Collin Matiza Sports Editor
THIS Saturday will see the staging of the final round of the 2018 South African National Motocross Championship series at Dirt Bronco in Krugersdorp where two of Zimbabwe’s top riders Emmanuel Bako and Regan Wasmuth will be hoping and praying for a miracle to happen as they fight to be crowned champions of the 65cc and 125cc High School classes respectively.

Bako (13) and Wasmuth (17) will take to the track at Dirt Bronco on Saturday hoping that the points leaders in their respective classes Lucca Mynhardt and Justin Sangster will have a DNF in order for them to sneak in through the back door and be crowned this year’s champions in the 65cc and 125cc High School sections in South Africa.

Anything outside a DNF for their rivals will see the two talented young Zimbabwean riders leaving the scene on Saturday empty-handed as they both have a huge deficit to cover in their classes.

Bako is currently lying in third place in the 65cc Class Standings with 233 points, 45 behind the leader Mynhardt of South Africa and the latter just needs a top three finish on Saturday to be crowned this year’s champion.

And Bako’s father and manager, Brighton, said yesterday that they were keeping their fingers crossed as they prepare for Saturday’s battle in the final round of the 2018 South African National Championship series at Dirt Bronco.

“We are not going there with a defeatist attitude . . . We haven’t thrown in the towel as yet. This is motocross and anything can happen on Saturday. Emmanuel still has an outside chance of being crowned the champion in the 65cc Class although it’s a slim one,” Brighton Bako said.

In the 125cc High School Class, Wasmuth, placed second with 229 points, is 37 points behind the leading contender Sangster and just like Bako, he will be praying for the South African to have a DNF while he wins the two heats in order for him to emerge victorious at the end of business on Saturday.

Apart from Emmanuel Bako and Wasmuth, four other top junior and senior Zimbabwean riders — Daiyaan Manuel, Tristan Grainger, Ashley Thixton and Jayden Ashwell — will also be in action in the final round of the South African Nationals at Dirt Bronco on Saturday although they are all out of the running for the titles of the different classes that they will be competing in.

Manuel missed a large chunk of this year’s South African National events, but he has entered to race in the 85cc Pro Mini Class on Saturday and will be joined on the track by Grainger who will also be back racing in the 125cc High School Class.

The country’s former champion rider Thixton has entered to race in two classes at Dirt Bronco on Saturday. He will first do battle in the MX2 Class before he joins fellow Zimbabwean Ashwell in the main MX1 Class.

Unlike Manuel, Grainger and Thixton, South Africa-based Ashwell has competed in the first six rounds of this year’s South African Nationals and he takes to the track at Dirt Bronco on Saturday lying in fourth place in the MX1 Class in which he has amassed 217 points, but he is well off the points leader Caleb Tennant of South Africa who is sitting pretty at the top of the standings with 267 points, 16 ahead of second-placed fellow South African David Goosen.

Another top senior South African rider is Tristan Purdon is lying in third place in the MX1 Class with 243 points.

This means unlike Ashwell, Goosen and Purdon still have something to fight for on Saturday as they will be out to snatch the MX1 Class title from under Tennant’s nose.

The post Bako, Wasmuth hope for a miracle appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

LEG-SPINNER Brandon Mavuta and all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams have all secured contracts to play in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa in November and December.

Both Williams and Raza were picked up by Tshwane Spartans, Williams securing R350 000 ($ 24 500) while Raza earned R100 000 ($7 000).

They will join a strong line-up that also includes AB de Villiers, Eoin Morgan, Lungi Ngidi and Dean Elgar.

Mavuta will join Durban Heat for the league, which runs from 16 November to 16 December and includes 32 games in total. The 21-year-old Mavuta picked up a R180 000 deal and will allow his team the cover of a second leg-spinning option, when Rashid Khan is away at the Abu Dhabi T10 League, from 23 November to 2 December.

The three Zimbabweans were part of a group of 11 who were included in the MSL player draft, among 342 international and South African cricketers vying for 96 spots in the six league teams.

Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire, Tendai Chisoro, Chris Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Kyle Jarvis and Neville Madziva had also thrown their names into the hat. Surprisingly, Taylor went unpicked, but he will be part of the Abu Dhabi T10 League that overlaps with the MSL.

As is becoming the norm worldwide T20 league cricket has become increasingly important to Zimbabwe’s cricketers, who don’t play as often as their international colleagues. This year, Raza was also at the Global T20 Canada and played an important role for Paktia Panthers in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) before joining the Zimbabwe squad on tour in Bangladesh.

He is also due to take part in Nepal’s Everest Premier League, playing for Kathmandu Kings XI, in December.

The post Zim trio get Mzansi gigs appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

MONACO. — The governing body of track and field will not apply rules to limit natural testosterone levels in female runners until the Court of Arbitration for Sport concludes an appeal case brought by South Africa’s Olympic champion Caster Semenya.

The IAAF said on Tuesday it agreed to postpone the intended November 1 start for eligibility rules until CAS gives a verdict “expected on or before” March 26.

That target date is six months and two days before the start of the 2019 world championships in Doha, Qatar.

If the IAAF’s rules for athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) are upheld by the court, female runners will be forced to medicate to reduce their testosterone levels for six months before racing internationally from 400m through the mile.

Semenya is the current 800m world champion and a likely favourite for a fourth world title to add to her two Olympic gold medals. She also took bronze in the 1 500m at the 2017 worlds in London. The IAAF expects a February appeal hearing for Semenya, who could have sought an interim ruling from CAS to freeze the rules if the track body pressed ahead with its planned start date.

“The IAAF remains very confident of the legal, scientific, and ethical bases for the regulations, and therefore fully expects the Court of Arbitration for Sport to reject these challenges,” the Monaco-based organisation said.

The revised timetable could wreck the outdoor track season for Semenya and other runners with high natural testosterone levels who do not opt to begin medicating before the verdict.

If Semenya’s appeal is dismissed, she would be ineligible for the entire circuit of top-tier Diamond League meetings, which run from May to September.

The IAAF said it was ready to “receive biological results from individual athletes with DSDs.”

“Athletes wishing to begin their six-month period sooner than the end of March should contact me directly,” health and science director Stephane Bermon said in an IAAF statement.

The post Semenya ruling deferred appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe cricket team are expected to warm up for their upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh when they face the BCB XI in a limited overs game tomorrow.

The Chevrons arrived in Bangladesh on Tuesday following a disappointing tour of South Africa where they faced an ODI whitewash and a 2-0 defeat in the T20 Internationals.

They are expected to play Bangladesh in a three-match ODI and two-match Test series.

Experienced batsman Hamilton Masakadza, who retained the captaincy in all formats against South Africa, will also lead the touring Zimbabwe team that is expected to be joined by John Nyumbu and Cephas Zhuwao for the ODIs and later Brian Chari and Regis Chakabva for the Tests.

The day-night ODI series will begin this Sunday at the Sher-e- Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur while the remaining ODIs will be played on October 24 and 26 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

The two-match Test series will begin on November 3 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium while the second and last Test will begin on November 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The Zimbabwe team is expected to warm up for the ODI series against the local selections tomorrow in Savar.

Fresh face Mohor Sheikh, who is just one first-class match old, was picked in the BCB XI. The BCB XI squad also contains three other young fast bowlers — Yeasin Arafat, Ebadat Chowdhury and Saifuddin — and just the one specialist spinner in Nayeem Hasan.

The Bangladesh team management will also get a final look at Test hopeful Mizanur Rahman and uncapped Fazle Mahmud, who was picked for the ODI series against Zimbabwe.

Mahmud is set for his ODI debut in the first game against Zimbabwe on Sunday while Mizanur, who has already made two first-class centuries in the first two matches this season, will also treat this like an audition, as he is being discussed among the national selectors and team management as a possible replacement for Tamim for the two Tests against Zimbabwe.

The match is also a chance for Ariful Haque and Mohammad Saifuddin, both in the ODI squad, to show their utility, although selector Habibul Bashar has recently said that they are more focused on a pace-bowling allrounder, which makes Saifuddin a more likely consideration.

Zimbabwe ODI squad:

Hamilton Masakadza (capt), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, John Nyumbu, Wellington Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Tendai Chatara and Cephas Zhuwao

Bangladesh Squad:

Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider Rony, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Saifuddin, Fazle Mahmud, Imrul Kayes

The post Chevrons prepare for Bangladesh appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

LONDON. — Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is likely to return to football management in January, but doesn’t yet know where he is headed.

The Frenchman left the Gunners at the end of last season, after a 22-year reign, and has been without a club since.

However, the 68-year-old now seems eager to get back into coaching.

“Yes, it looks like it,” Wenger told Sport Bild when asked if he will return to management.

“I believe that (I’ll) start again on January 1. I don’t know yet (where I’m headed). I am rested, and I am ready to work again.”

He added: “There are associations, national teams; it could be also (in) Japan,” Wenger said.

“Thanks to my 22 years at Arsenal, I have big experience on different levels. There are enquiries from all over the world.”

Reports have linked Wenger with a move to Bayern Munich, where Niko Kovac is enduring a difficult run of results, but he stated that the Bavarians should stick with their current manager.

Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson says he is starting to enjoy himself at Hoffenheim after a slow start at the Bundesliga club.

The 18-year-old joined manager Julian Nagelsmann’s side on loan from the Gunners at the end of August but was not selected in the matchday squad for their league opener against Freiburg.

However, he came off the bench against Dusseldorf in their second Bundesliga game of the season and scored a consolation goal in the 2-1 defeat, before bagging his second goal for Hoffenheim against Eintracht Frankfurt, in another 2-1 loss.

“It was a rocky start, but now I’m getting a few minutes here and there and scoring, so I’m happy,” Nelson told the press. Nelson also started his first England Under-21 game on Tuesday against Scotland, after coming off the bench in his debut against Andorra, and capped off the performance with a goal from a free-kick that helped England to a 2-0 victory.

He added: “When we were given the free-kick, my eyes lit up and I knew it was time. Luckily, it went in the top corner, so I’m all smiles now.”

The post Wenger hints on return to football management appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

LONDON. — Zimbabwe-born British heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora has named former rival David Haye as his new manager.

Haye knocked Chisora out in a 2012 grudge match after they notoriously brawled at a Press conference, but having retired from the ring, will act on behalf of his one-time nemesis with negotiations ongoing for a rematch against Dillian Whyte on December 22.

“This is a project. A tough project, and one that I had to think long and hard about,” said Haye, who confirmed Chisora as his newest addition to the Hayemaker boxing stable.

“I had to think: ‘do I want this task?’ No disrespect, but Dereck is not the easiest to work with!

“I am positive he can get results. He hasn’t fulfilled his potential yet. Imagine if he goes into a fight in prime condition. Imagine if he stands on the scales and you see someone that you’ve never seen before. He needs his food cooked, to rest during the day, to be in a real camp. Give it nine or 10 weeks and you will see something special.”

Chisora explained about approaching Haye: “We had lunch. We spoke. He played hard to get! He said: ‘let me think about it’, but he was already hooked.

“He said: ‘let’s do it’.

“Every time I have lost, I have rebuilt myself. I saw how David did it for himself and I want to do it myself.”

Heavyweight contender Chisora, who was born in Zimbabwe in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mbare and relocated to England to join his mum when he was 16, is now 34, but in his most recent fight against Carlos Takam in July, he enjoyed a career-best moment with a come-from-behind knockout win.

Whyte won against Joseph Parker on the same night and a second fight with Chisora, who he beat by split decision in December 2016, has been in negotiations ever since.

“Going back a little while, I thought Chisora was washed-up,” said Haye.

“Going into the Carlos Takam fight, I thought that was the hardest possible fight for him.

“Takam is a former sparring partner of mine and I thought he would beat Chisora up.

“I was more than surprised. I was shocked at the heart, aggression and will to win that Dereck showed.

“After he pulled off a spectacular victory (in a fight) that I didn’t think he had a chance in, I had a newfound respect.”

Chisora added: “On the day that Dave wrote me off, he became a fan.”

The post Chisora hooks up with Haye appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
WARRIORS goalkeeper George Chigova is set to undergo a scan to ascertain the extent of the knee injury he suffered during Tuesday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium.

The 27-year-old Polokwane City man limped out in great pain after playing only 30 minutes of the top-of-the-table clash which ended 1-1.

Chigova had shown signs of discomfort earlier in the game when he went down twice and was attended to by the Warriors’ medical team.

But the knock had taken a toll on him and coach Sunday Chidzambwa had to replace Chigova with another experienced goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda, who also had a good game between the sticks.

“I twisted my knee. I tried to play on, but then I couldn’t continue. So I called to be substituted. I will have to have a scan and see if there are no damaged ligaments.

“Hopefully it’s not serious,” said Chigova.

Team manager Wellington Mpandare yesterday said they have since been in contact with the doctors in South Africa for the MRI scan.

Chigova, who has since reclaimed the Warriors number one jersey, has been in good form for both club and country of late.

The giant goalkeeper believes the Warriors have made huge strides in Group G where they lead the table with eight points from four starts.

The former Dynamos goalkeeper played a critical role in the reverse fixture in Kinshasa where the Warriors upstaged the fancied Leopards 2-1 before a packed Stade de Martyrs on Saturday night.

As the Warriors sought to seal their qualification they suffered their second blow of the night with their No. 1 lasting only half an hour.

The host had during warm-up also lost Danny Phiri due to injury.

On paper, DRC, who are ranked third in Africa were expected to steamroll past the Warriors in the back-to-back clashes.

But the Warriors who are 27 places down the ladder on the continental rankings and 117th in the world defied that disparity and secured four points against the fancied Central Africans.

The results should also help Sunday Chidzambwa’s men climb up the next FIFA rankings when the October statistics are factored in next Thursday.

Chigova acknowledged that the Warriors had been the underdogs in their matches against the Congolese

“No one gave us a chance against DRC. We were playing a team that is third on African rankings, but as players we believed in ourselves to do the job and I am sure we did our best to make the country proud.

“However, we have to continue working hard. This is just the foundation that we laid. I believe everything is going well for us and we want to continue like that and wrap it up next month when we play Liberia.

“We are closer to qualification and it’s important to take each game as it comes,” said Chigova.

The giant goalkeeper also hailed the ZIFA leadership for their efforts to keep the team as a unit by taking every opportunity to arrange games.

The majority in this group featured at the 2018 COSAFA Cup tournaments and also played several friendlies that include the four-team tournament hosted by Zambia earlier this year.

The games were used by Chidzambwa to take stock of the players after he was given the job on a full-time basis late last year with a mandate to guide the Warriors to the 2019 Nations Cup.

“Yeah it helped us to gel as a team and to understand each other. We need to meet and play together quite often,” said Chigova.

The post Chigova set for MRI scan appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Petros Kausiyo and Eddie Chikamhi
AFTER being ravaged by injuries in the last month, the Warriors camp has now had to deal with a new scourge, that of suspensions with England-based defender Tendayi Darikwa being the latest casualty.

Darikwa who has had a brilliant start to his Warriors career, quickly settling down in the right-back position, has been ruled out of the penultimate Group G qualifier, which is an away trip to Liberia in Monrovia.

The Nottingham Forest defender has picked two yellow cards in as many matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo, making him ineligible for the tie in Monrovia. He was booked in the Warriors’ 2-1 triumph in Kinshasa and saw yellow again in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at the National Sports Stadium where Khama Billiat’s opening minute strike and Teenage Hadebe’s own goal 22 minutes later decided the game.

Darikwa played the entire games in the clashes against the Leopards and not only caught the eyes of his coach Sunday Chidzambwa, but endeared himself with the fans.

Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said Darikwa had received his second yellow card at the National Sports Stadium after being “controversially booked’’ in Kinshasa.

“Darikwa was surprisingly booked for seeking clarification from the referee on why he had shown Knowledge a yellow card for celebrating his goal.

“So he will now be out of the game away to Liberia. But we will also be having Knowledge and Alec Mudimu back from suspensions,’’ Mpandare said.

As the Warriors returned to their bases for club duties, Mpandare was not resting on his laurels with the enterprising manger resuming his battle to help more of the “British Brigade’’ secure their passports before the trip to Monrovia.

The Warriors need a point from their last two games against Liberia (away) and Congo at home to be absolute about their place at the Nations Cup finals in Cameroon next June.

Mpandare however, said they were not taking any chances and were looking to have their side boosted by the returns of injury casualties Tinotenda Kadewere, Divine Lunga and Evans Rusike.

Gritty midfielder Danny Phiri was also pulled out at the last minute after picking a knock during warm-up for Tuesday’s game while the extent of the injury to goalkeeper George Chigova is yet to be ascertained after he played for only 30 minutes before he was taken off following a knee injury.

Mpandare, however, said they were expecting more good news in the coming weeks as most of the injured players have made progress.

“We are hoping that Evans and Tino will be back for the Liberia game. I spoke to Tino and he said he has already started training and he confirmed he should be okay by that time.

“We are also hoping for more good news from England where Macaulay Bonne could be the next player after Darikwa to join Zimbabwe national team.

“I got in touch with him when we were in DRC and he now has his papers in order and what is left is to submit to the relevant authorities to make him eligible for Zimbabwe. The passport office is willing to assist.

“The Registrar-general’s office is also working on a plan to assist Kelly Lunga in Germany,” said Mpandare.

While Mpandare is working on securing the players passports, ZIFA are exploring the possibility of chartering a plane to fly the Warriors to Monrovia.

ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda said they were eager to have the qualification job sealed by the time the Warriors play their final game at home against Congo.

With eight points in the bag and three clear of second placed DRC, the Warriors now need a point from the remaining two games to confirm their place at next year’s finals.

“As ZIFA, and indeed the whole nation, we want to qualify for the 2019 AFCON finals in Cameroon. It’s something that we are looking forward to because I believe we are in the right track.

“We are so grateful to have a group of players like our Warriors, a group of players who believe in themselves.

They are so united and these guys really play with their nation at heart. They have demonstrated that in every game they have played.

“Now we have to go to Liberia to finish off the campaign. The dream is getting closer and closer and we can do it again with a game to spare like we did the last time. “The plans for that important trip to Liberia are already in place. The good news to our supporters is that we may have a charter plane to Liberia and those who would want to go should start preparing now because we are only a few weeks away. Details will be availed to the public once everything is in place,” said Sibanda.

Sibanda hailed the strong crowd that thronged the giant stadium to back the Warriors in their quest. The supporters made a strong presence but ZIFA could have been prejudiced of income as restless supporters broke into the stadium because of poor management of the gates.

ZIFA needed at least $500 000 to cover the costs of the back to back encounters.

Sibanda said the Finance Committee will have a review meeting today to ascertain the attendance figures.

“We want to thank the supporters for rallying behind the Warriors. It’s not always easy playing a team like the DRC, who have world stars in their squad, but because of unity of purpose we managed to get a result.

“The Finance Committee will have a post-mortem of the match tomorrow (today) and then give details,” said Sibanda.

The Warriors have had some encouraging statistics from their four matches in this campaign where they have scored in every outing since the first assignment against Liberia last year which ended in a 3-0 home win. Even in the matches that ended in the share of the spoils, Zimbabwe have scored first in every game and have not gone behind their opponents in all the games. They also remain the only team unbeaten in Group G with two wins and two draws. The Warriors have scored seven goals and conceded three.

The post DARIKWA BLOW FOR WARRIORS . . . Nottingham Forest defender out of Lieria tie . . . More stars to return from injury, suspension appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
EVERY campaign, in football as in politics, has its defining moment when time appears to stand still, frozen by a giant wave of expectations and crippled by fear of failure. When a nation gets weighed down by the relentless pressure that comes with facing the seemingly immovable object.

And a group of athletes are tormented by the ghosts of rejection, and the demons of psychological paralysis, which could inevitably creep in should things not go according to plan.

Where triumph defines the rest of the campaign, amplifies the levels of confidence and sets the stage for the eventual success story to be scripted.

And, celebrated, when the curtain finally comes down on this adventure.
For the Dream Team, that defining moment came in an explosive and volatile away test against the Pharaohs one wild night in Cairo a quarter-of-a-century ago.

Before 120 000 fans, Reinhard Fabisch and his men had everything thrown at them — including a storm of flying missiles — in a game they eventually lost 1-2 under a cloud of controversy.

FIFA, to their eternal credit, refused to be frog-marched into endorsing the result of that match and ruled the conditions inside the stadium made it impossible for a fair outcome to emerge from the contest.

It led to the nullification of that result, and an order for a replay in neutral French soil, in Lyon, where those Warriors certainly came of age as they held out for a draw.

From there, they marched to eventually knock on the doors of a place at the FIFA World Cup finals — the only time we have come within winning just one game and qualifying for this ultimate global football showcase.

Twenty five years later, another generation of Warriors — possibly not as good as the Dream Team, probably not as strong as Fabisch’s men and certainly not as talented as that machine the German coach assembled — have just faced and passed their defining moment.

It came in the form of two brutal back-to-back battles against a very strong Democratic Republic of Congo side which severely tested them that, by the end of the second match in Harare, they were just hanging on the ropes and clinging to the dividend in their pockets.

Over 180 minutes reputations, as in the case of Tendai Darikwa, were built, character, as in the case of Marshal Munetsi, was shown, and a remarkable indomitable spirit, as in the case of the entire team, was displayed.

Four points from a possible six, including a rare away victory for them in Kinshasa where they lost their influential captain to a red card, and a draw at home in which they were conned of a valid goal by questionable referees, was the kind of stuff that defines excellence.

Of course, there will be regrets, like the shambolic own goal they conceded at home, the chances they didn’t take and the poor passages of play which characterised that match on Tuesday night where they played second fiddle for many minutes.

But only the devil and his advocates will ignore the damage inflicted on them by the absence of key players, through injury and suspension, including an influential skipper who is the heart and soul of this team.

Or the damage inflicted by that diabolical call to rule that Khama Billiat had strayed offside, on his way to providing an assist to Knox Mutizwa, given a second goal would have ended this contest.

On another day, and another referee, they would also have got a penalty while the quality of the opposition — who sent into battle a front-line worth more than $100 million — should also be taken into account.

This was certainly a point which carried its weight in gold and provided further confirmation of their rapid transformation of these Warriors into never-say-die fighters who now deservedly stand on the threshold of another AFCON finals dance.

The standing ovation they received from their fans, at the end of a feisty contest on Tuesday night, told the powerful story of a blooming romance between the players and supporters who have bonded into a unit in this remarkable journey.

There have been days when such a home draw would have attracted a lukewarm response, and even the toxic negativity of some boos, at a stadium where fans expect the Warriors to always win, irrespective of the quality of the opposition.

Not this one, of course, because there was an appreciation for the shift the boys put despite the absence of some key personnel and the challenges of playing such two tough matches inside four days.

Now, these Warriors stand on the threshold of another AFCON finals dance and all they need is just a point in their final two matches to guarantee that.

Interestingly, they could even lose both matches and, should the DRC win their remaining two games, the Warriors will still march to Cameroon.

Considering they have been without Nyasha Mushekwi, Costa Nhamoinesu, Billiat didn’t play in the first game, Musona was sent off in the third game and missed the fourth, this has been remarkable.

And that Danny Phiri limped out just before the match on Tuesday, Nakamba only returned for the DRC matches and Tino Kadewere remains sidelined, this has been quite an achievement.

In those three hours of two titanic back-to-back battles in Kinshasa and Harare — one on an artificial surface and the other on natural grass — these Warriors faced their defining moment and came of age.

The post THREE HOURS OF HELL appeared first on Zimbabwe Today.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS are badly handicapped ahead of the resumption of their relegation fight with some key players missing for their Castle Lager Premiership battle against army side Black Rhinos at Rufaro on Sunday. The Glamour Boys are likely to march into combat without almost half a dozen regular players, mostly defenders, as injuries and suspensions take a huge toll on interim coach Lloyd Chigowe’s efforts to rescue the team from relegation.

Central defenders Godfrey Mukambi and James Marufu are suspended after amassing three yellow cards each while Phakamani Dube, who has been one of their outstanding players in defence, remains doubtful after missing training this week due to sickness.

Another defender Jimmy Tigere was also conspicuous by his absence at yesterday’s training as he has reportedly accompanied his wife, who is not feeling well, abroad to seek medical treatment.

Their captain Ocean Mushure is still AWOL. Midfielder Denver Mukamba has since resumed training but was also reported to be struggling with a hamstring injury.

But Chigowe yesterday said DeMbare are up for the task. The lanky coach also said Dynamos supporters should continue supporting his efforts as he believes he cannot achieve the goal alone despite making a promising start into the job.
Dynamos last week moved from the relegation zone and took a two-point cushion after beating old rivals CAPS United 2-1 in the rescheduled Harare Derby at Rufaro.

The win ended a five-match barren run and Chigowe is confident the giants will not sink, with five games remaining.
“I just want to disown the statement that I am a Messiah. I cannot be equated to Jesus Christ. He was too holy. Obviously I have got a job to do and I believe I can do it. Of course, there is also need for Divine intervention.

“But going forward Rhinos are tricky opponents. We are trying as best as possible to come out with the best combinations under the circumstances because we have got some suspensions that have affected our team.

“Two of our key players Godfrey Mukambi and James Marufu are suspended for this game and, as it were, we were already depleted given the absence of Ocean Mushure and some of the injuries we already have.

“Phakamani is critically ill. He has not been able to train this whole week and we have to make an adjustment about that one. But it is now for the other guys who will be called up to show that they are really made to be Dynamos players.

“Denver is training, he also has a hamstring challenge and we have rested him for today’s (yesterday) training. Hopefully by tomorrow (today) he might have recovered.

“Whether he starts or not, it will depend on his physical condition. But in our state now we will accommodate anyone because we are depleted.

“Having said that, we have registered more than 20 players. We should be able to put up a team that will compete and fight with pride and honour.

“I think Rhinos, if they are lucky, might be the only team lucky to face a depleted Dynamos otherwise after this it will be guns blazing against any other opponent coming our way,” said Chigowe.

DeMbare are fighting on two fronts, as they are also set to go in the hat this afternoon for the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final draw.

They made it to the last four along with Triangle, CAPS United and defending champions Harare City.
While their main aim is to survive the chop, DeMbare are also keen to finish with a consolation silverware.

“It’s tricky Harare City, they edged us home and away in our league encounters. Triangle gave us a torrid time when we went to Gibbo and CAPS United will be itching for revenge so we will accept whatever comes out of the draw and prepare thoroughly,” said Chigowe.

Their opponents Black Rhinos will also be without their captain Bruce Homora who is also suspended this week because of yellow cards.

Also suspended this weekend is Mutare City goalkeeper Alfred Chiname, Humphrey Ncube, Tatenda Tavengwa (both Bulawayo City), Washington Kahuni, Peter Muzondo (both Shabanie Mine) and the CAPS United duo of Joel Ngodzo and Justice Jangano.

Fixtures:
Tomorrow: ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chapungu (Baobab), Nichrut v FC Platinum (Ascot), Chicken Inn v Bulawayo Chiefs (Luveve).

Sunday: Mutare City Rovers v Yadah (Vengere), Dynamos v Black Rhinos (Rufaro), Triangle United v Herentals (Gibbo), Highlanders v Bulawayo City (Barbourfields), Shabanie Mine v Harare City (Maglas).

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Mukudzei Chingwere Sports Reporter
RELEGATION candidates Chapungu go into their match against title-chasing Ngezi Platinum Stars unsure of what to expect at Baobab tomorrow following the recent technical changes that saw coach Tonderai Ndiraya falling by the wayside.

Ngezi will start life without Ndiraya following his shocking departure from the Mhondoro-based miners and the interim coach Clifton Kadurira is tasked to take charge of their last five games.

Chapungu gaffer Rodwell Dhlakama said the tactical changes which will come with the new coach will leave him with his work cut out in blind anticipation of what to expect from the opponent.

The second-placed Mhondoro miners are the only side still with a realistic chance of challenging leaders FC Platinum for the league’s ultimate prize.

They are five points behind the pacesetters with as many games to play and will be consoled by the fact that they still have to play FC Platinum leaving them with a realistic chance of piping the defending champions. On their part Chapungu are still not yet safe from the dreaded chop with just a point above the relegation zone and a defeat might see them finish the weekend in the drop zone. “When a team changes a coach you expect three things, you expect them to improve, to maintain the way they have been playing or a dip in form, so we are not sure what to expect.
“We do not have the knowledge of how they will play so we just go into the game prepared for anything,” he said.

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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
ONE of Zimbabwe’s top junior motocross riders Regan Wasmuth is set to take a giant leap towards his dreams of becoming a fully-fledged professional rider when he joins fellow Zimbabwean biker Tanya Muzinda at the 47th edition of the annual Thor Winter Olympics Supercross and Motocross Championships in Florida, United States next month.

The Thor Winter Olympics is presented by Pro Circuit and is one of the premier amateur motocross racing events in the United States as it brings together riders from all over the world.

Riders battle for six days to be crowned Olympiad Champion. It is also a part of the American Motocross Championship Majors — an alliance made up of an elite group of race organisers that host premier amateur and professional motocross events in the United States.

This exciting event is held annually in November at Florida’s Gatorback Cycle Park, which is known for its mix of hard pack and sand, natural elevation changes and other obstacles.

This year’s Thor Winter Olympics Supercross and Motocross Championships are scheduled to run from November 19 to 24 and they will be graced by two of Zimbabwe’s top male and female riders Wasmuth (17) and Muzinda (14).

Wasmuth’s father, Warren, yesterday told The Herald that his son was recently invited by top American motocross coach Shannon Niday to compete at this year’s Thor Winter Olympics Supercross and Motocross Championships in Florida.

Warren said this will be Regan’s last chance to compete overseas as a junior rider as he will be moving up to race in the seniors MX2 or MX1 Class next year.

And Regan will wave goodbye to the junior ranks when he competes in next month’s Thor Winter Olympics Supercross and Motocross Championships in Florida where he will be joined by the poster-girl of local motocross — Tanya Muzinda.

Muzinda recently received her visa from the American Embassy in Harare and this will pave the way for her to compete at the 2018 Thor Winter Olympics Supercross and Motocross Championships in Florida next month.

Muzinda was recently invited by organisers of the race, Unlimited Sports MX, through their president Wyn Kern.
She will be accompanied to the United States by her father/trainer Tawanda and mother Adiyon.

Her two-month stay in the United States is being facilitated by her international manager Stefy Bau, a three-time World Women’s Motocross Champion from Italy.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
DARK horses Triangle United are not worried about who they will face when the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final draw is conducted in Harare today. Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro said yesterday his charges would be ready for any of CAPS United, Dynamos or Harare City with who they will go into the hat for the last four fixtures of the country’s only knock-out competition.

Winning the Chibuku Super Cup also comes with a ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup and Triangle are the only team from outside Harare who are still in the running for the silverware.
Triangle accounted for the Midlands pair of Shabanie and Nichrut on their way to the semi-final.

Their 5-1 demolition of Nichrut in the quarter-final was a huge statement of their intentions in this competition.
“We are looking forward to the draw and we are prepared to face any opponent. To be in the semi-finals means the teams are equally competent and they are doing well.

“As a team we are doing well this season as the league progress can show as well. We will take on anyone who we will be drawn against.

“The players are looking forward for a better outing this time around after we failed to pass through the first huddle last year,” said Mangwiro.

Two-time winners Harare City will also be fancying their chances of getting a third title if their form in the Premiership is anything to go by.

The Sunshine Boys have reached the last four stage in every edition since the tournament was reintroduced in 2014 and forward William Manondo has somehow always reserved his best for the Chibuku Super cup. Manondo has also started well in this year’s competition.

Ailing giants Dynamos, runners-up in 2015 when they lost 2-1 to Harare City, have sought to use this tourney to make up for a relegation-threatened Premiership campaign.

CAPS United are also desperate to avoid a second trophy-less season by winning the Chibuku Cup and appease their fans.

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LONDON. — Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s “it’s not about me” comment after his team’s thrilling comeback win over Newcastle United is unlikely to be heeded tomorrow when he returns to his former club Chelsea.

Mourinho’s words, spoken after United fans chanted his name in appreciation of the 3-2 victory, may have reflected a weariness at the constant focus on his position at Old Trafford, but the spotlight will unavoidably be on the Portuguese again.

The manner of United’s win, with three goals in the final 20 minutes of all-out attacking football, has raised the question of whether he will embrace a more positive style of play. — Reuters.

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DHAKA. — The last time Zimbabwe won an ODI cricket match against Bangladesh was in May 2013, and the last time they beat the Tigers in an ODI in Bangladesh was in December 2010. Having lost the last 10 contests between the sides and coming off a winless tour of South Africa, it may seem that there is little reason for Zimbabwe skipper Hamilton Masakadza to be optimistic.

However, the Zimbabwe team were in high spirits as they had their first practice session of the tour at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday, ahead of the three-match ODI series set to start this Sunday.

“It is a very important series. We’ve played a lot against each other; it’s always been competitive and I expect it to be competitive this time around as well,” Masakadza said.

A cricketing culture perennially in turmoil because of conflict between the board and the players, Zimbabwe do have the benefit this time of having a lot of players back in their ranks, including star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who was out of the picture for a while because of a contract dispute.

“(Raza is) obviously a big inclusion to the team. It adds a lot of value. (He) bowls and bats and is also a very good fielder.”
One other thing in their favour will be that Bangladesh have to play without two of their biggest stalwarts in Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, both of whom will miss the series due to injury.

“Obviously those are two very big players for Bangladesh who have performed for them for quite a long time,” Masakadza said.

“But Bangladesh have a lot of players; they’ve obviously got a few replacements waiting, so I don’t think it will take too much out of them.”

“I believe we have the personnel to do the job. We’ve got good youngsters that are coming through and good experience.
“I think we definitely have the team to be able to win games here.”

Zimbabwe are experiencing a torrid 2018 and they were trounced 3-0 by South Africa in the recently concluded away series.
Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes, however, sees Zimbabwe as a tough opposition and expects them to come out firing, hinting that his side is not going to take the tourists lightly when the ODI series starts on Sunday.

“Zimbabwe have just come from South Africa and they got a beating. No team likes that. I expect a wounded animal, somebody who is going to be fighting for their lives. I expect a tough opposition. I think the kick back from the South Africa series could be that they turn it on against us.”

Bangladesh are missing two of their most important players in the form of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. Three of Shakib’s seven ODI tons have come against Zimbabwe, while Tamim and Shakib are also the Tigers’ top run-getters against Zimbabwe in ODIs.

Rhodes knows that two of their most important players are missing in action and talked about being “guarded” against a Zimbabwe onslaught while also saying that it will be an opportunity for two other cricketers to make their mark and stake a claim for a place in the Tigers’ ODI line-up.

“We are very guarded, also very determined to play our best cricket. We know we are two players light. Two good players. It will be an opportunity for two others.

“Our approach has to be about making sure that we perform our duty out on the cricket field.
“If we do that, then we don’t have to worry about the opposition,” said Rhodes. — Daily Star.

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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
CHAMPION Tinotenda Ryan Gumbo is confident that he will successfully defend his title at the Givemore Marume Classic men’s physique category at Zimbabwe College of Music tomorrow.  Gumbo will take to the podium along with several athletes for the second edition of the Classic which is organised by veteran body-builder Givemore Marume.

He will have to contend with Blessing Sithole who is also making some progress ahead of the competition.
“I am ready for the contest and with only three days to go I think I have done my homework and I can safely say I am waiting for the big day. It has been long before I took to the podium and I will do it for the first time this year.

“I missed out on the Mr Zimbabwe Classic as I was not that prepared but the fact that I have a title to defend it forced me to be part of the Marume Classic.

“I have been working hard for the past ten weeks and I am happy for the support I have been getting from the Oxygen Gym located at Joina City who have been supportive.

“Credit should also go to Mr Zim Classic runner-up Gideon Teguru who is my training partner’’.
Gumbo will come to the podium with some additional kilos compared to last year and he said that is also giving him the much needed confidence.

“This year I am coming carrying 92kgs unlike last year when I was at 81kgs and that will give me both an edge and confidence. I had little time to train but I will pull up my socks I know the level of competition will be high,” said Gumbo.
The body-building contest was initially scheduled for August 4 earlier this year but was postponed due to the July 30 harmonised elections.

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JOHANNESBURG. — Athletics South Africa (ASA) has welcomed the decision by CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports) to postpone the implementation of the new IAAF classification rules for female athletes which were due to take effect from November 1, 2018.

ASA, who are challenging the IAAF on the new regulations at CAS, had also made an application to have them suspended pending the completion of the hearing by CAS of the appeal. — Sport24.

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DYNAMOS’ bid to survive relegation has been dealt a huge blow with at least five key players set to miss the Harare giants’ crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Black Rhinos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

The relegation-threatened side, who are desperate to win the match to continue pulling away from the drop zone, will be without Godfrey Mukambi and James Marufu due to suspension for picking yellow cards in previous matches.

Defender Jimmy Tigere is away in Dubai attending to his wife, who is set to undergo an operation in that country.
Injuries to Cleopas Kapupurika and Phakamani Dube have further decimated the squad, which remains without striking captain Ocean Mushure.

Although star forward Denver Mukamba has been attending training and was expected to play a part against army side Black Rhinos, having missed the last two matches for truancy, he is also on the treatment table with a hamstring injury and will have to pass a late fitness test.

Dynamos caretaker coach Lloyd Chigowe said their dressing room resembles a hospital ward but has challenged those available to deliver for the team.

“This is a must-win game for us like all the other upcoming assignments and we are giving it our best in terms of preparations. But we have a setback with some of our key players ruled out of the match due to different reasons,” Chigowe said.

“Naturally, these injuries and suspensions affect the rhythm of the team, but we have challenged those who are going to play to come to the party and deliver. They must show that they are worth to play for Dynamos,” he said.
The Dynamos gaffer, who maintains he can save the team from relegation, said they were expecting Munashe Kaseke who was signed during the transfer window after he returned from the United States to be cleared by the Premier Soccer League for him to play a part.

The good news in the squad is that the team’s vice-captain Obey Mwerahari and Brett Amidu have recovered from injuries and are expected to take part in the match.

Dynamos are two points above the relegation cut-off point, and are aware a defeat could see them sliding back into the relegation zone.

They are, however, going into the match with their confidence high following a 2-1 win over bitter city rivals Caps United, which helped ease pressure on them as they battle to stay afloat.

Black Rhinos have nothing to play for except pride as they are safe from relegation and have promised to be professional in their approach to this match. The army side have warned their more illustrious opponents a good run for their money.

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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE need to pick themselves up and fight to restore some form of pride when they face Bangladesh in the opening match of the One Day International series which begins tomorrow at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

The Chevrons, who have had a bad year in international cricket, will be playing their last competitive outing for 2018 in Bangladesh.

The team has not won a game in their last 10 ODIs with their last victory coming during the World Cup qualifier against Ireland when they hosted a 10-team jamboree back in March.

Zimbabwe go into the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on the back of a thorough beating by South Africa in their recent visit to the neighbouring country.

Their batting has been the biggest let down and the return of all-rounder Sikandar Raza could help boost the squad. Raza missed the tour of South Africa because of a contractual standoff with the authorities but has since been cleared and is available for selection.

Yet the Zimbabweans were yesterday left with more questions than answers after a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI crushed them by eight wickets in a practice match.

As has been the trend, the batting line-up crumbled against the Bangladeshi fringe players, crashing to an eight wicket defeat. Only two players — captain Hamilton Masakadza (102) and Elton Chibumbura (47) — managed double digit scores as the BCB XI’’s fast bowlers ran through their line-up, bowling them out for 178 in 45.2 overs.

Chigumbura shared a 124-run partnership with Masakadza for the sixth wicket after they had slipped to 47 for five in the 16th over.

Ebadat Hossain took five wickets for 19 runs and Mohammad Saifuddin who was recalled in the ODI side after nine months, picked three for 32.

The result meant Zimbabwe need to do their homework thoroughly before going into combat against the ever-improving Tigers, who still look strong despite missing key players Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal through injuries.

Zimbabwean pacer Kyle Jarvis told Cricbuzz that they are eyeing a comeback against Bangladesh after their disappointing series against South Africa.

“Yeah, it was a tough tour in South Africa but we came here with a positive mindset and we came here to win the games.

“And there are no Shakib or Tamim who are two big players for Bangladesh. So we are very positive going forward,” said Jarvis.

This will be the second time that Zimbabwe tour Bangladesh this year having already featured in tri-nation ODI series in January apart from having players involved in the Bangladesh Premier League.

“We have some guys who played BPL and we play every year (in Bangladesh). So, we definitely have a good chance but it is always tough as they are a very good team,” said Jarvis.

However, Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes said they are not going to look much into Zimbabwe’s poor form this year. The former England wicket-keeper expects the newcomers in his team to make the most of their chances against Zimbabwe in the absence of trusted lieutenants Al Hasan and Iqbal.

Bangladesh are coming from a successful stint having made the final of the Asia Cup 2018, where they lost to India only off the last ball.

That should make the Tigers the favourites but Rhodes remained cautious.

“Zimbabwe got a beating in South Africa. No team likes that. I expect a wounded animal. They will be fighting for their (pride) and I expect tough opposition.

“They may turn it on against us after the kickback from South Africa. We are very guarded but we are also very determined to try and play our best cricket,” he told the ICC website.

Part of Rhodes’ worry stems from the fact that Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, two of the team’s premier players, are out with injuries, though that also provides an opportunity for youngsters to make a mark.

One of the other senior players with a niggle is captain Mashrafe Mortaza, and Mohammad Saifuddin has been called up in case Mortaza can’t make it.

“We think Saifuddin is a very good all-rounder. He has the ability to perform at the highest level. He has had a taste of international cricket. He has gone away and came back into the team. We expect him to be more mature.

“Mashrafe has had his injuries. He picked up an injury recently. We need to think about keeping someone ready as his replacement. We want to give Saifuddin some cricket so that he can be prepared. I like his approach and attitude and he looks stronger,” said Rhodes.

Squads
Zimbabwe ODI squad: Hamilton Masakadza (capt), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, John Nyumbu, Wellington Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Tendai Chatara and Cephas Zhuwao

Bangladesh ODI Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider Rony, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Saifuddin, Fazle Mahmud, Imrul Kayes

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ZIFA have paid tribute to Zimbabwean fans for rallying behind the Warriors in their decisive African Cup of Nations showdown against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium on Tuesday where more than 30 000 supporters turned into the 12th man the team badly needed.

The association however, apologised to the multitude of fans who were affected by chaotic scenes that characterised the entry points and resulted in some breaking their way into the stadium.

ZIFA, who revealed that they grossed over $78 000 from the top-of-the-table Group G clash, also admitted they lost substantial revenue in the melee, but have vowed to draw some hard lessons from the scenes ahead of the Warriors final home qualifier against Congo.

A review meeting between ZIFA officials, their sub-committees, security sector officials and other stakeholders yesterday also agreed on the need to re-introduce the pre-sale tickets, but not before fool proof machines have been acquired to avoid being prejudiced by those who rush to produce fakes.

ZIFA communications and competitions manager Xolisani Gwesela issued a statement at the end of the review indaba where he also revealed that some rogue elements clad in Zimbabwe National Army regalia had been caught on camera.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to express sincere gratitude to all supporters who watched the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier match between the Warriors and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday night.

“We are humbled by your support. A total of 13 090 fans paid to watch the match and we collected a gross amount of $78 669,00.

“However, it is the organising committee’s contention that approximately over 30 000 were at the National Sports Stadium to watch the match.

“The association regrets the unfortunate crowd trouble and stampede which occurred at some entry points. We are very thankful that no life was lost.

“The match organisation committee which comprises all relevant stakeholders met on Friday, the 19th of October to introspect on what went wrong and to proffer solutions going into the future,’’ Gwesela said.

Gwesela also reiterated an earlier statement that had been made by the association’s boss Philip Chiyangwa in an interview on Capitalk 100.4 FM, where the ZIFA president while taking responsibility for the football organisation, noted that the soccer body was not entirely at fault for the delays experienced with clearing fans at the entry points.

“We would like to inform our beloved fans that gates were opened at 4pm, well ahead of the 7pm kick-off.

“Twenty-one gates were opened out of the 30 gates because the other nine were not functioning. We utilised all available payment methods which included card swipe machines, cash, and mobile money transfer (EcoCash). All payment points were clearly marked for supporters’ convenience.

“A total of 115 police officers were deployed and law enforcement agents also made arrangements for a reserve force. We had sufficient police officers, but the meeting noted that some delinquents displayed disrespectful behaviour towards the law enforcement agents.

“We also deployed stewards and private security guards.

“The meeting noted that all the roads leading to National

Sports Stadium were congested a few minutes before the match and about 80 percent of our beloved fans struggled to navigate the roads in order to arrive at the stadium before kick-off.

“The committee noted that about 20 percent of the expected fans were at the stadium when the match kicked off.”

Locals fans have a notorious culture of arriving for matches 30 minutes before kick-off, whether it is an afternoon encounter or a night game.

It was also a similar tale on Tuesday, with some being caught in the evening rush hour traffic jam that normally characterise Harare’s streets.

“It became very difficult to serve more than 20 000 fans at once as this is impossible with the current gates we have at the National Sports Stadium. We also experienced network and connectivity challenges at our payment points and this resulted in the slow processing of payments, which culminated in restlessness and crowd trouble.

“The meeting was informed that some rogue elements who were dressed in military uniforms and some unscrupulous stewards also caused mayhem and assisted fans to enter the stadium using undesignated points, demanding bribes in return

“In a bid to avert a stampede and curb loss of life, the committee also authorised that some gates be opened for fans to enter free of charge.

“We have visual evidence of the criminal behaviour displayed by rogue elements who were in military uniform and we will present it to relevant authorities for further action.

“Going forward, we endeavour to counter such scenarios by introducing pre-match ticket sales and availing adequate entry points.

“We would like to thank our security teams; the Zimbabwe Republic Police, stewards and Peace Security guards for diligently carrying out their duties and exercising minimum force even when there was crowd trouble.

“On that note, we would like to also encourage our beloved supporters to make their way to the stadium a little bit earlier to avoid the last-minute rush.

“All stakeholders were alive to the challenge and the possible fatalities when the crowd forced its way into the stadium. We are glad that no case of injury has been officially reported as at this moment.

“To avoid recurrence of Tuesday’s unfortunate events, all stakeholders involved in the organisation of national team matches have agreed to reactivate the Disaster Management Committee.

“The stadium authorities will endeavour to ensure that all gates are in good working order.

“We shall also conduct regular meetings to ensure that all is in order before matches.

“The committee recommended that all stewards to be employed during matches should be drawn from reputable security organisations and further vetted by the police.

“Once again, we would like to thank everyone who came to the stadium for the amazing support which helped the team get a favourable result towards our goal of AFCON qualification,’’ Gwesela said.

ZIFA also lauded Chidzambwa’s men for virtually securing their place at next year’s finals in Cameroon, with the Warriors now needing a point from their last two games to be absolute about their place.

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