Sports – Zimbabwe Today

By Collin Matiza

Regan Wasmuth was the star of the show for Zimbabwe as they settled for second place behind South Africa to walk away with a silver medal at this year’s FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships which were held over the weekend at Mindola Park in Kitwe, Zambia.

South Africa-based Wasmuth (17) rode brilliantly during the two days of the big continental motorcycling event to emerge as the overall winner of the 125cc Class to help Team Zimbabwe to amass a total of 664 points.

These, however, were not good enough to stop South Africa from retaining the African title after they garnered a massive 794 points at the end of business on Sunday.

South Africa also beat Zimbabwe into second place during last year’s African Championships which were staged in Botswana.

At this year’s event, hosts Zambia came third with 490 points while the last three places went to Uganda (325 points), Botswana (165 points) and Kenya (52 points).

This year’s African Championships attracted more than 200 junior and senior male and female riders from six countries – Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the hosts Zambia – and they competed in nine classes – 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, 125cc, MX1, MX2, Veterans, Masters and Ladies.

Team Zimbabwe owe their second-place finish to young Wasmuth who emerged as the top dog in the 125cc Class with 60 points and managed to beat his South African rival Justin Sangster into second place in this division which had 15 riders.

Wasmuth’s exploits on the track helped Zimbabwe to pick up 99 points in the 125cc Class in which he represented his country alongside Tristan Grainger, Liam Le Roux, Jayden Young and David Evans.

Zimbabwe also did well in the Veterans Class in which they fielded two riders Warren Thorne and Doug Mellor who combined to pick up 111 points for their country in this division in which they beat South Africa (39 points) into second place.

In the MX2 Class, Zimbabwe had three riders Ashley Thixton, Josh Goby and Bradley Perry; and they managed to put together 86 points on the board for their country as they came second behind South Africa (101 points) in this class.

South Africa-based Ashwell had given Zimbabwe a good start in the MX1 Class after he came second behind South Africa’s Mathew Malan in Heat One in which another Zimbabwean rider Cameron Thixton came eighth on Saturday.

There were 23 riders in the main MX1 Class.

In the 65cc Class, Zimbabwe fielded five young riders Emmanuel Bako, who had a minor back operation last Monday, Jordan Dewdney, Dillan Fassen, Munyaradzi Bako and Declan Barrett; and they combined to pick up 58 points which were way off South Africa’s 111 points.

The 65cc Class had a strong field of 25 young riders.

Leigh-Anne Young and Bianca Beling represented Zimbabwe in the Ladies Class and they managed to pick up 54 points to finish third behind Zambia (111 points) and South Africa (76 points).

The post Zim Moto-X Team Settles for Silver appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Ngqwele Dube in Bulawayo
Bulawayo City . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
HERENTALS player-director Innocent Benza provided an assist for his son Tinotenda to score the goal that earned the Students the priceless points as the visitors piled more misery on Bulawayo City at Barbourfields yesterday. Bulawayo City’s defeat means they continue to sink deeper into the relegation zone.

The visitors took a quick throw-in and the older Benza sent a back-heel to his son, who beat an advancing Munyaradzi Diya in goal for City in the 68th minute.

Tinotenda, who came in as a second half substitute, caught the City rearguard napping as they were still setting up their lines in anticipation of the throw-in and Diya could do nothing, but watch the ball roll into the net.
Herentals had the luxury of missing a penalty, but still managed to collect maximum points.

Referee Artwell Mazire pointed to the spot in the 31st minute when City defender Benson Phiri went down together with Herentals’ Blessing Maunganidze inside the box, as the visitors were on the attack, although it looked like there was no contact.

As if to deliver poetic justice, Diya dived to his right to punch the penalty kick taken by Carlos Mavhurume, back into play, but Herentals failed to attack the spilled ball.

City had several chances during the tepid match, particularly in the first half, with Ozias Zibande missing a glorious chance when he hit the crossbar in the 12th minute after he had exchanged passes with Nhlanhla Ndlovu in their first attack of the game.

Eight minutes later, Phiri was gifted a free header inside the box off a Humphrey Ncube cross, but his effort went over the bar.

Blessing Majarira could have opened Herentals’ account in the 30th minute when he made his way past the City defence and released a shot on the edge of the box, but the ball went inches past the upright with Diya beaten.

The loss makes it three in a row since Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu took over from Amini Soma-Phiri as head coach and leaves City rooted second from the bottom of the table tied on 15 points with basement club Shabanie Mine.

Ndlovu, however, expressed optimism saying his charges played well, but were let down by failure to find the target. He feels they need to refine their accuracy upfront while ensuring they don’t concede.

Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa was enthralled with the win but said he was disappointed with the performance.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Yadah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
ON a day they were expected to build some good momentum ahead of their massive Premiership Harare Derby clash against bitter rivals CAPS United on Sunday, Dynamos put on a disjointed show and never came to the party in this dull encounter against Yadah which fittingly ended in a stalemate at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

DeMbare showed those encouraging signs of a re-awakening giant last weekend when posting a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over ZPC Kariba and they were largely tipped to follow that up with at least a decent performance against Yadah.

But, the Harare giants, who took their points tally to 26 and remained stuck on 13th place did not show much hunger and their performance, characterised by kick and run play would rate as one of their worst in recent years.

Even a handful of the Glamour Boys’ supporters who were apparently frustrated by their team’s poor show had to vent their anger on Yadah ball boys who were delaying in dishing the balls back to the field.

The fans forced open the gate on the City End bays and threatened to beat the little boys and play had to be stopped for some minutes before police details pleaded with the fans to return to the terraces.

Returning midfielders Denver Mukamba and Brett Amidu, who were on top of their game last Sunday could not replicate that form and the latter, who was uncharacteristically jittery, had to be withdrawn seven minutes after the break.

The pint-sized player missed DeMbare’s only meaningful chance half-way through the first half when his header, off a rare Peace Makaha cross went over Stephen Chimusoro.

So ordinary were the Glamour Boys that they failed to manage even a single shot at goal in the first stanza.
With Yadah employing all the tactics to frustrate their guests, Dynamos had to finish this drab affair a man-short after defender Marshal Machazane was red-carded for needlessly elbowing Simbarashe Sithole in an off-the-ball incident with hardly three minutes on the clock.

Instead it was Yadah who could have won the game, but Sithole and his strike partner Ralph Matema on two occasions each shot straight to the ever-improving Dynamos ‘keeper Simbarashe Chinani.

The match did not live up to its billing considering that each time these two clubs, who drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture in April, meet fans have always been treated to good football.

Coach Lloyd Mutasa was disappointed by his team’s showing, but remained positive they will rise against CAPS United on Sunday.

“This is another game which we failed to score and you know if you don’t score you cannot win the game,” said Mutasa.
“My lads were trying hard and I think the majority of them played in our last match and obviously their energy levels were not as good as we expected.

“But, we have to leave what has happened today and accept the point which we got. It’s part of the game and you know there are three results in every match.

“We did not perform in a way which we all wanted, but that’s football. It happens, but there is always a way forward. The performance was not satisfactory, but that’s how the game can be. We tried hard and got a point which is not very bad.
“We have to lift ourselves up and try improve going forward.”

Mutasa refused to blame referee Lazarus Dirwai after he gave Machazane his marching orders.
“My job is always to coach my players to do well in the field of play not to evaluate referees’ performance. On that particular moment when Marshal (Machazane) was given the red card, I was at an angle where it was difficult to clearly see if it was warranted or not,” said Mutasa.

His Yadah counterpart Thomas Ruzive was satisfied with the draw and commended his charges.
“I am very happy with the point that we got because considering where we are coming from, I think we did well,” said Ruzive.
“We lost our last match to Triangle over the weekend and we only had some hours to prepare for the match against Dynamos.

“We had to strategise for them and seeing Dynamos is a big club, we had to be at our best. So I am happy with the point, picked against such a massive team.

“I am happy that my boys played according to instruction. We will have to take it from there as our survival mission continues,” Ruzive said.

Teams
Yadah: Chimusoro, Z. Bizeki, B. Chikwenya, A. Makopa, B. Madzokere (M. Makopa 89th min), B. Mapfumo, E. Karembo, C. Sekete (L. Murape 54th min) L. Mavhunga (W. Kaseke 87th), R. Mathema, S. Sithole
Dynamos: S. Chinani, P. Makaha, O. Mushure, M. Machazani, G. Mukambi, B. Moyo (M. Mukumba 79th min) , G. Saunyama, B. Amidu (K Dhemere 52nd min) , D. Mukamba, E. Mandiranga (P. Mutasa) , T. Macheke

The post It’s a lacklustre DeMbare appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S preparations for their upcoming African Cup of Nations clash against Congo continues to be stalked by injuries, with the Warriors being forced to adjust their squad almost on a daily basis with the latest setback being the withdrawal of Czech-based defender Costa Nhamoinesu.

The Warriors will fly out to Brazzaville for the September 9 clash which marks the resumption of their 2019 Nations Cup qualification bid.

Nhamoinesu, however, became the latest casualty to a list that also includes midfielder Ovidy Karuru and Marvellous Nakamba who have already been sidelined by injuries. There are also some genuine fears now that in-form striker Nyasha Mushekwi’s much-anticipated return to the national team could also be scuppered by a complex medical condition he needs to deal with.

Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare revealed last night that they had since replaced Sparta Prague defender Nhamoinesu with Bloemfontein Celtic’s Ronald Pfumbidzai.

Mpandare also announced the recalls of the Golden Arrows pair of Knox Mutizwa and combative midfielder Danny Phiri.

The Warriors manager said his constant checks on the players whom coach Sunday Chidzambwa wants, had shown that there could be some chopping and changing as they have had to grapple with injuries being picked by some of them while on their various club duties.

One such injury is the latest knock reportedly suffered by Nhamoinesu while turning out for his club in the Czech Republic last Sunday in which he lasted 80 minutes before being substituted. Mpandare said Nhamoinesu, whose Warriors career has largely been plagued by injuries had “suffered a partial thigh muscle rupture last Sunday’’.

It also emerged that the medical crew at Nhamoinesu’s club have advised on a two-week rest before further tests can be conducted.

Mpandare, who spoke to Nhamoinesu on Tuesday night said the defender was disappointed to miss the crucial second AFCON qualifier.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully when he goes back to tests after two weeks his rehabilitation will start and hopefully he will be back fully fit for the back to back matches against Democratic Republic of Congo in October.

“Ronald had also been initially left out because he was battling a foot injury but we have since established with both the player and his club that he is now fully recovered and we have called him up in place of Costa.

“We are making direct replacements and since we have lost two midfielders (Nakamba and Karuru) we have called up Liberty Chakoroma and Deco (Phiri),’’ Mpandare said.

Coach Sunday Chidzambwa who is no taking chances in his bid to ensure the Warriors secure at least a point on the road in this campaign said there was very little he could do when confronted by injuries to players he would have earmarked for national duty.

“There is nothing we can do but we are calling equally good players to replace the injured ones.

Costa plays left back at his team and centre-back when he is with the national team so he is coming to replace Costa who is injured. “If you are naming a squad, you expect those things to happen and should have a plan B but losing the two midfielders it was sort of a double blow because they play more or less the same,” said Chidzambwa. The coach added that he is still hopeful that the British born players included in the provisional squad will make it so that the team doesn’t lose more players they have in their plans.

Mpandare is still running around to try and secure on time, passports for defenders Tendai Darikwa of Nottingham Forest, Bradford City’s Adam Chicksen as well as SC Bonner forward Kelvin Lunga.

But the Warriors could also be without Mushekwi for the trip to Brazzaville.

“I have been talking to Nyasha and he has IDS and he should undergo endoscopy in South Africa. “He will talk to a doctor to seek advice on all that and we sought to be proactive and bring in Knox as cover,’’ Mpandare said.

The Warriors are expected to arrive by September 3 so that the coach can have a few days of training with them before they leave for Congo.

“The bulk of the players will fly in on 3 September. Knowledge (Musona) has a game on the 1st September and then flies here the following day.

“The South African clubs will finish their matches on 30, 31 August but Orlando Pirates have another match so Kuda (Mahachi) and Marshal (Munetsi) will come on the 3rd. We are working on the bookings so that by the 3rd we should have the bulk of the team. “We are also finalising on our travelling itinerary to Brazzaville. We are not leaving anything to chance or last minute rush,” he said.

“Games are underway at various clubs, so injuries are likely to happen and we should even expect more but we had anticipated that by naming an enlarged squad so at the end of the day we will be forced to make a few changes,” said Mpandare.

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The Zimbabwe senior national rugby side were the biggest movers on the latest World Rugby rankings following their crucial 38-18 away win over Uganda in Kampala on Saturday which ensured they avoided relegation and retained their place in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup.

After failing to register a win in their first four Test matches against Morocco, Kenya, Tunisia and Namibia the Sables went into the match against the Uganda at position 45 and in danger of being relegated to the Silver Cup.

With their backs against the wall, the Sables produced their best performance of the season against the higher ranked Ugandans on their way to a bonus point victory meant they ended with eight points and fifth on the six-team Gold Cup log table.

Although the Sables endured a difficult season under South African coach Peter de Villiers after failing to qualify for next year’s World Cup, the victory in their final match meant they finished the season ranked higher.

The Sables were ranked 44th on the world rankings at the start of the just ended Rugby Africa Gold Cup, which doubled as the qualifiers for the 2019 Rugby World Cup to be held in Japan.

Namibia confirmed their place at RWC 2019 in Pool B alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and the Repechage Winner after retaining the Rugby Africa Gold Cup with an emphatic 53-28 victory over Kenya on Saturday.

The result lifts the Welwitschias above Canada in the rankings to 22nd place, and they are now less than half a point away from catching Hong Kong in 21st.

The East African side will now play Canada, Hong Kong and Germany for the right to claim the 20th and final ticket to Japan at the RWC 2019 repechage tournament in November.

Tunisia who secured their place in Africa’s top-tier competition, thanks to their 36-13 win over Morocco climb two places to 40th.

Relegated Morocco dropped four places to 47th.

Meanwhile New Zealand extend their lead at the top of the World Rugby Rankings ahead of second placed Ireland to 4.4 points after getting their Rugby Championship campaign off to a winning start following a 38-13 victory over Australia in Sydney.

Africa’s top ranked rugby nation South Africa did not receive any rating gain for their 34-21 victory over Argentina due to the large points’ differential between themselves and the South Americans, with the sides remaining in fifth and 10th place respectively.

The post Sables Rise in World Rugby Rankings appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Mukudzei Chingwere and Grace Chingoma

ZIFA have said they have no issues with former Warriors captain, Willard Katsande, being considered for national duty but the decision to either include, or leave him out of the side, lies sorely with coach Sunday Chidzambwa. The gritty midfielder announced his retirement from international football at the end of the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon and has not featured for the Warriors since then.

However, Katsande told The Herald last week he would reconsider his stance and return for another dance with the Warriors should the coach believe he could add value to the battle for a place at next year’s AFCON finals.

There had been expectations that, after Marvelous Nakamba and Ovidy Karuru were ruled out of the match against Congo in Brazzaville next month, Katsande would be recalled to bring in the experience needed in the team.

Some reports had suggested that Katsande was one of the players who were banned for playing for the Warriors in the wake of the fallout that followed the boycott of a farewell dinner, organised for the team, last year.

However, some of those players who were said to have been blacklisted, including Nyasha Mushekwi, have bounced back into the team.

ZIFA said they did not interfere in decisions made by Chidzambwa who had the freedom to choose the players he believes would suit well in his team.

“Chidzambwa is free to call anyone he wants to be part of his team,” said the association’s communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.

“ZIFA takes pride in the independence of our coaches, we do not interfere in team selection, and coaches use their own discretion in selecting players.

“The duty of the association is to facilitate in bringing the players the coaches would have selected, if there are injuries to the initial squad, the coaches are free to consider anyone of their choice.”

Chidzambwa yesterday drafted Ngezi Platinum utility player, Liberty Chakoroma, into the squad after some players were ruled out because of injury.

“We selected players with a provision to cover for injured players, the squad will actually be trimmed but, maybe, we will add one or two players to the squad,” the coach said.

“The issue of who will come, we will have to discuss that with other coaches, as for Katsande, I cannot say yes or no, in fact I can not comment about that.

“There is an issue where it is said he retired so I do not want to say anything about that because I do not know the circumstances surrounding his retirement.

“But, for more information, you can go and speak to the association’s spokesperson.”

Zimbabwe will battle Congo in Brazzaville on September 9.

The Warriors have been hard hit by a number of injuries to key players.

Belgium’s Club Brugge midfielder Nakamba, who aggravated the injury he has been carrying for the past two months, has been ruled out for, at least, five weeks.

Midfielder Karuru, who has been on light training since the South African Premiership resumed, has also failed to recover to play in the AFCON game.

Ironically, the Warriors were also without talisman Khama Billiat when they started their 2019 AFCON campaign with a 3-0 win over Liberia at the National Sports Stadium in June last year.

New captain, Knowledge Musona, scored all the three goals that afternoon.

ZIFA have been running around to secure the important documents, which are needed in the competitive international matches, but the association have been saying they have been receiving little, or no support, from the Sports Commission.

Relations between ZIFA and the Sports Commission remain frosty and, unfortunately, their differences are now affecting the Warriors.

Yesterday, Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said, for now, they have only added Chakoroma to the initial squad of 28 players announced last week.

Mpandare believes Chakoroma can perfectly fit into the team and coach’s plans.

“Liberty is a more of a utility player. Remember at his club he plays as a centre-back and at the national team we have used him as a midfielder.

“He can play as a holding midfielder, he can also play as an attacking midfielder, so he is very useful and considering that Nakamba, who is more of a box-to-box midfielder, as well as Ovidy (Karuru), who can play the same attacking midfield role, are out, Chakoroma can fill in that role and replace those two,” said Mpandare.

He becomes the second player from Ngezi Platinum Stars to be drafted into the national team after goalkeeper Donovan Bernard was included in the original list.

Polokwane City’s George Chigova headlines the list which also has Witbank’s Edmore Sibanda and Talbert Shumba of Chapungu United.

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), 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).

CONGO (possible squad)

Goalkeepers: Christoffer Mafoumbi (Free State Stars, South Africa), Barel Mouko (La Mancha), Pavelh Ndzila (Etoile du Congo)

Defenders: Marvin Baudry (Zulte-Waregem, Belgium), Arnold Bouka Moutou (Dijon, France), Tobias Badila (Nancy, France), Clevid Dikamona (Bourg-en-Bresse, France), Francis N’Ganga (Charleroi, Belgium), Beranger Itoua (CARA Brazzaville)

Midfielders: Yhoan Andzouana (Monaco, France), Durel Avounou (Caen, France), Hardy Binguila, Charlery Mabiala (both AJ Auxerre, France), Jordan Massengo (Union St Gilloise, Belgium), Delvin Ndinga (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Merveil Ndockyt (FK Tirana, Albania), Prince Oniangué (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Forwards: Dylan Bahamboula (Dijon, France), Thievy Bifouma (Osmanlisport, Turkey), Fodé Doré (Angers, France), Sylver Ganvoula (Anderlecht, Belgium), Moïse Nkounkou (FK Tirana, Albania), Fabrice Ondama (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco).

The post Zifa Clear the Air On Katsande appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

CHAMPIONS FC Platinum’s chances of defending their title took a knock after they were beaten by a well-organised Harare City at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

BY HENRY MHARA

With the defeat, coupled with Ngezi Platinum Stars’ win over Shabanie, the Zvishavane side’s lead at the top was trimmed to just a point.

A 48th minute spot-kick converted by Moses Muchenje proved the difference in this exciting encounter played at a frenetic tempo.

The penalty was awarded after goalkeeper Wallace Magalane had needlessly impeded Martin Vengesai, who had his back on goal.

Despite the lead being significantly cut, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was unfazed.

“We are still on top (and) that point, if we can protect it by winning our remaining matches, we might win the league. So the most important thing for us now is to maintain our concentration levels and focus on our remaining games.”

Mapeza said Magalane should have done better to avoid the penalty. “It was a poor decision by the goalkeeper because the ball was going wide. The goalkeeper was supposed to block Vengesai. There was no chance he could have turned and shot from that angle,” Mapeza said.

The win by Harare City was their first in six attempts, having drawn four and lost one of their last five matches and that made coach Mark Harrison a relieved man.

“The win was important, not because it was against FC Platinum, but it’s important because we got back on track. The last couple of performances have just been inept and the team has been questioned. But we came up with an answer today. The players showed big character and in a way showed how football should be played.”

Going into the match, FC Platinum were favourites to collect maximum points against a team that is going through its worst run of the season.

Moreover, the log leaders had won the reverse fixture comfortably, but it was the home side that enjoyed plenty of possession in this clash of two teams that love to keep the ball.

Both teams wasted some good opportunities in the first half before Harare City were presented with a good chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Magalane needlessly cluttered into Vengesai, who was moving away from goal.

The referee pointed to the spot and Muchenje, clearly, the best man on the pitch, stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with a cool tuck-in.

Mapeza needed to respond and he made a tactical switch, pulling off his target man Albert Eonde who was largely ineffective for midfielder Never Tigere and pushed Rodwell Chinyengetere upfront. He also threw in forwards Farai Mupasiri and Thomas Chideu to try and get the elusive equaliser.

It was defender Gift Bello, though, who almost brought parity when he rose unmarked from a free kick, but headed over.

Things got heated up when Muchenje was elbowed off the ball, and Harrison led his bench to protest to the fourth official, with Mapeza taking exception to the charge, an argument ensued.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, action continued with FC Platinum carrying on with play despite Muchenje lying on the floor.

They almost took the lead from the attack after Raphael Muduviwa’s cross found William Stima on the blind side who inexplicably headed wide from a metre out − further infuriating the home side’s bench.

Inevitably, FC Platinum threw bodies forward in the late stages of the match, but the home side held on for the win.

The post City dazzle Platinum appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Chapungu enhanced their chances of surviving the drop in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after they defeated visiting Black Rhinos in a midweek clash at Ascot Stadium in Gweru yesterday.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

Clive Rupiya’s second half stunner helped the airmen collect maximum points, having lost their last game at the hands of FC Platinum.

Both sides had a drab first half in which the visitors did not make any meaningful attempts at goal.

The airmen, on the other hand, were not convincing in front of goal, but turned on the style in the second half to break the deadlock through Rupiya on the 52nd minute.

The former Bulawayo City forward got to the end of Hilary Mugoniwa’s cross with a powerful acrobatic shot straight into the roof of the net, leaving Rhinos goalie Ashley Reyners rooted at one spot. Chapungu gaffer Rodwell Dlakama was pleased with his side’s performance.

“We are not on a good position on the log, but the win means a lot for us,” Dlakama said. “Getting three points at home will give us and the players confidence as we continue our bid to maintain our Premier Soccer League status. We have only lost one game in the second half of the season and looking at these statistics, I think we will achieve our end-of-season objectives.”

His counterpart Herbert Maruwa was disappointed with the result. “It was a tough match, but pretty balanced. They got their chance and they punished us. That is football,” he said.

After the win, Chapungu moved to 24 points, three clear of the drop zone.

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BULAWAYO CITY….0
HERENTALS…….(0)1

YOUNG Tinotenda Benza rose from the bench to pile misery on troubled Bulawayo City as Herentals picked up crucial away points in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Benza was introduced on the 57th minute for Aaron Chiwandamidzi and barely 10 minutes after he had come in, he set up by his father, Innocent Benza, before the forward pushed the ball past an advancing City goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya to give Herentals the winner.

Had it not been for Carlos Mavhurume missing a penalty in the 31st minute after Blessing Maunganidze was brought down inside the box by defender Benson Nyoni, Herentals could have won the match by a two-goal margin.

Bulawayo City have lost seven games on the trot and alarm bells have started ringing for the local authority side, who have engaged three coaches so far this season.

Current coach Bekithemba Ndlovu has lost three matches to FC Platinum, Black Rhinos and Herentals yesterday.

They sit on position 17 on the log table, with a paltry 15 points.

Ndlovu was a disappointed man after 90 minutes.

“It’s disappointing. The position we are is not good. We don’t need to be dropping points at this stage,” Ndlovu said.

His counterpart Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva said it was a poor showing for his boys, but it was important that they collected maximum points.

“A very difficult match for us; we did not play to the best off our ability. However, it is a good result even if we did not play well and that is important because we are playing to remain in the Premier Soccer League next season,” Mutiwekuziva said.

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NGEZI PLATINUM……….(3)5
SHABANIE MINE……. …(0)1

MARAUDING Ngezi Platinum Stars yesterday mercilessly hammered Shabanie Mine in a Castle Lager Premier League match played at Baobab Stadium, as they closed the gap between themselves and FC Platinum at the top of the log to just a point.

BY GARISH PHIRI

The home side meant business from the onset and it was not a surprise when they surged ahead as early as the eighth minute when James Nguluve capitalised on some clumsy defending by Shabanie Mine’s defence to slot home.

Master Chaodza doubled the host’s lead two minutes later when again Shabanie Mine’s defence were caught napping as he easily tapped the ball into an empty net following a perfect cross from Nguluve.

On the 28th minute, Donald Teguru managed to add his name on the scoresheet following a counter attack with only the keeper to beat.

Shabanie showed no signs of life in the first half as they allowed Ngezi to tear them apart.

The platinum miners were not done yet as on the 54th minute Nguluve lashed his second of the day.

They piled more woes on the relegation-threatened team as Tichaona Mabvura scored a powerful header following a brilliant set-up by Teguru on the 73rd minute. Shabanie got a consolation goal through a penalty kick after Frank Makarati’s gauche challenge in the box. Nigel Papias took responsibility and banged it in just nine minutes from time.

Ngezi coach Tonderai Ndiraya was happy with both the performance and result, especially as they were coming from a draw.

“We want to make sure we collect as many points as possible. The point we picked against Chicken Inn has now proved to be a vital point, especially looking that FC Platinum has lost. The boys did very well today, if they keep that kind of momentum, I think we can cross the line,” he said.

Shabanie coach Alexio Sigion was disappointed with his team’s performance.

“It’s demotivating when you keep on losing games. Of course, as a coach, you need to keep on motivating the youngsters, but they are not responding. It’s frustrating a lot, but there is nothing we can do. We just need to try and see where we end at the end of the season,” he said.

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Bulawayo CHIEFS……(1)3
Mutare City ………(1)2

GRACIOUS Mleya’s second half brace earned Bulawayo Chiefs the maximum points following a hard-fought victory over struggling Mutare City at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

BY SAKHELENI NXUMALO

The Chiefs’ skipper led from the front as his team twice came from behind to register their seventh win of the season and take their points tally to 29 from 23 matches.

Chiefs, who were impressive in their 1-0 win over Harare City last weekend, started poorly and some woeful defending by the otherwise dependable Andrew Tandi gifted the visitors with a goal-scoring opportunity five minutes into the game and Mutare City’s Jeffrey Takunda opened the scoring from close range.

The hosts levelled matters on 24 minutes through Farau Matare after a City defender had blocked a Shadrack Nyahwa cross onto the hard running striker’s path.

Chiefs’ goalkeeper David Bizabani ensured that the two teams went to the break with the scoreline level when he denied the outstanding Hussein Zvakavapano from point blank range after the City forward had been sent through by Piniel Gumbo.

Zvakavapano eventually restored the visitors’ lead after the restart, having benefitting from the off-form Nyahwa who lost his footing and gave away the ball on the 54th minute.

The visitors’ lead was shortlived, however, as Mleya drew parity for the hosts two minutes later with a direct strike from a free-kick that was awarded after Chiefs right-wing back Malvin Mkolo had been fouled by a City player.

Mleya completed his brace on the 58th minute after being fed by Matare to complete a quick counter attacking move by the hosts.

Chiefs coach Garthly Chipuka blamed complacency for the defensive mistakes that nearly cost his team.

“We started badly, thus the away team scored first and I think the boys were relaxed and thought that Mutare City, being lowly-positioned, were not that good, but I am glad that they recovered well,” Chipuka said.

The post Bulawayo Chiefs edge Mutare City appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

JOHANNESBURG. — Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Pollen Ndlanya has claimed that Zimbabwean striker Khama Billiat will need to keep a cool head in order to find his best form for the Glamour Boys.

Billiat signed from Mamelodi Sundowns in the off-season and scored his first goal for Amakhosi in their 3-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Free State Stars.

However, Giovanni Solinas’ side has picked up just three points from four South African Premiership soccer games. According to Ndlanya, Billiat has the quality to help Chiefs climb the table if he is able to keep calm in the face of pressure which has come with his high-profile transfer.

“We know Khama Billiat is a quality player who can score at any given time,” Ndlanya told Vodacom Soccer.

“The problem with him, I’ve realised — I’ve been a striker — he’s desperate. He’s desperate to perform and score goals. Once you are desperate, then you can lose your touch.

“I think he must be calm and focused. Things will come right.”

Chiefs will face SuperSport United in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off set for 3pm. Ndlanya is expecting a tough encounter.

“Look at the players like Thuso Phala and Dean Furman — they are so aggressive in the middle of the park, and they are playing as a team. For Chiefs, it’s going to be tough to beat them,” he admitted.

The post ‘Billiat needs to remain calm’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
HE played the first instalment of the Harare Derby in CAPS United colours and his solitary strike gave the Green Machine victory and the bragging rights.

Now, he has set his sights on a rare feat, scoring for both clubs in the same season by inspiring the Glamour Boys to victory at Rufaro on Sunday.

Denver Mukamba was the toast of the first edition of the battle at the National Sports Stadium a few months ago when his goal powered Makepekepe to victory.

He was on loan at the Green Machine from DeMbare.

But, the 26-year-old star is now back at Dynamos after the loan spell at CAPS United was terminated due to his indiscipline.

He impressed in a 1-0 win over ZPC Kariba last Sunday in his comeback match and then saw his team being held to a draw by a battling Yadah Stars at the National Sports Stadium in mid-week.

“Matches between Dynamos and CAPS United are always hotly-contested. It’s not about just the points, there is more to play for,” said Mukamba.

“I was just inspired to perform at that big stage in the first instalment of the Derby. You know it is always motivating to be playing in the Harare Derby.

“I am the one who decided the reverse fixture with that goal which I scored. But, I was also hurt that I had to do it against a team (Dynamos) which I call my home. “Dynamos is my home and it will only be good for me if I also score against CAPS United and help my team win the Derby.

“I am back home and I should show that I am indeed home by giving the team a win over CAPS United on Sunday.’’

Mukamba said his brief flirtation with CAPS United could come in handy as he knows a lot of what goes on at the Green Machine.

“Obviously, I know how CAPS United play but they also know how I play and, so, it won’t be easy,’’ he said.

“What is important is for Dynamos to be focused and “to keep the eye on the prize. That way we will punish them.

“It’s going to be a tough match considering the significance of the tie and we have to be at our best to triumph.

“We are Dynamos and one of our rules is that we should never allow CAPS United to beat us home and away within one season.

“CAPS United have a good work ethic and we should treat them with caution if we are to win the encounter.’’

The post Denver to spice up Derby appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Grace Chingoma Sports Reporter
CAPS United midfielder Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo successfully underwent a delicate knee operation in Harare this week, bringing to an end a dark period which had threatened to paralyse his career.

Chitiyo suffered a right knee injury at the beginning of the year when he was a hit by a car in Epworth.

This was around the same time the midfielder had returned home from an unsuccessful short stint with Tunisian giants Club Sfaxian.

Initially, the injury appeared minor with the club even registering the diminutive midfielder to play this season.

But two days after he began training his knee started to swell prompting the team to send him for a scan which revealed some complications.

A Zambia-based Zimbabwean doctor offered to assist pay the bills should the operation be conducted in Lusaka while the route to go to South Africa was also considered where the operation was pegged at $12 000.

Finally, the Green Machine stuck to their word to part with a substantial amount, believed to be around $6 000, paving way for renowned specialist orthopedic surgeon Allan Bowers to conduct the surgery in the capital.

Yesterday, Chitiyo, using the assistance of a brace, said he was both relieved and happy that his troublesome knee has been corrected.

He has since been discharged and is home recovering after spending a night in hospital.

“Everything went okay, the operation was successful. I am only left with the rehabilitation process.

“I am in pain, the doctor said after two weeks, the pain will begin to ease and by six weeks it should start to heal with the recovery process beginning.

“I am happy that CAPS United came through for me and I am looking forward to continue with my career next season.

“I am confident that by the time the season begins I would be the same player I was before I got injured.

“It is a complicated procedure but I understand that doctor Bowers is one of the best,” said Chitiyo.

He last kicked a ball last season during the Champions League group matches.

Following his outstanding performances with Makepekepe, the 26-year-old, and other players such as Abbas Amidu, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Dominic Chungwa and goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda, immediately secured contracts outside the country.

Unfortunately, the Tunisian giants were slapped with a transfer ban by FIFA and could not register the foreign players.

And they ended up releasing Chitiyo and others before they had even kicked a ball during the short stay at the North African club.

The former Dynamos midfielder will definitely draw a lot of strength from teammate and club captain, Hardlife Zvirekwi, who, underwent surgery, in which part of his arm was amputated after a car crash, but has bounced back and enjoying his football again.

The post Rooney undergoes surgery appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
FIFA instructor Felix Tangawarima has commended ZIFA for the strides they are making in the development of referees.

He has urged the association to develop younger match officials to plug the gap being created by the retirement of the veterans.

Tangawarima made the remarks during the official closing ceremony of a high-level FIFA Mas course at Prince Edward yesterday.

The FIFA Referees development officer for Eastern and Southern Africa was also charmed by the female participants who outshone their male counterparts during the course with Bulawayo’s Blessing Mpande emerging the best from the class of 30.

After excelling in the FIFA course Mpande is now hoping to secure Premier Soccer League and international assignments.

Tangawarima said this year’s course, unlike the previous editions had put more emphasis on practical sessions, than the theory in the class.

“We came and we have done what we were supposed to do, it is not an occasion but a process and you will have more local courses,’’ said Tangawarima.

“I advised that the programme was going to be 80 percent practical and 20 percent theory. But I want to appreciate the commitment levels of the referees here.

“We also saw the progress of their understanding of the new concepts as the week went by, everything that was required from them they did exceptionally well, including the most important part, which is integrity.

“What I would like ZIFA to do is to embark on bringing in some younger referees who can fill the gap that will be left by the senior referees in the next five years. “I was proud of the female referees, they really made a statement and they all did well. Despite some visa issues earlier on my friend from Somalia (Ahmed Ali) has seen the high calibre of referees in this country.

“I would like to thank local instructors and the ZIFA Referees committee for a job well done. We only come in once in a while but the local instructors are always with you, week in week out.’’

ZIFA Referees Committee vice-chairman Gladmore Muzambi, who stood on behalf of his boss Philip Chiyangwa, commended the participants for coming through the gruelling course unscathed.

“As Zimbabwe we will continue to embark on junior development. The observations by the FIFA instructors that there is a yawning gap between the senior referees and the juniors is true and we have to bridge that gap.

“I also want to advise the referees to embark on the use of technology and those that have been advised to improve their physical condition should also take time to do so and move it up to 100 percent.

“We believe that those who are going to handle matches will implement what they have been learning from this course.

“I urge the referees to continue to sharpen your skills so that we have less and less complaints from stakeholders. I am glad to report that building from last year’s course there have been less complaints from the clubs,’’ Muzambi said. Although all the country’s top referees were in attendance including Norman Matemera, Nomore Musundire and Thomas Kusosa, a closer look at their ages reveals that Brighton Chimene is the youngest at 28.

It is a similar case among the women officials with Mercy Mayimbo and Mpande, described by her instructors “as very intelligent’’ being the youngest at 28.

Yet in such countries like South Africa the match officials are being introduced onto the big Premiership stage at the age of 20.

Meanwhile, Mayimbo and Kusosa are also set to travel to Rwanda for a CAF Elite B course at the end of September amid hopes that they will add to the number of Zimbabweans on the panel.

Participants:

Nomore Musundire; Norman Matemera; Pilan Ncube; Brighton Nyika; Salani Ncube; Edgar Rumeck; Thomas Kusosa; Luckson Mhara; Tafadzwa Nkala; Thanks Nyahuye; Mercy Mayimbo; Stellah Ruvinga; Claris Simango; Faith Mloyi; Zibusiso Nkomo; Ruzive Ruzive; Arnold Ncube; Mhaka Magare; Patrick Kalota; Brighton Chimene; Martin Chivandire; Thomas Masaa; Bhekithemba Moyo; Francis Chirwa; Joel Magweva; Kanzvimbo Kanzvimbo; Alois Muzorori; Anthony Siyavunda; Blessing Mpande; Edward Mucharambeyi

The post TANGAWARIMA HAILS ZIFA appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
LALCHAND RAJPUT — the man who correctly predicted, a dozen years ago, that Virat Kohli would become the best batsman in the world good enough to even dominate in tough English conditions — is set to be named substantive coach of the Zimbabwe cricket team.

The 56-year-old Indian will sign a two-year deal with Zimbabwe Cricket to be head coach of the Chevrons with the mandate to revive a team that has terribly lost its way since a heartbreaking last-hurdle failure to qualify for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.

Rajput was initially hired on an interim basis in May this year, after ZC leaders fell out with former coach Heath Streak in the wake of that World Cup failure, with a number of other coaches also being swept aside in the clean-up that followed that doomed mission.

But The Herald can reveal that the Indian coach, who also had a stint in Afghanistan where he is credited with laying the strong foundation on which the Asian country have built a very competitive team, has now been handed the substantive job to try and revive the Chevrons.

‘’The issue of the coach of the national cricket team has been sorted and an agreement has been reached for Rajput to take over as the substantive coach for two years,’’ sources said.

‘’Everything has been prepared and what is left is only the signing of the deal, which is not anything to talk about given that both parties are singing from the same page, and it’s a two-year contract.

‘’Rajput has impressed his new employers with the way he has gone about his work and, even though the results against Pakistan were disappointing, he has presented a master-plan which he believes, if correctly followed with support being given to the team, he could help turn around the fortunes of the Chevrons.

‘’He has also won many friends with his commitment to work, especially the way he believes in the young players and the need to blend them with some of the seniors, and even when the results have not been good, he has always been looking at the brighter side saying all this can change quickly.

‘’That area has now been sorted out and by the time the team leaves for its tour of South Africa, Rajput would have been unveiled as the new head coach of the national team.’’

Zimbabwe have two tough tours against South Africa and Bangladesh next month and in October. Rajput might be in Harare right now but he must have been watching with pride as one of the players he coached as a teenager, the magical Kohli, casts his spell on the thrilling five-Test series between England and India which the hosts currently lead 2-1 after three Tests.

Kohli, the Indian skipper, was part of his country’s Under-19 cricket team, under the guidance of Rajput, which had a successful tour of England where they triumphed against their English counterparts.

He scored a century during that tour.

And Rajput predicted that Kohli was one of the players, from his team of teenage cricketers, he believed were destined for something special. “The batsmen to impress the most were Delhi’s Virat Kohli, captain Tanmay Srivastava of Uttar Pradesh, opener Parvez Aziz of Assam and Bodapati Sumanth of Andhra,’’ Rajput told the Press Trust of India. “Kohli showed strong technical skills against both pace and spin.

‘’In bowling, the medium-pace trio of Vijaykumar Yo Mahesh (TN), Abu Nacheem (Assam) and Ishant Sharma (Delhi), along with left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem caught the eye.” Twelve years later, Rajput’s prediction has come true.

Kohli, who took over as Indian capital four years ago, has been the dominant batsman during this gruelling battle against England, and has scored 440 runs in the six innings he has featured in the current tour, scoring two half-centuries and two centuries, at an average of 73.33 runs. English batsman, Johnny Bairstow, is second, in terms of run-scoring in this duel, with 206 runs while his countryman Jos Butler has 170 runs. India’s win at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, saw Kholi become the second most successful captain of his country in Test cricket with 22 wins in 38 matches. Only MS Dhoni, with 27 wins in 60 matches, has a better win record.

James Anderson, the English pace spearhead, is the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets, in the series, with one five-for, while Sharma has 11 wickets with one five-wicket haul and Stuart Broad has 10 wickets with one four-wicket haul during the series.

Rajput played two Tests for four ODIs for India in the ‘80s but has been crafting his reputation as a good coach.

He coached the Mumbai Indians in the 2008 Indian Premier League but his big breakthrough came in June 2016 when he was named the coach of Afghanistan, replacing Pakistan’s Inzamam ul Haq.

His team defeat the West Indies in a One Day International series and he helped the Afghans to be promoted to Full Membership of the International Cricket Council.

”When I joined Afghanistan nobody knew that Afghanistan would go to that level,’’ he told the Press Trust of India.

‘’And we (Afghanistan) got the Test status. We never lost a series. And now people are talking about Afghanistan that they are doing well.

‘’The same thing, I would like Zimbabwe to do. “I am really happy that Zimbabwe approached me and they wanted my services. It is great feeling that an international team is recognising my talent.

‘’At the same time, it is a big challenge because Zimbabwe has not qualified for the (2019) World Cup, so people are talking about it. But I look at it in a positive way, it is a challenge for me and I like challenges.

‘’I know most of the players. Zimbabwe is a Test playing nation and it has been there for a number of years, so talent is there and they have got fantastic players.’’

The post Kohli’s junior coach gets Chevron’s top job appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Ellina Mhlanga

ZIMBABWE’S representatives at the IKOKU South Africa International Karate tournament left the country yesterday for Cape Town where they will battle for top honours against other participants from different countries on Saturday.

The team was initially scheduled to leave for South Africa on Monday with 21 fighters expected to represent the country at the event.

However, due to financial constraints, they had to drop some of the athletes and are now set to field at least 13 participants.

Zimbabwe Karate Union technical director (full contact), Kumbirai Musinami, said they are confident of the selected athletes despite the hiccups.

“The trim down put some pressure on the smaller team but we have always done very well under such conditions but due to financial challenges we have no option but to trim down our team. The selected team has all the potential to deliver results.

“Despite being less seasoned fighters, they are extremely good. We are grateful to our sponsors and karatekas, they always come with assistance, even some of those not participating they always come to help,” said Musinami.

Top karateka, Samson Muripo, who has been short-listed for the event is still waiting for clearance to participate but he was upbeat the young and upcoming fighters in the team will rise above the challenge.

“They are all youngsters and very outstanding. They are gunning for victory. We have Justice Mutyoramwendo he won at the AFCKO in May, in Thokoza. In the women’s section Kudakwashe Chiwandire won it and we had a camp on the weekend, so we expect nothing short of victory,” said Muripo.

Muripo said this is a chance for most of the upcoming fighters in the team to get exposure of competing at a higher level.

“Normally the young people are the future, so they need to be promoted at all costs and they need to be exposed to such tournaments,” said Muripo.

This time around they have also included three females — Kudakwashe Chiwandire, Samantha Chizengwe and Precious Kazembe. The trio will participate in the Under-60kg weight division.

The team will be under the guidance of Tendai Chaparadza. The other officials travelling with the team are Muchineripi Tarwireyi, Shadreck Chigombe and Admire Chikowe.

Team

Justice Mutyoramwendo, Godknows Chidagu, Gary Musami, Tawanda Chimbade, Lovejoy Mudhokwani, Tinotenda Mudhokwani, Sly Karidzamimba, Patrick Mangwiro, Onisimo Ndyari, Samantha Ruvimbo Chizengwe, Precious Kazembe, Kudakwashe Chiwandire, Samson Muripo.

The post Zim Karate Team for SA International appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Costa Out,Ronnie in

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S preparations for their upcoming African Cup of Nations clash against Congo continues to be stalked by injuries, with the Warriors being forced to adjust their squad almost on a daily basis with the latest setback being the withdrawal of Czech-based defender Costa Nhamoinesu.