IT wasn’t the prettiest of performances by Chicken Inn, but they still got the job done, beating a battling Mutare City at Vengere Stadium in Rusape yesterday.

BY HENRY MHARA IN RUSAPE
MUTARE CITY…………… …0
CHICKEN INN…………. (1) 1

The victory by Chicken Inn ramped pressure on the two leading teams − FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum.

The Bulawayo side had to defend hard for almost the entire match to protect a second-minute goal by Innocent Mucheneka, who tapped home from close range.

With this victory, the third-placed Chicken Inn have now moved to within nine points of log leaders FC Platinum, who have failed to pick maximum points in the last three matches.

They are now on 37 points and have kept their seven-point gap with second-placed Ngezi Platinum in the title race, which has truly entered the home stretch.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas blamed the average performance of his team on the bad condition of the pitch. “We couldn’t play our normal game because of the minefield that we were playing on, but all-in-all, grinding the three points is what we came for,” Antipas said.

A fortnight ago after his team’s draw against Dynamos, Antipas appeared to throw in the towel in the title race, but after this win and the continued stuttering of FC Platinum, the narrative is changing.

Mutare City coach Matsika Ndega, whose financially struggling side are deep in relegation waters, admitted that it will be difficult to survive the chop after yet another defeat.

He was be encouraged though, by the performance of his team, who gave everything in this one and were just unlucky to come out empty handed.

“It’s now a bit difficult (to survive relegation). We need to start collecting points, we need to fight. The game is not yet over though because if you look at the table, we are not very far off. If we can get two wins, we will be up there on the ladder. Also the players need to be motivated,” Ndega said.

Chicken Inn got the ideal start to the match when Mucheneka tapped home from inside a crowded box after defenders had failed to clear their lines.

After the goal, the visitors sat back and allowed the home side to control the ball.

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JOHANNESBURG — Having picked up the man-of-the-match award in the inaugural Shell Helix Ultra Cup despite Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, Khama Billiat has claimed that playing against familiar opponents improves him as a player.

Billiat’s move to Amakhosi after a five-year spell at Sundowns has arguably been the biggest shock of the off-season transfer window to date. The Zimbabwean got the chance to shine against Masandawana on Saturday and threatened at times to penetrate their defence.

After being chosen as Man-of-the-Match by supporters, the Zimbabwean said: “I must say, it’s always tough (playing against an old club), but it makes a player better and better.

“I know they know me, and I know them and you have to come up with something new, so your game improves every time.
“I think my teammates have given me courage and also supported me. They knew it was going to be tough and also, it was a great game — very tough.

“But I’m looking forward to the great family I have and with the support that we have, I’m sure we can achieve something.”
Despite Billiat’s contribution, Jeremy Brockie opened the scoring for Sundowns in the 53rd minute and Themba Zwane’s stoppage time goal sealed the win. Bernard Parker pulled a goal back in the dying moments, but by then, it was too little, too late.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has played down the significance of his side’s 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the inaugural Shell Helix Ultra Cup.

“I’m very impressed with the discipline of the game and the tactical organisation of the game,” said Mosimane in his post-match interview.

He credited his fringe players for stepping up and taking the opportunity he handed to them.
However, Mosimane insisted that Masandawana cannot yet afford to get carried away. — Sport24.

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Mukudzei Chingwere in Gweru
LANGTON “Schoolboy” Tinago, arguably Zimbabwe’s greatest sportsperson ever, was buried at Gweru Provincial Heroes’ Acre yesterday, becoming the only athlete to get such recognition which is the second highest in the country. Tinago died last Tuesday morning at the age of 69 after a short battle with pneumonia.

The boxer, popularly known as “Gazi” in the local boxing fraternity, received a send-off befitting his legendary status, and speaker-after-speaker spoke glowingly of his fighting exploits in the ring as well as his powerful left jab.

The iconic fighter had a glittering boxing career spanning over two decades where he managed to win three Commonwealth titles.

Tinago won all of his 65 official amature fights before turning professional, and as a professional, he won 86, losing 20 bouts and had three stalemates.

The Shurugwi-born icon’s exploits in the boxing ring earned his name a place into the Guineas Book of World Records.
Secretary for Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Prince Mupazviriho, as well as the director in the office of the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Cleto Diwa, represented the Government at Tinago’s burial.

However, what surprised many was the conspicuous absence of the country’s national sports leadership from the Sports Commission.

It is not the first time the sports leadership has abandoned one of their own after they recently snubbed the burial of tennis administrator Paul Chingoka.

The sports administrators have received their fare share of criticism for showering praises following the death of Tinago, while they neglected him when he struggled to bring food on his table after his boxing career.

Boxing trainer Isa Phiri said the (provincial hero) recognition conferred on Tinago is a major boost to the boxing fraternity as it makes their work easier in motivating athletes to do their best.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Schoolboy but such is life, he achieved what he achieved and we are grateful of his contribution to the local boxing fraternity.

“The recognition that has been given to Tinago comes as a major boost to the boxing fraternity. When we tell aspiring boxers to take the game seriously, they will do exactly that knowing that it is recognised.

“Boxing is also the first sport to get such recognition and it inspires us to achieve more as a boxing fraternity, Tinago set the benchmark and we want to emulate that,” said Phiri.

Zimbabwe National Boxing Control Board representative Thomas Kambuyi narrated the heights of Tinago’s career, saying he was a rare talent.

“All that I have told you about his career is evidence that he was really a talented fighter who set a lot of records.
“He was someone who was always ready to take to the ring, he never asked the identity of the opponent, he only asked the monetary value in the fight and was ready to take to the ring anytime.

“His achievements will be very difficult to be matched, his records speak for themselves. He trained very hard and I just want to tell the active boxers that discipline is very important,” said Kambuyi.

Zimbabwe Boxing Federation president Jim Mpalale said Tinago is a true hero who deserved such recognition.
“We feel happy about the honour bestowed to Langton, he was a true hero, a true legend and we are happy for the recognition because he achieved a lot.

“The Government is realising sports contribution in unifying people evidenced by the people who are here and that recognition from the Government helps the development of sports in the country,” said Mpalale.

Family representative Wellington Pombi thanked the Government for giving his brother a hero’s send-off.
“We are grieving that our brother is no more but the support we have received from the Government is overwhelming and I just want to thank them for that,” said Pombi. Tinago was born in Shurugwi on September 28, 1949.

He first won the Zimbabwe lightweight and welterweight titles before winning the Commonwealth lightweight and super-featherweight crowns in his illustrious boxing career.

The post Zim boxing legend Tinago laid to rest appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
HIGHLANDERS goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda produced a five-star performance as he led his side to a crucial win over Triangle in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gibbo yesterday. The in-form Sibanda made a number of match-winning saves including a penalty in the second half, denying Russel Madamombe a goal from the spot-kick.

Bosso got their solitary goal in the seventh minute through Newman Sianchali.
Highlanders head coach Madinda Ndlovu showered praises on goalkeeper Sibanda before admitting that they won against a good team.

“He (Sibanda) is an experienced goalkeeper, he has saved us in many matches and today he again was in good form and was brilliant, but there were some decisions that were not favourable to us that were made by the referee.

“We played with a very good side. I knew that we were going to play against a solid team and the match was balanced . . . It was a game of two halves. We had our chances in the first half and Triangle had theirs in the second half,” Ndlovu.

Highlanders started the match on a good note and as early as the seventh minute they were rewarded with Sianchali sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.

Triangle, however, rolled up their sleeves as they went in search of an equaliser, but Madamombe missed a glorious opportunity when he shot wide in the 22th minute with Highlanders shot-stopper Sibanda a man to beat.

Eight minutes later the home side’s goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu kept his side in the game with a point-blank save from Gabriel Nyoni’s shot.

The two goalkeepers from both sides were busier the entire afternoon and in the 34th minute Sibanda made another crucial save from Kudzai Chigwida’s header.

Sibanda was enjoying the match of his life and just three minutes from the break he twice denied Madamombe.
Triangle started the second half a more purposeful side and they were awarded a contentious penalty by referee Josiah Masimira in the 60th minute which saw the match being stopped briefly as Highlanders protested against the decision.
Madamombe had a day to forget as he watched his shot from the spot-kick saved by the in-form Sibanda.

Triangle refused to be cowed into submission and former CAPS United player Phineas Bhamusi could have equalised for the home side in the 88th minute, but he skied his effort from four yards out as the ball dropped awkwardly in front of him.
Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro applauded the efforts of his side despite failing to collect at least a single point out of possible six in the last two games.

“It was one of the games where you cannot question the performance of the players. They applied themselves to a very good effect, their (Highlanders) goalkeeper Sibanda put up a superb show and he was the major reason why Triangle didn’t win today,” said Mangwiro.

Teams
Triangle: R. Mudimu, R. Kawondera, A. Chivheya, K. Chigwida, D. Dzvinyai, T. Mavhunga, A. Chivandire (H. Bakacheza 62nd min), C. Dhuwa, R. Madamombe (D. Murimba 83rd min), P. Bhamusi, N. Lameck (S. Makoni 31st min).
Highlanders: A. Sibanda, C. Simalonga, M. Phiri, A. Silla, B. Banda, N. Sianchali (R. Lunga 90th min), G. Makaruse, A. Mbeba, P. Mudhuwa, G. Nyoni, N. Makumbe.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
AT a time when most Zimbabweans have put their weight behind Phillip Zulu following the United Kingdom-based coach’s louder call for national team coaches to consider UK-based players for international duties, Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association chairman Bekhimpilo Nyoni has come out guns blazing and challenged the former to raise a team good enough to compete against local teenagers.

Zulu is one of the few Zimbabweans in the UK who are pushing for players with their roots in this country to represent the national team.

He has been working with Under-17 coach Tafadzwa Mashiri for the past few weeks with a view of facilitating the inclusion of some teenagers he is working with in the squad doing duty in the Cosafa Championships currently underway in Mauritius.

But after Zulu successfully pleaded with the teenagers’ parents to release their children for the assignment, Mashiri decided otherwise. The parents had not only agreed to release the kids, but had also agreed to bankroll their trip for the sake of the country.

Surprisingly, Mashiri proceeded to select only locally-based players and the hastily-assembled side fell 3-2 to Swaziland in their Cosafa opener in Mauritius on Friday.

Zulu was left dejected and expressed his disappointment over the snubbing of the UK-based players by Mashiri in an interview with The Herald last week.

“As Zimbabweans who reside in the Diaspora, especially those that are based in the UK, we took keen interest in trying to help our football standards back home by engaging in local grassroots activities, FA football coaching courses and also by being employed as professional academy scouts with established EPL academies,” said Zulu.

“We did this so as to help our children who are currently in various established professional clubs, the highest level possible over here in the UK. We started looking at the way football is played differently and as such, we realised how poorly our beautiful game was being handled back home (in Zimbabwe).

“We formed our clubs that trained most young kids at least three times a week and also had a lot of continuous professional development as they slowly progressed.”

While most Zimbabweans felt that Zulu’s rage was justified especially considering that it is unfortunate developments like these which normally result in players with African roots opting to represent European countries at senior level, Nyoni, who also runs the BN Academy with which some of the national Under-17 players were reportedly picked from, decided to spit venom on the UK-based coach.

Nyoni implied that Zulu was just making unnecessary noise and was not to be taken seriously when commenting on a Facebook post by former CAPS United chairman Andy Hodges.

“I call upon Mr (Phillip) Zulu to organise just a Zimbabwe-UK team and come and play here so that we can see the talent at their disposal which will force our national team coaches to take him serious,” read Nyoni’s post.

Zulu, however, said national team coaches should look beyond local academies if the country is to be successful in the long run.

“We wanted to help improve the standards of football in Zimbabwe by making a strong impact on junior national tournaments, allowing an on-going development of young players so that their inter-market valuations increase (Something that has affected (Tendai) Darikwa’s progression as a top professional who lacked visibility of the junior international football, something that top nations do for their young players).

“As Zimbabweans who reside in the Diaspora, especially those that are based in the UK, we took keen interest in trying to help our football standards back home by engaging in local grassroots activities,” Zulu said yesterday.

He went on to say: “Of the junior international football, something that top nations do for their young players, getting players from (academies) is not what we need as a nation and as a matter of policy, we need the Premier Soccer League in Zimbabwe to be involved as a starting point as they have more clout in terms of sourcing for sponsors and organisation of games.

“The majority of our players have a full calendar year curricular, something that we can easily say that whoever made the final decision to ignore our players here, seriously shows the paucity of ideas to run the highest offices they’re stationed in.

“The Zimbabwean school sports calendar is just a mere three months, contrast that with these UK-based players that are playing against top academies like Chelsea FC Academy, Liverpool FC Academy, Everton FC Academy and many others, surely if the decisions that were made to deny them an equal opportunity just to be on the ground and let alone, be chosen to represent Zimbabwe went against this grain.”

Zulu said he was willing to bring some of the UK-based players to Zimbabwe to showcase their skills against the locals.
“Every parent I have talked to about allowing their child to represent Zimbabwe has agreed to fund their expenses, but the raw deal we get from ZIFA is hard to swallow as they’re very reluctant to invite them in time, give them a fair platform where they can prove their worth.

“We even asked ZIFA at some point to invite them as a full squad, play established clubs like Dynamos, CAPS United or Highlanders as part of an international exchange programme that will be under sponsors, TV companies and the Sports Commission, but nothing has happened to date.

“We even proposed to them that we can bring a very good squad mixed with top professionals and upcoming young talented youngsters, then we play against South Africa in Harare and Johannesburg as major games on our international calendar, but nothing materialised.”

The post Nyoni dares British Brigade appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . .(1) 1
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Tonderayi Ndiraya had no regrets after his championship chasing side upset his former team Dynamos and pushed them further down the drain in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro yesterday.

The platinum miners had not beaten DeMbare in an away match since 2016 when they were promoted into the top-flight league and they claimed their first win against the fading Harare giants after taking advantage of a defensive slip up from a corner taken by Michael Charamba.

Kelvin Bulaji scored the solitary goal on the stroke of half-time as Ngezi closed in on log leaders FC Platinum in the championship race by reducing the points gap at the top of the table to only two points.

Bulaji, one of the five former Dynamos players who started for Ngezi yesterday, reacted fast and beat goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani to the near post.

Dynamos, who have not won a match since the resumption of the league, continued to lose ground after they dropped three places on the log standings into 13th place.

Ngezi Platinum’s win took their tally to 44 points, two behind leaders FC Platinum who had stumbled on Saturday in a goalless home draw against CAPS United at Mandava.

But Ndiraya was still not entirely pleased by his team’s performance after the miners put on a lukewarm performance.
“Obviously I’m satisfied, but I am not really happy with the way we played today. There was no fluidity which we are always known for.

“So, yes, I am happy we had to grind the result but the performance was not so good today. I think what is important at the end of the day is the three points.

“Above all, I am happy that we have managed to cover some ground in terms of reducing the points gap between us and the log leaders. I was pleased with the way our boys fought for a result and obviously this result has taken us somewhere,” said Ndiraya.

Ngezi first had the ball on the back of the nets soon after kick-off, but the referee Lazarus Dirwai correctly ruled that striker Steven Owusu was in an offside position when he headed the ball home inside the box.

Dynamos goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani made a brilliant save nine minutes into the game when he punched out a deflected shot from Godknows Murwira for a corner after the home side’s defenders had failed to deal with a free-kick from the right flank.

Afterwards there wasn’t much action at both ends of goal.
Dynamos got a few scoring chances from set-pieces, but they lacked precision.

But Ngezi’s Murwira came close with a long-range shot from their own free-kick which forced a top drawer save from DeMbare goalkeeper Chinani.

However, there was nothing the goalkeeper could do from the resultant corner taken by Charamba after Bulaji raced to meet the ball with his head before the DeMbare defenders could move inside the box.

Bulaji’s goal pushed Dynamos towards the relegation cut-off point after Herentals, Yadah and Bulawayo Chiefs collected maximum points at the weekend to leapfrog the giants. DeMbare slipped three places down into 13th place with 22 points, three above the drop zone.

And as they continued to sink, Ndiraya said although he was born and bred at Dynamos, he had no regrets about his struggling former team as he was obliged to help Ngezi Platinum achieve their set objectives.

DeMbare coach Lloyd Mutasa yesterday said the Harare giants deserved a point but were punished after they failed to defend from a late first half corner kick.

“I think they won a match, it was their first against us here in Harare but I am sure they did not get it on a silver platter.
“I think we conceded what I thought was a simple goal from a corner kick. It was at head level and we never attacked the ball. We allowed the opposition to take it home,” said Mutasa.

Teams
Dynamos: S. Chinani, P. Dube, P. Makaha, M. Machazane (J. Tigere, 68th minute), G. Mukambi, B. Moyo, G. Saunyama, C. Kapupurika (T. Macheke, 72nd minute), E. Mandiranga, M. Mukumba, V. Kadonzvo (P. Mtasa, 68th minute).
Ngezi Platinum: N. Chadya, T. Chipunza, M. Mushonga, L. Chakoroma, K. Bulaji, F. Makarati, W. Mukanga (X. Moyo, 76th minute), M. Charamba (J. Nguluve, 90th minute), G. Murwira, T. Mabvura, S. Owusu (C. Augusto, 67th minute).

The post IT’S THE SAME OLD STORY appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Collin Matiza Sports Editor
ZANTE Otto – one of South Africa’s top female Superbikes riders – will be the star attraction during this coming Saturday’s Toyota 50 Race Day at Donnybrook Raceway in Harare.

The “legendary” vehicle Toyota Hilux turns 50 this year and to mark its golden jubilee celebrations, the Zimbabwe Motorsport Federation, in conjuction with Toyota Zimbabwe, will this Saturday host the Toyota 50 Race Day at Donnybrook where all the country’s top motor racing drivers and Superbikes riders are expected to attend.

And to spice-up what promises to be an exciting motor racing day, the organisers of this big event have invited one South Africa’s “hottest properties” in the tough world of Superbikes riding – Zante Otto – to be part of this jamboree.

Otto from George rides for one South Africa’s top motor racing teams – Otto Racing Team – but she is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of fellow South African Vic Rich who owns another top racing team Down South – Monroe Racing Team. And Rich exclusively told The Herald from his base in Johannesburg yesterday that the 20-year-old female rider will be coming up to Harare this week to take part in Saturday’s Toyota 50 Race Day.

She replaces another top South African female Superbikes rider Zoe Bosch of Monroe Racing Team who has excused herself from this event due to some pressing personal commitments in South Africa.

“Unfortunately Zoe (Bosch) is not coming to Harare for this Saturday’s Toyota 50 Race Day but 20-year-old Zante Otto is representing us this weekend. We are excited to have secured her services and wish her a very successful weekend in Harare.’’ Rich said.

Otto, who usually competes on her Yamaha R3, also confirmed yesterday that she will be coming to Harare this week for Saturday’s Toyota 50 Race Day where she will be joined on the track by the country’s top female Superbikes rider Jessica Howden. Otto made her European debut in October 2016 at the Wil Sport European Junior Cup at the Lausitzring racetrack in Germany where she showed her mettle as she came away with a worthy third place overall against some stiff international competition.

The championship was part of the World Superbikes circuit and Otto was allowed to race as a wildcard entry. She was one of three South Africans who competed in the EJC class.

The post SA’s Zante Otto for Toyota 50 Race Day appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Aspiring Chitungwiza’s St Mary’s ward 1 councillor and veteran sports journalist Gilbert Munetsi hosted the Harare Province Boxing Tournament where more than 15 clubs from across the country converged.

The event also sought to unearth possible talent for selection into the National Youth Games.

The sports journalist turned politician and director of Box Africa Academy is seeking political office in St Mary’s ward 1 council.

The tournament had over 21 bouts from more than the 15 clubs that attended and was also used to select boxers to represent Harare Province at the forthcoming National Youth Games set for the Midlands later this year.

“Through our partnership with overseas partner Sydtangney, we have been building our roots here in Chitungwiza where there is an abundance of talent and hope to put it to good use,” he said.

The tournament is the third to be hosted by Box Africa following another at Huruyadzo in St Mary’s and Domboshava with the aim of making the sport of boxing visible and in tandem with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation to tap and nurture talent.

Box Africa Academy houses over 20 budding boxers.

The events have uplifted the lives of youths in the area by giving them career opportunities through sport and the arts thus helping in reducing vices and substance abuse.

The post Harare Province Boxing Tourney held appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

A call has been made to afford women equal opportunities to take part in sport like their male counterparts as it enhances their health and fitness.

This came out during a netball tournament organised for the female residents of the constituency at White City Stadium in Bulawayo where seven teams took part.

After having hosted a men’s football tournament in the constituency a couple of months back, Zanu PF’s parliamentary candidate for the area, Joseph Tshuma, said time had come to take away all the stereotypes that hinder women from participating in sport.

He said the tournament was meant to afford the participants an opportunity to showcase their talents while keeping healthy.

“A healthy body oozes a healthy mind. So once these people play sports like these, running and exercising, they are going to have healthy bodies. This will help them make sound decisions at home. They take care of our children. They take care of us so we also need them to be in that state of mind which is conducive for living peacefully and together as a society and as a community. So definitely these sports that they are doing here are going to help them to stay physically fit as well. So definitely this is the way to go,” he said.

The participating teams that included Mthala, Cry Mantengwane, ZRP, Busters, Ghetto Queens, Iminyela and Leopards each received a playing kit and a ball.

Women have been seen to suffer stigmatisation in participating in sport especially when they get married or have children, with a number of them being forced to stop playing.

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RIO DE JANEIRO. – Brazil superstar Neymar admits that after his nation’s quarter-final defeat to Belgium at the Soccer World Cup he couldn’t look at a ball and didn’t want to see any of the remaining matches.

“I wouldn’t go as far as to say I didn’t want to play again but, I didn’t want to see a ball, or to see any more football played,” 26-year-old Neymar said in an exclusive interview with AFP on Saturday.  The Paris Saint Germain forward was talking at his Neymar Praia Grande institute where the Red Bull Neymar Jnr 5’s (five-a-side-soccer) tournament was being played.

Dressed in a sleeveless T-shirt, with his six-year-old son Davi Lucca sat upon his knee, the striker was, however, in a relaxed mood as he explained his post-World Cup blues.

“I was in mourning, I was really sad about it, but sadness passes, I have my son, my family, my friends and they don’t want to see me moping around. I’ve got more reason to be happy than sad,” said Neymar, reflecting on his team’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Belgium. Asked about reports in Spain linking him with a transfer to Real Madrid the forward said “that’s all speculation from the press.” “The guys who come up with these stories seem to know more about my life than I do. I won’t respond to this type of question because nothing happened,” he scoffed. – AFP.

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The Zimbabwe Cheetahs on Sunday (yesterday) lost 5-31 to Tonga at the Rugby Sevens World Cup in San Francisco.

Tafadzwa Chitokwindo scored Zimbabwe’s try.

The Cheetahs then redeemed some lost pride beating Jamaica 33-19.

Zimbabwe scored their tries through Shingirai Hlanguyo, Ngoni Chibuwe, captain Boyd Rouse and vice captain Stephan Hunduza.

The four conversions were from the boot of captain Rouse.

The post Cheetahs stumble in San Francisco appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

CAPE TOWN — Ajax Cape Town feel there has been a conflict of interest in the PSL Executive Committee’s decisions to appeal rulings that have gone in favour of the coastal club.

Following Judge Denise Fisher’s judgment which set aside advocate William Mokhari’s arbitration ruling that condemned Ajax to relegation, the PSL Executive Committee announced their decision to appeal the judgment.

It was the second time they have appealed a ruling that went in favour of Ajax after also appealing the DRC’s initial decision to give Tendai Ndoro the green light in January.

Ajax chairman Ari Efstathiou feels the eight-member committee — made up of Irvin Khoza (Orlando Pirates)‚ Kaizer Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs)‚ Mato Madlala (Lamontville Golden Arrows)‚ Stanley Matthews (SuperSport United)‚ David Thidiela (Black Leopards)‚ Jose Ferreira (Bidvest Wits)‚ Rejoice Vakashile Simelane (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Khumbulani Konco (Bloemfontein Celtic) — were at the time conflicted, which may have influenced their decision to appeal the initial verdict.

“The DRC initially ruled in favour of Ajax, while the Executive Committee — who did not take any ratification from the Board of Governors — appealed,” Efstathiou explains.

Efstathiou admits Ajax feel hard done by with the situation.

“We find it a bit difficult that our mother body, the PSL, is going against one of its members,” he said.

Ajax are hoping to halt the start of the 2018 /19 season, with the application for this interdict set to be heard in the South Gauteng High Court today. — KickOff.

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union president Aaron Jani believes the Cheetahs’ poor run at the just-ended Sevens World Cup in San Francisco, United States, has given them some hard lessons on what they need to do for the country to excel in this version of the game.

Jani is in San Francisco and watched each of the Cheetahs’ games at the global showcase where they were eliminated from the main competition following a 33-12 by Wales last Friday night.

Further losses to Uganda, who handed them a 24-10 defeat, and Tonga, who hammered them 25-5, left the Cheetahs with only their 33-21 triumph over Jamaica to show for their efforts at the tournament that was being played under a changed format for the first time.

The ZRU boss acknowledged the gulf between the Cheetahs and the teams they either competed against or watched at the World Cup.

“It was a fantastic tournament in general, an eye-opener for our administration. We have seen how much other teams have progressed and our work is cut out for us.

“We need to inject new blood, focus on nutrition, strength and conditioning and player welfare. The game has become physical and very fast.

‘‘We need a 7s academy where we can keep the players together for 12 months, control what they eat, train them and expose them to more tournaments.

“We really have been left behind in many ways. The good thing is that we now know where we need to be and how to get there,’’ Jani said.

He revealed he had also used his time in the United States to meet with some of his counterparts from other unions and exchange ideas.

“We interacted with all the top Unions and we have learnt a lot,’’ Jani said.

Cheetahs coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba was also in agreement and noted that while the talent was abundant in the country, it was the manner in which it was being nurtured that also needed to change.

“Zimbabwe rugby needs an intense, structured programme that starts from junior level, including basic skills training and strength and conditioning, such that by the time a player is 20 and ready for national duty all the fundamental basics (tackling, passing and conditioning are already taken care of).

“Unfortunately, we are still teaching basics to senior players even at national level by which time it’s almost too late.

‘‘As for Sevens, if we are to compete against the world’s best, the way to go is to set up local sevens academies and to play local sevens tournaments, graduating to regional, then international tournaments,’’ Nyamutsamba said.

The Cheetahs coach also recommended that players should be contracted specifically for the Sevens versions and be exposed to tournaments from an early age.

Nyamutsamba was also happy with the demographic of the team he took with him to the United Staes, which believes can form the bedrock for a stronger return to the World Cup.

“The bulk of this team were players that still have time on their side and this experience gained, if nurtured, will be a very strong team for the next few years,’’ Nyamutsamaba said.

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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

TROUBLED midfielder Denver Mukamba has been ordered to start training with his Dynamos teammates as the struggling Glamour Boys battle to find a way out of a tight corner.

The player was kicked out of CAPS United, where he had been loaned for a year, after he fell out with the Green Machine leadership.

Mukamba had moved to Makepekepe after a spectacular fallout with DeMbare coach Lloyd Mutasa at the end of last year.

The Dynamos leadership yesterday gave an instruction that Mukamba should start training with the team again following his return from his abortive loan spell at CAPS United.

DeMbare officials said the club’s leadership have facilitated a rehabilitation programme to help him conquer his demons and focus on his career.

The Glamour Boys are also expecting the return of Cameroonian Christian Epoupa who terminated his contract because of a payment row.

The Harare giants have been struggling to switch into the next gear to put their campaign back on track in the second half of the season.

They have lost eight of the 20 games they have played and have so far dropped seven points from the three games.

Dynamos lost 1-0 at home to Ngezi Platinum Stars on Sunday after stalemates against Chicken Inn and Shabanie Mine.

The defeat to Ngezi Platinum pushed them down into 13th place on the log standings.

They have 22 points in the bag and are a massive 24 points behind log leaders FC Platinum.

“Probably what we can do is to try and have a target which is in our control and we said from the 17 matches left we would want to finish as the best team.

“Against Ngezi, I think we lost a match. We did not score, but I would want to believe that we were not very far from what we wanted to do,” said Mutasa.

“Probably the goal made the difference. I would want to believe that if we up our game in terms of goal-scoring, I think we will be a team that can compete.

“There is still hope. I think this is only one of three matches that we have played in the second half and we still have 14 more games to play. I cannot rule anything out.”

Now, only three points separate them with the teams in the drop zone.

Dynamos dropped three places as they were leapfrogged by Herentals, Yadah and Bulawayo Chiefs after the weekend games.

His team lacked the intent to win on Sunday, especially after starting without a natural striker.

Mutasa made a surprise move to start with Emmanuel Mandiranga as his centre forward and the move proved disastrous.

DeMbare have been pathetic in front of goal with only 17 goals in 20 games.

Only two players have managed to score more than one goal and their top goal scorer, Quality Kangadze, has managed only five at this stage.

And with their defence, which used to win them titles, shipping in 23 goals, it means their aggregate is in the negative.

The poor run will only complicate things for Mutasa, who had been fired earlier this year by the previous executive, but was given a second chance by the club’s   board.

Since his return, the team has won one match under his charge against Nichrut, drawn two and lost   one.

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor

FORMER Warriors manager Sharif Mussa is set to add another feather in his growing administration career after CAF selected him for his maiden assignment as general-coordinator for a Champions League match in Angola at the weekend.

The CAF inter-club competitions resumed last week following a month-long break in the Champions League and Confederation Cup matches to pave way for the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Zesco United, carrying a 1-0 victory over Primero Agosto, will travel to Luanda for yet another duel against the Angolans in Luanda on July 27.

The two teams have been the most consistent performers in CAF inter-club competitions being perennial campaigners in both the Champions League and the confederation Cup.

Although Zimbabwean kings FC Platinum struggled in the Champions League and were unable able to go beyond the first round, it has been left to officials to represent the country in such competitions.

Last week it was Harare referee Norman Matemera who was flying the Zimbabwean flag as he handled a Confederation Cup West African derby pitting Nigerian giants Enyimba and Williamsville Athletic Club of Cote d’Ivoire in Port Harcourt.

Matemera led a Zimbabwean quartet that also included his assistants Brighton Nyika and Salani Ncube and fourth official Pilani Ncube.

Next weekend, it will be ex-Warriors manager Mussa who will carry the Zimbabwean flag, while on CAF duty, when he officiates in his maiden assignment from the continental body.

Mussa has over the years been accustomed to leading his Warriors in the jungles of African football where he would liaise with general coordinators from other countries who would have been assigned to preside over Zimbabwe’s World Cup or African Cup of Nations matches.

This time around it will be the Harare businessman who will be running the show together with the match commissioner for the tie and other key players responsible for not only preparing for the game, but ensuring that everything about it goes on smoothly.

Mussa was not available for comment on his appointment.

But he had earlier expressed excitement at the prospects of becoming a general coordinator when he was one of two Zimbabweans, together with ZIFA Competitions and Communications manager Xolisani Gwesela, to have been selected by the continental body for a course in Egypt in May.

“I am humbled at having been selected from among many Zimbabwean administrators and even more around Africa.

“I think CAF also looked at my contribution to the game in Zimbabwe and felt that I could help add value to their competitions as a general coordinator.

“I hope that this could be a start of bigger things to come and after that I can fly the Zimbabwe flag high in whatever task I am given whether it is Champions League, CHAN or Confederation Cup matches.

“It will no doubt be a mammoth task in light of the huge responsibilities being placed now on general coordinators,” Mussa said at the time.

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The post A symbol of defiance appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

NETONE have answered Melissa Mwanza’s plea for help to participate at the national basketball global arena by availing $3 000 towards her training and camping expenses in South Africa.

Mwanza is a 14-year-old basketball player and a student at Girls High School in Harare.

She was identified by the Jr.NBA coaches at an Under-14 tournament last year in September at the International School of South Africa in Mafikeng.

She later on, with other six girls and four boys, attended a training camp in December in Rustenburg and that’s where she was selected to go for the Team Africa trials. A team of 10 players will be selected from this camp and they will take part at the U14 Jr.NBA World Championship that will be held in the United States next month.

NetOne also handed over a Huawei Y3 LITE, NetOne line and OneMoney debit card to Mwanza.

The Girls High Schools student left for South Africa on Saturday to join other players from the continent for the camp.

NetOne chief executive, Lazarus Muchenje, whose company has been investing heavily in sport, said they sponsored Mwanza as a way of empowering the girl child.

“We received Melissa’s request for assistance from the Sports and Recreation Commission and as NetOne we didn’t hesitate to assist, as this is a worthy cause of nurturing our young talent.

“Melissa’s participation at these events represents a very rare and potentially life-changing opportunity for her to consolidate her budding basketball career and, therefore, it was important for us to assist her,” he said. Muchenje said NetOne were proud to be associated with the development of sport in the country.

“Sport, the world over, is big business and with the right support and mind-set, the nation will produce world-class talent that will positively project our nation on the global stage.

“As NetOne, we are committed to playing our role in ensuring the development of sport, especially young talent, where our young stars like Melissa go onto the field of play to showcase their talent,” he said.

Melissa’s mother, Anna Mwanza, thanked NetOne for the gesture.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to NetOne for putting a smile on our faces.

“This feels like a dream. I am humbled and I am really at a loss for words,” she said. The camp will culminate in an explosive one-off clash against a Team World Select side in the United States.

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THE Premier Soccer League board have resolved to send FC Platinum and Harare City as the country’s representatives for the next edition of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

CAF recently agreed to change the calendar for the Champions League and Confederation Cup matches to match the European schedule.

As from next year, the competitions will be starting in September, ending in May, but the next edition is starting in December this year and the final date for registration is October 15.

The local league, which still has 14 rounds of matches to play, can only declare a new champion at the end of the season which is set to be concluded in November.

Following the communication from the continent’s football chiefs, ZIFA directed the PSL to furnish them with their representatives before the October 15 deadline.

The league last night confirmed it agreed FC Platinum and Harare City will represent the country in the next edition of the continental competitions.

“The PSL board of governors sat on the July 14 and agreed that, for this year, we are sending FC Platinum and Harare City as the country’s representatives,” said league spokesperson Kudzai Bare.

FC Platinum agreed to represent the country in the ongoing competition while Harare City, who earned their top-flight status following the disbanding of How Mine, refused to accept the offer.

“CAF informed us of the changes that this year’s deadline of registration is October 15 for Champions League and Confederation Cup matches and we have also told PSL about the changes,” ZIFA competitions and communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said.

“ZIFA does not decide who goes to the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup, it is PSL that is responsible for that and we just send the names.

“As has been the case in the past, PSL will give us the teams and we will send them to CAF before the deadline which has always been the case.”

The Zambians are also in the same predicament as their league is currently in Week 25 and the marathon ends in Week 38.

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Thierry Henry has agreed to become Aston Villa’s new manager.

The Arsenal and France legend is ready to lead Villa’s charge back into the English Premier League — once he’s had reassurances from the Championship club’s mega-wealthy new owners.

Steve Bruce remains in charge at Villa Park.

But new majority shareholders Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are not convinced he is the right man to take the Villans back to the English Premier League.

And they have already turned to Henry, who announced after the World Cup he wants to be a full-time manager.

The 40-year-old was Roberto Martinez’s assistant as Belgium reached the semi-finals in Russia but now wants to go it alone as a boss.

Another Midlands club in the Championship, Derby, have already moved to appoint another unproved former top Premier League star as their new manager, with Frank Lampard taking charge.

A source who is close to the takeover negotiations told Starsport that Henry had “verbally agreed” to be Villa’s new boss.

But there remains much still to do, including axing Bruce and agreeing a salary package and transfer budget with Henry. They must also explain how Villa can move forward within the confines of Financial Fair Play.

Sawiris — a member of Egypt’s richest family — and American tycoon Edens — a co-owner of American basketball team the Milwaukee Bucks – look ready to invest big in Villa

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor

HARARE business executive, Marshal Jonga, believes Zimbabwe’s quickest route to a FIFA World Cup could be through Beach Soccer and has vowed to breathe life into this version of the game.

Jonga will on August 9 be challenging the stranglehold that incumbent chairman Joseph Musariri has had on Zimbabwe’s Beach Soccer and wants to be its next chairman.

The pair of Jonga and Musariri were the only contestants for the chairman’s post when nominations closed.

The Beach Soccer chairman could have been elected on July 14, but the ZIFA Electoral Committee deferred the staging of the polls as they sought to clarify issues related to the electoral college of the affiliate.

The affiliate has, however, regularised its structures and are now ready to vote for their leader on August 9.

And Jonga is hopeful he will be the next leader of the affiliate with the youthful business executive launching an audacious bid to ensure there is life in the game to a point that Zimbabwe can be able to assemble a national team.

“It’s fairly simple to get to a World Cup because the top two African countries will represent the continent and this World Cup takes place every two years.

“At the moment there are about 16 African countries playing Beach Soccer so, yes, our chances of getting there are high and we have plenty of talent in Zimbabwe.

“But for the last seven years Beach Soccer has only existed in name without structures.

“Even the members of the electoral committee had to postpone the elections after noting that the absence of the structures and that alone calls for a change in approach and a change in leadership.

“This is what I would want to end and I feel I have both the passion and the potential to make a difference,” Jonga said.

He also noted with concern the fact that Zimbabwe have only watched from a distance as CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of nations tournament come and go.

“CAF have opened the bids for those willing to host the 2020 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations and had we put our house in order in the last five or so years, we could by now be submitting a bid to host the event.

“There are not many countries bidding to host and unlike AFCON, the Beach Soccer Nations Cup is not very complicated to host, but the problem is that we have to first play the game and spread it around the country and in schools.”

Jonga also dispelled the notion that Zimbabwe is unable to play this version of football.

“You do not need to have beaches in Zimbabwe to play the game. We have got an abundant supply of sands and we can convert some of the existing stadiums into temporary Beach Soccer venues so there is no excuse for not having the game running.

“ZIFA also receive a grant from FIFA’s Forward funds which can be used to expand the game. In fact, the money is there at FIFA and we just need to put our house in order and apply for the funds.

“In the last one-and-a-half years that I have been involved with Beach Soccer I have seen a lot of potential and I think we can take this sport to another level.

“In order for us to make inroads we should spread it to schools, tertiary institutions and regions so that in the next 12 months we can have a Beach Soccer League kicking off.

“Contrary to public belief that absence of oceans and big dams could hamper the game, in Zimbabwe, we have natural Beach Soccer pitches on dry river beds and we have already constructed one at ZIFA Village,” Jonga said.

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