Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
KHAMA BILLIAT, who is struggling with a hamstring strain, has decided to take a gamble to try and serve his nation in its quest for a place at the 2019 AFCON finals. The Kaizer Chiefs forward flew into the country on Monday for an assessment by the Warriors medical team, who are in constant touch with his team and is desperate to play against Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday.

He was at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, but did not join the rest of his teammates in their drills and juggled the ball on his own while having a chat with the team doctor.

The Kaizer Chiefs forward was dressed in the team’s training kit, although he didn’t wear his football boots, but sneakers.
The influential forward has asked the Warriors management to delay a decision on his availability for the Congo game, until the very final minute, because he hopes he can shake off the injury and play on Sunday.

Billiat, who missed the match against Liberia after an injury knocked him out of the game, wants to play a part for his country on Sunday in a remarkable display of patriotism.

Warriors’ doctor, Solomon Mudariki, yesterday hinted the winger could play on Sunday.
“We are monitoring the situation with Khama Billiat. He had a knock at the weekend, but we are doing all we can to make him available for Sunday’s match,” said Mudariki.

Meanwhile, Warriors skipper Knowledge Musona has urged his teammates to have their eyes on the ball when they take on plucky Congo in Brazzaville in a 2019 AFCON qualifier on Sunday.

The Anderlecht forward, who made history when he became the first Warriors captain to score an AFCON hattrick in the 3-0 demolition of Liberia in June last year, trained with the rest of the squad at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

With two top teams in each group set to book their places at the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon, the Warriors know the importance of a good result in Brazzaville.

And Musona said they were not expecting an easy game.
“We are looking forward to the game on Sunday, I think it’s not going to be an easy game, but we are going there to try and take the maximum points,” said Musona.

“We are preparing hard so that we are ready on Sunday.
“When you play these games you have to try and take maximum points because our opponents will be prepared as well.
“They have zero points, after losing their first game (against DRC), so they will try by all means to win the game and it’s going to be a big challenge.”

The Warriors camp has been ravaged by injuries with coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa forced to make some changes to the squad.

Costa Nhamoinesu, Ovidy Karuru and Marvellous Nakamba have all been replaced.
“We just have to go there and fight as a team, work hard, try to find a goal or two if we are to come out with a full set of points,” said Musona.

“We need points in these games if we entertain hopes of qualifying for the AFCON.
“The good thing is that we all know what is expected of us, what each individual is supposed to do for the team to achieve set objectives.

“The good thing is that we started the campaign well and we should maintain the momentum. I think Congo Brazzaville are a tough opponent, especially given that they are yet to pick a point and they will also be playing at home.

“But we all know what we should be doing, we know we will be playing away and we don’t have to expect an easy game.
“It’s going to be difficult, but at the end of the day, we have to make sure that we prevail.”

Chidzambwa said the big win over Liberia was now water under the bridge and the nation should concentrate on their match against Congo in Brazzaville.

The coach said the next opponents would provide a different test and had the advantage they would be playing in their backyard.

The veteran mentor said he expects a very tough assignment.

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By Florence Mhasho Special

THE Zimbabwe Ladies Hockey Team have qualified to participate in the Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires in by Argentina after winning bronze medal at the Youth Olympic Qualifiers in Algeria in July this year.

We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to represent our Country at the highest level.

There are, however, many expenses connected with preparation of the team such as coaches travel expenses, playing kit for the players and playing equipment.

We are taking a team of 11 people on this tour.

We are working hard towards raising the funds to achieve this goal and will be extremely grateful for any funding, sponsorship and support from local businesses and individuals.

In return for your sponsorship we would, of course, be willing to wear your company logo on any item of our local training regalia, ranging from practice shirts and caps, travel bags, depending on the amount of sponsorship you are willing to contribute.

We also would be willing to be brand ambassadors for your company.

Every sponsor will have their logo displayed on the HAZ website and listed as our sponsor on all our Team’s local literature and information.

We do hope that this is something you might be willing to consider.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about sponsorship opportunities.

Mhasho is the Zimbabwe Under-18 ladies Youth Olympic Hockey Team Manageress.

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WARRIORS striker Evans Rusike believes the injury-hit Warriors remain a competitive side capable of beating Congo Brazzaville when the two clash in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at the Massamba Debate Stadium on Sunday.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

The Sunday Chidzambga-coached side will be without at least four key players — Costa Nhamoinesu, Marvelous Nakamba, Nyasha Mushekwi and Ovidy Karuru — for the trip after injuries ripped through the camp.

British-born Zimbabweans Tendayi Darikwa and Adam Chicksen, who had also been called, have been ruled out after Zifa failed to acquire passports for them, further decimating the squad.

However, Rusike, who stars for SuperSport United in South Africa and is now expected to be the focal attacking point for the team in the absence of Mushekwi, is confident that the team remains strong and competitive.

Although he would have preferred to have the strongest possible squad for the trip, he still believes those available were capable of producing the desired result.

“It’s a massive match. They (Congo Brazzaville) are a very strong side, they will be playing at home so it will not be easy for us. We had wanted to go in full force but there were withdrawals of some players due to injuries. But we are still a strong side that can come back home, with a good result. We need to be cautious in our approach so that we get a positive result,” Rusike said.

The striker has flourished since he left Zimbabwe some few years ago to play in South Africa. He has scored four goals in all competitions for his club this season.

He, however, acknowledged club football was different from the national team and that he would have to work hard to replicate that form.

“I have been doing well at club level but it is different from national team football. I will have to work hard for me to be able to reproduce that form into the national team,” Rusike said.

With Mushekwi ruled out of the tie, and judging by the dress rehearsal match the Warriors played against Yadah FC at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, coach Chidzambga — a firm believer in the 3-5-2 formation — is likely to deploy Rusike as the lone striker with Tafadzwa Kutinyu set to play behind him while Knowledge Musona and Kuda Mahachi will operate from the flanks.

The team’s poster boy Khama Billiat is likely to play a minimal role in the team having only started light training yesterday.

He is struggling with a hamstring injury and initial indications had pointed him missing the trip, before the Warriors medical team gave him the greenlight.

Warriors’ team manager Wellington Mupandare said although the medical team was still monitoring the Kaizer Chiefs man, he was certain to make the trip and could play a part in this crucial match.

Danny Phiri and Farai Munetsi are likely to play in central midfield with Eric Chipeta and Divine Lunga set to rove the right and left wing backs. At the heart of the defence, Alec Mudimu is likely to partner Teenage Hadebe.

Chidzambga is, however, likely to be spoilt for choice on the leftback position as Bloemfontein Celtic leftback Ronald Pfumbidzai demonstrated why he is justified to be called to the national team with a breathtaking performance laced with some wonderful deliveries into the penalty box.

The former Caps United fullback had been surprisingly overlooked when the provisional team was announced and had to be called up as an after-thought following the injury to Nhamoinesu.

His omission had also been met with a chorus of disapproval by supporters on social media.

Pfumbidzai has been playing regularly since he moved down south and has even been scoring crucial goals for his club.

Zimbabwe currently top group G with three points, but on goal difference, following their 3-0 win over Liberia in their opening qualifier.

The group also consists of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are second on the standings by a goal difference after their 3-1 win over Congo Brazzaville in the opening fixture of the campaign.

With two top teams in the group set to qualify for the Afcon finals next year, a win for the Warriors in Brazzaville will put them on the brink of qualification.

Warriors provisional squad

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

Defenders: Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows), Alec Mudimu (Cefn Druids AFC), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic), Teenage Hadebe (Chiefs), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Eric Chipeta (Cape Umoya United), Byron Madzokerere (Yadah)

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam), Richard Hachiro (Herentals), Talent Chawapiwa (Baroka), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Orlando), Lucky Mkosana (Penn FC), Danny Phiri (Golden Arrows), Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs)

Strikers: Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows), Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht), Evans Rusike (SuperSport), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Bidvest Wits)

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National team cricketer, Elton Chigumbura has been taken to the High Court by a local property firm, Best Results Management Enterprise (Pvt) Ltd, which is seeking an order to compel him to settle an $18 000 rental arrears bill and to also pay the costs of the litigation.

BY CHARLES LAITON

According to the court papers, the hard-hitting all-rounder has not been paying rentals for the company’s property being Bay 1, stand number 17001, Sande Crescent, Graniteside in Harare. Chigumbura is yet to enter appearance to defend.

Through its lawyers, Ruth Zimvumi Legal Practitioners, the firm said the former national cricket team captain failed to abide by the parties’ memorandum of lease agreement signed on October 1, 2016.

“On or about 1 October 2016, the parties executed a memorandum of lease agreement in respect of Bay 1, 17001 Sande Crescent, Graniteside, Harare. The rental payable was in the sum of $1 800 per month. Defendant (Chigumbura) only paid his rentals once,” the firm said in its declaration.

“The arrear rentals to date amount to the sum of $18 000 and despite numerous demands, defendant has refused, failed and or neglected to pay the money. Wherefore, the plaintiff (Best Results Management Enterprise (Pvt) Ltd prays for payment of the sum of $18 0000, collection commission in terms of the Law Society tariff and cost of suit on a legal practitioner and client scale.”

The matter is pending.

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The Harare Basketball League failed to kick-off at the weekend after a stand-off among the clubs over affiliation fees.

BY GARISH PHIRI

Harare Basketball Association (HBA) president Sani Mbofana confirmed the delay in the kick-off, which was initially planned for last weekend.

He said most teams are yet to affiliate themselves with the league, and a meeting has been set for this weekend where they expect to reach a common ground.

“We had pencilled to start the league during the first or second weekend of September. This was subject to the blessing of the congress. We have an urgent meeting on Saturday at the City Sports Centre to deal with the matter. The clubs have to okay the budget and the proposed subscription fees. We also need to sort one or two things and from there we are good to go” Mbofana said.

Mbofana is hoping that the league can start next week with the same teams from last season.

“Clubs have not paid subscription fees, but it’s because it has not yet been approved. Without pre-empting anything, the feeling is we will retain the 12-team A league. The 16-team Women’s League looks like it will be split into two. We have applications from some clubs intending to join and this has also been put on the agenda,” he said.

Meanwhile, Harare City Hornets have appointed Awet Taisfei as the technical advisor of the club. Awet will oversee all the club’s activities. A lot is expected from the man who has played in Germany at the highest level.

The club is also planning to introduce developmental U17 teams in both the boys and girls categories, as they seek to professionalise the side to international best standards

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Zimbabwean driver Darren Winterboer shrugged off stiff competition from 29 other drivers to lift the annual Peter Parnell Trophy during a race day hosted by the Bulawayo Motoring Club at the Bulawayo Motor Park, along the Victoria Falls Road at the weekend.

BY SINDISO DUBE

The Bulawayo-based Winterboer, who was driving a speedy Volkswagen Polo 6, competed against his countrymen and others from South Africa.

John Cameron and Brett Cameron became first and second runners-up, respectively.

Last year’s winner, Mano Zevgolis, did not participate in this year’s finals, sponsored by Total Zimbabwe.

Speaking on the sidelines of the race, Total Zimbabwe spokesperson Anesu Mutasa said they would continue supporting motorsport.

“We had a successful race. The drivers came out in full force and everyone was eager to win the competition. We congratulate the winner of the race this year and we look forward to another successful one next year,” he said.

“Total Zimbabwe has remained committed and eager to supporting the growth and development of motorsport in Zimbabwe and the continuation of the partnership with Bulawayo Motoring Club is true testament of the potential motorsport possess.

“As Total Zimbabwe, we provide communities with quality lubes, fuel and technical support that ensure that vehicles are well maintained and can fuel the vibrancy of motorsport in Zimbabwe.”

Mutasa added: “We are excited to see that our partnership with Bulawayo Motoring Club has seen the growth in participation and interest in the racing industry.

“We applaud Bulawayo residents who have shown more interest and participation in the competition and motorsport in general.

“The numbers we are getting are growing each and every year. We can’t wait for next year’s edition, which will be bigger and better.”

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Zimbabwe’s top junior swimmer Chase Onorati is set to represent the country at this year’s edition of African Swimming Confederation (CANA) championships in Algeria.

BY FREEMAN MAKOPA

The five-day event starts on Monday.

Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson Tracey Doorman said the youngster prepared well for the tournament and had high hopes of reaching the finals.

“Chase Onorati is the one to represent the country at the African championships. He is preparing in South Africa at a university there, and he trains at High Performance Centre in Pretoria,” she said.

“He recently competed in the South Africa short course championships. Because it’s early in the season, he is still in the training period, but obviously he is preparing for the African senior championships in Algeria.”

Doorman said the youngster had a huge potential.

“Traditionally, this has not been a well-supported gala sadly. So a lot will depend on how many countries are competing, but obviously his first challenge is to reach the finals and obtain a personal best,” she said.

Doorman bemoaned lack of funding to the sport of swimming due to economic hardships facing the country.

“Our biggest challenge is financial. Training is costly, as you need to pay and train coaches. We have access to the Fina coaching courses, but it means having to travel to Harare to attend the courses. So it limits the number of participants,” she said.

“For swimmers, it’s a burden on parents in terms of training fees and also travelling to competitions. That’s the main reason why we end up having small teams that attend local and international tournaments.”

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Sport and Recreation Committee (SRC) acting director-general Joseph Muchechetere yesterday appeared in court facing charges of misusing more than $2 million he received from sponsors.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Muchechetere (48) was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa facing two counts of criminal abuse of office and was remanded to October 11 on $100 bail.

The complainant is the Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation ministry’s permanent secretary Prince Mupazviriwo.

It is the State’s case that on February 7, 2008, SRC, represented by Muchechetere, entered into a tripartite co-operation agreement with funders namely, Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, United Nations Children’s Fund for Community Sport Development and Youth Education through Sport in Zimbabwe.

The State alleges during the same period, the Community Sport Development Programme department was formed within the SRC to oversee the implementation of the project.

During the period extending from 2009 to 2015, Muchechetere allegedly caused the opening of two separate accounts at Stanbic Bank, where the donated funds were banked.

He allegedly went on to manage and approve the finances outside the normal system of SRC finance department.

The court heard that Muchechetere, through these bank accounts, received a total amount of $2 132 284 from the funders.

He was also accused of refusing to implement the SRC board resolution to dissolve Zimbabwe Football Association board which was led by Cuthbert Dube and appoint an interim board as mandated by the Sports and Recreation Act, thereby favouring Dube.

Sebastian Mutizirwa appeared for the State.

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VETERAN football administrator, Stanley Chapeta is hoping to retain the Zifa Central Region presidency which he has held since 2016.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

Chapeta took over the reigns in March 2016 when the post fell vacant after Felton Kamambo was elected into the Zifa national executive.

Some of his achievements during the two years he has been in power include securing a sponsorship deal for the region when he signed a three-year partnership with the Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Fund( ZGMAF).

Speaking to NewsDay Sport, Chapeta said he has other programmes still in the pipeline and is hoping that the clubs will give him another mandate so that he can see through all his projects.

“My mission in the region is not yet completed. Some of the plans are still in the process and very soon they will start to yield results,” Chapeta said.

“Even though we are in the election mode, but we are still working together to ensure the region becomes the best in the country. We have been in office for two years and I feel we need another term to finish some of the projects that are still in the pipeline. Right now the league is at it’s peak and we have an exciting race so we want to make sure that this project is a success.”

Chapeta is leading a four-member team that includes Pithias Shoko, Thomas Marambanyika and Patrick Hill, all seeking re-election.

With nominations having opened early this week for the elections slated for October 17, his prospective opponents are still keeping their cards close to the chest.

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By Collin Matiza

TWO of Zimbabwe’s top junior motocross riders, Emmanuel Bako and Regan Wasmuth, will this weekend head to Welkom in South Africa for the penultimate round of the 2018 South African National Championship series.

They both have a mountain to climb in their title chases for the 65cc and 125cc High School classes.

The sixth round of the tough seven-round South African National Championship series will be staged at Phakisa Motocross Club in Welkom on Saturday where Bako (12) will take to the track lying in third place in the 65cc Class Standings while Wasmuth (17) is sitting in second place in the 125cc High School Class.

Bako was at one stage in a powerful position in the 65cc Class in which he was sharing the lead in the Championship points with South Africa’s Lucca Mynhadrt but a big crash in the 1st heat of the fifth round at Zone 7 in Cape Town on August 11 saw him being sidelined and that left the door open for the latter to open up a 36-point lead over him in the title race.

Mynhardt is leading the way in the 65cc Class Standings with 228 points, 30 ahead of second-placed fellow South African Wian du Plooy while Bako slid down to third place with 192 points following his major setback at Zone 7 on August 11.

And Bako now has to roll up his sleeves at Welkom on Saturday and claim the top step on the podium if he has to cut Mynhardt’s lead at the top of the group standings ahead of the series’ final round scheduled for October 20 at Dirt Bronco in Johannesburg.

Anything less than a first-place finish at the end of business on Saturday will see Bako saying goodbye to his chances of being crowned the 2018 65cc Class Champion in South Africa.

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THE Premier Soccer League have blown a fortune of more than half a million dollars on a controversial scheme to keep renting offices in Harare and Bulawayo, when they could have invested the money in securing their properties for use as their homes.

Remarkably, the PSL even rejected an offer from Mbada Diamonds, when they came in as their partners in 2011 to sponsor the league’s flagship knockout tournament, with the miners floating an idea to inject funds towards the acquisition of a property for the league to use as their headquarters without having to waste money on rentals.

A proposal that a $400 000 injection from SuperSport in 2011 be used to buy a property in Harare’s Livingstone Avenue, which was then costing $280 000 and would have needed an extra $20 000 for renovations, was also rejected by the league’s leaders.

The leadership’s argument was owning their property, which they could afford as a long-term investment, would expose them to litigation from their creditors, especially the Sports Commission who were owed some gate levies and the investment would be lost to these legal processes.

However, the PSL chose to move from the City Sports Centre, where they were renting two rooms as their offices, to a house at 36 Midlothian Avenue in Harare, which they have been renting since 2009 and whose monthly rentals have torched a storm.

The PSL offices in Bulawayo are located in Suite 214 Century House, between 10th Avenue and Jason Moyo Avenue and are just two rooms on the same wing with the head offices of the company of the league’s chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, who runs Ken Estate Agents.

Rentals in Eastlea for a full house, according to market rates, are unlikely to be more than $1 000 a month, but it is believed that the top-flight league has been paying more than five to seven times the average rentals for the use of that property.

Given that the PSL have been using the property for years now, there had been reports that they acquired the house which they converted into their headquarters, but it has since been established that they have been renting the premises at a huge cost.

“The money which the PSL is paying towards rentals every month is massive and not consistent with the market rates,” sources told The Herald.

“The league’s headquarters in Harare has about five people who work there and just about everyone there is a manager of some sort, the only one whose job description doesn’t have manager is probably the personal assistant.”

It also emerged that Lifa Ncube, the member of the PSL emergency committee in charge of finance, event went to the extent of sending a memorandum to his colleagues expressing concerns over the amounts which the league’s leaders were handing themselves as allowances.

Ncube, who is the Chicken Inn chairman, was concerned that the huge amounts which were going into allowances could trigger an uproar from the league’s membership and fans who could argue that this was tantamount to fleecing the top-flight league.

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By Tendai Rupapa

SPORT and Recreation Commission acting director-general Joseph Muchechetere, who was arrested on Tuesday, appeared in court yesterday facing two counts of abuse of office.

In a development that could open the lid on problems rocking the sport regulatory body, Muchechetere was the first high-profile figure at the Sports Commission to be picked up by police following a probe by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

According to the initial court outline, it is alleged Muchechetere took advantage of his position and failed to implement the resolutions of the 2015 SRC board, which mandated him to dissolve the then ZIFA board and appoint an interim board.

Muchechetere allegedly showed favour to the former ZIFA board, led by Cuthbert Dube, and allowed them to continue holding office.

On the other count, Muchechetere allegedly opened two bank accounts which were parallel to those of the SRC accounts, where he received donated funds amounting to $2 132 384.

Muchechetere, who appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, allegedly used the funds to implement SRC projects.

Prosecuting, Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on February 7 2008, SRC entered into a tripartite cooperation agreement with the funders, namely Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports and the United Nations Children’s Fund, for community sport development and youth education through sport, in Zimbabwe.

During the same period, the Community Sport Development Programme Department was formed within the SRC to oversee the implementation of the project.

It is alleged that between 2009 and 2015, Muchechetere caused the opening of two bank accounts parallel to those of the SRC where donated funds were banked.

He went on to manage and approve the finances of CSDP outside the normal system of SRC finance department, which is contrary to the SRC Act, the State alleged.

As a result, through these bank accounts, Muchechetere received a total of $2 132 384 from the funders, which he is alleged to have used to implement the project.

The Sports Commission’s CSDP was a project wholly funded by NIF from 2008, while UNICEF was an implementing partner which was working directly with SRC.

UNICEF were initially overseeing the project funds and NIF were sending evaluators annually after completion of each project cycle in order to evaluate success.

UNICEF, however, then pulled out of the partnership after disagreement on technicalities of the funding use and reporting system.

It has also emerged that the CSDP had a separate account from the SRC account and it was being audited separately although questions were previously raised over a shadowy deal in which the Sports Commission ended up “borrowing” funds from CSDP “and not paying it back”.

An audit report prepared by a Harare chartered accountancy firm recently raised stink in the manner in which the Sports Commission has been managed in the last two years, with the audit firm also warning on the sustainability of the sports body as a going concern.

The same audit revealed that the Sports Commission were technically insolvent, with liabilities far exceeding the body’s current assets.

The court also heard that Muchechetere showed favour to the Dube-led ZIFA board by allowing them to continue holding office despite a board resolution mandating him to dissolve the board.

It has also emerged that the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, who are unhappy with the manner in which the Sports Commission is being managed, also raised their concerns with ZACC, who have stepped up their act and are also now probing some questionable transactions at the regulatory body which is funded largely from a Government grant.

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By Ellina Mhlanga

THE second Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa Athletes’ Forum got underway in Harare yesterday with several topics related to athletes lined up for deliberation. The forum, taking place at Rainbow Towers, ends tomorrow.

Some of the topics being discussed include support for athletes, before, during and after the Olympic Games, anti-doping, outreach and education, effective athletes communication, competition, manipulation and match-fixing.

Prevention of harassment and abuse in sport, among other key issues, will also be discussed.

The International Olympic Committee wants to place athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

IOC Athletes’ Commission, chaired by IOC member in Zimbabwe, Kirsty Coventry, serves as a link between the athletes and the IOC.

The initiative of the continental athletes’ forums is a brainchild of Coventry and they are set to strengthen the voice of athletes worldwide.

“I think it’s always hard for athletes. They are always seen just as athletes and they are sometimes seen as not being able to bring valuable ideas and movements forward at board level,” said Coventry.

“I think that’s completely naïve and wrong.

“But the athletes also have to find the confidence within themselves to come forward and hopefully this forum will enable the athletes to feel more confident, to feel that they know exactly what their purpose and their goal is.

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By Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor

ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa has challenged the Warriors to continue with the momentum they have shown in their international assignments when they plunge back into the trenches of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers this weekend.

The Warriors face plucky Congo in a Group G encounter at Stade Alphonse Massamba Debat in Brazzaville on Sunday afternoon.

The 2019 Nations Cup qualifiers resume this weekend after a lengthy 15-month break that followed the Warriors opening day 3-0 triumph over Liberia, via skipper Knowledge Musona’s fine hat-trick, at the National Sports Stadium on June 11.

Twenty fours earlier, Democratic Republic of Congo had got the Group G games underway with a 3-1 home success over Congo in Brazzaville.

DRC will this weekend travel to Monrovia for a date against Liberia at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

As the Warriors stepped up their act with everyone who is expected to be in camp for tomorrow’s tour of duty available, the senior team had their morale and confidence levels boosted by a visit to their training session by the ZIFA leadership with Chiyangwa being accompanied by his deputy Omega Sibanda and board member finance Philemon Machana.

ZIFA legal advisor Itai Nduzo was also on hand to lend his support to the Warriors.

“We have come to rally the team and see that the players whose names are being publicised as being in camp are the ones who are here… this team has been doing well,” said Chiyangwa.

“Ever since we took office, with this executive here, we have managed to win a number of matches up to the point we went to AFCON.

“This is another AFCON adventure, we went on to win the COSAFA Cup consecutively and we are the COSAFA champions. We have done well even with the women.

“So, we have come here to give a word to the players, and the technical team, and we told them that we look for nothing less than a victory in Congo.

“All is well, there is no crisis, we wish them well.”

Chiyangwa told the Warriors that he could not travel to watch them in Brazzaville as he must chair a COSAFA executive meeting in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, over the weekend. The ZIFA leadership are also expected to visit the Mighty Warriors camp at the ZIFA Village this morning and boost their morale ahead of their departure for the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa.

Mudimu, of Welsh Premiership side CEFN Druids, is set to take his bow in a Nations Cup qualifier after impressing at the COSAFA Cup tournament in Polokwane in June. He is the only member of the British Brigade who has so far been able to play for his country while the issue related to the passports of the likes of Kelvin Lunga, Tendayi Darikwa, Adam Chicksen and McCauley Bonne is yet to be resolved.

Mudimu is a sure bet to form the rearguard for goalkeeper George Chigova, who just like the ZIFA president, also rallied the Warriors to win and pile the pressure on Congo.

“We are aware that AFCON is a different game, but I think we can still build on the momentum that we showed during COSAFA,” said Chigova.

“Most of the guys who were in Polokwane are still around in this squad. I also think the guys who are joining us now for this game will no doubt bring another dimension to our team and make it even stronger, so that gives us a lot of confidence that we can go there and do it even though it will be tough.”

Chigova also believes that Congo’s defeat by their bitter rivals DRC will ensure the tide of pressure is more on hosts as they seek to get their campaign off the mark.

Chigova said he was hopeful that the new additions, which Chidzambwa has made to the squad, would “bring with them new dimensions that will make us even stronger”.

Group G fixtures: Sunday

Congo v Zimbabwe (Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat Brazzaville)

Liberia v DRC (Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Monrovia)

October 10:

DRC v Zimbabwe (Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa)

Congo v Liberia (Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, Brazzaville)

October 13:

Zimbabwe v DRC (National Sports Stadium, Harare)

Liberia v Congo (Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Monrovia)

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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
STAR forward Khama Billiat returned to full training yesterday and ended days of wild speculation about his availability for Zimbabwe’s crunch African Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday.

Billiat had since last Saturday been battling to shake off a hamstring strain he incurred while turning out for Kaizer Chiefs in their MTN8 semi-final clash against SuperSport United at FNB Stadium.

Media speculation had even ruled him out of the match.

But, after giving his coaches and the nation at large a glimmer of hope when he insisted that they delay in making their decision on him, Billiat was eventually certified fit after coming out of yesterday’s mid-morning workout at the National Sports Stadium without any major complaints of pain.

Team doctor Somani Mudariki also certified the player fit, much to the relief of coach Sunday Chidzambwa, who has seen his selection options ravaged by injuries to the key quartet of Nyasha Mushekwi, Costa Nhamoinesu, Marvellous Nakamba and Ovidy Karuru.

“He responded positively to treatment and managed to complete today’s training without pain and restriction.

“We, therefore, have availed him to the coaches for possible selection due to that positive development,’’ Mudariki said.

Team manager Wellington Mpandare was equally happy and relieved to see Billiat able to fully train.

“It’s a big boost considering the player has been itching to train and play. We are happy for him,’’ Mpandare said.

Chidzambwa wasted no time in drafting Billiat into the 18-man side that will leave Harare for Brazzaville via Addis Ababa this afternoon.

“Our preparations have gone on very well, it’s only that our influential player Khama Billiat had been nursing an injury, but I am happy he is now fine and we are looking forward to a good game,” Chidzambwa said.

The coach is now set to give a start to the former Mamelodi Sundowns star.

Billiat missed the Warriors opening AFCON qualifier against Liberia at home in June last year in a game in which captain Knowledge Musona justified why many believe he is the team’s Most Valuable Player by scoring a hat-trick.

The Kaizer Chiefs star returned to the Warriors side for the COSAFA Cup campaign, helping the team defend their crown in South Africa, starring in the final against Zambia.

Chidzambwa has also handed African Cup of Nations debut slots to Luckymore Mkosana, Marshal Munetsi and Alec Mudimu in the side that also has six of the players who featured in the opening game against Liberia on June 11 last year, missing.

Defenders Onismor Bhasera and Partson Jaure, striker Tendai Ndoro and midfielder Thabani Kamusoko were not considered for this game.

Injuries also ruled out Karuru and Nakamba, who were part of that team which cruised to a 3-0 triumph via captain Musona’s hat-trick.

Despite the build-up to his team’s camp being hampered by injuries, Chidzambwa still had a positive selection headache in coming up with the travelling party and Bidvest Wits newboy Terrence Dzukamanja was the biggest casualty of the tough competition for places after failing to make the cut.

Former Ngezi Platinum man Dzukamanja had some fine outings for Chidzambwa’s men during the COSAFA Cup tournament and was subsequently snapped up by Wits where he has had a bright start to life in the ABSA Premiership.

But, with the more experienced Kuda Mahachi returning to the Warriors fold, and Billiat recovering, it was always going to be a difficult call to include Dzukamanja, who is not an outright striker, in the seven places that he reserved for the midfielders.

The Warriors coach has actually had his choices in the central striking position restricted to the trio of SuperSport United’s Evans Rusike, Knox Mutizwa of Golden Arrows and the untested Mkosana, who plays for Penn FC in the United States.

There were no places this time around for the local contingent of Byron Madzokere of Yadah Stars, Herentals midfielder Richard Hachiro, Chapungu’s Talbert Shumba and the Ngezi pair of skipper Liberty Chakoroma and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard.

Team:

Goalkeepers: George Chigova; Edmore Sibanda

Defenders: Divine Lunga, Alec Mudimu; Ronald Pfumbidzai; Teenage Hadebe; Kevin Moyo; Eric Chipeta

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi; Tafadzwa Kutinyu; Danny Phiri; Talent Chawapihwa; Kudakwashe Mahachi; Khama Billiat; Knowledge Musona

Strikers: Evans Rusike; Knox Mutizwa; Luckymore Mkosana

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
WARRIORS coach Sunday “Mhofu’’ Chidzambwa is aware of the threat Congo will pose in their backyard and believes his men have a tough fight on their hands in an AFCON qualifier at the Alphonse Massamba Debat in Brazzaville on Sunday.

Zimbabwe lead Group G standings on goal difference after they walloped Liberia 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium in June last year.

The Democratic Republic of Congo are second following their 3-1 win over Congo in Kinshasa over the same weekend.

With the top two teams from each of the seven CAF qualifying groups set to book berths at the 2019 AFCON finals for Cameroon, Zimbabwe will do themselves a huge favour if they overcome the tough Congolese in their backyard.

But, Chidzambwa, a veteran of such contests, believes they will have to fight long and hard.

“Losing their first match is something else. What we know is we are going to face a very good side which we cannot afford to take lightly,” said Chidzambwa.

“They are a top-ranked team and highly rated in Africa, so it’s definitely not going to be easy for us.’’

The team has been buoyed by the return to fitness of poster-boy and Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat.

“Obviously he will start on Sunday given that he has been cleared by our medical team. We are quite pleased with the situation,” said Chidzambwa.

“In modern football, we have to defend and attack, but we have to do that cautiously. We know very well that we will be playing away from home.

“We need not open the game.’’

The veteran gaffer said his team should play for points, especially away from home, if they are to make it to the 2019 finals.

“I think in the AFCON qualifiers, a team should pick points, especially away from home. I think if we can pick maximum points on Sunday, I will be very pleased for I know we would have taken a huge step towards qualification.

“As a coach, you would want to win each and every game that you play, but you know in football, you win, draw or lose.

“The players are raring to go and morale in the camp is very high. We had quite a good training week. It is my hope that we will deliver the goods for the country.

“The players have trained together for days and I hope they have gelled, especially given that they are professionals who are active in their different leagues.

“I am quite impressed by the way everything went on. Of course, we would have loved to have everyone we had called for camp, but we will work with those who are available.’’

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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
FOR Dynamos stand-in coach Joseph “Shabba’’ Takaringofa, a tough task of leading the Glamour Boys to victory over Highlanders is something he is hoping to accomplish.

He will lead the team in the absence of coach Lloyd Mutasa, who will be away with the Warriors in Brazzaville.

The two giants clash at Barbourfields on Sunday.

“In terms of getting some bragging rights, we should win this match against Highlanders. If we beat Highlanders, even in terms of going forward, the boys will have a lot of confidence,” said Takaringofa.

“Every game is a difficult one for us as Dynamos, but on Sunday, the match will even be tougher. We just have to concentrate on winning the encounter and collect maximum points.

“The way we are going to play and the way we approach the match will determine if we will emerge the winners.

“Lloyd Mutasa will not be with me in the dugout, but we will have to do well. In terms of strategy and coaching, especially at this institution, it’s the same, so we just have to keep our focus on winning the game.’’

DeMbare have endured a frustrating season where they have picked 29 points from 23 matches and have fallen way behind leaders FC Platinum.

Bosso are sixth on the log with 36 points.

DeMbare have gone three matches without tasting defeat, while Bosso have gone for the same number of games without recording a victory.

With striker Kingston Nkhatha cleared to play a part in the match, and defensive pillar Godfrey Mukambi returning from suspension, Takaringofa is even more confident of picking all the points against Bosso.

The former SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs forward joined the Glamour Boys in mid-season, but was forced to watch from the sidelines as his Reverse International Clearance took a little bit of time to be processed.

Although there are concerns about Nkatha’s match fitness, Takaringofa believes the media-shy player can play a big role on Sunday.

“Kingston Nkhatha is obviously a big boost to us given that he comes with a wealth of experience,’’ said Takaringofa.

“The morale in the camp is up there and all the players, save for the suspended Marshal Machazane and the injured Obey Mwerahari, are raring to go.

“Machazane has played a key role for the team throughout the season, but I think we have able replacements in central defence.

“We are calling on supporters to continue rallying behind us as we crawl up the ladder and, in the game against Highlanders, they will play a very major role.’’

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
BORRODALE Park will witness the first feature race of the 2018-19 racing season when the 1000 meters Airforce of Zimbabwe Borrowdale Sprint roars into life this afternoon.

The Bridget Stidolph yard have a strong hand with Coachella, Super Good and Life Is Good and they will be complimented by Flanders and Road To Dubai.

Here are the runners:

COACHELLA is a five-year-old gelding by Alado (GB) and has won six races and been placed five times from 14 starts.

SUPER GOOD – 6-year-old gelding by Announce out of a Dynasty mare. Seven wins and 20 places from 33 starts. Trained by Bridget Stidolph – Brendon McNaughton rides – Drawn 2 – 60 kgs.

LIFE IS GOOD – 5-year-old gelding by Var (USA) out of a Smarty Jones (USA) mare. Six wins. Trained by Bridget Stidolph – Deon Sampson rides – Drawn 5 – 58.5 kgs.

KINGSTON PASSAGE – is a 3-time winner and placed 3 times from 9 starts – all over 1000m. Mostly at Kenilworth. Last start 16 June, unplaced. 5 year-old gelding by Western Winter (USA) out of a Horse Chestnut mare. First race in Harare. Trained by Kirk Swanson – Sherman Brown rides – Drawn 6 – 57 kgs.

FLANDERS – four-year-old gelding by Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) out of a Captain Al mare. Six wins and 5 places from 13 starts. Trained by Bridget Stidolph – Nikki Sibanda rides – Drawn 1 – 52 kgs.

ROAD TO DUBAI – Seven-year-old gelding by The Sheik. Nine wins from 1100 to 1300m. The last time he carried 52 kgs was in November 2015 when he won over 1200m beating Gentle Brook. Trained by Kirk Swanson – Morgan Nyamagwete rides – Drawn 3 – 52 kgs.

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NORTHAMPTON – Northants have confirmed the signing of Zimbabwe bowler Blessing Muzarabani on a three-year deal.

The 21-year-old will arrive at the County Ground ahead of the 2019 season. Muzarabani has been a regular in the Zimbabwe team throughout this year.

All of his Twenty20 experience has been in the Zimbabwean national shirt and he has one Test appearance under his belt, too.

In March, Muzarabani secured a career-best four for 47 against Afghanistan in Harare, a few days before holding his nerve in the final over to secure a memorable tie against Scotland.

He also took three for 21 in a one-day international against Australia in July.

And now, Muzarabani, a right-arm fast bowler who stands at two metres tall, has committed himself fully to the County cause.

“I’ve come here to chase my dreams,” Muzarabani said.

“I want to perform and achieve.

“I just can’t wait to get started”.

Northants head coach David Ripley is looking forward to helping the youngster to develop his game in England.

“We’ve been talking to Blessing for quite some time and were impressed by the way he played for the second team against Durham in May,” Ripley said.

“He’s got a lot to learn and he knows it, but we’re looking forward to helping him achieve his potential at the County Ground over the next few years.”

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Sports Reporter
FARAI JERE and Lovemore Matikinyidze go head-to-head tomorrow in a boardroom battle that will see the Premier Soccer League, who have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late, getting a new substantive leader.

The country’s top-flight league have not had a substantive leader since Peter Dube was suspended by ZIFA two years ago and an emergency committee, in which Matikinyidze was one of three members, has been in charge of its affairs.

Chicken Inn chairman Lifa Ncube is the other member of that emergency committee while former Dynamos president, Kenny Mubaiwa, occupied one of the posts before he quit as the boss of the Glamour Boys in June.

Jere has been campaigning throughout the country, trying to sell his vision to the clubs, while Matikinyidze said he already has a profile, which the clubs understand, and he doesn’t need to go on a campaign.

The Triangle United chairman has the backing of the PSL secretariat, especially after he was part of the emergency committee that handed league chief executive Kenny Ndebele a fresh three-year contract, and there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes campaigning by members of the secretariat who want him to land the post.

They believe Matikinyidze will not rock the boat, given that he has been part of the league’s leadership in the past two years, while they fear Jere – who has promised to change the way the league is being run – appears to the secretariat as someone who could shake their establishment.

Jere met with Delta marketing director Maxen Karombo in Harare on Wednesday to assure him that, should he win the poll tomorrow, the special partnership between the league and their biggest sponsors would not be compromised in any way.

The PSL have been in the headlines, for all the wrong reasons, in recent weeks after revelations that they have been paying a fortune towards the renting of a property, in Harare, which they have been using as their headquarters for a number of years.

It also emerged that the league’s leaders rejected a proposal to buy a house in Harare which was costing $280 000, and which needed an extra $20 000 for a facelift, after receiving $400 000 from SuperSport when the company was their broadcast partners.

The perks, in terms of allowances, which the leaders of the emergency committee have been receiving has also come under the spotlight after it was also revealed that Ncube, who is in charge of the finance portfolio, wrote a memo to his colleagues warning that the payments could provoke a fierce public backlash.

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