NICHRUT………………….(1)2 YADAH STARS……………..0 Rodrick Mutuma was the hero for Nichrut once again as he scored a brace that sunk his former paymasters Yadah In a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Ascot Stadium yesterday. BY TERRY MADYAUTA The Mutuma-inspired win brought some relief to the relegation-haunted side. The former Dynamos star scored in either half, with the first goal coming on the 18th minute from a penalty. It was Farai Vimisayi, who earned the penalty when he was roughly tackled by Brian Chikwenya at the edge of the box. Mutuma made no mistake from the spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Stepherd Chimusoro the wrong direction. The self-styled Prince then sealed the game on the 83th minute when he got to the end of Gerald Bhero’s cross with a brilliant chest control before he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. After the victory, Nichrut moved to 24 points and coach John Nyikadzino was confident that they will survive relegation. “I am happy for the team. This is a big relief for a team that is fighting relegation,” he said. “Today Mutuma’s experience proved worthy, he gave us important goals. We have maintained our target of surviving relegation. It’s still game on. Our next fixture against Caps United will be tricky, but this result is morale-boasting. Getting three points today shows that we are on course of achieving our goal.”   His counterpart, Thomas Ruzive was disappointed with both the result and the performance. “I am disappointed because the boys did come to the party. They were disjointed. Maybe its fatigue because we played three games in a short space of time,” he observed. Ruzive also admitted that the absence of Leeroy Mavhunga, who is in Portugal contributed, to his team’s loss. “Of course, Mavhunga was our main man and he was doing well for us. It will not be easy to fill his boots, but we have to adjust and move on without him. We wish him well in his quest to improve his career.” The hosts showed early attacking intent with Frankson Bushiri making their first goal attempt on the seventh minute. Nichrut could have scored more in the first stanza, but Chimusoro was Yadah’s saviour. On the other hand, veteran forward Ralph Matema almost earned Yadah a goal on the 56th minute with a diving header, when he was picked by Ariel Makopa, but Nichrut goalkeeper Stanley Chakwana was equal to the task. Matema had a number of scoring chances, but he lacked precision.

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TRIANGLE……………………(0)2
BULAWAYO CITY……………(0)1

Triangle’s recovery continued yesterday when they recorded their third win in as many matches with victory over Bulawayo City in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gibbo Stadium yesterday.

BY KENNETH NYANGANI

Triangle were the first to get on to the scoresheet four minutes after the break through Collin Duwa while the visitors respondent through Toto Banda on the 72th minute.

Triangle man of the moment, Kudzai Chigwida had a last say after scoring in the 92th minute.

It was a third win a trot for the Lowveld side after they won 2-1 against Yadah FC before clinching a memorable 2-0 win against Caps United in a midweek encounter.

Coach Taurai Mangwiro said he was happy with his side’s performance.

“We are happy with the team’s performance today. We just need to be consistent in the remaining matches and today was a another step,” Mangwiro said. “We have played three matches in seven days and collecting maximum points in all matches is quite pleasing.”

Bulawayo City coach Bekhithemba Ndlovu was disappointed with the setback as they look to stay afloat in the top-flight, but is optimistic they will bounce back. “We are hoping to bounce in our next matches but we had a good match, tough luck to my players,” he said.

Triangle started the match on a good note with their skipper Ralph Kawondera getting a good chance in the fourth minute, but his shot went wide. Besides that, both teams struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half.

Triangle started the second half on the front foot when Duwa was assisted by Lameck Nhamo in the 49th minute to put the home side in the lead.

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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Sports Reporter
ALL is set for the memorial service of the late former Tennis Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president, Paul Chingoka, this weekend at the Roman Catholic, St Gerard’s church, at Greystone Park in Harare.

His life will be celebrated at the church starting off with a Roman Catholic mass service. Chingoka died last month at the Avenues Clinic in Harare at the age of 67.

His son Gwinyai said the programme will start early in the morning.

“The memorial service will be held this Saturday at around 10:30am at St Gerard’s church,” he said.

Gwinyai said the family wishes to thank everyone, who attended the funeral, to give his father a befitting send-off.

“He was a people’s person as he touched so many lives and hearts as confirmed by the condolence messages we are getting from all over the world.

“We pray that we will be able to uphold his legacy and make him proud. We are strong and will always remain strong.

“We would like to thank Avenues Clinics and all the doctors and staff who attended to dad, Lancet Laboratories, PSMAS, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, all priests who attended to him on a daily basis and all those present during the requiem mass.

‘‘St Gerard’s Parish, priests and parishioners, St Mary’s Catholic Church of Highfield, United Methodist Church of Mbare, presiding officers, management and staff of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Telecel Zimbabwe, management and staff, and Tennis Zimbabwe, among others.

“God bless you all, including those who travelled from around the world and all corners of Zimbabwe,” Gwinyai said.

He said he was happy to note the world viewed his father in a positive light.

“I think it is now left to us to emulate the good work done by my father. We are happy that dad played his part in the development of tennis in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Paul Chingoka helped transform tennis from an elitist sport to one that became popular throughout the country, leading Zimbabwe to compete at the highest level of Davis Cup. This saw the likes of Byron Black, Wayne Black, Genius Chidzikwe and Kevin Ullyet shining as they represented this country.

He was honoured with an ITF Award for Services to the Game in 1998, and sat on the ITF Board of Directors from    2001-2005.

The post All is set for Chingoka’s memorial appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

United States Zimbabwean striker Lucky Mkosana has expressed his delight after receiving his maiden call-up to the Zimbabwe senior national soccer team’s camp ahead of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo in Brazzaville next month.

The 30-year-old marksman, who has previously played for New York Cosmos before another stint with Finnish champions IFK Mariehamn described the recognition as a dream come true.

“It’s something that I’ve always dreamed of. Representing your country is the utmost goal for every athlete. I’m humbled and forever grateful for this opportunity,” Mkosana told NewZimbabwe.com from his base in the US.

Mkosana has been enjoying a memorable season for Penn FC, who ply their trade in the United Soccer League, the second tier of the American soccer pyramid, scoring nine goals, a third of his team’s 27 goals this season.

He attributed the good form to the backing he has received from his coaches and teammates and hopes he will be able to carry that form to the national team if given the opportunity.

“Getting the confidence and trust from the coaches and teammates changes your game mentally, and as a striker I have to position myself in dangerous areas and make it hard for the defenders.

Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said Mkosana had been called up as backup to China-based hitman Nyasha Mushekwi who is doubtful for the crucial tie.

Mpandare said the striker’s physical attributes to suit the bill for what Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa is looking for ahead of the trip to Congo.

“In the 13 games he has started, he has scored nine goals and one assist. He is heavily built. I think he can give us something since we have doubts with Nyasha.

“He has been in the US most of the time. He went to college there, briefly played in Finland and returned to the States,” Mpandare said.

Mkosana played college soccer in the US at Dartmouth College between 2008 and 2011.

During his time at Dartmouth, Mkosana was named Ivy League Player of the Year (2011), All-Ivy League First Team (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), Soccer America Freshman, All-America First Team, College Soccer News Freshman, All-America First Team and Ivy League Rookie of the Year (2008).

In 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire selected Mkosana in the second round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, but wasn’t signed by the club.

Mkosana instead signed with USL Pro club Harrisburg City Islanders before also featuring for Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Cosmos where he won successive league titles with the club ides in 2015 and 2016.

In 2017, Mkosana made 15 appearances for Finnish Champions IFK Mariehamn and scored four goals.

Mkosana is also involved in a number of charity initiatives as a way of giving back to youths in his hometown, Plumtree and in December last year established a football academy in the border town, which focuses on empowering young players through education and football.

The post US-Based Star Lucky Mkosana Says Delighted With First Warriors Call-Up appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

By Mukudzei Chingwere

RODERICK MUTUMA reminded Yadah Stars of his quality when the self-styled “Prince of football” struck a brace that helped Nichrut to an important Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory at Ascot yesterday, which helped the hosts move within a point above the relegation zone.

Mutuma, who featured for Yadah last season, but had a poor season, scoring just one goal, grabbed his brace for Nichrut either side of half-time.

The lanky striker has been enjoying a new lease of life under John Nyikadzino at Nichrut.

Mutuma converted a first half penalty, after fellow former Dynamos son Farai Vimisayi was fouled inside the box by Brian Chikwenya.

He completed his brace seven minutes from time when he summoned his loads of experience to put the ball under control with his chest before chipping beyond the badly positioned Stephen Chimusoro in goal for Yadah Stars.

But the killer ball that Yadah Stars needed to breach Stanley Chakwana’s goal was missing.

Yesterday’s result leaves relegation matrix in conundrum with a number of teams not yet safe from the dreaded chop, as 12th placed Yadah Stars are just three points above Nichrut.

The defeat by Nichrut means Yadah Stars have now gone for four league matches without a win, managing two losses and as many draws.

On their part Nichrut have enjoyed a decent run of form after losing just one game in their previous five games, the only glitch a 3-2 loss in a thriller against Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Nichrut coach Nyikadzino lauded his charges and reiterated that his newboys are doing well to achieve their objectives of evading the chop in their maiden season.

Nyikadzino is now focussing on their next assignment against CAPS United ion Harare.

“The players are doing very well, in other matches we usually play very well and fail to get maximum points, but today I am very happy we collected maximum points.

“The rest of the squad is doing very well and Rody did well today to get those goals and I can confidently say we are in the right direction to avoid relegation at the end of the season.

“Our next game is a big game against CAPS United and I am happy we are going into that game with confidence and momentum to do well,” said Nyikadzino.

Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive conceded that his team had played second fiddle, but was confident they would recover and end on a better position than last year.

“We did not play well today, but it is not something to panic about, the challenge we had is that we played three games in one week and again because of travelling the boys succumbed to fatigue.

Teams:

Nichrut: S. Chakwana, E. Mwinga, T. Hapazari (N. Mpinduki 83rd min), G. Bhero, T. Ndlovu, F. Vimisayi, D. Boriwondo, A. Maliselo, C. Rusere (S. Sithole 73rd min), R. Mutuma (A. Nhongo 87th min), F. Bushiri.

Yadah Stars: S. Chimusoro, W. Kalangoda, B. Chikwenya, A. Makopa, B. Madzokere, E. Karembo, L Murape (J. Sibanda 42nd min) – (V. Kaseke 73rd min), B. Mapfumo, S. Sithole, R. Matema, K. Nyakasaka.

Nichrut FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2

Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

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By Collin Matiza

The third round of the 2018 hp lubes/Castrol Drag Racing Series, which was scheduled for Donnybrook Raceway in Harare yesterday, was postponed at the eleventh hour due to the inauguration of President Mnangagwa. President Mnangagwa was sworn in as the new Head-of-State of Zimbabwe at the National Sports Stadium yesterday and the Sables Dragpro Club, who run the motorsport of drag racing in this country, said they couldn’t go ahead in staging the third round of their national series as it clashed with this important national event.

“After some consultation with a number of stakeholders in the drag racing family, including our sponsors and competitors, we decided to postpone the third round of the 2018 hp lubes/Castrol Drag Racing Series, which was scheduled for Sunday, August 26 at Donnybrook Raceway in Harare, as it clashed with the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“We have, therefore, decided to reschedule our event to Sunday, September 9 at the same venue and any inconvenience caused to the drag racing competitors and fans alike is sincerely regretted,” said Mano Zevgolis of the Sables Dragpro Club in a brief statement.

Muzinda (13) is first expected to compete in the UK Girls Nationals at Brookthorpe in Gloucestershire, England, on September 29 and 30 before she flies out to the United States for the annual Thor Winter Olympics which are scheduled to run from November 19 to 24 in Florida.

And Muzinda at the weekend revealed that she has found another big international sponsor ahead of her trip to UK and the United States.

“Another big endorsement by one of the biggest and powerful gear companies in the World,” Muzinda posted on her Facebook wall on Saturday.

“I am glad to announce to you our great fans and family that we now have a new gear/uniform sponsor — Alpinestars of Italy.

“We have received a couple of pants, jerseys, neck braces, gloves, kit bag and the latest riding boots the Tech version. It has come right on time as l prepare for the biggest races in my career ahead in a few weeks time.

“I would like to thank my mentor and International Manager, Stefy Bau, a former three-times World Women’s Motocross Champion, for working so hard despite her busy schedule in San Francisco, United States.

“I’m thankful to our Italian family to make this happen and l promise l will make you proud by working hard to achieve my goal of becoming the first (female rider) from Africa to be a World Champion wearing the signature gear of Champions.”

Alpinestars is the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel and technical footwear. It is also the manufacturer of clothing and protective gear for motorsports and action sports.

Some top riders sponsored and who wear Alpinestars products are MotoGP World Champions Marc Maquez, Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

They also sponsor Formula 1 teams Renault sport F1, Williams and several other teams.

“I hope that we will have more partners in my journey. It’s a lonely road and with your support we will get to the top on one fine day,” Muzinda added.

She is now part of the new all-female motocross racing team – T61 Racing Team — which was recently formed in Harare. T61 Racing Team will be the home of all young aspiring female riders who would like to venture into the tough world of motocross riding in this country.

The post Drag Racing Meet Rescheduled, Tanya Gets Boost appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
AFTER throwing in the towel in the Premiership race this season, Highlanders coach Madinda Ndlovu says his charges should play to finish as high as possible in the marathon.

Bosso started the season with a bang, but they have been inconsistent of late and have dropped into sixth place.

They are 19 points behind leaders FC Platinum.

And Madinda, who has always said his men were never playing for the championship this season, says Highlanders are now targeting a strong finish in the marathon.

Ndlovu saw his 10-man second-string side fall to a full-strength Dynamos in the President Emmerson Mnangagwa Inauguration Cup at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

But the gaffer remained positive Bosso will finish the season on a decent position.

“We have not been fighting for the championship this season. We have been trying to build a team which will be good enough to challenge for honours next season,” said Ndlovu.

“When I played some of my fringe players in the President’s Inauguration match against Dynamos, it was also part of the ongoing exercise to pick those players who can form the team next season.

“I am glad I managed to see some of the things that I am expecting from the team. Most of the guys who played against Dynamos (on Sunday) can be trusted and drafted into the team, which I believe will fight for the honours next season.

“But that is not to say we are already satisfied with where we are at the moment. Highlanders remain a big club and we are aiming to end the season on strong terms.’’

Madinda said his players have punched above their weight and he will be looking forward to seeing them stitch up some good performances in the final stretch of the race.

“The season has been tough, but I am happy for my boys who have punched well above their weight for us to be where we are now.

“We will keep on pushing. Though we still have a mathematical chance of winning the title, we should be realistic and practical enough. It’s now beyond us.

“What is now very critical is for us to try and finish the marathon strongly.

“Although we may not win the league, we have to perform like Highlanders and finish as strongly as Highlanders can.

“We have to improve and start showing some glimpses of what we will be doing next season.

“We have a lot of good players in our ranks and I believe they have gained enough experience in the top-flight.

“That experience should now come in handy as we bid to finish the league marathon in a respectable position,” said Madinda.

Bosso have now shifted their focus to their next league encounter against title-chasing Ngezi Platinum Stars at Barbourfields on Sunday.

The former champions were supposed to play Shabanie at Maglas last Sunday before that match was called off as the team were roped in to play in the celebratory match against Dynamos at the giant facility.

Fixtures

Saturday

Bulawayo Chiefs v Black Rhinos (Luveve)

FC Platinum v Mutare City (Mandava)

Harare City v Herentals (Rufaro)

Chapungu v Triangle (Ascot)

Yadah v Chicken Inn (NSS)

ZPC Kariba v Shabanie (Nyamhunga)

Bulawayo City v Dynamos (B/F)

Sunday

CAPS United v Nichrut (NSS)

Highlanders v Ngezi (B/F)

The post Highlanders target strong finish in marathon appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

GLASGOW. – Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone are closing in on a deal to land Ipswich Town’s Zimbabwe-born wonderkid Tristan Nydam on loan.

The midfielder made 20 appearances for the Championship side last season and has been targeted by English giants Arsenal

SunSport understands Tommy Wright is on the verge of agreeing a loan deal for the highly-rated teenager.

Midfielder Nydam (18), made 20 appearances for the Championship side last season and was signed up on a new long-term deal in November after being targeted by Arsenal.

The England Under-19 cap has dropped out of the reckoning since Paul Hurst replaced Mick McCarthy as manager, with the ex-Shrewsbury boss going with a more experienced line-up. So Ipswich, who see Nydam – who was born in Zimbabwe but has been with his club since the age of nine – as a mainstay of their team in future, want him out playing regularly.

Wright has been in the market for a central midfielder all summer, but has waited for the right player to become available. And now he’s made his move for Nydam, with a deal likely to be concluded this week.

The teenager will travel north with a hefty reputation, having been described by former boss McCarthy as up there with the best youngsters he’s worked with in his long career.

Nydam’s arrival will ease the pressure on the Saints midfield, who lost Murray Davidson to an ankle injury in the weekend win over Dundee.

And Wright will find out the extent of the damage when he’s scanned in the next 24 hours.

Blues manager Paul Hurst said earlier this month that he had talked with the England Under-19 international, who returned to training after a minor quad injury last week, about going out on loan in order to gain senior experience: “I’ve spoken to Tristan and that’s something we’ve had a conversation about.”

Nydam has made 14 starts and six sub appearances for the Blues’ first team, having come through the academy.

The Zimbabwe-born, Colchester-raised youngster has not featured for Town this season. – Scottish Sun.

The post St Johnstone target Nydam appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Mukudzei Chingwere Sports Reporter
FC PLATINUM gaffer Norman Mapeza is not getting carried away and wants his men to retain their focus after establishing a four-point lead in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race over the weekend.

Their biggest challengers, Ngezi Platinum Stars, crashed to a surprise defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Mutare City Rovers.

“I cannot say we won and we are on course to win the league, no, we still have 10 games to go. If we lose next week, everything changes,’’ said Mapeza.

“It is still work in progress, we just need to try to be consistent. We are pushing and I am happy we won our last match,” he said.

Cameroonian striker Albert Eonde was the toast of his side with the goals that powered them to victory over Bulawayo Chiefs.

Eonde has been playing second fiddle to regular central striker Mkhokheli Dube, but the West African forward is proving to be a wise acquisition.

He scored a brace at the weekend.

“Look, that is his job and we need guys to score goals, not only him, but everybody in the team.

“We want everybody to get involved. When we attack, everybody needs to be involved and when we defend, everybody needs to be involved.

“I am happy for him, he scored two goals, and I think it will help him going into the next game, it should boost his confidence.’’

Meanwhile, Rodreck Mutuma is confident of scoring more goals as he revives his career under coach John Nyikadzino at Nichrut.

His double destroyed his old club Yadah Stars as the hosts completed back-to-back wins over the Harare side. The 30-year-old’s career looked doomed last year after he failed to deliver for Yadah Stars before retreating to the unfashionable second tier league.

“I am working very hard so that I continue with this form in the league.

“My coach is doing very well and has given me a lot of confidence to be able to do well in the league, my teammates and everyone at this club have been very supportive, which has helped me to quickly settle.

“Our target this year is to survive relegation and the way we are playing we will obviously survive relegation as long as we continue working hard,” he said.

The post Mapeza preaches focus appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Tonderai Ndiraya says his team will not panic despite losing ground to FC Platinum in the Premiership race.

They slumped to a shock 0-1 defeat at the hands of Mutare City Rovers at Vengere on Sunday.

Ndiraya’s men are now four points adrift of leaders FC Platinum.

“The loss to Mutare City at Vengere on Sunday was definitely very disappointing. It seriously dented our title aspirations,” said Ndiraya.

“Of course, the pitch was difficult, but that is not an excuse. We performed badly. We created a number of clear-cut opportunities, but failed to convert them,’’ said Ndiraya.

“The goal we conceded was too soft. I thought my defence should have done better. If a team wants to win the title, they have to collect points from every stadium.

“We failed to clear the Mutare City hurdle and it is very painful. We were unable to concentrate in defence and also failed to take our chances.

“That is very disappointing for a team fighting for the honours.

“But all hope is not lost as yet. We are not throwing in the towel. We were close to winning the title last year when we fizzled out in the last stretch.

“We cannot allow that demon to haunt us again this year. We have a strong competitive team.’’

With a clash against Highlanders beckoning for the Mhondoro team at Barbourfields on Sunday, Ndiraya knows any more lapse will spell disaster for his team.

“We have made a lot of mistakes after performing well in the first half of the season. We need to lift ourselves up and start picking points.

“We have only stumbled, not fallen, so we should keep on pushing.

“The good thing is we will be facing those clubs who, like us, are also fighting for the championship, including FC Platinum.

“We knew it would not be easy-sailing as the second half of the season is always like that, but we will work hard to try and wrestle the championship, there is still time for us to regroup and put in a strong fight.’’

Chicken Inn, who are in third place, also failed to keep pace with the leaders after falling 0-1 to visiting ZPC Kariba, with Tawanda Nyamandwe scoring the solitary goal.

The post Ndiraya remains optimistic appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international forward Knowledge Musona scored his first goal for Belgian giants Anderlecht on Sunday in their showdown against champions Club Brugge.

Musona, who joined the club from fellow Belgian side KV Oostende at the start of the season, chose the big stage away at Jan Breydelstadion, the home for Marvellous Nakamba’s club, to open his account for his new employers.

Nakamba, who is being sidelined by injury, was not in the team.

Musona’s equaliser came in the 19th minute after the hosts had scored in the third minute of the contest.

The Zimbabwe captain’s goal was not enough as Club Brugge restored their lead in the 43rd minute to win the contest 2-1.

The defeat was the first for Musona’s club which had won all their opening four matches in the Belgium league.

Anderlecht are third, a point behind Brugge who have 13 points, together with early leaders Genk.

The Zimbabwe international has featured in all five matches for his club and on Sunday he was later substituted in the 65th minute.

Musona’s goal might have come at the right time for the Zimbabwe talisman, who is expected to lead the Warriors when they resume their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.

The forward is currently the leading scorer in the qualifiers following his hattrick against Liberia in the opening AFCON qualifying fixture last year.

The Warriors travel to Brazzaville to meet Congo on September 9.

Another Warriors forward, Nyasha Mushekwi, notched his 10th goal of the season over the weekend.

The Dalian Yifang forward has been in terrific form of late.

He has now scored 10 times from the 12 matches he has featured out of the 20 games his club has played this season.

Although there are doubts over his availability for the Warriors tie, both Mushekwi and the national technical team are optimistic the Dalian Yifang medical team would be able to postpone the striker’s surgery, which had been put on hold, and is supposed to be done during the international break. In-form China-based striker, Cedric Bakambu, who has shone for Beijing Guoan this season, will miss DRC’s trip to Liberia for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Congolese coach Florent Ibenge has surprisingly dropped Bakambu, Gael Kakuta and Chancel Mbemba from the squad to travel to Liberia for the September 9 Afcon qualifier.

Bakambu is a shock omission from the team after he featured for his Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan against Tianjin Teda last Saturday.

He has scored 13 goals in 15 matches for Guoan this season.

The former Villarreal forward was the hero for his country when his brace helped DRC beat neighbours Congo Brazzaville 3-1 in their opening Group G match in June 2017.

FC Porto forward Chancel Mbemba, who grabbed DRC’s other goal in that match, will not be part of the trip to Monrovia. Former Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta, now with La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, is another notable absentee.

Regulars, including Aston Villa’s Yannick Bolasie and Junior Kabananga will lead the team in Liberia, together with Stoke City forward Benik Afobe, who continues his flirtation with the side.

The DRC are second in Group G which is led by Zimbabwe on goal difference.

DRC squad

Matampi Mvumi – Al Ansar (Saudi Arabia), Mossi Anthony – Chiasso (Switzerland), Mabruki Nathan – Daring Club Motema Pembe, Issama Mpeko – TP Mazembe, Djuma Shahani – As Vita, Ikoko Jordan – Guingamp (France), Ngonda Glody – As Vita, Masuaku Arthur – West Ham (England), Ungenda Muselenge – Primeiro De Agosto (Angola), Moke Wilfred – Konyaspor (Turkey), Luyindama Christian – Standard De Liège (Belgium), Bangala Yannick – As Vita, Munganga Nelson – As Vita, Lema Mabidi – Raja Casablanca (Morocco), Kebano Neeskens – Fulham (England), Maghoma Jacques – Birmingham (England), Mpoku Paul-José – Standard De Liège (Belgium), Ngoma Luamba Fabrice – As Vita, Mubele Firmin – Toulouse (France), Kabananga Junior – Al Nasr Riyad (Saudi Arabia), Meschak Elia – TP Mazembe, Bolingi Jonathan – Mouscron (Belgium), Afobe Bénik – Stoke City (England), Assombalanga Britt – Middlesbrough (England), Bolasie Yala Yannick – Aston Villa (England), Akolo Chadrack – Stuttgart (Germany)

The post Musona opens Anderlecht account appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

. Rhinos were the champions,Rambo was the soccer star

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
WHEN President Mnangagwa was sworn in as the second Executive President of Zimbabwe at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday, a football game between the country’s biggest clubs – Dynamos and Highlanders — provided the closing soundtrack to the events of that day.

It marked the beginning of a new era, and the end of another, which began 30 years ago when former President Mugabe was sworn in as the country’s first Executive President, at the same giant stadium, after some constitutional amendments effected towards the end of 1987.

It’s been quite a journey, for both the country and its national game, in between, the two monumental periods in its history.

Of course, a lot has changed, for the country and for the game, in those years because, back then:

Black Rhinos were the champions of the domestic Premiership, the army side’s second title in three years, after they won their first championship in 1984 to bring to an end the ruthless domination of a Dynamos side that had won four titles on the bounce since Independence.

Dynamos, who were part of the show on Sunday when they beat Highlanders to bring the curtain down on the day’s events, had — just as was the case in 1984 when Rhinos won their first league championship — had also finished as runners-up in 1987 with CAPS United in third place.

Incredibly, the Glamour Boys, winners of the league championship in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986, and the army side, who were champions in 1984 and 1987, had been the only two clubs to win the domestic championship since Independence.

Bosso, who lost Sunday’s match to DeMbare, had not won a league championship, back then, but there was a reason for them to believe that they would end their lengthy wait for success, sooner rather than later, with a number of their players touching the heavens.

For it was in 1987 that the late Mercedes ‘’Rambo’’ Sibanda, one of the finest players of his generation, blazed a trail as he became the first Bosso star to win the Soccer Star of the Year award, leading the way for a number of others, from the country’s oldest team, to follow his path.

Peter Ndlovu, who would later transform himself into the greatest Warrior of all-time, won the Soccer Star of the Year in back-to-back seasons in 1990 and 1991, in the colours of Bosso, while Zenzo Moyo followed suit in 2000 and Dazzy Kapenya in 2002.

Back then, in 1987, Zimbabwe Saints were quite a formidable outfit in the domestic Premiership and ensured that the City of Kings would get one of the major pieces of silverware as they won the Castle Cup, then the country’s biggest knock-out football tournament.

That triumph in that knock-out tournament was just the warning in 1987, if the other teams needed, from Saints that they were good enough to become champions again, something which they achieved the following year in style, powered by one of the finest teams ever assembled on the domestic scene.

Chauya Chikwata, guided by coach Roy Baretto, went on a 22-match unbeaten run that season as they became the first club from outside the capital to win the league championship, since Independence, ending Harare clubs’ dominance of the marathon.

Last year, FC Platinum, a football club that is from President Mnangagwa’s home province, also made history when they became the first team, from outside Harare and Bulawayo, to be crowned league champions since Independence.

The Zvishavane miners also became only the second side, in more than half-a-century, from outside the country’s two main cities, to be crowned champions after St Paul’s Musami did it in 1966.

In between the two milestone political events, in the last 30 years, the domestic top-flight league has seen Highlanders winning their first league championship in 1990 and also winning the first title race in the era of the modern Premiership three years later.

CAPS United, the country’s third biggest football franchise, also won their first league championship, since Independence, in 1996 where their success story was powered by a mean machine which had been assembled by coach Steve Kwashi.

The league has also seen a number of clubs, who were good enough to be crowned champions, disbanding along the way — Black Aces in 1992, Amazulu in 2003, Monomotapa in 2008, Gunners in 2009 and Motor Acting in 2010.

Thirty years ago, the Warriors had not even qualified for the AFCON finals and now, ahead of their trip to Brazzaville for a battle against Congo next month, they find themselves top of their group and having dined with the aristocrats of African football three times.

Back then, the stars of the national team were the likes of the late Stanley ‘’Sinyo’’ Ndunduma, the late Shackman Tauro, the late Mashinkila-Khumalo, the late Sibanda and the late David Mwanza.

Max Makanza, who is now based in Germany, was also part of that national team and, 30 years later, his son could have been playing for the Warriors in Brazzaville if his passport issue had been sorted out in time.

The Warriors Results in 1987

23/12/1987 Zanzibar (neutral) won 1-0 — CECAFA  semi-final 20/12/1987 Zambia (neutral) draw 2-2 —     CECAFA Round One  16/12/1987 Uganda (neutral) draw 0-0 —     CECAFA Round One  13/12/1987 Malawi (neutral) draw 1-1 — CECAFA Round One 17/10/1987 Nigeria (away) lost 0-2 04/10/1987 Nigeria (home) draw 0-0

18/07/1987 KENYA (away) draw 0-0 — AFCON

05/07/1987 KENYA (home) draw 1-1 AFCON (Ndunduma 76) 21/06/1987 Swaziland (home won 6-1 (Tauro, Mashinkila-Khumalo x2, Chunga x2, Makanza)

14/06/1987 Malawi (away) lost 1-2 — Friendly

13/06/1987 Malawi (away) won 4-1 — Friendly

07/06/1987 Swaziland (away) won 2-0 (Tauro, Ndunduma) 26/04/1987 Zambia (home) lost 0-1 Friendly

12/04/1987 MOZAMBIQUE (home) won 3-2 —AFCON (Ndunduma 39, Tauro 63, Chawanda 75)

29/03/1987 MOZAMBIQUE (away) draw 1-1 —AFCON (Chunga 12)

The Warriors Results in 1988

9/11/1988 Kenya (neutral) draw 0-0 (2-3penalties) — CECAFA 17/11/1988 Malawi (away) lost 0-2 — CECAFA

16/11/1988 Malawi (away) draw 0-0 — CECAFA

13/11/1988 Ethiopia (neutral) won 2-1 — CECAFA (Ndunduma, Sibanda)

11/11/1988 Zambia (neutral) draw 1-1 — CECAFA (Gumbo) 08/11/1988 Uganda  [neutral] draw 0-0  — CECAFA  07/08/1988 Zambia (away) lost 0-2 — Friendly

04/06/1988 Zambia (away) lost 2-3 — Friendly

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PARIS. – Neymar on Monday insisted he would still be with Paris Saint-Germain next season in a brief interview with Catalan broadcaster TV3 in Barcelona. Asked if he would be joining Real Madrid for the 2019-20 season, the Brazilian, whose current deal extends to 2022, answered: “No, I have a contract with PSG and I will continue in Paris.”

The Brazilian, who scored as PSG beat Angers in French Ligue 1 on Saturday, was on a flying visit to Spain.
Catalan newspaper Diario Sport tweeted pictures of Neymar with former teammates Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Marc Ter Stegen at Barcelona’s training centre.

The Brazilian was interviewed after making an advert for a poker site with another Barcelona player Gerard Pique and golfer Sergio Garcia.

Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona last summer, but Spanish media have recently resumed speculating that he will eventually join Real Madrid.

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CAIRO. – The president of the Confederation of African Football, Ahmad Ahmad, has expressed doubts about Cameroon’s ability to host next year’s African Cup of Nations and again raised the possibility that the tournament might be moved.
The hosting of the 2019 AFCON has become a contentious issue following the Confederation of African Football’s decision to expand the tournament from 16 to 24 teams.

CAF president Ahmad urged Cameroon to improve their efforts to convince of their viability as hosts in February after an inspection of the nation revealed that the nation’s preparations were behind schedule.

Now, a year after challenging Cameroon to prove they can host the tournament, which will take place between June 7 and 30 2019, Ahmad has raised the possibility that it could be moved.

“I am not sure Cameroon is ready to host the AFCON,” he told KweséESPN. “There are many things which are still wanting and yet there is little time left.

“It would be dangerous to risk African players, especially the professionals plying their trade in Europe and other continents, to play under difficult conditions and facilities.”

In March, Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa moved to quash speculation that his country were looking to replace Cameroon as hosts, although the prospect of a new destination for the tournament surely looms large once again.

“If you are not ready, come out open and say you are not ready,” Ahmad urged, but will be ready next time.
“In 1996, Burkina Faso was supposed to host the AFCON but said they were not ready, and South Africa took up the chance to host.”

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Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors will know their opponents in the first round of the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship today when the draw is held ahead of the competition which starts on September 12. This year’s regional football extravaganza will be staged in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with 12 countries scheduled to compete for honours from September 12 to 22.

Zimbabwe will join Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia as well as Cameroon and Uganda, who are coming as guest nations to make it a 12-nation tournament.

The 12 teams will be divided into three groups of four teams each with the top team in each pool progressing to the semi-finals.

The best-placed runner-up across the three groups will also make it through.
The Mighty Warriors, who are yet to go into camp to start their preparations for the tournament, will be hoping to avoid African powerhouse Cameroon, who will be gracing the COSAFA Championship for the first time.

Cameroon have been to major events, including the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada and they have an impressive record on the continent.

Zimbabwe have also made some strides over the years, qualifying for the Olympic Games when they beat Cameroon in 2015.
The Mighty Warriors will be hoping to surpass last year’s performance when they lost 1-2 to four-time champions South Africa.

Zimbabwe won their maiden title in 2011 and will be hoping to win the regional competition for the second time.

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MANCHESTER. – Jose Mourinho held up three fingers at the end of a stormy media conference following Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Monday night. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach was attempting to make the point that he had “won more English Premiership soccer titles than the other 19 managers put together” as he walked out of the media room, demanding respect from his critics, but it was a clumsy gesture. His team had just been humbled at home to a big six rival, conceding three goals in the process, so when Mourinho asked what his three fingers signified, he didn’t get the response he was looking for.

Three goals conceded: the same as in the last game at Brighton (another defeat) so nobody was doing a mental calculation of Mourinho’s English Premier League title haul as he turned on his heels and left the media room. Mourinho’s audience was only thinking of the here and now, but the United manager was harking back to the past.

Yes, Mourinho has a stellar track record. Two Champions Leagues; three Premier Leagues; FA Cups; League Cups; titles in Portugal, Italy and Spain; but it is all in the past.

Wayne Rooney had a glorious career at United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also had a golden CV when he signed for the club. Bastian Schweinsteiger was a World Cup winner when he arrived at United from Bayern Munich, but Mourinho has moved them all on because their future was nowhere near as bright as their past.

Mourinho, at 55, can still win the big trophies as a manager but not if he continues to hark back to what he did in the past. Football has moved on, coaching has moved on and too often now does he look like a coach who has allowed the game to pass him by.

Against Tottenham, Mourinho’s team fell apart in the second half after falling behind to Harry Kane’s 50th-minute goal.
It was the kind of surrender that would never happen with Mourinho’s best teams in the past, when he was winning those three Premier League titles. But this United team, which he has now been in charge of for more than two years, looks nowhere near the quality of Mourinho’s title-winning Chelsea teams, so why is Mourinho telling us all to show him respect for the three titles he won at Stamford Bridge?

United are launching a new pink away kit on Tuesday, which is appropriate given that they have become a pale imitation of their former self under Mourinho. The same could be said of the United manager, who needs to focus on making the present and future as good as the past he is so determined to remind us about.

But the words and messages coming from Mourinho do not suggest he knows which direction he and his team are heading.
When asked whether he knows his best defence – he played midfielder Ander Herrera in a back three ahead of centre-halves Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly against Spurs – Mourinho was blunt and to the point.
“No,” he said.

The follow-up question was whether his decision not to select Lindelof displayed a lack of trust in the Sweden international, but Mourinho responded by attempting to deflect the story away from his selection.

“You want to make the miracle that my team played so well and strategically we were so, so good, and you want to try and transform this press conference into ‘let’s blame the guy?’ You have to tell me what is the most important thing? When I win matches I come here many times and you are not happy and you say the most important is the way of playing.
“I need to know what is the most important thing if it is to play well or win matches?”

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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
BN Academy director Bhekimpilo Nyoni says their recent participation at a development camp at the Football CV Academy in the United Kingdom gave the players an insight into how much work one needs to put in to turn professional.

Nyoni travelled with a number of players from his academy for the five-day training camp.
“Overall the coaches that were working with the players complimented the work our coaches are doing because there is evidence the boys are technically good.

“The experience the boys got, the experience I got myself, it’s really something to me, which is very important.
“As much as we want our players to break through, it’s not as easy as we believe, there is real competition out there,” said Nyoni.

The camp attracted players from several countries such as Australia, France, UK, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, South Korea, Italy and Zimbabwe.

“There were 44 players all in all who came. So I was impressed with our boys. Of the 11 boys that I took there, 10 of them were outstanding.

“I think only one player struggled. But the other 10 were outstanding, especially Elson Mweha from Guinea Fowl.
“Munashe Chakuchichi was voted the Players’ Player of the Camp. So, according to that, that was really great taking into account that some of the players were already in camp when we got there.

“We were there for a week, but he ended up impressing everyone.
“There were some scouts that came from Southampton, Leicester and Birmingham, who looked at the players and they talked highly of the quality of the player, which encouraged me to continue with the work we are doing,” Nyoni said.

Mweha and Chakuchichi also made an impression during the visit by Football CV Academy’s coach, Grant Brown, for a week-long training clinic with BN Academy as part of an exchange programme in April.
Grant picked the two players to attend the camp and had their expenses for the trip paid for.

“It’s building on their CVs. It’s easier for us to say they have high chances of being marketed because their profiles are growing,” said Nyoni.

The BN Academy director said although it was a learning experience, he realised they were not far behind their counterparts.

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NEW YORK. – Defending US Open tennis champion Rafael Nadal sent close friend David Ferrer into Grand Slam retirement on Monday when his veteran compatriot was forced to quit their first round match with injury, but former winners Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka made successful returns to New York.

Ferrer, a former world number three but now standing at a lowly 148, called it quits on a hot and humid night on Arthur Ashe Stadium despite leading 4-3 with a break in the second set after twice receiving treatment on a left leg injury. Top seed Nadal had taken the opener 6-3. “This is my last Grand Slam,” said Ferrer who was runner-up to Nadal in the 2013 French Open final.

“I have great memories of this tournament and I am just sorry that I couldn’t finish it tonight.”
Ferrer (36) will play his last tournament on home ground in Madrid next year. “I am very sorry for David and sad for him,” said Nadal.

“We are close friends and have shared great moments – the Roland Garros final and Davis Cup wins.
“He is one of the greatest players to have come from our country. He’s a great person and great player.”
Nadal, chasing his 18th Grand Slam title, will face Canada’s Vasek Pospisil for a place in the last 32.

Nadal’s potential semi-final opponent, Argentine third seed and 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, also reached the second round with a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 win over American qualifier Donald Young. For Del Potro, whose career since his maiden Grand Slam triumph nine years ago has been decimated by wrist problems, it was his 30th career win at the tournament.

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS will have to field a makeshift defence in their upcoming matches following injuries and suspensions which have rocked their camp. The Glamour Boys, who have limped all season, are bidding to crawl up from 13th place on the log as they aim to finish the season in a respectable position.

They have accumulated 26 points from 22 matches in a season they have struggled to replicate the form which saw them push eventual winners FC Platinum to the wire last term.

Though DeMbare have played two games less than most of the clubs, they are 29 points behind leaders FC Platinum and just two points above the drop zone.

They face struggling Bulawayo City at Barbourfields on Saturday with coach Lloyd Mutasa set to gamble with his defence.
Regular centreback partners, Godfrey Mukambi and Marshal Machazane, are both suspended with the former having accumulated three yellow cards while the latter saw red in the team’s last league encounter against Yadah at the National Sports Stadium last week.

Mutasa was presented with an opportunity to experiment with the pairing of Jimmy Tigere and Obey Mwerahari on Sunday.
However, Mwerahari had to be stretchered off, half-an-hour into the encounter after tearing his hamstring forcing Mutasa to move Phakhamani Dube, who had started at right-back, to central defence.

Dynamos have picked four points in their last two fixtures.
While there were fears Denver Mukamba might have gone AWOL after he was not named in the squad that played Highlanders on Sunday, Mutasa was quick to defend his midfielder.

“Obviously, the suspensions and injuries at this juncture of the season, when we are fighting tooth-and-nail to move up the ladder, are a huge setback to our plans,” said Mutasa.

“In the President’s Inauguration match against Highlanders, I had to deploy Tigere (Jimmy) and Mwerahari (Obey) at centreback to allow them to gel since I knew we would be missing the usual pairing of Marshal (Machazane) and Godfrey (Mukambi) due to suspension.

“However, Mwerahari suffered that knock early in the game and couldn’t continue. We just hope he will recover soon but, at the moment, we will look at those players who are available.

“We have registered more than 23 players and there are defenders in that lot so we shouldn’t be very worried as others will have to step in and show what they are capable of doing in the absence of the regulars.

“Denver (Mukamba) is available, there is no such thing as him having gone AWOL. He is expected to play a key role as we bid to end the season strongly.

“We have to push and see what happens at the end of the season.”

Fixtures
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Black Rhinos (Luveve); FC Platinum v Mutare City (Mandava); Harare City v Herentals (Rufaro); Chapungu v Triangle (Ascot); Yadah v Chicken Inn (NSS); ZPC Kariba v Shabanie (Nyamhunga); Bulawayo City v Dynamos (B/F)
Sunday: CAPS United v Nichrut (NSS); Highlanders v Ngezi (B/F)

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
GOVERNMENT has stepped in to try and resolve the challenges being faced by Zimbabwean players who were born and bred in Europe, but have indicated their willingness to play for the Warriors. The development gives a ray of hope to coach Sunday Chidzambwa’s injury-stricken Warriors that he could have more players at his disposal ahead of Zimbabwe’s trip to Congo.

Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe said last night he had tasked his ministry’s officials and the Sport and Recreation Commission, to expedite efforts to assist ZIFA in securing Zimbabwean passports for such players like Tendayi Darikwa, Adam Chicksen, Kelvin Lunga, Tristan Nydam and McCauley Bonne.

The players, affectionately known as the “British Brigade” were born to Zimbabwean parents, but hold British passports.
Coach Sunday Chidzambwa has not made a secret of his intentions to have them in his Warriors ahead of the resumption of the African Cup of Nations qualifying marathon on September 9.

Kazembe said he was expecting to have some feedback from the joint operation by his ministry and the Sports Commission by tomorrow.

He said although his ministry were keen to have the players issued with Zimbabwean passports, they would stand guided by their counterparts in the Home Affairs and Culture Ministry on the legalities involved in securing travel documents for the players.

Kazembe, however, insisted that his office had to date not received formal communication over the matter, but noted that the issue had generated huge national interest given the emotions that football and the Warriors, in particular, evoke in this country.

“The problem is that as a ministry we have not received any formal request on the matter. We are a ministry that works with structures and one of those structures is the Sport and Recreation Commission.

“If ZIFA want our intervention over any issues it comes through the Sports Commission. Even in the absence of formal communication, as is the case right now, we are still intervening because there is national interest.

“But we still need to formally have the issues that are at stake because passports are issued by the Home Affairs Ministry and what I can do and which I am doing, is to assist and facilitate.

“If it was a situation of players who are here in the country, or those who did not hold another passport, it would be more straightforward in terms of applying for the Zimbabwean passport.

“So, like I said, we are in the process of establishing if the players meet the legal requirements in wanting to become Zimbabwean passport holders, but essentially we stand guided by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Kazembe said.

The Minister, a former Dynamos secretary-general, said he was also aware of the need to assist the national coach with the best available talent the country could harness.

“In the interests of the country and sport I have instructed my officials to get down to the matter and just this afternoon I also did some checks with Siwela (Sports Commission chairman).

“It’s in our interests as a ministry and as a country to have our best players and my officials and SRC are now seized with the matter and by tomorrow or Friday we should have some feedback,” Kazembe said.

Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare has been working round the clock to establish links and try and secure the necessary documents for all the players who have expressed a huge interest in wearing the colours of their fatherland.

Leicester City forward, Admiral Muskwe, Nottingham Forest defender Darikwa and big forward Bonne have previously featured for Zimbabwe, but only in friendly matches.

Mpandare has over the last year managed to track down, at least, 30 players of Zimbabwean origin who are willing to feature for the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Marshal Munetsi played the whole 90 minutes last night as Orlando Pirates, who played for the better part of the game with 10 men, beat Black Leopards at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Thamsanqa Gabuza, who was booed by his fans in the first half for missing some chances, saw his cross being turned home by a Leopards defender to open the scoring for Pirates.

Gabuza reacted by throwing his shirt into the crowd and leaving the pitch to retreat into the dressing rooms leaving his team a man short with about 10 minutes of the half still to play.

When he re-emerged from the dressing room at the end of the interval, he was shown two yellow cards — one for removing his jersey and another for going into the dressing room without the authority of the match officials.

It meant Pirates had to play the entire second half a man short and that piled the load of work on defensive midfielder Munetsi.

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