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DeMbare’s King headache

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Dynamos will have to do without their new acquisition, Kingstone Nkhatha for the remainder of this month after it emerged yesterday that the Harare giants can only register their experienced striker with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in September.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA/HENRY MHARA

Kingstone Nkhatha

According to the statutes governing player transfers, in particular free agents, as is the case with Nkhatha, he can only be registered after a lapse of a 30-day period if his clearance came when the transfer window had closed.

The 32-year-old forward joined Dynamos after severing ties with SuperSport of South Africa last month, but it is understood his clearance from the former club and international transfer certificate (ITC) from South Africa Football Association − documents which enable him to register with the PSL − arrived after the close of the transfer window on July 31.

This means Dynamos can only register Nkhatha on September 1 after the expiry of the 30-day period.

Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro confirmed as much. “His (Nkhatha) ITC arrived last week, but the window period had already closed. So it means we can only wait to register him on September 1,” Chihoro said.

This development means that the powerful striker, who has been training with the club and heavily involved in friendly matches will probably miss the team’s crucial matches during that time, including against big rivals Highlanders and Caps United.

Dynamos were set to travel to Bulawayo for the big clash against Bosso last weekend when the league resumed after a three-week break, but the match was postponed by the PSL.

Reasons for the postponement have not been given, but it is understood that the two teams had been picked to play at President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa’s planned inauguration ceremony last Sunday as part of the day’s festivities.

However, the ceremony had to be put on hold after a court challenge of his election victory by MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.

Dynamos are expected to resume their league action this weekend, but it’s not clear whether they will be travelling to Highlanders first to fulfil last week’s postponed fixture or they will be hosting ZPC Kariba as per this weekend’s PSL fixture schedule.

Other matches that could come before September 1 for Dynamos are against Yadah FC and Caps United in the big Harare derby.

Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa and the club’s supporters will be hoping that the Harare derby, in particular, should come when they have regularised Nkhatha’s signature.

He will be registered with the PSL as a foreigner after he attained a South African resident status, having met the minimum five years required to be eligible for permanent residence.

Nkhatha moved to South Africa in 2007, when he joined Free State Stars in a successful career that saw him go on to play for Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport.

The former Buymore striker is one of the four players that the club acquired in the mid-season transfer window, together with Munashe Kaseke and returning stars Brett Amidu and Denver Mukamba.

Nkhatha is expected to breathe a new lease of life into what has been a poor Dynamos attack this season, which Mutasa has pointed as the team’s missing link.

Strikers Quality Kangadze and Kuda Kumwala have failed to fill in the boots left by Cameroonian Christian Ntouba, who was frustrated out of the club at the start of the season.

The Glamour Boys have scored 17 goals in 20 games, fewer than Bulawayo City and Shabanie Mine, who have 18 and 19 goals respectively, two teams that are second bottom on the log standings.

Bottom-placed Mutare City have scored 15.

Mutasa has blamed the lack of firepower for the dismal start to their season, where they are hovering just above the relegation zone and currently sit on 13th place with 22 points, just three better than Nichrut who occupy the relegation cut-off point.

The post DeMbare’s King headache appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.


Gems off to good start

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Veronica Gwaze  in LUSAKA, Zambia
ZIMBABWE’S senior netball team got their campaign for qualification to the 2019 World Cup off to a good start yesterday when they beat Botswana 53-28 in their second game of the day at the on-going African Championships in Lusaka, Zambia.

The championships are serving as a World Cup qualifier as well and for Zimbabwe, it’s not just about the African title, but earning one of the two remaining slots to next year’s World Cup in Liverpool, England.

South Africa and Malawi have already booked their places at the global tournament by the virtue of their rankings.

Malawi are, however, in Zambia for the African Championships, taking advantage of the event to also begin their build up for the 2019 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s victory over Botswana came as a boost for the team’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

Pauline Jani was on point with the ring, missing only two out of the 25 chances she got in the first half.

With the defence as tight as it was after adopting the new line formation, rivals lost most of their centre passes to obstruction.

Nineteen-year-old new girl Claris Kwaramba marked her maiden appearance in fine form leading the Gems to a 53-28 victory. After a close defeat to Botswana at the Pent Series in June, it was a sweet victory for Zimbabwe since the game is key in determining their qualification for the World Cup.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had lost 43-79 to Malawi in a game that was preceded by a fallout between the two countries that almost resulted in a fist fight between officials of the two sides and threats were dished out to the Gems.

The Zimbabwean side had to file a complaint with the International Netball Federation seeking a withdrawal of the game after coaches felt it was unfair to risk their players to injuries in a game that does not count in the tournament.

Gems Coach, Lloyd Makunde, said Malawi have an automatic qualification into the World Cup therefore can’t play them in the first game.

“This is our first match in a very important tournament which is the very reason we cannot play against them because we can’t risk our players to injuries over a match that does not count.

“Besides that, we had a huge fallout in which their officials even wanted to give our officials blows and they also threatened our players which is the very reason we had to file a complaint with INF, “ said Makunde.

In the “dead rubber” match, Zimbabwe only had two of their first seven players on the court while Malawi had their best team on.

The lopsided affair had Malawi celebrating a 79-43 victory.

Zimbabwe take on Zambia this afternoon.

The post Gems off to good start appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Zim karatekas for SA tourney

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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
LOCAL full contact karatekas have been presented with another opportunity to get some competition time when they battle it out at the IKOKU South Africa International tournament in Cape Town later this month .

The tournament, slated for August 25, is expected to attract top fighters from as far as Japan, Chile and Mexico.

Zimbabwe are looking at fielding 21 athletes in the Under-60kg, Under-67kg, Under-77kg and Open weight division in the men’s division while in the women’s competition there are two divisions, Under-60kg and Under-65kg.

Zimbabwe Karate Union technical director full contact, Kumbirai Musinami, said having won the first edition of the tournament held in 2012, they are returning to the event with confidence and a bigger team.

“These will cover all the senior categories for men and women. We have four categories for men and two for women. We are only targeting those categories where we have claimed before and defending.

“We have got some new upcoming participants while some of those that were there in 2012 will also be there. But the team is bigger than that we went with in 2012, we had nine athletes and three officials.

“It’s been quite some time since 2012 and competition I am sure is going to be much tougher. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. But I think we have tried to do our best in terms of preparations. We have tried to prepare the team as best as we could and I am sure we will hold our own. We won’t be pushovers.

“We are also excited because the last time we did not have female athletes, but this time around we have a few. We have Kudakwashe Chiwandire and Ruvimbo Chizengwe. Chiwandire was first at the Thokoza tournament in July and is still developing, but she has great potential.

“Ruvimbo bowed out in the round of 16, it was her first regional tournament, but showed a lot of character and we have been working hard with her.

“I am sure she will do extremely well,” said Musinami.

On the men’s side Zimbabwe will be pinning their hopes on the likes of Tangayi “Mighty” Mhlanga, Likhwa Khumalo, who came eighth at the All-Japan tournament, Naison Chituwa, as well as upcoming lightweights Justice Mutyoramwendo and Tawanda Chimbade.

Most of the fighters took part in a grading session held on Monday at Raylton Sports Club as part of their final preparations for the tournament.

Musinami said the South Africa tournament presents them with a platform to trim down their team since they are also going for the So-kyokushin International Tournament in Japan scheduled for October.

The post Zim karatekas for SA tourney appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

ZDF Select win

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

ZDF Select………………… (1) 1

MDF Select……………………. 0

BRIGHTON Mugoni’s first half goal was all Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select needed as the hosts got the better of their Malawian counterparts to clinch this year ZDF Trophy at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

Mugoni tapped in a fine low cross from speedy winger Ian Nyoni in the 17th minute.

The match brought the curtain down to a day of glittering festivities that began in the morning and marked the 38th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day.

Black Rhinos manager Gift Kamuriwo took charge of the local military men, who had nine players each drawn from Chapungu and Black Rhinos.

On the other hand, Malawi Defence Forces had players picked from four military teams that play in the Malawi Super League including Kamuzu Barracks, Mafco, Red Lions and Moyale Barracks.

Having trained together for just a day, the local combatants struggled to settle especially in the opening stages.

But Mugoni’s goal not only calmed their nerves, but breathed life into the contest.

After that strike, the hosts started to dominate in the midfield battles with captain Wonder Kapinda and veteran forward Philip Marufu bossing their opponents around.

Although the Malawians gave a decent fight, ZDF Select were on top of the game and should have won by a much wider margin had they converted some of the several chances they created.

Twice the hosts hit the woodwork and Kapinda missed from close range with only the keeper to beat.

In winning yesterday’s contest before a packed National Sports Stadium, the ZDF Select retained the title they won last year, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Highlanders at the same venue.

Kamuriwo commended his team for putting up a stellar show.

“I am very happy for the team for delivering such a formidable show,” said Kamuriwo.

“Having trained for one or so days, my players struggled for rhythm, but they eventually got over it. I was particularly impressed by the transitional play on the part of the boys.

“It’s unfortunate that we could not score more than a goal in a match we created so many chances.

“The Malawians played well. They have a lot of talent in their team, but overall I am happy we managed to lift the trophy,”

His opposite number, Stereo Gondwe, who somehow kept on doubting the Zimbabwean players were indeed picked from Chapungu and Black Rhinos only, was happy with his team’s performance.

“I am happy that my players managed to match the Zimbabweans,” said Gondwe.

“They played well and I salute my boys for the show.

“It’s quiet a good thing and we feel honoured to have been invited to participate at an event like this.

“We celebrated together with our Zimbabwean counterparts, that’s brotherhood.

“The match was so entertaining and what a way to cap a special day for the Zimbabweans,” he said.

Teams:

ZDF Select: T Shumba, F Banda, S Jimu, B Mbavarira, W Kapinda, M Muchingami, P Marufu, I Nyoni, B Mugoni (V Mhandu 54th minute), L Chiunga (A Tavarwisa 59th minute)

MDF Select: M Harawa, B Boy, G Mbwana, W Nkuliwa, S Harazi, C Fukizi, M Mamkumba, F Kamdzeka, A Sikwambe, L Njaliwa, L Jere.

The post ZDF Select win appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

SRC A SINKING SHIP

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
THE Sport and Recreation Commission’s future as a going concern has been put into question amid stunning revelations by an audit report that the regulatory body is being weighed down by rising debts that have reached nearly $1,5 million.

In the audit produced by Nolands Harare Chartered Accountants, it has emerged that the Sports Commission’s debt has ballooned from $500 000 two years ago with a red flag now been raised over the capacity of the institution led by Edward Siwela and directed by Joseph Muchechetere and finance chief Patience Kabanda, to rescue itself from the slide.

Both board chairman Siwela and acting director-general Muchechetere signed an acknowledgement of the audit report, a copy of which The Herald has obtained, which leaves a number of questions on the state of the body that is tasked with superintending the country’s sporting associations.

Muchechetere has been acting director-general for over two years and is one of the applicants whose name is being considered by Siwela’s board for the substantive director-general’s post that fell vacant following Charles Nhemachena’s departure in April 2016.

But it is the observations contained in the audit report, which paint a grim picture of the situation at the Sports Commission and its future and whose management appear to have targeted collection of levies from associations as their best bet for sustainability.

“We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Sport and Recreation Commission which comprise the Statements of Financial Position as at 31 December 2017 and the Statement of Comprehensive income, Statement of Changes in Reserves and Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended as a summary of significant accounting and polices and the explanatory notes as set out on pages 8-20.

In our opinion the accompanying financial statements presented fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Sports and Recreation Commission as at 31 December 2017 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

“We concluded our audit in accordance with International Standards of Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.

“We are independent of the Commission in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in Zimbabwe and we have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to prove basis of our opinion,’’ read part of the report.

It is the auditors’ remarks on the state of the Commission as a going concern that must also worry both the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and the associations that have been playing their part to ensure the institution continues to survive through payment of levies in terms of the SRC Act.

The auditors noted that the Commission had accumulated losses of $1,387, 415 with their total liabilities exceeding current assets by $1, 026 317.

“We draw attention to Note 23 in the financial statements which indicates that the Commission had accumulated losses of $1 387 415 and total current liabilities exceed total current assets by $1 026 317.

“The Commission mainly relied on government grants and did not fully exploit its other sources of income. These conditions along with other matters set out in the financial statements indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Commission’s ability to continue as a going concern.

“Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter,’’ the auditors said.

Nolands Harare Chartered Accountants, who carried out the audit, also outlined the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements from which one of their main objectives included to “obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole a free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error and issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion’’.

“As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit’’.

These included to:

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Commission’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Commission to cease to continue as a going concern.’’

On Note 23 which the auditors earlier made reference to, they noted that the Sports Commission management had outlined some initiatives they believe could increase the revenue base.

“We draw you to the fact that as at December 31, 2017 the Commission had accumulated losses of $1 387 415 and total current liabilities exceed total current assets by $1 026 317. The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies applicable to going concern.

“This basis presumes that funds will be available to finance future obligations and that the realisation of assets and the settlement of liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments will occur in the ordinary course for business. The ability of the institution to continue as a going concern is dependent on a number of factors, the most important of these is that the Board must continue to procure funding for the on-going operations of the Commission.

“In the 2018 outlook, the Sports and Recreation Commission board has approved a number of initiatives meant to address the on-going threat facing the Commission. These initiatives include – a) registering all sports organisations, b) registering all Sport and Recreation facilities, c) Collection of annual levy from Sport and Recreation bodies are backed by the Sport and Recreation Commission Act Chapter 25:15 and the respective regulations.

“The Commission believes the initiatives outlined are sustainable and financially sound and will be able to address the current ‘going concern’ threat’’.

Although the Sports Commission management have outlined the initiatives, it can also be noted from the audit that levy collection and fundraising efforts have already increased from $154 629 to $214 148.

Curiously though, fund raising expenses rose from $3, 967 to $49 065 with the Commission citing the Zimbabwe Legends against Barcelona Legends match at the National Sports Stadium last year, as the biggest cost driver at $39,342 and it raised $38,477.

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Dembare Signing Kingstone Nkatha to Wait Until September

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Struggling Zimbabwe premiership giants, Dynamos’ hopes on unleashing their new recruit Kingstone Nkatha soon have been dashed after it has emerged the former SuperSport United forward can only play after the lapse of the 30-day period as provided for in the football rules and regulations.

According to FIFA rules and regulations, a player who joins a club as a free agent can be registered outside the window period.

However, if the player is cleared to play for his new club after the closure of the transfer window period, he can only be registered to play after the lapse of the mandatory 30-day period.

Nkatha, who was plying his trade in South African before his recent return, received his International Transfer Certificate last week when the window had already closed on July 31.

It follows that Dynamos can only register Nkatha on September 1 when the required 30-day period would have lapsed.

The rules and regulations also state that if another player joins a club as a free agent in September, he can be registered without having to wait for 30 days.

“His (Nkatha) ITC arrived last week but the window period had already closed. So, it means we can only wait to register him on September 1,” said Chihoro.

The forceful forward had attained a South African resident status, having met the minimum five years required to be eligible for permanent residence.

Nkhatha moved to South Africa in 2007, when he joined Free State Stars in a successful career that saw him go on to play for heavyweights such as Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport.

The former Buymore striker is one of the four players that the club acquired in the mid-season transfer window, together with Munashe Kaseke and returning stars Bret Amidu and Denver Mukamba.

Nkhatha, who started training with the Harare giants two weeks back, is expected to breathe a new lease of life to what has been a poor Dynamos attack this season, which coach Lloyd Mutasa has pointed out as his biggest headache.

Mutasa’s men were scheduled to make the trip to Bulawayo last week for a clash against old foes Highlanders before the match was postponed by the top-flight league management.

The Glamour Boys have scored 17 goals in 20 games, fewer than Bulawayo City and Shabanie Mine, who have 18 and 19 goals respectively. The two teams that are second bottom on the log standings.

Mutasa has blamed the lack of firepower for the dismal start to their season, where they are hovering just above the relegation zone and currently sit on 13th place with 22 points, just three better than Nichrut who occupy the relegation cut-off point.

The post Dembare Signing Kingstone Nkatha to Wait Until September appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Heroes Program Celebrates Heroes Day

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As the nation celebrated Heroes Day yesterday, swimming icon Kirsty Coventry took some time to interact with children from different communities under the Kirsty Coventry Academy HEROES programme.

The HEROES programme is a Kirsty Coventry Academy initiative that provides free lessons to children in underprivileged areas of Zimbabwe.

It is a community-based programme that leverages the power of sport as an effective method for tackling critical issues in these areas.

The programme utilises existing facilities, schools, sports centres, fields and volunteer coaches to create a safe and fun environment where children can participate in sport.

The programme is currently running in three locations — Chitungwiza, Dzivarasekwa and Kambuzuma.

HEROES, which is an acronym for health through physical activities, education from skills development, respect, opportunities and equality through sport, is about developing a well-rounded person.

Yesterday, the three locations were a hive of activity with children from within the communities participating in basketball, volleyball, soccer and rugby as they celebrated the past and present heroes as well as the first anniversary of the programme launched towards end of July last year.

“It’s been a huge success, we have been running for a year now and we have impacted 6 000 children.

“We are starting to get back really good positive feedback from parents, from the community, from the kids and from coaches just from watching and seeing our sort of data we keep in terms of numbers and in terms of age of the kids. “Just to see the passion from the kids, the dedication to see them wanting to get better it tells me then that hopefully that has also given them a different mindset in their other forms of life.

“So, whether it’s at school or when they are home with their parents they want to be better, they want to do good things and I think that is the enormous positive we have seen,” said Coventry.

The seven-time Olympic medallist said they are hoping to spread the programme across the country.

“But we are looking already at other grounds in communities outside Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and once we sit down and we identify as a team where are the best locations we start national and hopefully in the next year we will be in 10 locations across the country,” said Coventry. Team leader for Kambuzuma, Maita Nyarota, said the HEROES programme has made a difference with their community and are grateful for the support they have been receiving.

“It’s been fantastic. It’s something that we had been waiting for, for so long as a community. We had been doing these things alone but when Kirsty and Tyrone came everything changed it became a reality because they gave us balls, bibs, the equipment that we are now using at the community.

“And now as you can see most of these children are here if it wasn’t for this programme they could be in streets doing nothing. “Now we can identify, nurture and develop some athlete that will represent Zimbabwe in the future,” said Nyarota.

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Let’s Rebuild Zim – Chiwenga

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Elections have come and gone and it is now time for Zimbabweans to unite and rebuild the country, while those who lost should be gracious and congratulate the winners as there are no miracles in politics, Vice President and Minister responsible for Defence and War Veterans Affairs Constantino Chiwenga has said.

MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa has refused to accept results of the July 30 presidential election won by President-elect Mnangagwa and claims to have evidence the polls were rigged in favour of Zanu-PF by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In an interview yesterday ahead of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ Day today, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabweans should rise to the occasion and negate anything which brings instability in the country.

“On the issue of elections, I think you have heard even his Excellency President Mnangagwa saying that elections are over and we want to go ahead with development,” he said.

“If you go into a race, you must know that there are two things you are going to meet, either you win or you lose.

“Zimbabweans must rise to the occasion. We must negate anything which brings instability and problems into our country. Be peaceful and hard-working and convince ourselves in our minds that no one will come and build this country, but ourselves.”

VP Chiwenga said those who lost must be gracious and congratulate the winners and join the rest of Zimbabweans in building the country.

He said the country’s liberation struggle was fought to bring unity and peace.

Speaking on the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ Day, VP Chiwenga outlined the contribution made by the force to regional and international peace.

“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces has a rich history of contributing to international peace and security dating back to 1991 when the United Nations (UN) extended its maiden request to Zimbabwe to contribute troops to the Peacekeeping Mission in Angola (UNAVEM I),” he said.

“In a show of confidence and appreciation of the professional manner in which the ZDF had acquitted itself in the Mission, the United Nations twice renewed the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ mandate in Angola under UNAVEM II and III, which lasted up to 1997.”

VP Chiwenga outlined the missions carried by the ZDF in Somalia in 1991, where the force was responsible for coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring the ceasefire, safeguarding, as well as distributing relief supplies.

In 1993, he said, Zimbabwe received yet another invitation from the world body to contribute troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda (UMAMIR), where the mission was responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and implement the peace agreement between Rwanda Patriotic Front and the Government.

VP Chiwenga said following the success in the above stated missions, the ZDF was subsequently invited to deploy military observers in other UN Peacekeeping Missions in countries including Burundi, Sudan, Liberia, Nepal, South Sudan and Cote d’Ivoire.

“Military training cooperation undertaken by the defence forces in the region has gone a long way in fostering peace, security and stability.

“Zimbabwe has always opened her reputable training establishments such as the Zimbabwe Staff College, School of Academic and Staff Training, the Zimbabwe Military Academy, All Arms Battle School and others to members of other regional defence forces to enhance training cooperation.”

VP Chiwenga said in addition to these traditional training institutions, Zimbabwe also opened the Zimbabwe National Defence University as the highest institution of military and academic excellence to enhance training initiatives.

He said that was in line with his vision of achieving a secure regional environment through enhanced military cooperation in the region and beyond.

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Sables Off to Uganda

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Zimbabwe were left with an even tougher task to gun for nothing short of victory against Uganda after the Cranes sealed their place in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup when defeating Morocco in Kampala on Saturday.

Uganda proved too strong for Morocco, beating the Atlas Lions 49-29, to secure third place with an unassailable 10 points, which will guarantee that they will now finish behind either of leaders Namibia and second-placed Kenya.

The Cranes are Zimbabwe’s next opponents in the Sables final assignment of this year’s Gold Cup tournament in Kampala this weekend.

This year’s Gold Cup competition has also been serving as the African edition of the 2019 World Cup qualifiers.

Peter de Villiers and his winless Sables are expected to fly out to Kampala today for the encounter which they must now win at all costs to avoid demotion into the less fashionable Silver Group where they might have to contend with playing only three official Tests next year.

Uganda have recovered from a false start in which they lost twice to Namibia and Kenya and their latest win over Morocco made it two wins against North African opposition.

Sables captain, Denford Mutamangira, however, insisted that Uganda’s success over Morocco was not a major cause for them to worry. Mutamangira said his troops had been working hard and remain focussed on ending their campaign with a win and were not looking at how their opponents were performing in their assignments. “Uganda’s win against Tunisia doesn’t change anything, we just have to go there and try win win this game. We have looked at how they managed to score their tries and we have noticed that we have to ensure we don’t give the ball away,” Mutamangira said.

The Sables captain was also happy with the shift that his side had put during camp which they did not break after their 58-28 defeat by Namibia at Hartsfield on August 4.

“The preparations have been positive and encouraging. Apart from our workouts, we have managed to sit and analyse our games, analyse Uganda’s games as well and I think as a team we are on the same page. “We have worked on our misakes, especially the fact that we sometimes go to sleep when we are playing well. We have been trying to work on our consistency too. Decision-making is something that we have also been working on throughout the week,” Mutamangira said.

The 34-year old tight-head prop also revealed that they had noted some few errors in their defence which they had been working on.

“Our defence is quite good, it’s only that sometimes we react a little slower and we have been working on all that.”

Mutamangira also hailed the positive impact that the changes that were made to the Sables ahead of their game against Namibia made, citing as examples the different dimensions and competition which such players like Shayne Makombe, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and Antipas Kamkwindo brought to the team.

As they head out to Uganda this afternoon, the Sables, will according to their captain, also look to build on the positives they picked from their last assignment against Namibia two weeks ago and ensure their East African adventure will yield the kind of fruits which their labour clearly deserves.

The Sables will also take some comfort in the fact that Kenya did them a huge favour by thumping Tunisia 67-0 in Kampala which meant that the Atlas Lions remained at the basement of the log table.

That Maghreb derby showdown, between a Tunisia side that only have their win over the Sables to show for their troubles, also has a huge impact on deciding the bottom three standings in the Gold Cup. While the Sables will be heading to Kampala to determine their Gold Cup fate, there is no doubting that from the Rugby Africa perspective, the highlight of the final day matches will be the massive group decider between Namibia and Kenya in Windhoek.

An unlikely victory by the Kenyans at the Hage Geingob stadium could see them snatching the ticket to World Cup in Japan. Kenya ran in 11 tries and six conversions against the Tunisians with Test debutant and Kenya Sevens forward Willy Ambaka being joined by captain Davies Chenge, Andrew Chogo, Jacob Ojee, Elkeans Musonye, Darwin Mukidza, Martin Owilah, Peter Karia, Mohammed Omolo and Tony Onyango in the scoresheet.

The five points from the win moved the Simbas to 17 points and three behind leaders Namibia ahead of their group decider.

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Character Will Win Us the Title – Ndiraya

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Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Tonderai Ndiraya has praised his charges’ fighting spirit after the team posted an impressive come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Nichrut at Baobab on Saturday.

Donald Teguru struck with 10 minutes on the clock to level the scoresheet after veteran Nichrut midfielder Farai Vimisayi had put the guests 2-1 ahead.

Man-of-the-match Godknows Murwira then scored a wonder free kick from just outside the box to help the hosts seal the maximum points.

Ngezi have now recovered from a disappointing losing streak in which they lost four on the trot, to post three victories on the bounce.

And Ndiraya, whose side took their tally to 48 points in 21 outings, two behind pacesetters FC Platinum, was impressed by his team’s fighting spirit.

And he believes it is such character which can drive his troops to the championship.

“I was quiet impressed with how my charges applied themselves in that come-from-behind win over Nichrut on Saturday,” said Ndiraya.

“After we went 1-2 down, courtesy of that magnificent goal by Farai Vimisayi and with the clock ticking away, my charges kept on believing and indeed they delivered.

“It was a game that wasn’t so exciting on our part but at this stage of the marathon you cannot always get worried with how you have won.”

He said sometimes it was important to win all points while playing ugly football.

“Sometimes it’s better to pocket all the points than put more emphasis on playing a good brand,” said Ndiraya.

“Of course, we are Ngezi Platinum Stars who want to play an attractive brand of flowing football but we haven’t made our intention to win the league a secret.

“We are a team with good players and we are in the race with leaders FC Platinum as well as the chasing pack.

“With the leaders winning, we also have to grind results to maintain a manageable gap between us.

“Basically, we have to win our own matches and see what happens at the end but it’s quite a tough race.

“It’s not all about Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum as other teams are still in with a chance.”

Ngezi was without their new acquisition Simba Nhivi, who joined from CAPS United in the mid-season transfer window, as he is injured.

Nhivi broke his arm in training at the Mhondoro team last week.

Ndiraya hopes Nhivi will recover and play a part before the season comes to a close in November but he maintains he has enough arsenal upfront should Nhivi fail to recover.

“Simba (Nhivi) is a very good striker and that’s why we signed him.

“It”s unfortunate that he broke his arm before kicking a ball for us.

“We are hoping that he will recover in time to play a part for us before the end of the season.

“But we have equally good strikers on our books who can still bang those goals to help us achieve our targets for this season,” said Ndiraya.

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Sharp Shooters Show . . . Mushekwi Comes Face-to-Face With Congolese Hitman

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High-flying Zimbabwe international forward Nyasha Mushekwi takes his goal-scoring spree to the Chinese capital Beijing today where he will come face-to-face with the most expensive African footballer of all-time, Cedric Bukambu, in a possible rehearsal of their AFCON showdown in October.

The 30-year-old Mushekwi was the toast of the Chinese Super League on Friday when he scored a stunning hat-trick as he led his club Dalian Yifang to a 3-0 demolition of Guangzhou R&F in a league match at the Dalian Sports Centre.

That took Mushekwi’s tally to seven goals, half the number of goals which leading scorer Wu Lei of China has scored, but considering that the Zimbabwean was overlooked by his team’s former coach, at the beginning of the season, this has been a remarkable return for the giant striker.

Nigeria’s World Cup striker Odion Ighalo, who left English Premiership side Watford to move to Changchun Yatai because of the massive financial pickings in the Chinese Super League, is second on the goalscorers’ charts with 12 goals.

Bukambu, the 26-year-old Congolese forward, is in third place with 11 goals for Beijing Guoan, after he became the most expensive African player of all time when the Chinese side paid £65 million (about $87 million) to get him away from Spanish giants Villarreal.

Born in France but a member of the Congolese side that will battle the Warriors in back-to-back AFCON qualifiers on October 10 in Kinshasa and three days later in Harare, Bakambu rejected bids from English Premiership sides Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham to move to the Chinese Super League.

Bakambu then agreed a long-term deal that is earning him

The 26-year-old has agreed a long-term contract worth a reported £307 000 (about $391 000) a week at the Chinese club who take on Mushekwi’s Dalian Yifang in Beijing today in the latest round of the country’s top-flight league matches.

Bakambu’s transfer from Villarreal eclipsed £39 million ($49,71 million) which English Premiership giants Liverpool splashed on Mohamed Salah, the African Footballer of the Year, to get him from Italian club Roma.

The Congolese striker turned himself into box-office attraction when he scored 48 goals in 105 games for Villarreal in 2015 after he arrived on a cheap transfer of £6,5 million (about $8,28 million) from Turkey when he had scored 21 goals.

Given the physical nature of the Congolese players, both in Brazzaville and Kinshasa, some local pundits have been calling for Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa to consider Mushekwi, who is a bustling forward, for the AFCON battles in September and October.

And the forward has been letting his goals do all the talking with his latest hat-trick against Guangzhou R&F another demonstration of his quality with the Zimbabwean striker scoring in the 35th, 56th and 82nd minute in the 3-0 win.

The 24-year-old Carrasco was part of the star-studded Belgian side that eliminated Brazil from the World Cup and ended their contest with a 2-0 win over England in the battle for third place.

He has 30 caps for Belgium and five goals for his country and, in Russia, he played in four matches for the Belgians, spending 239 minutes on the pitch, covering a distance of 28,8km with 12.4km being covered while in possession, had six attempts on target with four on target while two were off target.

Carrasco sprayed 75 passes at the World Cup, with 62 of them being completed passes, 20 were short, 39 where medium range and the rest were long range passes.

He has taken his World Cup form to his Chinese club and he provided two of the assists as Mushekwi grabbed his hat-trick last Friday.

Dalian Yifang remains in relegation danger, after a poor start that forced the management to fire the coach, a development which opened a window for Mushekwi to revive his romance with the team after being left on the sidelines by the previous coach.

The Zimbabwean was even considered for sale but the fans, who still remember the way he starred in helping the team get promoted into the Super League, piled the pressure on their management not to effect the sale.

The Zimbabwean has been on a good run and also scored in the 1-0 win over Shanghai SIPG, probably his side’s best result this season, 10 days ago with his strike the only goal in a match in which Dalian Yifang upstaged the club that has the likes of Oscar and Hulk of Brazil on their payroll.

Mushekwi is certainly in tough company in the Chinese Super League but he has been showing he can compete against some of the best players in the world with his goals giving Dalian Yifang hope they could find a way to avoid relegation this season.

His combination with Carrasco has been impressive with the Belgian World Cup player also taking to social media to salute the Zimbabwean for his goals for Dalian Yifang in recent days.

The fans have also been coming in their numbers for Dalian Yifang and more than 35 000 watched Mushekwi score his hat-trick last Friday.

Most of them will be hoping that he takes his remarkable goal-scoring form, which also saw him score in the recent 2-3 defeat to Tianjin Teda, to the capital today for his showdown against Bakambu and his teammates.

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The making of the Chevrons

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Sports Reporter
IT’S an iconic photo that is worth more than a thousand words and, for most of the current Zimbabwean cricketers, it’s a throwback to the year they cut their milk teeth in representing their country in international on the big stage at the 2004 ICC Cricket Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The boyish teenage faces of the players say it all, back at the stage of their careers when they were just starting out their adventures on the big stage, and 14 years down the line, a big number of them are still in the trenches representing their country.

Others, like Colin de Grandhomme, have found home elsewhere with the all-rounder now starring for New Zealand.

Others, like Proper Utseya, have since retired and ventured into coaching, leading his academy side to success on the domestic scene this year.

While others, lie Ed Rainsford, have turned themselves into commentators of repute and are covering the game with authority for television.

But a big chunk of those players remain in the trenches, playing the game competitively, and fighting for the cause of their country.

Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Brendan Taylor and Elton Chigumbura are still part of the national team set-up and some of them could be on their way to South Africa and Bangladesh from next month with the Chevrons.

Maybe, looking at their results in 2004 in Bangladesh, we should have known that we had a group of teenagers who were good enough to make their mark on the big stage with the passage of time.

They lost their first game by two wickets to Sri Lanka on February 15, 2004, after they were bundled out for 161 in 49.3 overs with the Asians chasing that total in 38.2 overs for the loss of eight wickets in a match that could have gone either way.

Three days later, the Zimbabweans sent shockwaves across the world with an emphatic seven-wicket win over Australia.

They destroyed the Aussies for a mere 73 in 14 overs before they reached their target in 17.1 overs having lost three wickets along the way.

A day later, it was the turn of Canada to be put to the sword with the Zimbabweans showing their batting strength as they chased down their opponents’ target of 180-9 in 36.2 overs for the loss of just two wickets.

The two wins out of three matches saw the Zimbabweans finish their group campaign on four points, the same as group winners Sri Lanka, with the Asians topping the group because of a superior net run rate.

The Aussies could only finish in third place.

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe then moved into the Super League and the Zimbabweans lost to eventual winners Pakistan by nine wickets, lost to England by six wickets before beating New Zealand by 92 runs.

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Lake takes NAC lead

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
WILLIAM LAKE took an early lead at the National Aids Council Pro-Am golf tournament at Royal Harare yesterday.

Lake was among the 63 top professionals taking part in the tournament which is now in its second year.

Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association and NAC have sponsored the tournament that was also held at the same venue last year.

Lake carded a five-under par 67 to take the lead and is going into the second round this morning ahead of Trainos Muradzikwa, a Royal Harare professional. Muradzikwa utilised home advantage to card a four-under 68 on a day that had five players scoring under-par scores. Lake said he was looking to continue with his fine form.

Last week’s Harare Open winner, Ben Follet-Smith, is in third place after he carded three-under-par 69.

The former Mississippi State University student is good at playing catch up and may make it two in a role. Also in the tight race is Biggie Chibvuri on 69. ZPGA president Garry Thompson sits on 70 while the quintet of Pride Sembo, Mohamed Mandhu, Robson Chinhoi and Zambian Madalitso Muthiya are all on level par 72.

NAC finance director, Albert Manenji, who is also the tournament director, said they were looking at raising funds to buy 15 cancer-screening equipment.

“The world now faces an increased threat of non-communicable diseases, including cancer in particular, and about 4 000 new cases are recorded in Zimbabwe annually of which 60% of them will be associated with HIV.

“The major challenge is lack of cancer-screening equipment in rural areas to ensure early detection and treatment so, with this Golf Day, together with other partners, we hope to raise some funds.

“We want to buy, at least, 15 machines to make the burden lighter for people in the provinces as some people are forced to travel long distances to the hospital with the screening machines and we are saying we can’t let that trend continue,” said Maneji.

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Zidane eyes United job

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LONDON. – Reports in France are suggesting that multiple Champions League soccer winning coach Zinedine Zidane is already plotting a move to the English Premier League.

According to L’equipe, Zidane, who has lifted the Champions League with Real Madrid over three consecutive years, is already eyeing a return to management in the English Premier League with Manchester United.

It is believed that the 46-year-old is eyeing Old Trafford as his next destination to replace Jose Mourinho as early as next season. Zidane who was named FIFA’s Best Manager in 2017 – became the first manager to win three consecutive Champions League trophies – winning nine major titles at the Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho’s relationship with United executive vice-chairperson, Ed Woodward is believed to have deteriorated after hitting out at the club’s lack of transfer activity.

“I had my plans for many months and I find myself with the market closed in a situation I did not think I would be in. It’s the last time I speak about it. It’s over, the market is closed. That’s football management. I think football is changing and managers should be called head coaches,” said Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach, who is a combative personality, also is reported to have a strained relationship with some of his players having publicly criticised Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw.

Meanwhile, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is enjoying his time at the Red Devils and has hinted that he may be eyeing a new contract in the near future.

The 29-year-old has been at United since July 2014 when he signed from Athletic Bilbao and has since racked up 161 appearances for the club across all competitions. The Spaniard’s current contract will expire at the end of the season, after United opted to trigger a one-year extension at the end of the 2017/18 campaign, but Herrera appears to be keen on a longer stay.

“I have been able to play more than 160 games right now, so what I have in my mind is to go for the 200 games and keep adding games for the club and for myself,” he told Inside United.

After starting the Premier League season with a victory over Leicester City, United are back in action on Sunday, August 20 against Brighton at the The American Express Community Stadium.

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Byo Chiefs pray for Shabanie

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Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP side Bulawayo Chiefs have said they are praying for struggling Shabanie Mine as the impoverished Zvishavane side continue to stagger in darkness cast by severe financial challenges.

At the weekend, a Harare businessman, Evans “Boss Kuji” Kujinga, provided a cheer to the spirits of his hometown club when he donated three match balls, 40 chickens and 330kg of beef to Shabanie Mine.

Kujinga, who is also a Dynamos fan, has always been supportive of his hometown football club and is ever present on the occasions the Premiership’s poorest team have matches in the capital.

Yesterday, Bulawayo Chiefs, who have probably the best-run Twitter account in the domestic Premiership, jumped onto the story and thanked the businessman for his helping hand.

“When you join the Premier League, (there are) some things that @CastleLagerPSL don’t tell you about,” Bulawayo Chiefs said on their Twitter account.

“You only get to know them through research, like who is the POOREST team in the League. Eish, Shabanie Mine.

“We have you in our prayers today and we thank the businessman for the beef.”

The tweet by Bulawayo Chiefs attracted a number of responses as people joined in the debate with some wishing Shabanie Mine all the best while others praised Kujinga for his efforts.

The Shabanie Mine football leaders have been crying out for a helping hand just to enable them to meet the huge costs that come with bankrolling a community side that has no sponsor, but survives on the benevolence of well-wishers.

The club have a huge support base and they are considered one of the most supported football teams in the country.

But the proceeds from gate receipts have not been enough to sustain the massive costs that come with running a Premiership club and Shabanie Mine FC have been wobbling for some time now.

During the mid-season transfer window, Shabanie Mine lost a big number of their players, who opted out of contract because of frustrations emanating from unpaid salaries and signing-on fees.

The Premiership leading goal-scorer David Temwanjira abandoned ship and moved to the comfort zone of ZPC Kariba, where he announced his arrival with a bang as he scored in the victory over Triangle United at the weekend.

Shabanie Mine FC were at the receiving end of a beating at the hands of former champions Chicken Inn, who are in third position in the championship race.

The Zvishavane club are in danger of relegation and the team’s leaders have been sending desperate messages to well-wishers to come and help them in their hour of need.

There are even fears the club could fail to complete the remainder of the Premiership campaign if they don’t get substantial funding in the coming weeks.

Kujinga, who grew up in Zvishavane before moving to Harare, answered his boyhood club’s desperate calls for a helping hand at the weekend.

The businessman, who has ventured into farming, has also made a commitment to donate to CAPS United captain Hardlife Zvirekwi as a show of support to the Green Machine star who had part of his left arm amputated after a horrific car crash.

Shabanie Mine FC thanked the businessman on their social media platform.

“Shabanie Mine FC would like to thank one of our sons in a good and welcome act that happened over the weekend,” the club said.

“One of our sons from Zvishavane, well known by most of us as Boss Kujinga, gave us three match balls, 40 chickens, 300kg beef.

“Mr Kujinga promised to also give us tracksuits and transport for our away matches, he will meet with our executive soon to finalise on this issue.

“Let’s welcome this gesture and also continue to do our part.

“United we stand and we will surely go miles.”

And yesterday Bulawayo Chiefs were the first Premiership club to praise the businessman on Twitter with a number of people also joining the discussion to thank the club for being active on such forums.

“Someone is doing their work right @BulawayoChiefs there, wish all the other clubs could have just a quarter of that desire when it comes to digital channels,” said Tawanda Mashava.

And Shungu Kamukapa said, “I’m DeMbare to the bone, but I like this page . . . these guys know their stuff . . . @dynamos2018 you have a lot to learn from these guys…nice graphics all the time . . . keep on, you are excellent @BulawayoChiefs.”

Another respondent, who uses the Twitter account name, S’lindile, also joined the discussion.

“I’m praying for you guys to get a sponsor. You’ve potential to carry and expand brand visibility.

“You already give positive vibes on social media and a progressive brand would do well to harness that and run with it.”

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DeMbare president demands audit

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
DYNAMOS president Solomon Sanyamandwe wants his new executive to be judged from a clean slate and has asked them to institute a forensic audit of the Glamour Boys.

Sanyamandwe, who was appointed last month as the new DeMbare boss following the sudden resignation of Kenny Mubaiwa on June 7, said yesterday it was imperative there was transparency in all the business that Dynamos conducted.

The Harare businessman said he had noted with concern that there were a lot of grey areas in some of Dynamos’ dealings with various stakeholders, which he believes was not conducive for growth.

“We have a new executive that has come in and we all have ideas and initiatives that we would want to implement.

“In order to avoid such issues like blame games it is only fair that chairman Mupfurutsa (Isaiah) and his team start on a clean slate.

“So I have said to them that the first step to that clean slate is to have an audit.

“There is need for everyone at Dynamos to know the true state of the club and that transparency will instil confidence in all those who do business with us, especially the club’s current and prospective sponsors.

“Can a club of Dynamos’ magnitude operate without having audited accounts, what message are we sending as the biggest club?

“What message are we sending as football in general about how we conduct our business?” Sanyamandwe said.

The Dynamos president said the club were this season affected by problems of claims by players demanding their outstanding signing-on fees, allowances and salaries which need to be resolved.

He cited the most prominent incidents that involved skipper Ocean Mushure and Cameroon forward Christian Joel Epoupa who eventually left the Harare giants.

Epoupa is now playing in Botswana.

He packed his bags in a huff and returned to Cameroon at the height of a protracted dispute with DeMbare that also drew the attention of the club’s sponsors NetOne and the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe.

“As we go forward and look to put in some structures that will help sustain this club, there is need to know who owes what, what are our revenue streams, how have we been spending and all.

“The audit is not a witch-hunt, but it is a necessary exercise that is in line with international best practices and I am saying Dynamos, like any other business, must be audited.

“When you do approach sponsors or corporate partners who know that there is transparency in everything that you do, they will not hesitate to do business with you and that is what we want.

“We should not shy away from having external auditors looking at our books of accounts and making their independent remarks,” Sanyamandwe said.

He is now the link between the management and the club’s founding fathers after it was resolved that the Dynamos president becomes an ex-officio member of the board of directors.

Dynamos, who have brought in veteran striker Kingston Nkhatha and recalled wayward midfielder Denver Mukamba, are also hoping that for all the initiatives that the new executive are making in the business corridors, will be matched by results.

After a three-week break from action, Dynamos will return to Rufaro for a date against resurgent ZPC Kariba in what should be Nkhatha’s debut in the blue of Dynamos following years in the trenches of the South African Premiership.

He closed that chapter with a stint at SuperSport United.

Prodigal son Mukamba could also mark his return after a brief stint at DeMbare’s city rivals CAPS United.

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Chawapiwa outshines Khama

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ZIMBABWE international forward Talent Chawapiwa outshone his countryman Khama Billiat on Tuesday night as Baroka FC stretched Kaizer Chiefs to the limit in a South African Premiership match that ended 1-1 in Polokwane.

Chawapiwa has been one of the standout players in Supa Diski in the new season and reports have claimed he is being eyed by both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The winger was virtually unplayable all night with his pace and guile opening the left channel of the Chiefs rearguard now and again.

He said coach Wedson Nyirenda’s half-time speech changed their mindset for the second half.

Chiefs have now failed to win in their first three matches’ failed to secure their first win in the Absa Premiership after playing to a stalemate with the Limpopo outfit.

“Firstly I want to thank God for today, it’s now the second (Man of the Match award) in a row,” the Zimbabwean told SuperSport TV.

“Going back to the match I think in the second half we did better because of the instructions of the coach. The coach told us what we were not doing.

“He said we must not give them too much respect, we can go out and win this game.”

Chawapihwa also lamented the Limpopo side’s finishing in front of goal.

“That has been our main problem (scoring goals). Every game we get so many chances but our finishing is very poor. I think we’re going to work on it in the upcoming games,” he added.

Nyirenda feels his charges are getting better with each day, following their draw with Kaizer Chiefs.

Khama Billiat

“It was not going to be easy for us. In the first half Kaizer Chiefs controlled the most parts of the game,” Nyirenda told SuperSport TV.

Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas has criticised some of the club’s fans for not supporting the team during matches and urges patience as they look to improve.

Last week, while the team was 3-1 down against Bidvest Wits, fans vocally expressed their discontent at the players’ performances as they called for substitutions in the second half, while booing individuals on the park.

“Yes, I know the supporters (expectations), but please, I want also the fans to support the players during the game. We need our fans to support the players,” urged Solinas.

“During the game is not the moment to criticise the players. The players need support during the game. This is a real fan. A real fan is when you support your club and players.

“After, when we finish the game yes, you can judge the players. But during the game, no. The players need support.

“(Bernard) Parker is a Kaizer Chiefs player and he needs support. The players in training work hard, believe me, they work hard and put effort in training.”

The Italian tactician bemoaned the congested schedule.

“Yes, I need time to improve [the team]. In my opinion, to improve a football team it requires training sessions, because that’s where you fix the mistakes,” he added. Sports Reporter/Kick-Off.

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SRC technically insolvent

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
SPORT and Recreation Commission directors Joseph Muchechetere, Patience Kabanda and Daniel Kuwengwa continued to receive benefits, including holiday allowances, despite it being clear the regulatory body was struggling for sustainability and technically insolvent.

The trio of acting director-general Muchechetere, Kabanda the Director Corporate Services (Finance, Administration and Human Resources) and Kuwengwa who is Business Development and Marketing director, head the Sports Commission’s secretariat.

They report to a board chaired by Edward Siwela and Commissioners include vice-chairperson Lilian Mbaiwa, Titus Zvomuya, John Falkenberg, Nicholas Vingirai, Joseph Mungwari and Clement Mukwasi.

But, according to an audit report of the Sports Commission done by a Harare firm Nolands, the trio of Muchechetere, Kabanda and Kuwengwa were paid “$89 000 in emoluments and $38 000 in directors’ benefits”.

Muchechetere, who was elevated to acting director-general following the departure of Charles Nhemachena in April 2016, also serves as Director Sport and Recreation Development.

It is, however, the audit report, which raises a stink in the manner in which the Sports Commission has been managed in the last two years with the audit firm also warning on the sustainability of the sports body as a going concern.

The audit also exposed the same Sports Commission that has been quick to invoke statutory regulations on associations, flouting other statutes such as payments to ZIMRA and NSSA, which they have not been remitting.

Questions will also be raised about the authority which the Commissioners wield in superintending the Sports Commission’s management despite the board having been cited for contributing to the audit.

“The Commissioners are required by the Sports and Recreation Commission Act (Chapter 25:15) to maintain adequate accounting records and are responsible for the content and integrity of the financial statements and related financial information included in this report.

“It is their responsibility to ensure that financial statements fairly present the state of affairs of the Commission at the end of the fiscal year and the results of its operations and cash flows for the period then ended in conformity with international Financial Reporting Standards.

“The external auditors are engaged to express an independent opinion on the financial statements,” read part of the auditor’s statement.

The audit also revealed that the Sports Commission are technically insolvent with liabilities far exceeding the body’s current assets.

“We draw you to the fact that as at December 31, 2017, the Commission had accumulated losses of $1 387 415 and total current liabilities exceed total current assets by $1 026 317.

“The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies applicable to going concern.

“This basis presumes that funds will be available to finance future obligations and that the realisation of assets and the settlement of liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments, will occur in the ordinary course for business.

“The ability of the institution to continue as a going concern is dependent on a number of factors, the most important of these is that the Board must continue to procure funding for the on-going operations of the Commission,” the auditors said.

That the Sports Commission’s total assets of $255 000 are much less than total liabilities of $1,1 million make the institution technically insolvent to the tune of $896 000.

Siwela and Muchechetere have presided over successive losses by the Sports Commission in the last two years that the former has been acting director-general and the latter remained chairman of the   board.

The Sports Commission, who are backed by Government grants have, according to the audit, made successive losses of $236 000 last year and $63 000 for 2016.

Apart from the Government grants, the Sports Commission’s next major cash cow is football from where they raked in $118 000 in 2017 from the levies.

Ironically, in the audit report, the Sports Commission revealed they made a paltry donation of $3 000 to the Mighty Warriors cause, gave the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe $59 000 and the Netball Association $25 000.

Of the Sports Commission’s total income of $1,5 million, $689 000 and $136 000 went to employee costs and directors’ compensation respectively.

This left above $800 000 going towards enumeration at a ratio of more than 50 percent, when “normal acceptable practice remuneration must not be above 8 percent of revenue.”

Given the state of affairs obtaining at the regulatory body, the Sports Commission has literally existed to pay salaries and commissioners/ directors as most of its revenue go to non-sport development.

Unlike other parastatals, the Sports Commission has virtually been bleeding Government coffers through the grant of $1,3 million.

The audit noted that Sports Commission fundraising initiatives only raised $54 000 from investments.

“The Commission mainly relied on Government grants and did not fully exploit its other sources of income.

“These conditions, along with other matters set out in the financial statements, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Commission’s ability to continue as a going concern,” said the auditors.

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WELCOME BACK SON

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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
IN-FORM Zimbabwe international striker Nyasha Mushekwi, who is having a good season in the Chinese Super League, has bounced back into the Warriors side for next month’s 2019 AFCON qualifier against Congo in Brazzaville.

Mushekwi last played for the Warriors at the AFCON finals in Gabon last year and scored a goal, converting a penalty, at that showcase.

Coach Sunday ‘‘Mhofu’’ Chidzambwa has also drafted in former Manchester City Under-21 player Tinotenda Chibharo in the 28-member squad. The 25-year-old Chibharo plays for Serbian side FK Sloboda Uzice.

The former Prince Edward athlete left the country to study in the United States of America under a football scholarship.

He, however, abandoned the studies halfway to concentrate on his football career by joining the Manchester City developmental squad after he was spotted by his scouts playing for Winthrop University.

However, his career hit a snag before he was assisted by former Zimbabwe international Kennedy Chihuri and moved to Serbian side Sloboda Uzice.

Chibharo has been reviving his football playing in the Serbian second tier league but is currently on trials in Sweden. The technical team have been on an exercise to rope in as many footballers, dotted around Europe, and other parts of the world, as possible. They lost the services of striker Tino Kadewere to injury.

According to team manager Mpandare, Mushekwi, who has scored seven goals in the Chinese Super League, will provide strength for their attack.

“He is doing well at his club and even scored some goals last weekend,’’ said Mpandare.

‘‘If you look at the strikers at our disposal, with Tino out, Nyasha is one of the top strikers we have.

‘‘Knowledge is not an outright striker and normally operates from the left. Nyasha can match any player and our opponents are physical and to win matches and qualify for AFCON we need all our best players.’’

Mushekwi missed his team’s last match on Tuesday and his absence was felt as they crashed to a 2-5 defeat at the hands of leaders Beijing Guoan.

Democratic Republic of Congo striker Cedric Bakambu, who is likely to battle against the Warriors in October in another AFCON qualifier, scored twice on Tuesday for the Chinese Super League leaders.

Bakambu eased into second place in the Golden Boot race, with 13 goals, and is only one goal behind leader Wu Lei of Shanghai SIPG.

Nigeria’s World Cup striker Odion Ighalo is in third place with 12 goals.

Bakambu became the most expensive African player of all time when the Chinese side paid £65 million (about $87 million) to get him away from Spanish giants Villarreal.

Born in France, Bakambu rejected bids from English Premiership sides Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham to move to the Chinese Super League.

Beijing Guoan met his Villarreal release clause of £35 million (about $44,6 million) and then paid the Chinese football association £30 million (about $38,25 million) in taxes to complete the deal for the highly-rated Congolese hitman.

Bakambu then agreed a long-term deal that is earning him £307 000 (about $391 000) a week at the Chinese club.

Bakambu’s transfer from Villarreal eclipsed £39 million ($49,71 million) which English Premiership giants Liverpool splashed on Mohamed Salah, the African Footballer of the Year, to get him from Italian club Roma.

Mushekwi’s tally of goals is even more impressive given he was initially left out of the team by his club’s former coach and only started playing regularly when the current gaffer took over.

Chidzambwa, who has through his employers, been battling to secure local travelling documents for the European contingent of players who were either born abroad or left as young children, has drafted three of those footballers in his provisional squad.

The veteran gaffer has included England-based Tendai Darikwa of Nottingham Forest and Bradford City’s Adam Chicksen.

Germany-based forward Kelly Lunga, the son of former Dynamos forward Max Makanza Lunga, has also been added into the squad.

Mpandare said they were keeping their fingers crossed praying the players will get their passports to feature for the Warriors.

“We are still pushing and hope someone from Government will finally help us get the documents,’’ said Mpandare.

‘‘We really need the players as well as a good result in the coming encounter. But we were forced to choose only three of those Europe-based players so that in the event we fail to secure the passports in time, we won’t be forced to change the squad.

‘‘Already, we have a fall-back in those positions and that is why we have quite a big number of 28 players that we have called for this match.’’

With ZIFA now dispatching letters to the players’ clubs for the release of their men, Mpandare said they were hopeful they will get all the players they have earmarked for duty.

“We have been monitoring them and we will

keep doing so in the remaining weeks,’’ said  Mpandare.

“But we are glad that Teenage (Hadebe), started full training on Monday. Ovidy (Karuru) is on light training and we hope he will improve. Nakamba (Marvellous) has also been injured but is back at training,” said Mpandare.

Provisional Warriors Squad

Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane), Donovan Bernard (Ngezi Platinum), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank), Talbert Shumba (Chapungu).

Defenders: Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows), Tendai Darikwa (Nottingham Forest), Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids AFC), Costa Nhamoinesu (Sparta Prague), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Eric Chipeta (Cape Umoya United), Adam Chicksen (Bradford City), Byron  Madzokere (Yadah FC).

Midfielders: Marshal Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam), Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu), Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge), Talent Chawapiwa (Baroka), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Orlando Pirates), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah).

Strikers: Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht), Evans Rusike (SuperSport), Kelly Lunga (SC Bonner), Terrence Dzukamanja (Bidvest Wits), Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang), Tinotenda Chibharo (FK Sloboda Uzice).

The post WELCOME BACK SON appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Mudariki Blow for Sables

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ZIMBABWE have been dealt a blow to their preparations for their must-win Rugby Africa Gold Cup clash against Uganda in Kampala on Saturday, with the Mudariki brothers Hilton and Farai ruled out of the showdown.

The Sables left Harare at midday yesterday for the match they will have to win at all costs if they are to harbour any thoughts of preserving their status in the elite Gold Cup.

But the Mudariki brothers of scrumhalf Hilton and prop Farai were conspicuous by their absence as Peter De Villiers and his men boarded a Kenya Airways flight for what has suddenly become the most important assignment of their doomed campaign.

Club commitments in the United Kingdom have robbed the Sables of an opportunity to call on the talents and grit of the Mudariki brothers.

Zimbabwe have already had to grapple with the disappointment of the Sables failure to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

After the World Cup dream went up in flames, the Sables must now fight tooth and nail to preserve their Gold Cup status as their winless run from four Tests have left them precariously sitting second from bottom on the six-team log table.

Their three points were earned from a 23-23 home draw against bottom-of-the-pile Morocco on June 16 and the bonus point eked out of a battling 58-28 defeat by Namibia at Hartsfield on August 4.

Ironically, the Sables have conspired to disappoint the nation in an otherwise refreshing year when sponsorship deals that had become a rarity have come their way and came in big.

A period when their welfare has been so catered for, they have not had to worry whether they would be able to fulfil their next fixture.

But just when they needed every arsenal they could have for this massive assignment, the Sables will now have to make do without Hilton and Farai Mudariki.

Sables team manager Derek Chiwara acknowledged as much shortly before the squad’s departure yesterday, but insisted that Lawrence Cleminson, who has been thrust into position will be an adequate replacement.

Cleminson has been a part of the Sables party, but has had to contend with a place on the replacements bench.

Chiwara also revealed that the Sables had failed in their bid to secure the release of South Africa-based flanker Michael Botha from his club.

“Farai and Hilton have club commitments in England. Botha also had club commitments which affected his early release from camp.

“Farai’s absence will be felt. However, his replacements have prepared fully and are ready and set to step into his shoes and fit them well

“Preparations have been on track, the team worked extremely hard and raised the intensity. The coaches really pushed the boys and the team responded well and showed their desire to go out and deliver a good result,” Chiwara said.

Both Hilton and Farai are also new players at their respective clubs, with the scrumhalf having joined English Championship side Jersey Reds in June, while the later secured his move at the start of last month.

Hilton’s move to Jersey Reds also meant that he missed the Cheetahs’ Sevens World Cup adventure in San Francisco after coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba elected to afford him a chance to settle down at the club he had just joined and left him from the side that travelled to the United States.

But the club then agreed that the 23 year-old forward could arrive at Sixways this month after he had fulfilled his World Cup qualifying duties with the national team.

The Sables had also been hoping that Botha would bring some more grit to their pack, but efforts to secure the flanker came to nought.

Zimbabwe will also be hoping that the pair of flyhalf Brendon Mandivenga and centre Kudzai Mashawi, who were nursing injuries from knocks received in the game against Namibia, would have fully recovered.

Mandivenga and Mashawi were also part of the travelling party yesterday.

Sables Squad:

Denford Mutamangira

David Mukanda

Lawrence Cleminson

Brian Nyaude

Fortunate Chipendo

Takudzwa Mandiwanza

Connor Pritchard

Tapfuma Parirenyatwa

Brendon Mandivenga

Tafadzwa Chitokwindo

Tafadzwa Mhende

Kudzai Mashawi

Shayne Makombe

Shingirai Katsvere

Mathew Mandioma

Irvine Nduwa

Cleaopas Kundiona

Antipas Kamkwindo

Lucky Sithole

Ernest Mudzengerere

Lenience Tambwera

Mathew McNab

Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa

25.Takudzwa Kumadiro

Gold Cup fixtures:

Namibia vs Kenya: (Windhoek); Uganda vs Zimbabwe (Kampala); Tunisia vs Morocco (Tunis)

The post Mudariki Blow for Sables appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

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