an average of 40 people that is players and club officials, so we will sit down and see how we will distribute the money which was deposited into our accounts,” said one of the club’s officials.

“It’s not much but there is nothing we can do.

“We asked our executive how the money was converted, which rate was used but we failed to get answers.

“We were expecting to get at least US$7 000 per club from ZIFA, as the Super League clubs, since we incur a lot of costs.

“We expected clubs to get, at least, half of the US$500 000 while the rest went towards regions and other affiliates such as NASH and NAPH.

“Remember NASH and NAPH are not professional entities and don’t incur direct costs as us.

“Affiliates like NAPH only play football for two months at most, during the school calendar, and honestly they cannot be compared to clubs.”

Another club official said although ZIFA have pledged to cater for transport, and referees, when football eventually resumes, the challenge was that players and officials were incapacitated and need big help.

“We don’t even know whether football will return and whether some of the players will return to the pitch due to the effects of Covid-19.

“Honestly we feel helpless as we face our constituency with these small allowances which will not sustain our players and the clubs,” said the official.

The post Zimbabwe: Women Football Top Clubs Want More appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

As ZIFA joined other associations in a FIFA virtual conference yesterday, tensions continued to simmer at home over the distribution of the US$1,8 million bailout package.

ZIFA have already unveiled a budget, in which they have started disbursing the funds from the world football governing body in local currency, even though the money has not been deposited into the association’s account.

The association, who have already paid the women’s top clubs and the regional affiliates, appear to be using funds which were already in their coffers towards Covid-19 relief.

FIFA expect to deposit the funds on July 31.

Yesterday, the ZIFA Eastern Region held a meeting and resolved to press ZIFA to give them their share of the Covid-19 funds in US dollars.

“The four regions were allotted $1,6 million each. The funds are for administration, costs for the region, the clubs and for players’ welfare,” the Eastern Region sources said.

“As clubs, we felt the amounts disbursed were too little and could not cover even one month’s wages.

“We rejected the funds and petitioned ZIFA to give us the funds in US dollars, which they received, or to increase the Zimbabwe dollar disbursements if it’s not possible to give us United States dollars.”

ZIFA president, Felton Kamambo, confirmed the relief funds had not yet been deposited into their account.

“We have always received funds from FIFA in United States dollars but the normal way we have been doing is to change that, using the prevailing rate, but now that our affiliate has made a recommendation, we have to look into it,” he said.

“The Covid-19 money is not yet in our account, so we have room to make a decision on how we are going to pay.

“We just want the board to sit down and come up with a decision.”

FIFA, in a secular, gave guidelines on now the Covid-19 relief funds can be used. In the outline, the Zurich organisation granted associations the liberty to use the money they receive from FIFA, earmarked for other projects, for Covid-19 relief.

FIFA have already approved two of the eight project applications, which ZIFA tendered under the FIFA Forward Programme.

“Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, FIFA has continuously reiterated the need to put health first and that safeguarding the public, as the well-being of players, officials and everyone who participates in any football activity must be of primary importance.

“Unfortunately, the resultant suspension of basic football activities in almost every country in the world, has led to enormous financial distress for member associations and their respective football structures.

“FIFA quickly recognised the need and duty to implement FIFA Covid-19 Relief Plan aimed at alleviating this distress and ensuring the provision of financial support to assist with football’s resumption and protect the game’s future well-being across the globe.

“In addition to the release of operational cost entitlements, it was decided that member associations should be given the opportunity to transform their remaining ‘specific project’ allocations into Covid-19 relief funds.

“There are two main elements to this aspect of the relief plan, according to which member associations may (i) apply for unallocated specific project funds to be ‘transformed’ into Covid-19 relief funds; or (ii) apply for planned project funds to be reallocated to Covid-19 relief funds,” reads the document.

FIFA outlined areas in which funds, within stage three, can be used, and this include, but not limited to, those adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The areas include the restart of competitions across all categories, the implementation of return to play protocols including testing, the participation of national teams of all age categories, in restarted competitions, and the payment of general administration and operating costs.

The post Zimbabwe: Covid-19 Funds – Eastern Region Cry Foul appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Zimbabwe’s hopes of hosting the International Handball Federation Trophy Zone Six tournament this year continue to fade following a spike in Covid-19 cases in a number of countries in the region.

The country won the bid to host the regional event late last year and the tournament had been scheduled for April.

But, it was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

However, last month, the African Handball Confederation released a revised calendar for some of their activities.

The Men’s Juniors Africa Nations Championship and Men’s Youth Africa Nations Championship were tentatively re-scheduled for December amid hopes the situation would have normalised.

The International Handball Federation recently held a conference with their members and, among the key issues discussed, was the resumption of activities.

During the conference, attended by more than 120 federations, the international body indicated they were planning to resume activities in October, with the Inter-Continental Trophy, once restrictions were lifted.

With regards to the IHF Trophy tournaments, the international federation advised national federations to engage their governments on the way forward.

The Zimbabwe Handball Federation had been engaging their regional counterparts, trying to find a way forward, for the regional competition.

The tournament serves as a qualifier to the Men’s Juniors Africa Nations Championship and Men’s Youth Africa Nations Championship.

And ZHF president, Stewart Sanhewe, yesterday said the regional tourney remains suspended.

“Most of the Zone Six countriesare saying that they are waiting for clearance from their governments.

“Most of the countries are still in lockdown.

“We intended to host the tournament in September but it looks like September might not be feasible.

“We will liaise with IHF and CAHB, otherwise, for now, the games remain postponed.

“As a country we have not been cleared . . . we did rather prioritise safety as a country,” said Sanhewe.

The ZHF president, who took part in the conference, said they highlighted some of their programmes, and requested for assistance, from the international body.

“We made some requests. The first one was not only for Zimbabwe but for the Southern Africa region.

“We want to provide referees for international games.

“In the past we got referees from Northern Africa to come and officiate, for instance at the IHF Trophy, because they are certified.

“We requested to get an instructor to train our referees so that they can also officiate at these games. We need these guys to give us a chance.

“The second request we put forward was support for our Vision 2024 project. We did that project so that we come up with a strong team to compete at the Olympics.

“We also requested for training of our coaches. We want to upgrade our coaches. We have over 200 D-licensed coaches, which is the lowest grade, so we need to upgrade them,” said Sanhewe.

The post Zimbabwe: Zim Hopes of Hosting Regional Handball Tournament Fading Away appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe are looking at complementing their long-term athletes development programme by engaging partners to assist them financially for the initiative to realise maximum potential.

The long term athletes development programme will be spearheaded by NAAZ director for youth, Briad Nhubu.

NAAZ president, Tendai Tagara, said they were engaging the Sports and Recreation Commission and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee to assist with funding for the programme.

“LTAD is the philosophy for continuous churning of athletes. It’s like a conveyer belt,” said Tagara.

“It’s one of the key recommendations of our new development plan. I am happy there is a huge buy in from our athletes.

“We are in the process of looking for funding from SRC and ZOC. ZOC have the Youth Olympics, they must fund the development of that team.

“SRC have regional Youth Games, they must support the programme.

“The association is also looking for an ‘adoption’ of athletes programme by companies in various forms and numbers, where we are saying adopt an athlete, adopt the future star.

“We work together to prepare budgets but the company manages the budget and we provide the technical support because the economy is not performing well and a company can adopt one, two or four athletes.

“I am happy some of our partners are warming to that idea. I want to make sure, come 2021, we have new track and field partners to strengthen our junior competitiveness.”

Nhubu said although there have been grassroots programmes taking place, they have not been properly organised.

“The focus is to develop athletes through their developmental stages as opposed to early specialisation.

“Athletics is a late specialisation sport, so LTAD will address this facet.

“LTAD answers the scientific demands for podium performance through a systematic path from early stages.

“I am happy NAAZ had actually started this, what’s important is to fine tune how these coaches will implement the LTAD,” said Nhubu.

The implementation of the programme is also expected to help the national association push for establishment of clubs from cluster to national level.

Nhubu said they are going to have some workshops, when circumstances allow, to exchange ideas with coaches.

The post Zimbabwe: Naaz Look for Partnerships appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Harare, Zimbabwe — ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) is hoping for third time lucky as the recent increase in the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread might jeopardise the senior team’s resumption of international games.

The cases of the virus are spiraling ahead of a scheduled tour by Afghanistan at the end of July until August.

Five Twenty20 International (T20I) matches are lined up.

However, this has coincided with a surge in COVID-19 cases in the Southern African country where 1 478 cases and 25 deaths have been confirmed.

Most of the cases are returnees from neighbouring Botswana and South Africa. There has also been a marginal increase in local transmission, which has seen the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa threatening to toughen lockdown restrictions this week.

The COVID-19 curse has recently led to the cancellation of Zimbabwe’s tour to Australia.

Zimbabwe were also scheduled to embark on a tour to India this month but that again was cancelled because of the global outbreak.

India has the third-worst highest infection rate (1,18 million), only behind the United States and Brazil.

Coincidentally, Zimbabwe’s Indian coach, Lalchaland Rajput, is still holed up in his country as a result of the closure of borders and the prohibition of international flights.

Darlington Majonga, the ZC spokesperson, told CAJ News Africa the association was still committed to hosting Afghanistan despite the prevailing crisis.

“Our Afghanistan counterparts are still committed to the tour which we had agreed on prior to the lockdown,” Majonga said.

Zimbabwe imposed the lockdown on April 1.

Majonga highlighted that the tour nonetheless was subject to government approval.

“We have since written to the government asking for permission to host the tour and detailing the measures and protocols that we are putting in place with regards to the coronavirus,” Majonga said.

The Zimbabwean team, known as The Chevrons, has resumed training under strict government protocols after the administration recently eased the lockdown.

Majonga said the health of players, technical, support staff and everyone involved in the game was of paramount importance.

The national cricket team began their preparations last month with testing for the virus and saw all 33 players testing negative.

“For now, we have to wait for the government’s decision before we can announce the way forward regarding that (Afghan) tour,” Majonga said.

The post Zimbabwe: Afghan Tour of Zimbabwe Hangs in the Balance appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Zimbabwean players in the South African Premiership are excited at the prospects of getting to play football again.

This follows the announcement by the country’s football authorities yesterday that action will resume next week.

The Absa Premiership, which has been in limbo since March because of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, is set to resume on August 8 with the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

The Premier Soccer League said the remaining seven rounds of the league games will get underway, three days later, in a marathon programme that is expected to conclude by early September. Former Warriors number one goalkeeper, George Chigova, told The Herald from his base in South Africa yesterday, the last few months have been tough on them.

Players have lost out on income, while clubs have also suffered huge financial losses.

The uncertainty, over whether the league will be completed, or not, has been a major source of concern.

“I’m feeling happy now we know that we going to resume our games,” said Chigova.

“It’s been tough for the last four months; not doing what we love most but now we are happy that we going to be able to finish the games.

“During the lockdown they gave us programmes to follow and we were doing training sessions via the zoom app.

“But, since we started training as a team, three weeks ago, we have been working to prepare for the games.”

His team Polokwane City will be engaged in a fierce battle for survival after they dropped into 14th place when the games were stopped in March. A full fixture list will be revealed in the coming days.

The football authorities have revealed the remaining 54 league matches will be played behind closed doors in Gauteng, as part of the measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The Supa Disk clubs have complied with the government’s health regulations to ensure games resume.

Players and officials have undergone mandatory tests with SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town FC, Bloemfontein Celtics and Kaizer Chiefs all reporting some positive cases in their camps.

The players and officials have since made full recovery but SuperSport reported last week that one of their players was still in isolation.

Kaizer Chiefs, where Zimbabweans Khama Billiat and Willard Katsande ply their trade, lead the title race with a four-point advantage over rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who have one match in hand.

Katsande believes the title is theirs to lose.

He told Cape Talk Radio his side were ready for restart.

“Obviously, we are very much aware about the teams coming for the same title but we are in control at the moment,” said Katsande.

“When you sign for Kaizer Chiefs you know you are actually signing to deal with pressure and situations like these.

“So, it’s up to us because we can only control the games that we play as Kaizer Chiefs.

“We are not going to look at how our neighbours are doing.

“All we can focus on is the game that we play at that particular time, that is the most important game.

“We throw in everything, sharpen our swords, go for a fight, be victorious, go back to the drawing board and then focus on the next game.”

He said the team’s fitness was excellent, despite the covid-19 lockdown restrictions, which disrupted normal training in the last four months.

“In terms of my fitness, and our fitness as a team, during this lockdown, it’s just that we were not training physically together but we had programmes and we used to do gym (sessions) via zoom.

“We used a running application whereby the fitness coach will be tracking your speed and so forth.

“So, in terms of fitness, we are not very far because we have now started week number four training, as a team, and it’s actually improving.

“The only thing that we didn’t have was the feeling of the ball.

“Other than that, we are very much fit. But, we wanted to be involved with football and also try to make some combinations work out so that we hit the ground running as quickly as possible.”

The post Zimbabwe: Zim Stars Welcome Supa Diski Return appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

NetOne has allegedly spent over $20 million RTGS in legal costs alone as they pursue their warfare to chuck Lazarus Muchenje out, a close source has revealed.

The costs have been incurred from March this year with court challenges presently either in the supreme, high or magistrate courts, all to achieve one thing – Muchenje’s ouster.

This has reflected badly as poor corporate governance where all involved parties must have simply closed their doors, aired their differences and find each other or should have just calculated an exit package for Muchenje to calm the storm.

It has become apparent that Muchenje is no longer wanted at NetOne and must go at all costs, even after dropping the charges against him.

Sources close to the developments however state that Muchenje is guilty of frustrating the return of ZTE at NetOne, a lucrative deal which its handlers will not rest till he is gone.

The biggest question that motivated this article, however, is to what end are these handlers willing to go and how much more will they spend to see Muchenje gone?

More importantly, whose money is paying for these costs?

NetOne is a public company and Zimbabweans have a say in how they are spending our money.

Just between May and July at least five urgent chamber applications were done as the legal warfares soared.

A matter they could just have settled in the absence of public eye.

The matter has destroyed NetOne’s reputation, tried to soil the judge’s name, damaged Muchenje’s character, forced 5 board members to resign, got 3 board members arrested, caused 3 executives to be fired 7 employees arrested, and more names will be on the list if they continue on this treacherous path.

NetOne has engaged five different law firms with Advocate Eric Matinenga dealing specifically with the High Court challenges on illegal and unlawful dismissal of Muchenje while word on the street state that his minimum charges per appearance is nothing short of USD$3 000.

He is allegedly appeared more than four times which is a minimum of USD$12 000 or ZWL$1 200 000 RTGS in local currency.

Justice Chinhengo was also appointed to deal with Labour and disciplinary issues since March 2, 2020 to date.

He is the one representing NetOne on the case of refusal to give Board minutes to the police as well as procurement documents.

NetOne board members in happy times..

To date the police officers have been denied this information, because NetOne board challenged the cause instead of simply being transparent.

Another Law firm Kuhuni and Associates is also acting at the High Court over illegal disciplinary hearing with huge costs of continuous appearance which we are yet to independently ascertain.

They are also appearing at the magistrate courts for Criminal charges against the CEO.

Gill Godlonton and Gerrans were hired as well for the High Court over illegal disciplinary and termination of employment.

Another law firm Mhishi and Nkomo are appearing at the magistrate courts for criminal charges, which are not dropped at court.

All these five law firms were selected by whatever methodology and are all charging NetOne continuously during these cat and mouse games that they could have solved internally and save revenue for the organisation.

It is now obvious that the board will never be able to implement whatever moves they want so long as Muchenje is there, meaning both parties are now holding NetOne at ransom.

Currently NetOne does not have a CEO, CTO, COO and Chief finance officer meaning the company basically has no direction, yet the lawsuit appetite is so huge , begging the question who else might be gaining through these fights.

It is alleged that the NetOne board has employed lawyers to work with ZACC and the Public Prosecutors and yet NetOne should not be involved as this is now a state case with State paid lawyers.

How was this decision made to help state with legal aid?

With regards to High Court cases HC 1524/20 and HC3611/20 where CEO sued the directors in their personal capacities, NetOne lawyers were used as well to represent them and likely the mobile network paid for the costs.

This is pure abuse of office which must be investigated.

Two Supreme Court appeals were lodged by NetOne One in the case of HC1524/20 and the other one is case HC3611/20, although these were withdrawn, these are matters the lawyers already dealt with and billed.

NetOne is a public company, Zimbabweans own NetOne, noone else must feel important or has more rights.

Lazarus Muchenje, handlers and the board members have no such right over NetOne. They are certainly not acting within the interest of the organisation.

Its not their company and this massive leakage needs to stop now.

Millions of public funds are going down the drain on a showdown that is purely unnecessary and the end of this cat and mouse game must see all the involved parties forced to pay for these costs.

NetOne currently has poor network connectivity and service availability yet all efforts are being put in nothing but warfares. Millions are already being wasted and the involved parties are willing to go all the way down.

Whose money is being wasted on all these nonsensical arguments?

Its time Zimbabweans demand their money back at NetOne and stop this heavy leakage!!!

The young generation is just watching by yet our resources are being plundered and we have abetted these leakages by our silences and allowed the involved players to think that they are mandated to destroy our legacy in their quest to fight personal differences.

Muchenje’s package is probably less than $10 million RTGS worth, he has a right to move on as well, in the interest of NetOne he must bargain his worth and allow the organisation to move on.

At a certain point and time , these parties must be asked to pay us back our money, NetOne is a public company and must never be run like a private company with personal interests over national interests.

The post Zimbabwe: NetOne Sinks $20 Million Fighting Muchenje appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Zimbabwe is set to feature in the inaugural ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League which was officially confirmed by the International Cricket Council on Monday.

The newly formed global tournament which gets underway Thursday when world 50-over champions England face Ireland in Southampton was introduced to bring context to One Day International (ODI) cricket.

The Super League will determine qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with the top seven teams automatically booking their spot at the event in India.

Zimbabwe will be eager to make a return to the World Cup after missing out on a spot at the last edition of the tournament held in England and Wales.

The Chevrons are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, with the Chevrons meant to face Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Ireland away while their home fixtures are against India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh as well as the Netherlands.

The clashes with Australia and India have already been postponed because of the coronavirus but will be rescheduled.

Commenting on the launch, Geoff Allardice, ICC general manager cricket operations said, “We are delighted to get the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League underway with World Cup winners England against Ireland.

“The league will bring relevance and context to ODI cricket over the next three years, as qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is at stake. The Super League gives cricket fans around the world even more reasons to watch as the drama of league cricket unfolds.”

Dates for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup were recently changed because of disruptions to international cricket brought about by Covid-19. Allardice feels that the adjustment of dates affords ICC an opportunity to reschedule fixtures not played because of Covid-19.

“The decision last week to move the World Cup back to late 2023 gives us more time to schedule any games lost due to Covid-19 and preserve the integrity of the qualification process, meaning it will be decided on the field of play, which is important,” he said.

The ICC will provide further updates on the Super League and its fixtures will be shared in the course of time after a discussion with member boards.

The post Zimbabwe: Chevrons to Feature in Newly Formed Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Belgian gaffer, Luc Eymael, who once showed interest to coach the Warriors, has been fired from his job in Tanzania after describing his club’s fans as “stupid” people who behaved like “monkeys.”

The Tanzania Football Federation have also instituted disciplinary proceedings against him, after his shocking racist rant, and have promised to report him to FIFA.

The 60-year-old coach was yesterday dismissed from his job as coach of Tanzanian giants, Young Africans, following a racist outburst which has sent shockwaves across the continent.

Eymael was one of the coaches who angled for the Warriors job before ZIFA settled on Croatian gaffer, Zdravko Logarusic, in January this year.

The Croat signed a two-year contract.

ZIFA officials must be relieved they didn’t engage the Belgian, whose quest to become the Warriors’ gaffer, was being backed by some agents based in South Africa.

Matters came to a head for Eymael last week after his team, which has been home to Zimbabwean players — Thabani Kamusoko and Donald Ngoma in recent years — were held to a 1-1 draw by Mtibwa Sugar.

“The fans can be stupid in this country, they can only shout “babababa,” Eymael was quoted by the Tanzanian media.

“It’s like monkeys, you know monkeys will make monkey noise, they can only do that. They don’t know anything about football.

“Playing on such kind of pitches, for the Level of 7 or 8 Division in Europe, is not for me.

“Changing rooms like that are not for me.

“I am not enjoying your country, you are uneducated people. I don’t have a car, what is that? I do not have wi-fi and I do not have DStv. No, no, no!”

The coach said his wife was not comfortable with staying in Tanzania and his family wanted to leave the country.

“My wife is absolutely not enjoying here and this is disgusting to me, I am disgusted,” he said.

“The only pleasure that I have is the pitches are always full when we are playing, full of our fans, but working in these conditions is not for me.

“I do not want to stay here. I would prefer that they release me let me just do my last game and let me go.”

The Belgian, who had seen his club slip 16 points behind Simba, also slammed Tanzanian referees, accusing them of allegedly always favouring their bitter rivals.

“You know, (the) officiating was always against us and (was) only favouring Simba, not giving us even a clear penalty,” he complained.

“Things like that are not for me.

“I said to the sponsor — do your own things and you cannot be able to win the league because you are not an organised team, you are not an organised club.

“The officiating is always against you because you are a poor club.”

However, amid the storm created by his shocking comments, Eymael later tried to retract his comments.

He claimed frustration had led him to make the ill-timed remarks.

“I want to sincerely apologise to the people of Tanzania, Yanga leaders, supporters and sponsors about the podcast that came out,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Those are not the words of Luc Eymael but of pure frustration and disappointment and emotions that made us lose our second place.”

Interestingly, in March, the coach was full of praise for the Young African fans.

“It is like in Europe if you ask me, most Yanga fans are wearing the club jerseys and they all like their club very much,” he told Goal.com.

“I have coached in Sudan and South Africa and even DR Congo but there is a huge difference on how Tanzanian fans support their teams, they are passionate and can do anything to make sure their team performs, they are always good even when you lose.”

Yesterday, Young Africans sacked the Belgian coach.

“Yanga management has been saddened by inhumane and racist remarks made by coach Luc Eymael and reported by several media outlets as well as social media,” the club, who have won the league championship 27-times, said in a statement released by their acting secretary-general, Simon Patrick.

“Owing to those unsporting remarks, Yanga management has decided to fire Luc Eymael effective today, Monday, July 27 and will ensure he leaves the country as soon as possible.

“The management apologises to the country’s leaders, Tanzania Football Federation, members, Yanga fans and the citizens in general for the disgusting and demeaning remarks by coach Luc Eymael.

“Yanga SC values and believe in pillars of discipline and humanity, and is against any form of racism.”

A 1-4 thrashing at the hands of Simba, in the main knock-out tournament in Tanzania, had already dent his relationship with the Young African fans.

The TTF also promised to take disciplinary action.

“TFF will take disciplinary action against (former) Yanga SC coach Luc Eymael and initiate legal proceedings against him in respective authorities following racist remarks made on the team’s fans,” read a statement.

“TFF will also communicate the same to the World Football Governing Body (FIFA) on the racist remarks made, hoping action will be made to ensure the coach does not repeat the same wherever he goes.”

The Belgian, who has been working in Africa for the past decade, arrived at Young Africans in January.

His first job on the continent was when he was appointed the coach of Congolese giants, AS Vita, in 2010 and charmed his employers by leading the club to the championship in his debut season.

He also guided them on a 23-match unbeaten run and this ultimately proved too much for the other giants of Congolese football, TP Mazembe, with AS Vita being crowned champions.

The post Africa: Coach Fired Over Racist Rant appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Lond-distance runner, Munyaradzi Jari, says he is not letting the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic derail his efforts to fulfil his dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games.

Jari is one of the several long-distance runners shortlisted for the Games that were rescheduled for July 23 to August 8, 2021.

“My plans have not changed. What has just happened is I have adjusted my training programme,” he said.

“I was hoping, by now, we would have had some races. So, for now, it’s just about keeping fit and staying in shape in case we have a race.

“There is the Athens marathon in November and the World Half marathon. If we fail to get any races this year, we will have to wait for January.

“I think sometimes certain things just happen without a warning and you are not prepared for it.

“But, when it happens, you have to adjust although it’s frustrating because you would have made plans and set targets for yourself.

“Remember, training needs a lot of money.”

The Athens Marathon is set for November 8 and registration opened on July 3 while the World Half marathon is scheduled for October 17.

Zimbabwe is hoping to send a representative for the World Half marathon in Gdynia, Poland.

The 30-year-old Jari, who is with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, is happy with the support he has been getting from his employer.

Jari represented the country at the World Championships last year alongside Isaac Mpofu and Ngonidzashe Ncube in men’s marathon.

“I am grateful to ZRP because they have allowed me to train from now until December,” he said.

“I have been doing some light training, twice a day, just to remain fit. So, it’s usually an hour of jogging.

“For the past three, or four months, I have been training alone.

“But, now, some athletes are starting to come back, so I have (Collen) Makaza and some boys.

“This situation is not going to deter me from pursuing my goal. I have actually become more determined.

“Age is also something I have to consider and, so, if an opportunity comes along, I have to utilise it because you never know, you may not get that chance again.

“This year I didn’t compete in any events because I just wanted to concentrate on qualifying for the Olympics, so I’m channelling all my energy on qualifying events.”

However, Jari said there is need for the national association, and other stakeholders, to come on board and support their efforts towards qualification instead of waiting to intervene when they have qualified.

The post Zimbabwe: Jari Determined to Fulfil Olympic Dream appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Zimbabwe national cricket team all-rounder Sikandar Raza left the country on Tuesday for Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean ahead of his participation in the eighth edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

The 34-year-old cricketer will feature for the record holders of the competition Trinbago Knight Riders, a franchise based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinbago Knight Riders have won the premier Twenty20 competition in the Caribbean three times.

Raza is the second Zimbabwean to be picked for the Caribbean Premier League after former national team captain Graeme Cremer.

“Super excited to be on my way for @cplt20. First part of the journey takes me to Dubai, can’t wait to finally join the @tkriders family. Please keep me in your prayers,” he took to social media on Tuesday.

Six teams including Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks, and Trinbago Knight Riders are set to compete in the event to be played behind closed doors from August 18 to September 10.

However, Raza will not be the only Zimbabwean flavour at the tournament with cricket legend and former England coach Andy Flower participating as the St Lucia Zouks coach.

Former Zimbabwe coach Phil Simmons who is currently the head coach of the West Indies team is Barbados Tridents coach.

The 33-game Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tournament will kick off next month with defending champion Barbados Tridents against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on the Trinbago Knight Riders.

Just like the recent Test between England and West Indies in England, the six-team tournament will be played in empty stadiums and in a bio-secure environment with strict protocols in place to protect players and the public from the spread of Covid-19.

Organizers worked with the government of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the tournament could be staged this year despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The post Zimbabwe: Cricketer Raza Off of Caribbean Premier League appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

RAINBOW Amateur Netball League coaches are concerned the long break induced by the Covid-19 pandemic may have lasting effects on their teams’ recovery.

It’s now over four months since the league suspended matches.

There was hope, when sport codes categorised as low risk were allowed to re-open, but mainly for training.

However, the spike in Covid-19 cases in the country has changed all that.

Glow Petroleum coach, Perpetua Siyachitema, said they face a difficult scenario.

“I think this long break has affected us a lot, especially our players, because we were coming from off-season,” she said.

“Now, even if they exercise at home, the fact that there is no game time means it will be difficult for them.

“If we are to come back, we are supposed to play netball professionally, stay at one place is what is needed, training twice a day.

“If it’s going to be next season, we should have the pre-season early.”

On a positive account, the break has presented the former Gems captain with the opportunity to equip herself with the latest trends of the sport.

“I am using the time to research, watch some clinics to see how they are doing it, dig deep into big teams just to see what they do,” said Siyachitema.

ZDF Queens coach, Joel Sibanda, is also a concerned man.

“We can’t blame anyone for the break but sport has really suffered,” he said. “We were coming from off-season, we had worked hard to bring them back to fitness.

“They just played three games before we stopped, so, we are back to zero.

“We were hoping that July, or August, things would be okay but (Covid-19) cases have risen now and we don’t think we will play soon.”

Correctional Queens assistant coach, Faith Matanganyidze, said there was still some room to recover.

“I think we can recover,” she said.

“But, the important thing right now is we need to motivate each other as a team, do online training.”

Correctional Queens have won the RANL championship twice and were looking to add a third consecutive title.

The post Zimbabwe: Netball League Coaches Concerned Over Long Break appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

DYNAMOS chairman, Isaiah Mupfurutsa, says the Glamour Boys are still in mourning and are not in a

hurry to replace their late assistant coach, Biggie Zuze.

Zuze died last month in Harare after some breathing complications.

But, with the 2020 season still on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mupfurutsa said the club were not under any pressure to appoint a new assistant coach.

“We are still mourning, the pain is still fresh and, honestly speaking, appointing someone to replace Biggie (Zuze) is something we, as a club haven’t spoken about as yet,” said Mupfurutsa.

DYNAMOS chairman, Isaiah Mupfurutsa, says the Glamour Boys are still in mourning and are not in a

hurry to replace their late assistant coach, Biggie Zuze.

Zuze died last month in Harare after some breathing complications.

But, with the 2020 season still on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mupfurutsa said the club were not under any pressure to appoint a new assistant coach.

“We are still mourning, the pain is still fresh and, honestly speaking, appointing someone to replace Biggie (Zuze) is something we, as a club haven’t spoken about as yet,” said Mupfurutsa.

The post Zimbabwe: Dembare Not in a Rush to Replace Zuze appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

ZIMBABWE international defender, Ronald Pfumbidzai, could miss the remainder of the South African Premiership season, after failing to get any reprieve to return to his Bloemfontein base.

The Bloemfontein Celtic star is still holed up in Harare after he returned home a few months ago.

The South African top-flight football season is set to resume on August 8.

His manager, Andrew Rusike yesterday painted a gloomy picture.

“As things stand, we are stranded,” Rusike said.

“The only available means of transport, which Pfumbidzai’s team prefers, is technically not available.

“That airline is only transporting South African citizens and permanent residents. Pfumbidzai is neither a South African citizen nor a permanent residence holder. He only has a work permit.

“Still, all those who are returning to South Africa, will be placed in a 21-day quarantine.

“All that makes it virtually impossible for him to go back and participate in the remainder of the South African league now.”

Rusike said the only other way was to contact the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria to help the 26-year-old fullback to return.

“We have since contacted the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria,” said Rusike.

“Currently, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation holds the key for Ronald to go back to South Africa.

“Once DIRCO issues a travel clearance, then he will go back as soon as possible and Bloemfontein Celtic will liaise with local health officials regarding quarantine.”

This year, Pfumbidzai extended his stay at the club to 2022.

The post Zimbabwe: Stranded Pfumbidzai Risks Missing Remainder of Supa Diski Campaign appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

The Premier Soccer League’s gamble for a bigger share of the FIFA Covid-19 relief cake, could backfire with the clubs ending up getting less than what had initially been allocated to them.

The 18 top-flight clubs were allocated US$5 500 each, about Z$357 000, but some of the clubs felt they needed a bigger share.

They also demanded that their allocation be paid in US dollars.

The clubs raised the concerns during a recent meeting with the ZIFA leadership, the first such indaba outside Congress, to discuss the state of a game battered by the Covid-19 outbreak.

ZIFA are set to receive U$$1 million from FIFA this week specifically for Covid-19 relief, with US$500 000 set for men football while a similar amount will be for women football.

The association will then receive US$500 000, in January next year, meant to help address the challenges being faced by the men’s game in the country.

CAF will provide a US$300 000 bailout.

However, the funds have generated controversy, with some of the PSL clubs asking for a bigger chunk of the cake, and also to be paid in US dollars.

However, The Herald can reveal today that in the wake of the historic indaba the clubs held with ZIFA, pressure is now being exerted on the association by the lower structures, for a bigger share of the cake.

The lower structures feel that, just like their counterparts, they have also borne the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic and they should be covered as adequately as the PSL clubs.

“The meeting between ZIFA and the PSL changed things in a number of ways because it triggered concern from the Regions, the Provinces and other constituencies,” said the sources.

“These constituencies also make up what is called Zimbabwe football and they are now saying there appeared to be an attempt to treat them as if they were not important.

“They started to argue they were also key members of the local football family and should be treated as such because they have also been hit hard by the Covid-19 outbreak.

“They said while the PSL is the flagship league, it doesn’t exist in isolation as it requires the lower leagues, which are found in the regional and provincial leagues, for it to continue to exist, and function.

“Therefore, according to the regions and provinces, there is need for a review of what was allocated to them when ZIFA came up with the amounts which were to be disbursed because every branch of the game was important and had suffered badly since the Covid-19 outbreak.”

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What about the Dynamos founding fathers carrying out an ‘Operation Restore Legacy’ for the Glamour Boys to try and find the formula which used to make them the country’s dominant football club?

Or what about Black Rhinos, borrowing a leaf from their all-conquering women’s team as part of the club’s quest for a return to the glory days when they won two league championships?

Between them, the two Harare football clubs won the first eight league championships on the domestic front in the post-Independence era.

The Glamour Boys won six titles in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1986 while Rhinos won in 1984 and 1987.

Rhinos haven’t won the championship, since their last triumph in 1987, while DeMbare have won just five titles in the past 20 years, having won six, in eight years, just after Independence.

Two years ago, both clubs received a timely reminder, of a time they used to be champions, and the need for both of them to find a way back into the light, from a true football friend.

Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister, Perrance Shiri, who died in Harare yesterday, offered that advice to the two clubs, in June 2018, at a time FC Platinum were just starting to impose their dominance of the domestic football landscape.

Seven months earlier, the Zvishavane club had made history when they became the first football team, from outside Harare and Bulawayo, to be crowned champions, after Independence.

“I think I would like to offer a bit of some advice to two soccer teams, being Black Rhinos and Dynamos Football Club,” Shiri told guests while officiating at a dinner reception in honour of the COSAFA Cup-winning Warriors, in June 2018.

“To Dynamos Football Club, I will be honest that the founders of the club need to carry out an Operation Restore Legacy.

“Anything short of that, they may play in the First Division next season.”

A few months later, just to show the minister’s concerns were well-placed, the Glamour Boys finished in 11th place, 36 points behind champions FC Platinum, and only six points ahead of Nichrut, who occupied the last relegation slot.

And, last season, the Glamour Boys again struggled, finishing in ninth place, 18 minutes adrift of FC Platinum and just four ahead of relegation trouble.

Then, Shiri turned to Rhinos.

“To Black Rhinos, I think if they are to succeed, they need to throw away male chauvinism and take a leaf from the female Rhinos who have proved themselves very good players and well organised to the extent that they dominate the national women’s soccer team,” he said.

The late Minister then went on to deliver a speech, on behalf Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who was the guest of honour at the reception.

DeMbare responded to the call by restructuring their executive with the board of directors making some key appointments they believed would help revive club.

Banker Isaiah Mupfurutsa was roped in as executive chairman and there have been signs of stability at the country’s biggest, and most successful, football club.

From playing a key role in the formation of Chapungu United in the 1980s, where he became the club’s patron, to helping the game, and its players and coaches, on several occasions, Shiri was a true friend of domestic football.

“He was one of us, in the game, and we would go to Chapungu and Rhinos matches together, drink together and laugh together,” said the patron of the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association, Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga.

“He was like a brother to me. We used to go to him for advice.

“He was a down-to-earth man and always told me that football was a very important sport in this country because it meant a lot to our people.

“When the Warriors win, there is a wave of joy that sweeps across the country and he always wanted us, as leaders, to try and ensure we put the right systems to ensure the game develops.”

A few weeks ago, Chapungu United coach Moses “Bambo” Chunga paid a courtesy call on Shiri at his offices in Harare, where they discussed the current state of football in this country and farming.

“You know that I am a farmer, too, and I paid the minister a visit to discuss my farming project,” Chunga said.

“The minister was heavily involved in the Chapungu project and it’s always important to tap into the knowledge of such senior people so that you understand exactly what you are going into.

“As an individual, you should always keep learning.”

The post Zimbabwe: Football Loses Its Very Good Friend appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

ZIMBABWE all-rounder, Sikandar Raza, will be placed in quarantine for the next two weeks, before joining his teammates in Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Premier League.

The 34-year-old left the country on Tuesday, brimming with excitement, ahead of his debut in the CPL.

The tournament, which is expected to run from August 18 to September 10, got the greenlight from authorities, despite the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Raza was picked up by the Trinbago Knight Riders in the competition’s draft earlier this month.

He is the only Zimbabwean in the competition.

“Super excited to be on my way for CPL,” tweeted Raza.

“First part of the journey takes me to Dubai. Can’t wait to finally join the TK Riders family. Please keep me in your prayers.”

Raza is part of six foreign nationals at Trinbago Knight Riders.

He joins Pakistan-born Australian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed, the New Zealand pair of wicketkeeper Tim Seifert and Colin Munro, US fast bowler Ali Khan and India cricketer Pravin Tambe, who is still active at 48.

The 2017 and 2018 champions, have retained 11 players, who include the Bravo Brothers, Dwayne and Darren, West Indies T20 captain Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Khary Pierre, Amir Jangoo, Tion Webster, Akeal Hosein, Munro and fast bowler Khan.

The side failed to defend their title last year with the Barbados Tridents claiming top spot.

“CPL was missing from the CV and I’m glad it’s now there. But, most importantly, I’m glad that there will be Zimbabwean representation,” said Raza.

“What I believe in is that if one goes, then he’ll bring another one and then if the two impress, the number will double.

“I’m hopeful that more Zimbabweans can be snapped up next season.”

The CPL will be the first T20 league to take place after the coronavirus-forced break.

It will feature six teams — Barbados Trident, Trinbago Knight Riders, St Kitts/Nevis Patriots, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs and Andy Flower’s St Lucia Zouks.

The entire tournament will be played in Trinidad and Tobago behind closed doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the organisers, strict safety procedures have been put in place to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission.

All teams and officials will be housed in one hotel and everyone will be subject to strict quarantine protocols.

“Everyone travelling from overseas will be tested for COVID-19, before departure and then again on arrival in Trinidad,” said the CPL in a statement.

Teams and officials will be put into “households” where social distancing will need to be in place.

There will be smaller clusters within each household where these measures can be relaxed.

“However, if any member of this cluster display signs of COVID-19 at any time during the tournament all members of that cluster will be expected to self-isolate for a period of 14 days from the time that a member of that cohort first shows symptoms.

“All members of the CPL party will be subject to regular temperature checks and will be re-tested for the virus throughout their stay in Trinidad and again before departure,” read the statement.

CPL chief executive Damien O’Donohoe said the tournament would be staged in two venues in Trinidad and Tobago, with the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba hosting 23 games, including the semi-finals and final, and Queen’s Park Oval at Port of Spain hosting 10 games.

This is not the first time Raza has been selected to play T20 cricket outside Zimbabwe.

In June 2018, he was selected to play for the Montreal Tigers in the players’ draft for the inaugural edition of the Global T20 Canada tournament.

In October that year, he was named in the Tshwane Spartans’ squad for the first edition of the Mzansi Super League T20 tournament.

Later in the same month, he was named in the squad for the Chittagong Vikings team, following the draft for the 2018-19 Bangladesh Premier League.

In July 2019, Raza was selected for the Amsterdam Knights in the inaugural edition of the Euro T20 Slam cricket tournament, but the competition was cancelled a month later.

The post Zimbabwe: Zim Cricket Star Off to Trindad appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

The Zimbabwe Golf Association have opened a new office where all golf affairs will be administered from..

In the past, ZGA used to co-ordinate their affairs at golf clubs such as Royal Harare and Chapman.

The Mufaro Chivonivoni-led executive have managed to secure offices at Country Club in Newlands, Harare.

“The move was necessitated by the need to ensure that we are more visible, and accessible, to our members, partners and stakeholders whom we deal with,” said Chivonivoni.

“It, therefore, became absolutely necessary for us to have a fully functional office and we are hopeful this will add impetus to what we want to achieve as an Association.”

The ZGA have also engaged Tirivashe Nheweyembwa as the administrative assistant to attend to all matters relating to the business of the association.

He was recruited on a full-time basis.

Nheweyembwa is no stranger to sports administration as he brings 14 years of experience and was recently with the Sports Commission.

“We are hopeful that he will be able to drive the vision that we have,” said Chivonivoni.

“This move will allow the executive and board to focus more on policy, and long-term strategic plans of the association, with a view of increasing the number of golfers in the country.”

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The Football Association of Zambia are monitoring the Covid-19 crisis in the country to decide whether to continue with the campaign or bring it to a halt. The country’s football leaders are set to meet in Lusaka today where they could come with a binding position regarding the matter.

A number of Zimbabwean footballers ply their trade in Zambia.

The country became the first Southern African nation to restart its football a few weeks ago.

But, concern has been rising as more infections, among players and officials, are reported by clubs.

The latest club to be hit are Napsa Stars ahead of their Super Division match against Buildcon.

“Napsa Stars Football Club wish to inform its supporters and the football fraternity that on Monday, July 2020, Napsa Stars FC undertook Covid-19 tests in line with Football Association of Zambia directive to all clubs to undertake the tests before resuming the league,” the club said.

“The results of the tests came out yesterday (Tuesday) and a total of 19 players and officials (15 players and four staffs) tested positive for Covid-19.

“All the positive players and officials have so far gone on self-isolation in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines.

“The club is in touch with the Ministry of Health that these are closely monitored to avoid further spread of the virus. The rest of the team has continued with the preparations for the upcoming matches.

“Napsa Stars further commit to fulfilling its fixtures despite the current circumstances that have forced the team to make some important adjustments.”

The Stars’ next opponents are home to reigning Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year, Joel Ngodzo, who joined the club from CAPS United in the off-season.

Former Ngezi Platinum Stars speedster, Donald Teguru, is also at Buildcon.

Napsa Stars board chairman, Choka Nsofu, said all those involved in Zambian football needed to adhere to the guidelines of the health authorities.

“The health of our players and officials is of utmost importance to us,” Nsofu told Goal.com.

“Therefore, we will continue to monitor our football activities under very strict health guidelines that are recommended by our health authorities and the Football Association of Zambia.

“I would like to make an appeal for our players, the fans and the general members of the football fraternity to adhere to all measures including wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitisation.”

Late yesterday, FAZ president, Andrew Kamanga, said they will continue to actively monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and should need be, we will inform the nation on how we proceed with the completion of the league; whether we will continue on this path or not,” Kamanga said in remarks published by the association’s official Facebook page.

“If it becomes unattainable, a decision has to be made to either stop the league or declare it null and void but that’s the decision which will be made by the executive.”

The FAZ boss was speaking on the sidelines of a Video Analysis and Scouting course in Lusaka.

“Regrettably, the flow of results has been a bit slow, not because the Ministry of Health didn’t want, but simply because of the situation at hand because suddenly, we have had a high incidence of cases and the numbers have been going up,” Kamanga said.

“We will have a report, and look at where we are and, ultimately, decisions will be made in the best interest of the footballers themselves and also taking into account what is obtaining on the ground.”

He said they had agreed that, going forward, all teams should be tested 72 before any fixture with results available 48 hours before any match.

The number of positive Covid-19 cases at Napsa Stars is the second-highest, from a single club, since Forest Rangers revealed their camp had been hard hit just before the league resumed on July 18.

The club said tests done on their players and staff members had retained 28 cases of positive infections just before their league match against Zanaco in Ndola.

The match was subsequently postponed.

Yesterday, a league match was played in Zambia with Zanaco beating Green Eagles 1-0.

Zanaco had former Dynamos striker, Evans Katema, on their bench.

Buildcon and Zesco United, who both have Zimbabwean players on their ranks, have two confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, the South African Premiership, which has the largest number of Zimbabwean players in its ranks, is set to get underway after the venues were released for the matches.

All the matches in the PSL, and the National First Division, will be played in Gauteng’s bio-bubble.

South African Premiership Restart Venues

Mamelodi Sundowns – Dobsonville Stadium

Highlands Park – Dobsonville Stadium

Orlando Pirates – Ellis Park

Golden Arrows – Ellis Park

Kaizer Chiefs – Orlando Stadium

Chippa United – Orlando Stadium

Bidvest Wits – FNB Stadium

Black Leopards – FNB Stadium

Baroka FC – Bidvest Stadium

SuperSport United – Bidvest Stadium

Cape Town City – Loftus Stadium

Polokwane City – Loftus Stadium

AmaZulu FC – Lucas Moripe Stadium

Maritzburg United – Lucas Moripe Stadium

Bloemfontein Celtic – Tuks Stadium

Stellenbosch FC – Tuks Stadium

The post Zimbabwe: D-Day for Zambian Super Division As Cases Surge appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Marvelous Nakamba didn’t set the English Premiership alight, but he was Aston Villa’s best player before the Covid-19 lockdown.

That’s the view of one of the most authoritative media voices when it comes to issues related to the Birmingham club.

The 26-year-old Zimbabwean international midfielder was one of many footballers brought in by former Villa transfer chief, Jesus “Suso” Pitarch, in a £140 million investment, in the last English summer.

However, Suso was dismissed by the club this week, amid questions about the quality of some of the recruits.

Inevitably, focus has turned on the players who were brought into the club, including Nakamba, in deals orchestrated, and endorsed, by the Spaniard.

Three of those recruits where African players — Nakamba, Tanzanian forward Mbwana Samatta and Egyptian winger, Trezeguet — who cost a combined £28.5 million.

Trezeguet scored six league goals, including three in the last four matches, Samatta scored only one league goal.

The Birmingham Mail, through their specialist Villa Club Writer, Ashley Preece, have been running the rule on the players recruited by the departing Suso.

“From the back of the Holte End to delving into the heart of Aston Villa, our dedicated Villa writer is always on the pulse of all things claret and blue,” the newspaper says.

“From major talking points to transfer news to match action and fan reaction, Ashley Preece will bring you the very latest from Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.”

Those who did well were considered “a hit” while those who flopped were considered “a miss”.

Although Nakamba lost his place, in the first XI towards the end of the season, where he was limited to appearances from the bench, the Zimbabwean was not considered a flop, in a brutal post-mortem, focused on the players recruited by Suso.

Infact, the newspaper even believe Nakamba was Villa’s best player before the lockdown.

“Marvelous Nakamba, £11 million from Club Brugge, the Zimbabwean was Suso’s cheaper alternative to the man Smith wanted, Kalvin Phillips from Leeds,” Preece said in his analysis.

“Nakamba endured an up-and-down first year at Villa Park. He looked good from the outset with form dipping thereafter. He was Villa’s best player prior to the pandemic break.

“But, again, that wasn’t saying much given they were spiralling towards relegation. Lost his place and didn’t feature much at all during the restart.

“Currently a back-up player chucked on at the end to help see a game out. Hit or miss — reserving judgment.”

What this means is that, according to the newspaper, the jury is still out on Nakamba.

The newspaper also reserved judgment on Samatta despite the Tanzanian scoring only one league goal since his arrival in January.

“Mbwana Samatta, £8.5 million from Racing Club Genk, the Tanzanian arrived with all the hype of a Champions League striker who had not long headed in away at Liverpool,” Preece said.

“The forward flew into Bodymoor Heath amidst a striker crisis, following Wesley’s season-ending injury, and the initial signs were good.

“Samatta scored on his Premier League debut away at Bournemouth and followed it up with a bullet header at Wembley (in the League Cup) just three games later.

“The 27-year-old wasn’t match-fit prior to lockdown and, since then, has struggled for form as he finished this season with two strikes from 16 appearances.

“Hit or miss — reserving judgment.”

The newspaper said Trezeguet was a mixture of both — a hit and a miss.

“Trezeguet, £9 million from Kasimpasa, a funny old signing pushed through by Suso, who scouted the Egyptian at the African Cup of Nations alongside Smith (Villa manager, Dean).

“The boss was keen on Said Benrahma at his former club, but Trezeguet was the man they went with, a winger with a desirable work rate.

“He finished with six Premier League goals from 20 starts, while registering just one assist. He finished with better stats than Anwar El Ghazi, with his three goals during restart helping Villa to catapult above the relegation line.

“Hit or miss — a bit of both.”

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton, signed for £8 million from Burnley, was considered a hit who “played like a man possessed up until his cruel, season-ending injury up at Turf Moor.”

Belgian defender, Bjorn Engles, recruited for £7.2 million from French side Stade, was also considered a hit who “performed astutely up until he picked up an injury on the eve of the Wolves fixture on Remembrance Sunday.”

Reims are also the club who provide a home to Zimbabwe international midfielder Marshall Munetsi.

Brazilian midfielder, Douglas Luiz, who battled with Nakamba for a place in the starting XI before transforming himself into one of the club’s best players, after the restart, was considered a hit.

He arrived at Villa from Manchester City in a £15 million deal.

“Arrived just two days before Villa went to Spurs on the opening day of last season and, fast-forward 11 months, has looked more like a £50 million player rather than the £15 million Villa paid City,” the newspaper said.

“City, of course, have a buy-back option on the Brazilian which expires next summer.

“The midfielder was influential throughout restart and was, by far, Villa’s most-consistent performer. He’s key to next year, that’s for sure.”

Giant defender, Tyrone Mings, a £21 million signing from Bournemouth, was also considered a hit.

“Signed a four-year contract off the back of a brilliant loan spell from January to May last year,” the newspaper said. “A key catalyst for promotion while, this year, has broken into the England team and has helped Villa to Premier League safety.

“A massively influential figure in Smith’s dressing room who’s continually rallied his teammates to the very end. An excellent signing despite some shaky moments of late.”

There were flops, of course, and these include Spanish midfielder Jota, his countryman, Borja Baston, Danny Drinkwater, secured on loan from Chelsea and Croatian ‘keeper, Lovre Kalinic.

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