By Tadious Manyepo

AFTER haunting one of his former clubs, Yadah Stars, with a brace at Ascot last weekend, Nichrut forward Rodreck Mutuma has shifted focus to beating ex-paymasters CAPS United.

The two sides clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league tie at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The self-styled “Prince of Zimbabwean Football” has been doing well at the Shurugwi side after an unhappy short spell at Division One side Chegutu Pirates.

He trained with CAPS United at the beginning of the year but could not get a contract after coach Lloyd Chitembwe decided against bringing him on board for the second time in his career.

“CAPS United is a big club, very strong, and the match will not be easy, but we are employed to win matches,” said Mutuma.

“I know that had I been signed (by CAPS United) at the beginning of the season, I would be turning out for them now.

“I am enjoying my football at the club which has fantastic players, supporters and a good technical team.

“I am motivated by the mere fact that I will be playing against CAPS United, a club which I once played for.

“I have no point to prove but just to help Nichrut win the match.

“We should move up the ladder as a team and try to avoid the chop.

“So ,if that’s what we want to achieve at the end of the day, it simply means we should be prepared to work and win matches regardless of the type of opposition we would be facing.

“It’s no secret that CAPS United are difficult to play against, especially at the National Sports Stadium.”

CAPS United have won just once in their last six encounters where they have scored just a single goal.

Nichrut have won two of their previous six and hit the target five times with Mutuma weighing in with three of those strikes.

Makepekepe’s gaffer Chitembwe has since acknowledged that his team has performed below par.

They are fifth on the log with 36 points, a massive 19 points off the pace set by leaders FC Platinum.

Makepekepe have been boosted by the return of their top-scorer John Zhuwawu who has been nursing an injury.

But utility player Kudzi Nyamupfukudza and defender Justice Jangano have both been ruled out of the tie because of injuries.

The reverse fixture ended with violent scenes which spilled into the streets of Gweru with irate machete-wielding Nichrut fans attacking their CAPS United counterparts. Makepekepe had rallied from three goals down to win the encounter 4-3.

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LONDON. – Alastair Cook has announced he will retire from international cricket following the completion of England’s Test series against India at the Oval next week.

The 33-year-old departs as one of his country’s most decorated players. He is England’s all-time leading run scorer in Test cricket, and captained the side more times than any other player.

Cook admitted he had been considering the move for some time, saying: “After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of this Test series against India.

“Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face knowing I have given everything and there is nothing left in the tank.

“I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some of the greats of the English game.

“The thought of not sharing the dressing room again with some of my team-mates was the hardest part of my decision, but I know the timing is right. I have loved cricket my whole life from playing in the garden as a child and will never underestimate how special it is to pull on an England shirt.

“So I know it is the right time to give the next generation of young cricketers their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country.”

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MONZA. – Sebastian Vettel blamed the victorious Lewis Hamilton for causing the first lap collision that wrecked his hopes of winning Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari.

The four-time champion German said he felt championship leader Hamilton did not leave him enough room when the pair clashed at the second chicane.

The collision resulted in Vettel spinning his Ferrari and damaging the front wing while Hamilton’s car survived undamaged and he went on to win the race and increase his championship lead to 30 points.

“Lewis saw a little bit around the outside, but he didn’t leave me any space,” said Vettel. “I had no other chance, but to run into him and make contact.

“It is a bit ironic that it was that way. I tried to pass Kimi and then he came. I left him space, but it was me who was the one who spun around.

“He didn’t leave me any space. There was no option. I made contact and I was spun around. Then we were at the back and had to come back.”

After calling into the pits, Vettel fought back through the field to finish fourth, partly thanks to Max Verstappen of Red Bull taking a five-second time penalty for a brush with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes.

The result leaves Vettel trailing Hamilton by 30 points in the drivers’ championship with seven races remaining. He said the result was a blow to morale and was especially tough for the fans.

But he added: “It’s not like I won’t wake up tomorrow. It’s deflating, but we couldn’t do it.”

The post Vettel blames Hamilton appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

TARISAI MUSAKANDA will captain the Zimbabwe Select cricket side at the Africa T20 Cup tournament in South Africa later this month.

This year’s edition of the Twenty20 tournament, run by Cricket South Africa, has been expanded to 20 teams and will take place in the four coastal venues of Oudtshoorn, East London, Pietermaritzburg and Paarl.

Nigeria and Uganda will make their debut appearance in the competition, joining Zimbabwe Select, Namibia, Kenya and 15 CSA affiliate sides.

The preliminary round is scheduled for September 14-16, followed by the final weekend between September 23-24.

The teams have been drawn into four groups, with Zimbabwe Select in Pool B, alongside South Western Districts, Free State, Gauteng and Northerns.

Pool B matches will all be in Oudtshoorn, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa known as the “ostrich capital of the world”.

Led by Musakanda, and including a host of experienced campaigners in their 13-man travelling squad, the Zimbabwe Select will be targeting to make it into the final of the annual T20 competition.

Timycen Maruma, Neville Madziva, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Brian Chari and Rugare Magarira took part in the 2017 competition and they will seek to make their experience count in this year’s edition.

Richmond Mutumbami and Cephas Zhuwao are also part of the Zimbabwe Select side, which also includes vice-captain Ryan Murray, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Richard Ngarava, Brandon Mavuta and Mohammad Faraz Akram.

Shepherd Makunura is the Zimbabwe A coach and he is being assisted by Stuart Matsikenyeri, with Eric Chauluka travelling as team manager.

Zimbabwe Select

Tarisai Musakanda (captain), Ryan Murray (vice-captain), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Timycen Maruma, Cephas Zhuwao, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Neville Madziva, Mohammad Faraz Akram, Rugare Magarira, Richmond Mutumbami (wicketkeeper), Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Brian Chari

Zimbabwe Select’s Africa T20 Cup Fixtures

– 14 September (9:30am) – Gauteng v Zimbabwe Select (Recreation Ground)

– 14 September (1:30pm) – Free State v Zimbabwe Select (Recreation Ground)

– 15 September (9:30am) – Northerns v Zimbabwe Select (Brighton Sports Grounds)

– 16 September (1pm) – South Western Districts v Zimbabwe Select (Recreation Ground).

The post Musakanda to captain Zim appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Mukudzei Chingwere Sports Reporter
TRIANGLE coach Taurai Mangwiro says the Chibuku Super Cup is their only chance for silverware this year after allowing leaders FC Platinum to open a 17-point gap over them with nine games to go.

The former ZIFA technical director was last year appointed to transform Triangle into Premier League champions but, in June, he conceded this year’s race before the halfway point of the season.

After crashing to a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Chapungu on Saturday, he maintained that either FC Platinum or Ngezi Platinum will be crowned champions.

The fourth-placed Sugar Boys have improved under Mangwiro’s guidance and they have been one of the better sides this year. The gaffer is targeting a top-four finish and the Chibuku Super Cup to put into the team’s trophy cabinet.

“We have two platinum teams well ahead of us, we are still within a touching distance of a top-four finish and we need to work towards cementing a top-four (finish). We have the Chibuku Cup coming in the next few weeks and that is our chance to get some silverware this year, for the league title we are way off the mark now. In the remaining games, we need to have a strong finish, we have laid out what we would consider a descent foundation and we just need to follow it up.

‘‘In the Chibuku Cup, we want to give it a fight.’’ Meanwhile, Chapungu have risen from the woods after a poor start to the campaign and coach Rodwell Dhlakama says his charges will also have a go at the Chibuku Super Cup. “You always have a chance of winning these Cup competitions if you are still in the competition and we will definitely give it a try. The only disadvantage for us is that we will play more games than other teams in the competition and we will also give some players a chance but we do not want to be knocked out of the competition so we will be very cautious,’’said Dhlakama. Chapungu and Mutare City will play a preliminary round encounter at Ascot on Saturday.

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JOHANNESBURG. – SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo was surprised by Kaizer Chiefs’ approach to their MTN8 semi-final second leg, and says it actually played in his side’s favour.

Much has been said of Chiefs’ defensive tactics in their 1-0 defeat to Matsatsantsa over the weekend that saw them eliminated from the competition and the extension of their trophy drought.

It came as a surprise after coach Giovanni Solinas had promised attacking intent from his team despite their slight advantage of two away-goals, and Tembo admitted even he was caught off guard.

“Yeah, that’s true. I thought they would be the ones to come out the blocks first, but surprisingly they were a little bit [conservative],” said Tembo.

“It was also mental because they had a two [away-]goal advantage, so I think their approach was that they didn’t want us to score. I thought they were going to come out and try to get an early goal, and that’s why our approach was to try and drag it at 0-0 for longer.

“Luckily enough that didn’t happen, and in the second half we had the freedom to try and go forward a little bit more and be adventurous because we had nothing to lose.”

With Amakhosi having proven most threatening with the likes of Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat up front, Tembo also sussed out how to foil the combination play between the former Mamelodi Sundowns duo, and admitted the two holding midfielders suited his own game plan.

“When I first saw Chiefs line-up, I knew they wanted to protect their away-goal advantage because they had two defensive-minded midfielders in Willard [Katsande] and [Wiseman] Meyiwa,” he added.

“That meant [Siphelele] Ntshangase had to push a little bit higher, and we know Billiat is very mobile – he doesn’t really stay wide but plays more of a free role. We knew that it would be a bit easy because when Billiat plays closer to Castro, it is very difficult and it worried us – with every high ball they could play combinations even when it’s a flick on of the second ball. They can play one-twos between just the two of them.

“But they looked more spread [on Saturday], so it was easy for us to cover that distance between them. I thought their tactics suited us.” SuperSport are on course to defend their 2017 MTN8 crown, and will face last year’s runners-up Cape Town City in a repeat of that final.

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
KHAMA BILLIAT flew into Harare yesterday for an assessment by the Warriors medical team today, amid concerns the Kaizer Chiefs star is unlikely to shake off an injury that could rule him out of his second straight 2019 AFCON qualifier when the Warriors take on Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday.

Billiat remains hopeful he could shake off the hamstring strain from the MTN8 semi-final, second leg battle against Kaitano Tembo’s SuperSport United, last Saturday, which Chiefs lost 0-1 to crash out of the tournament.

However, there are genuine concerns the diminutive forward could be sidelined for weeks and just like ahead of the first 2019 AFCON qualifier against Liberia at the National Sports Stadium in June last year, he might not be available for the match against Congo.

Sunday’s match at the Stade Alphonse Massamba Debat will be handled by top South African referee Victor Gomes with the assistance of his countrymen Zakhele Siwela, Johannes Moshidi and fourth official Thando Helpus Ndzandzeka.

But there is a big doubt over the availability of Billiat after he picked up a hamstring injury at the FNB in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Despite carrying the injury, Billiat was part of the cast of South African-based players who became the first group of the Warriors’ foreign legion to fly in yesterday.

Team manager Wellington Mpandare said although there was a doubt about his availability for the game Billiat would be assessed by the national side’s medical crew this morning.

“Khama is here, he was part of the first group of foreign-based players who came in from South Africa today (yesterday) for the game. Our doctors will make their assessment in the morning and establish the extent of his injury, but we are just keeping our fingers crossed,” said Mpandare.

“The player himself is also very positive and hopeful he might just recover on time. We would like to also appreciate the fact that Kaizer Chiefs still released him even though they knew that there are injury concerns about him.”

Serbia-based forward Tinotenda Chibharo would also have to wait a little longer before he can make his Warriors debut amid revelations from Mpandare the 25-year-old striker had suffered an ankle injury while turning out for his club.

“Chibharo has a swollen ankle. He got injured while playing for his club over the weekend. He was ready to come, his air ticket was in place, but we have advised him to stay at his base because the medical report that came from the club and the fact that his ankle is still badly swollen, makes it a doubt that he could recover in time for the match.”

Mpandare said problems of flight delays had derailed the expected arrivals of Eric Chipeta from Cape Town, CEFN Druids defender Alec Mudimu and bustling striker Nyasha Mushekwi who is based in China.

“We are now expecting the guys who were affected by flight delays to come in tomorrow in time for our first training at the National Sports Stadium in the afternoon.

“Looking at those that have come in so far, they are all okay and geared up for the assignment at hand. Even their captain Knowledge has shown a lot of interest and has been in touch throughout checking on his players and the overall camp situation.

“Despite the injuries that we have had I still think that those that are available are capable of doing a great job for the nation in Congo.

“We will leave on Friday afternoon, sleep over in Addis Ababa and proceed to Brazzaville early Saturday morning, so we will still have time to have a feel of the match venue on Saturday afternoon.

“There is a stopover in Addis Ababa too on Monday when we will be returning, but I must salute the players for showing a lot of determination so far.

“They are all happy about getting back together and trying to do their best to qualify,” Mpandare said.

Former Warrior Cephas Chimedza, one of a few Zimbabwean players to score at the AFCON finals, has questioned the decision by Anderlecht coaches to keep Musona on the bench at the weekend.

“90 mins on the bench for Knowledge Musona, a decision I don’t understand after playing well the last week,” said Chimedza on Twitter.

“One thing I know,you can’t keep a good man down.”

The build-up to the start of the Warriors camp has been characterised by withdrawals through injuries of key players such as veteran defender Costa Nhamoinesu and star midfielder Marvellous Nakamba.

AmaZulu midfielder Ovidy Karuru has also been ruled out by the injury he sustained while leading the Warriors during the COSAFA Cup in Polokwane in June.

But it’s all gloomy for the British Brigade.

“There has been no joy yet on any of those players’ passports and as such we are now looking to have 25 players from the 30-man squad that we had picked initially for this camp.”

The trio of Tendai Darikwa, Kelvin Lunga and Adam Chicksen would have to wait for Zimbabwean authorities to process their applications for local passports before they can feature for the Warriors.

With no clear signal coming on the passports issue, Chidzambwa may have to extend his patience about calling on the talents of Nottingham Forest’s Darikwa, Lunga of Bonner SC in Germany and Bradford City defender Chicksen.

Squad:

George Chigova, Edmore Sibanda, Talbert Shumba, Donavan Bernard, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Teenage Hadebe, Marshal Munetsi, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Liberty Chakoroma, Talent Chawapiwa, Kuda Mahachi, Khama Billiat, Evans Rusike, Terrence Dzukamanja, Byron Madzokere, Kelvin Moyo, Richard Hachiro, Alec Mudimu, Eric Chipeta, Knowledge Musona, Luckmore Nkosana, Knox Mutizwa, Danny Phiri, Divine Lunga, Nyasha Mushekwi.

The post KHAMA PRAYS FOR MIRACLE appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS midfielder Denver Mukamba reckons the Battle of Zimbabwe showdown against Highlanders couldn’t have come at an ideal time for the Glamour Boys.

The Premier Soccer League announced yesterday the biggest club fixture in the domestic game will be played at Barbourfields on Sunday.

The high-stakes match was postponed twice in the past three weeks, but the two giants met in the President Mnangagwa Inauguration Cup which DeMbare won 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium on August 26.

After shelving the game for some time, the PSL sought to take advantage of the international break to slot the fixture for Sunday and ensure Bosso and DeMbare catch up with the other teams who, however, will be on a recess.

Bosso won the first instalment of this year’s Battle of Zimbabwe series 1-0 at Rufaro in April.

Dynamos will, however, be fancying their chances after picking some form and going for three consecutive matches without defeat.

The return of Mukamba and Brett Amidu seems to have worked well for the Glamour Boys.

Bad boy Mukamba has since inspired the team to two victories and a draw in their last three matches.

“We are Dynamos and playing against Highlanders, on its own, can be a very big motivating factor,” said Mukamba.

“The match against Highlanders has come at the right time when we are having a good run in the league.

“Having gone for three matches without tasting defeat, I think this timing of our meeting with Bosso is very ideal.

“We have the upper hand and we should show that on the field of play.

“Dynamos is a brand and so is Highlanders and it will be interesting to be part of the events. I missed the first match as I was still at CAPS United, but I am glad to be back for the country’s biggest match.”

Mukamba called on his teammates to give it their all on Sunday.

“We have to put our bodies on the line to defend this blue shirt,” he said.

“We can’t allow Highlanders to beat us home and away. That’s not acceptable at Dynamos.

“The players and everyone know that.

“So it’s war. Obviously, Highlanders are tough opponents and we expect a big fight, but we should ultimately prevail.

“We have a good team and everyone is raring to go. The good thing is we have gone for a couple of matches without defeat and at the end of the day that is an inspiration to the players.

“Naturally, the tie, itself, is self-motivating. This is one game in which names are made. The players know that.”

The two giants played their last matches at Barbourfields with Dynamos beating relegation-haunted Bulawayo City on Saturday while Bosso fell to title-chasing Ngezi Platinum Stars 24 hours later.

Bosso vice captain Gabriel Nyoni scored in that defeat.

“Scored again? But still couldn’t win or collect maximum points,” he said on Twitter.

“The journey to Canaan has a lot of obstacles, but I will remain optimistic and put a brave smile. Lord hear our cry.”

Although Sunday’s match will be played on the same day with the AFCON qualifier between Congo and Zimbabwe in Brazzaville, the Warriors do not have any players from the two Premiership giants.

The PSL have also chosen to use the weekend to slot in a Chibuku Cup first round play-off between Chapungu and Mutare City at Ascot on Saturday.

The post Denver relishes Bosso clash appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe has thrown in the towel in the title race, but has urged his charges to fight for their fans and the good name of the club.

Makepekepe are fifth on the log with 39 points, 19 behind leaders FC Platinum, with 10 matches still to be played in the league championship race.

“The league title talk is now a bit more far-fetched, we have fallen way too far behind the leading pack,” he said.

“What we have to do now is try and concentrate on collecting points. We are CAPS United, a very big institution and we ought to be competitive.

“We must finish the season in a decent position, we have to keep pushing, keep scoring and getting those points as we have to finish the season strongly.

“Second half of the season is always difficult as teams will be fighting for survival, strong finishes and the title.

“We should keep the spirit we showed on Sunday so that we can be able to finish the season decently.”

Chitembwe praised his charges’ character after they emerged from a rough patch to beat a battling Nichrut at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Green Machine won the match 2-1 courtesy of strikes from Wisdom Mutasa and Hardlife Zvirekwi while the opponents scored through ageless veteran Farai Vimisayi.

Makepekepe had last put two goals past an opponent in June when they beat Chapungu 2-0 and had scored just once in six successive outings until Sunday.

My players’ attitude towards the game on Sunday was very positive and I think that was the difference,” said Chitembwe.

“To have scored two goals, especially after having gone for a number of matches without scoring, is obviously encouraging.

“Like what I have always said, scoring is a team responsibility, not an individual task. Every player should score goals.

“If you manage to get goals from anyone on any day, that is satisfactory. So that’s what I am encouraging the players.”

The league-winning gaffer kept on altering formations during his team’s clash with Nichrut and hinted he would be doing the same as he bids to end the season on a high.

The post Chitembwe throws in the towel appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors began their camp yesterday at the ZIFA Village ahead of the COSAFA Women’s Championships starting next week in South Africa where 12 countries will take part.

The tournament is running from September 12 to 22 in Port Elizabeth with 12 participating countries, drawn into three groups, vying for the championship.

Zimbabwe, runners-up to South Africa in last year’s final at Barbourfields, will take on Namibia, Swaziland and Uganda in Group C.

Coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda last week named a 30-member provisional squad in which she retained most of the senior players that did duty during the Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The senior women side got their preparations underway with all the players reporting for duty yesterday.

With the top team from each group and best placed runners-up advancing to the semi-finals, Zimbabwe will be fighting for top spot in their group to ensure they are guaranteed of a place in the last four.

“It’s a very tricky draw just like the other groups. Believe me Namibia are a very good team.

“This is a new game, it’s not about history, but about how prepared and how we will perform in the match.

“The Uganda game is a very tricky assignment, they are fresh from CECAFA (Women Challenge Cup), the team cohesion is still there, we need to be at our best,” said Sibanda.

While Zimbabwe are just starting their preparations, Namibia’s coach, Brian Isaacs, announced his team for the tournament yesterday.

Zimbabwe take on Namibia in their first group game on September 13.

Their second match will be against Swaziland the following day and they conclude their group games against Uganda on September 17.

According to the Namibia Football Association website, Isaacs said they will be missing their foreign-based players, including forward Zenatha Coleman, who was part of the team that took on Zimbabwe during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in April.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, our foreign-based players such as Zenatha Coleman, who just joined a new club and is at pre-season session, will not be joining us in South Africa,” said                                 Isaacs.

After bowing out in the group stages last year, Isaacs said their objective this time around was to proceed to the next stage and perform better than last year.

The hosts South Africa are up against Botswana, Madagascar and Malawi in group A while group B consists of Zambia, Cameroon, Lesotho and Mozambique.

Cameroon and Uganda are the guest nations at this year’s edition.

 Squad

Goalkeepers: Shebba Rauli (Auckland), Chido Dzingirai (Correctional), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Cynthia Shonga (Faith Drive).

Defenders: Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos), Sarudzai Chikowore (Harare City), Edline Mutumbami (Blue Swallows), Danai Bhobho (Harare City), Nobuhle Majika (M.S. U), Nobukhosi Ncube (Correctional), Sithembile Nyoni (Weerams), Diana Nyika (M.S.U).

Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa (Black Rhinos), Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional), Mavis Chirandu (Black Rhinos), Greater Bande (Cyclone Stars), Rumbidzai Zhoya (Auckland), Felistas Muzongondi (Black Rhinos), Peacemore Kenende (Inline Academy), Evermore Mutandwa (Weerams), Kudzanai Chiparausha (Blue Swallows), Concilia Madotsa (Faith Drive).

Strikers: Maudy Mafuruse (Faith Drive), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos), Erina Jeke (Correctional), Berita Kabwe (Correctional), Shamiso Mutasa (Harare City) Elizabeth Bvunzawabaya (Cyclone Stars), Susan Nyama (Herentals).

The post Mighty Warriors camp at Zifa Village appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
ZIFA benefactor Prophet Walter Magaya has bankrolled the entire cost of the Warriors camp this week, as they prepare for the resumption of their 2019 AFCON qualifiers, in yet another bold demonstration of his grand commitment to the success of the team.

The Warriors, who on recent occasions have been hosted at the Yadah Hotel complex, will now be housed at the Cresta Lodge in the capital, a hotel which recently underwent a $2,5 million facelift, with the football-mad prophet paying for the full cost of their stay there.

ZIFA have in the past estimated that the cost of just having the Warriors in camp for one week is, at least, $65 000 and the country’s football-controlling body have been hailing their all-weather friend for coming handy to bail them out in their time of need.

Ironically, it was about the same amount which the previous ZIFA leadership could not pay to settle the debt owed to Brazilian coach Valinhos, despite repeated warnings from FIFA, with the world football governing body eventually banning the Warriors from the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With the Mighty Warriors also in camp this week for the COSAFA Women Championships set for South Africa, ZIFA would certainly have struggled to foot the huge cost of having their two flagship teams simultaneously preparing for key assignments.

But Magaya, who has repeatedly made it clear the success of the Warriors is more important than that of Premiership side Yadah Stars, has once again come on board to bankroll the full cost of the senior national team’s training camp this week.

The prophet will also provide the national team with transport during their time in camp, while he will also pay the full cost of their boarding at Cresta Lodge, including food, drinks and laundry.

The Warriors – ravaged by injuries to some key players – have a tough assignment against plucky Congo, who rarely lose at home, in Brazzaville this weekend as the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resume across the continent after a lengthy 15-month break.

The first matches of the group qualifiers were played in June last year, with the Warriors starting their adventure with a bang after captain Knowledge Musona became the team’s first skipper to score an AFCON qualifier hat trick in a 3-0 demolition of Liberia at the National Sports Stadium.

The second round of group matches were originally scheduled for March this year, but the CAF leadership scrapped the entire programme because they wanted to use that window for Africa’s World Cup-bound teams to play friendly matches to prepare for the global showcase in Russia.

“Since last year, when I started providing the national team with a training camp, the boys were staying at the Yadah Hotel, which even the team captain Knowledge Musona described as the best training camp he has been to during his time with the team,’’ Magaya told The Herald yesterday.

“We could have continued with that arrangement, which suited the team well, because the Yadah Hotel is a secluded place which provides just the perfect conditions for a team to focus on their national assignment without any distractions.

“However, we could not get them to stay at the Yadah Hotel this time because we have a programme that is running there and all the rooms, including those that would have been used by the players and their technical staff, have been occupied by those who are part of that programme.

“However, that hasn’t changed our commitment to help the team, something which we have been prioritising since we started this relationship with ZIFA, and I have arranged for them to stay at the Cresta Lodge, which the team management felt had the right conditions, given that it is a bit out of town, for them to have their camp there.’’

Magaya is already looking at hosting the Warriors at the newly-constructed suites at the Yadah Hotel, overlooking the stadium next month when they start preparations for the AFCON qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The newly-built wing is specifically for sport and the prophet yesterday said construction should be completed by the end of this month.

“We have come up with a wing that caters for sport and that’s where the boys will be staying next month when they come home to start preparing for the game against the DRC,’’ he said.

“That wing will specifically cater for sport and they will realise that we have come up with designs that will suit them very well.”

Magaya said his passion for the Warriors remains as high as it was when he first rolled out the red carpet to host the team at the Yadah Hotel last year.

“It’s all about doing our little bit to try and help the national team because, as I have said repeatedly in the past, this team unites us all as Zimbabweans and it flies our national flag when it does well, it gives everyone who calls himself a Zimbabwean a reason to smile despite whatever challenges we might be going through in our personal lives,” he said.

“There is a hierarchy in our football, which is our national sport, and the Warriors are number one, there is no doubt about that because they break the barriers that divide us in terms of supporting this and that local football team and they even represent people who don’t even normally follow our local football.

“I have always said it again and again that the national team means a lot to me and, as long as I can, I will always prioritise their welfare and try as much as I can to ensure they have a conducive environment for them to be well-prepared for their assignments.’’

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BARCELONA. – Lionel Messi has admitted he was surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Real Madrid and join Juventus.

Messi also believes the transfer will leave Madrid worse off and says Juve are now among the clear favourites to win this season’s Champions League soccer.

Ronaldo swapped Spain for Italy in a deal worth €100 million in July, after securing a third consecutive European crown, and his fourth in five years with Real. But Messi, who missed out on a three-man shortlist for FIFA’s world player of the year award on Monday, feels the balance may have shifted following the 33-year-old’s exit.

“I was surprised, I didn’t imagine him leaving Madrid or that he would go to Juve because there was talk of many clubs (interested). The truth is I was very surprised but Juve are also a very good team,” Messi told Catalunya Radio.

“Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and they have a great squad but it’s obvious the departure of Ronaldo makes them less strong while Juve have become a clear favourite for the Champions League.

“They already had a good team and now they also have Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Madrid’s dominance in Europe has made failure even harder to swallow for Barcelona, whose shock defeat by Roma in April meant crashing out in the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season.

Even winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey last term for a domestic double was not enough to extinguish the disappointment.

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CHICKEN Inn striker Obriel Chirinda dominated the club’s man of the match awards at an event that was held at one of their fast-food outlets in Bulawayo yesterday.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

The awards were for the 25 matches that have been played so far in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and they are sponsored by one of Chicken Inn’s partners, Zibuko Capital.

Each man of the match award carries a prize of $100 and Chirinda (21) walked away with $300 after winning the category for three matches that include the 1-0 defeat to Ngezi Platinum at Baobab in April, the 4-0 drubbing of Nichrut at Luveve Stadium when he grabbed a hat-trick and the 3-2 win over Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium last month.

Added to that, Chirinda was named player of the month for August and got $300 from another club partner, Blackshark Protection Services.

The young striker, who was also voted Castle Lager PSL player of the month for July, was excited with the accolades, saying he would continue to work hard.

“I am happy with the awards that I have just picked up. I have to keep on working hard and focus on the remaining matches. What I don’t want to is put myself under pressure because all people’s eyes will be on me,” Chirinda said.

He has scored seven goals to date and is the club’s leading scorer.

Passmore Bernard won the man of the match awards for three matches, while Innocent Mucheneka, George Majika, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Moses Jackson were recipients of $200 each for being crowned man of the matches for two matches apiece.

Clemence Matawu, goalkeeper Pride Zendera, King Nasama, Kudzai Chideu, Darryl Nyandoro, Guide Goddard, Xolani Ndlovu, Wellington Kamudvyariwa and Last Sithole each received $100, courtesy of Zibuko Capital.

Managing director for Zibuko, Karen Jiri, pledged their continued support to Chicken Inn.

“The results of the recent matches attest to the fact that we are definitely on a winning streak and we are on position three but there is no reason why we can’t go all the way to first place,” she said. “We see the potential in Chicken Inn Football Club and we are rallying behind them.”

Blackshark were represented by managing director Epmark Tome.

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NEW YORK. – Roger Federer revealed he struggled to breathe during his shock 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/3) defeat to world number 55 John Millman at the US Open tennis tournament on Monday.

The 37-year-old five-time champion laboured to his earliest loss at the tournament in five years with his challenge sinking in the crushing humidity on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I just thought it was very hot tonight. Was just one of those nights where I guess I felt I couldn’t get air. There was no circulation at all,” said 20-time major winner Federer who was bidding to clinch the US Open for the first time in a decade.

“I just struggled in the conditions. It’s one of the first times it’s happened to me. It’s uncomfortable. Clearly just kept on sweating more and more and more and more as the match goes on. You lose energy as it goes by.

“But John was able to deal with it better. He maybe comes from one of the most humid places on earth, Brisbane!”

It was Federer’s first loss against a player outside the top 50 in 41 meetings at the US Open.

He finished with 77 unforced errors and 10 double faults but had a host of chances to take wrap up matters in straight sets, squandering set points in the second and third sets.

He had also been a break to the good at 4-2 in the fourth but the errors just kept piling up.

Monday’s result meant there would be no quarter-final showdown with old rival Novak Djokovic who will now face Millman instead today.

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
TOP United States tertiary institution. West Virginia University, has sealed a deal with the Sport Leaders Institute of Zimbabwe in a ground-breaking move.

This could pave the way for local administrators to tap into America’s vast network and experience in sport management.

The partnership came about following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by West Virginia and SLIZ and underscores the improving relations between American and Zimbabwean business institutions.

Crucially, for SLIZ, an emerging institution that is spearheading a crusade for the capacity building programmes for sport managers from various disciplines, their partnership with West Virginia also presents a host of opportunities for the administrators.

SLIZ president, Maradza Mhiribidi, and West Virginia University Provost, Joyce McConnell, signed the MOU on behalf of their organisations with the move also exciting the university’s media department who captured the development in the campus newspaper.

Mhiribidi and the SLIZ marketing director Clara Mukononyanga’s tour of West Virginia University in July virtually cemented the partnership.

The American are institution set to dispatch two of their College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences experts Floyd Jones and Sean Burger to Harare to conduct Level One and Level Two international sport management courses at the end of this month.

In their bulletin, West Virginia University media wrote:

“CPASS faculty are continuing an international partnership to build the capacity of sport and sport-related businesses within Zimbabwe.

‘’Executives and Board of Directors of the Sport Leadership Institute of Zimbabwe see the collaboration as a way to improve the quality of life and sport opportunities in their country.

“During a visit to WVU campus this past spring, much of Maradza Mhiribidi and Clara Mukononyanga’s time involved the design and expansion of professional development and short courses related to professionals in sport management, athletic coaching, physical education teacher education and possible sport and exercise psychology disciplines.’’

Jones is no stranger to Zimbabwe having visited the country last October in a highly-subscribed Level One course that also attracted some top Premiership club executives, rugby, basketball, netball, cricket as well as higher and tertiary education sport leaders.

West Virgigina University have also hailed the ground that Jones covered in working with SLIZ.

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THE just-ended election has proved once again that residents in urban centres still have confidence in their opposition councillors after the MDC Alliance nearly clean-swept all local authority seats, clinching 26 of the available 32 councils – translating to 81% control.

Editorial

This clearly demonstrates that residents are still convinced that the opposition has the ability to deliver on the local governance front if given a chance to freely execute its vision.

Now that devolution is the buzzword across the country, these local authorities will have greater leeway to demonstrate their capability and justify why they were voted massively to take charge of the country’s local governance.

This, however, comes with high responsibility because residents have a wide raft of issues they need addressed, particularly to do with water and sewage reticulation, refuse collection and community infrastructure.

Over the years, these systems have been allowed to collapse. Local authority officials and managers rewarded themselves with huge salaries and top-of-the-range vehicles, while neglecting their core mandate, claiming interference from the Zanu PF-led central government.

This is the opposition councillors’ best chance to provide a new template on how to effectively run local government without using it as a platform for self-enrichment.

It should no longer be business as usual because our cities and towns have for many years drowned in sewer and heaps of uncollected garbage with no end in sight.

It is now time to turn a new page and do things differently.

There is need to justify why ratepayers have to part with their hard-earned money and, in the same breath, give them reason not to resist paying their bills because they would want to see their money put to good use.

If indeed the MDC Alliance’s struggle is the people’s struggle, then they must move from mere rhetoric to action.

They have to hit the ground running as they seek to reverse the collapse of many years.

The MDC Alliance should also empower its incoming councillors to appreciate the magnitude of the work that lies ahead, because their success or failure might determine how the party and its capability to govern or lack thereof, would be measured ahead of the 2023 polls.

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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda has lamented the absence of captain Talent Mandaza, who is set to miss this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa, due to work commitments. The regional football showpiece gets underway on September 12 in Port Elizabeth and Zimbabwe, the runners-up last year are seeking to surpass their previous performance.

The tournament runs until September 22. Mandaza will not be part of the team because of work commitments.
“Talent is our influential captain, she is a leader in the field of play and she drives the team. But she can’t be in two places at the same time. So, she is excused for this tournament.

“I would say maybe technically we have got the players to replace (her), but of course, I wouldn’t lie, she is a player who possesses (more skills) other than the technical skills on the field of play.

“But, I am confident some of the players, the likes of Emmaculate (Msipa), since they have played a number of times with Talent, can emulate what she does,” said Sibanda.

The senior women’s team had their first session together yesterday at the ZIFA Village, with the technical team assessing the fitness of the players.

They were left with a 29-member provisional squad after Auckland’s Rumbidzai Zhoya could not make it amid indications she picked an injury over the weekend.

“We are good to go. We are good to participate, I think that’s what we were really trying to test and I would say we are not that bad.

“I think we can withstand the pressure if we work on our tactics and then the physical quality is able to support our tactics.
“We have seen our fitness levels and we are now looking at what tactics we can use to approach the matches we are going to play,” said Sibanda.

The Mighty Warriors are the favourites in Group C where they will face Namibia, Swaziland and Uganda.
The senior women’s side coach also added some new faces in team with the likes of Harare City striker, Shamiso Mutasa, getting her first call-up to the senior side and is optimistic of making the final team.

“It’s my first time to be called to the national team, which is something I have been wishing for since I started playing football,” said Mutasa.

Groups
Group A: South Africa, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi.
Group B: Zambia, Cameroon, Lesotho, Mozambique.
Group C: Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Namibia, Uganda.

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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
NYASHA MUSHEKWI says he is extremely disappointed an injury has forced him to miss the Warriors’ 2019 AFCON qualifier against Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday and has revealed he has been playing for his Chinese Super League club, Dalian Yifang, in extreme discomfort.

The giant forward, who turned 31 two weeks ago, flew into Harare yesterday from his base in the Chinese Super League, where he is the leading goal-scorer for Dalian Yifang, after scoring a glut of goals in recent weeks which have captured the imagination of the league.

He went straight into the Warriors training camp to present his medical report, prepared by the medical staff at Dalian Yifang, which show he badly needs the attention of specialists.

Mushekwi told The Herald yesterday his club had long drawn up a programme, which would see him getting medical attention during this international break, because they didn’t know he would be drafted into the Warriors for the Congo assignment after he missed the match against Liberia.

The forward revealed he has been playing for his club under extreme pain, which increased in the last few weeks and his Chinese club even didn’t want him to travel to Zimbabwe to enable him to get the specialist medical treatment in that country.

However, Mushekwi said he insisted he had to make the trip to Harare because he wanted to meet his teammates and the technical staff, during this camp and provide them with support ahead of their tough match against Congo in Brazzaville.

“I am having a lot of pain in my pelvis area, they are suspecting there is an injury in that part and they did some tests and I had some gases in the stomach and after they gave me some medication the issue of the gases has become better,” said Mushekwi.

“However, the pain around my pelvis area has not got any better and I have been playing under a lot of pain and the club had organised that I undergo some intense tests during this international break because they always thought that I would be free since they didn’t expect me to be called to the national team.

“When the call came that I had to report for national duty, it got a little complicated, I mean, from what had been organised in the first place because the club insisted that it was important that I get this extensive medical examination so that we clear everything and I get back to full fitness again.

“They didn’t even want me to take the long flight back home, but I insisted that I had to honour the call to come for national duty because this is my national team and I had to be with my teammates since I feel that it’s important for us to bond together.

“I also told my club that I have a specialist doctor in South Africa that I have known for some time and I would get him to look at me and see what was wrong and what was causing all the pain and they agreed that I come here and that is why I am back home.

“I have already met the team manager, I will meet the team doctor and discuss a few things and I will also discuss a few things with my coach here and, if all goes well, I will then fly to South Africa for the medical examination tomorrow (today).

“Just seeing my teammates was incredible and very important because we have to show that we are united in this journey, those who are playing and those who are not playing for one reason or another and I had to show that I remain committed to playing for my national team.”

Mushekwi said he was disappointed that he would not be able to play on Sunday, but believes if his medical issue is resolved, it could benefit him in the long term and he could feature in the next back-to-back qualifiers for the Warriors against the DRC should the coaches still believe he could add value to the team.

“Of course, it hurts not to play for the national team and it’s sad that I can’t do so in this coming match, but there is nothing that I can do,” he said.

“I wish things could have been different, but sadly that’s not the case.”
A medical report, prepared by the Dalian Yifang team doctor, Antonio Turmo dated August 28, this year, was presented to the Warriors team management.

“Player, 31-years-old, suffering pubic discomfort for several weeks,’’ the report said. “The onset of pain is progressive, there is no bad gesture or previous bruising.

“There is no history of discomfort in this area. The clinical examination shows groin pain in the proving manoeuvres. The sonographic examination shows an erosive image on the left pubic branch.

“An MRI exam is carried out, ruling out a sports hernia problem.
“Occasionally there are intestinal discomforts that may require study, through breath test or gastroscopy, in the future to rule out a gastrointestinal process.

“In a timely manner it has been infiltrated locally to allow it to remain active in competition, however, it only remains undisturbed for about an hour.

“The plan is to start treatment with a protocol work outside the team, for two or three weeks.’’

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By Robson Sharuko

ZIFA benefactor Prophet Walter Magaya has bankrolled the entire cost of the Warriors camp this week, as they prepare for the resumption of their 2019 AFCON qualifiers, in yet another bold demonstration of his grand commitment to the success of the team.

The Warriors, who on recent occasions have been hosted at the Yadah Hotel complex, will now be housed at the Cresta Lodge in the capital, a hotel which recently underwent a $2,5 million facelift, with the football-mad prophet paying for the full cost of their stay there.

ZIFA have in the past estimated that the cost of just having the Warriors in camp for one week is, at least, $65 000 and the country’s football-controlling body have been hailing their all-weather friend for coming handy to bail them out in their time of need.

Ironically, it was about the same amount which the previous ZIFA leadership could not pay to settle the debt owed to Brazilian coach Valinhos, despite repeated warnings from FIFA, with the world football governing body eventually banning the Warriors from the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

But Magaya, who has repeatedly made it clear the success of the Warriors is more important than that of Premiership side Yadah Stars, has once again come on board to bankroll the full cost of the senior national team’s training camp this week.

The prophet will also provide the national team with transport during their time in camp, while he will also pay the full cost of their boarding at Cresta Lodge, including food, drinks and laundry.

The Warriors – ravaged by injuries to some key players – have a tough assignment against plucky Congo, who rarely lose at home, in Brazzaville this weekend as the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resume across the continent after a lengthy 15-month break.

The first matches of the group qualifiers were played in June last year, with the Warriors starting their adventure with a bang after captain Knowledge Musona became the team’s first skipper to score an AFCON qualifier hat trick in a 3-0 demolition of Liberia at the National Sports Stadium.

The second round of group matches were originally scheduled for March this year, but the CAF leadership scrapped the entire programme because they wanted to use that window for Africa’s World Cup-bound teams to play friendly matches to prepare for the global showcase in Russia.

“We could have continued with that arrangement, which suited the team well, because the Yadah Hotel is a secluded place which provides just the perfect conditions for a team to focus on their national assignment without any distractions.

“However, we could not get them to stay at the Yadah Hotel this time because we have a programme that is running there and all the rooms, including those that would have been used by the players and their technical staff, have been occupied by those who are part of that programme.

“However, that hasn’t changed our commitment to help the team, something which we have been prioritising since we started this relationship with ZIFA, and I have arranged for them to stay at the Cresta Lodge, which the team management felt had the right conditions, given that it is a bit out of town, for them to have their camp there.”

Magaya is already looking at hosting the Warriors at the newly-constructed suites at the Yadah Hotel, overlooking the stadium next month when they start preparations for the AFCON qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We have come up with a wing that caters for sport and that’s where the boys will be staying next month when they come home to start preparing for the game against the DRC,” he said.

“That wing will specifically cater for sport and they will realise that we have come up with designs that will suit them very well.”

Magaya said his passion for the Warriors remains as high as it was when he first rolled out the red carpet to host the team at the Yadah Hotel last year.

“It’s all about doing our little bit to try and help the national team because, as I have said repeatedly in the past, this team unites us all as Zimbabweans and it flies our national flag when it does well, it gives everyone who calls himself a Zimbabwean a reason to smile despite whatever challenges we might be going through in our personal lives,” he said.

“There is a hierarchy in our football, which is our national sport, and the Warriors are number one, there is no doubt about that because they break the barriers that divide us in terms of supporting this and that local football team and they even represent people who don’t even normally follow our local football.

“I have always said it again and again that the national team means a lot to me and, as long as I can, I will always prioritise their welfare and try as much as I can to ensure they have a conducive environment for them to be well-prepared for their assignments.”

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By Petros Kausiyo

KHAMA BILLIAT flew into Harare yesterday for an assessment by the Warriors medical team today, amid concerns the Kaizer Chiefs star is unlikely to shake off an injury that could rule him out of his second straight 2019 AFCON qualifier when the Warriors take on Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday.

Billiat remains hopeful he could shake off the hamstring strain from the MTN8 semi-final, second leg battle against Kaitano Tembo’s SuperSport United, last Saturday, which Chiefs lost 0-1 to crash out of the tournament.

However, there are genuine concerns the diminutive forward could be sidelined for weeks and just like ahead of the first 2019 AFCON qualifier against Liberia at the National Sports Stadium in June last year, he might not be available for the match against Congo.

Sunday’s match at the Stade Alphonse Massamba Debat will be handled by top South African referee Victor Gomes with the assistance of his countrymen Zakhele Siwela, Johannes Moshidi and fourth official Thando Helpus Ndzandzeka.

But there is a big doubt over the availability of Billiat after he picked up a hamstring injury at the FNB in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Team manager Wellington Mpandare said although there was a doubt about his availability for the game Billiat would be assessed by the national side’s medical crew this morning.

“Khama is here, he was part of the first group of foreign-based players who came in from South Africa today (yesterday) for the game. Our doctors will make their assessment in the morning and establish the extent of his injury, but we are just keeping our fingers crossed,” said Mpandare.

“The player himself is also very positive and hopeful he might just recover on time. We would like to also appreciate the fact that Kaizer Chiefs still released him even though they knew that there are injury concerns about him.”

Serbia-based forward Tinotenda Chibharo would also have to wait a little longer before he can make his Warriors debut amid revelations from Mpandare the 25-year-old striker had suffered an ankle injury while turning out for his club.

“Chibharo has a swollen ankle. He got injured while playing for his club over the weekend. He was ready to come, his air ticket was in place, but we have advised him to stay at his base because the medical report that came from the club and the fact that his ankle is still badly swollen, makes it a doubt that he could recover in time for the match.”

Mpandare said problems of flight delays had derailed the expected arrivals of Eric Chipeta from Cape Town, CEFN Druids defender Alec Mudimu and bustling striker Nyasha Mushekwi who is based in China.

“We are now expecting the guys who were affected by flight delays to come in tomorrow in time for our first training at the National Sports Stadium in the afternoon.

“Looking at those that have come in so far, they are all okay and geared up for the assignment at hand. Even their captain Knowledge has shown a lot of interest and has been in touch throughout checking on his players and the overall camp situation.

“Despite the injuries that we have had I still think that those that are available are capable of doing a great job for the nation in Congo.

“We will leave on Friday afternoon, sleep over in Addis Ababa and proceed to Brazzaville early Saturday morning, so we will still have time to have a feel of the match venue on Saturday afternoon.

“There is a stopover in Addis Ababa too on Monday when we will be returning, but I must salute the players for showing a lot of determination so far.

“They are all happy about getting back together and trying to do their best to qualify,” Mpandare said.

Former Warrior Cephas Chimedza, one of a few Zimbabwean players to score at the AFCON finals, has questioned the decision by Anderlecht coaches to keep Musona on the bench at the weekend.

“90 mins on the bench for Knowledge Musona, a decision I don’t understand after playing well the last week,” said Chimedza on Twitter.

“One thing I know,you can’t keep a good man down.”

AmaZulu midfielder Ovidy Karuru has also been ruled out by the injury he sustained while leading the Warriors during the COSAFA Cup in Polokwane in June.

But it’s all gloomy for the British Brigade.

“There has been no joy yet on any of those players’ passports and as such we are now looking to have 25 players from the 30-man squad that we had picked initially for this camp.”

The trio of Tendai Darikwa, Kelvin Lunga and Adam Chicksen would have to wait for Zimbabwean authorities to process their applications for local passports before they can feature for the Warriors.

With no clear signal coming on the passports issue, Chidzambwa may have to extend his patience about calling on the talents of Nottingham Forest’s Darikwa, Lunga of Bonner SC in Germany and Bradford City defender Chicksen.

Squad:

George Chigova, Edmore Sibanda, Talbert Shumba, Donavan Bernard, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Teenage Hadebe, Marshal Munetsi, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Liberty Chakoroma, Talent Chawapiwa, Kuda Mahachi, Khama Billiat, Evans Rusike, Terrence Dzukamanja, Byron Madzokere, Kelvin Moyo, Richard Hachiro, Alec Mudimu, Eric Chipeta, Knowledge Musona, Luckmore Nkosana, Knox Mutizwa, Danny Phiri, Divine Lunga, Nyasha Mushekwi.

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