Lizwe Sweswe

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
LOWLY placed Hwange and Tsholotsho FC have declared war on Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top of the table clubs FC Platinum and Caps United, who they face respectively this afternoon. Hwange and Tsholotsho believe they have nothing to lose and pressure will be on FC Platinum, who on top with 36 points and Caps United in second place. The coalminers visit Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane this afternoon confident of completing a double over championship favourites FC Platinum.

Hwange were the second team to beat FC Platinum this season, emerging 2-1 winners at the Colliery Stadium last month. The visitors’ coach Mebelo Njekwa said their intention is to collect maximum points and move up the ladder, but he’s aware the platinum miners will throw everything at them for victory to increase their lead.

“This will be a tightly contested game because we beat them in the first round and they obviously want a win. For them, it will be more of a revenge mission, and being championship favourites, they’re hard-pressed for victory, which they won’t get on a silver platter because we also want to move up the ladder. We’re trying to build consistency, meaning that we’re going to Zvishavane with high hopes of getting something positive,” said Njekwa.

Gift Mbweti, scorer of Hwange’s solitary goal against Tsholotsho on Sunday, is expected to start today’s match. The coalminers will be hoping goalkeeper Future Sibanda, youngsters Andrew Tandi and Pritchard Mphelele, veterans Obert Moyo, Gerald Ndlovu, Andrew Tshuma and Gilbert Zulu can lead them to victory.

Njekwa also spoke of the need to convert chances they create this afternoon. If they fail to make use of their chances, Hwange risk being punished by FC Platinum, whose never-say-die attitude saw them notching up a late 1-0 win over Bulawayo City at Barbourfields on Saturday.

The platinum miners are likely to give their mid-season signings utility player William Stima and strikers Charles Sibanda and Michael Kawashu game time against Hwange. Other players to watch include the Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis, centre-back Gift Bello, midfielders Nqobizitha Masuku, Winston Mhango, who has been a key figure, Walter Musona and Rodwell Chinyengetere.

At Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon, Tsholotsho will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways by springing a shocker against Caps United, who are bubbling with confidence following a 1-0 win over Highlanders in their last outing. Tsholotsho FC are licking wounds from a 0-1 away loss to Hwange. Lizwe Sweswe, the Tsholotsho coach, said they were ready for Caps United.

“It’s a tough game, but we’re prepared to get three points. We’re not bothered what they do because we’ve got different goals. They want to remain in the championship race and we want to get away from the relegation zone, which means it’s going to be an interesting match,” said Sweswe.

Goalkeeper Nickel Marichi, defenders MacClive Phiri, Nkosi Moyo, Thando Ncube and Spar Moyo will have to be attentive to thwart Caps United’s raids likely to be led by Dominic Chungwa, Tafadzwa Rusike and Simba Nhivi.

Champions Chicken Inn should brace for a tough encounter at Ngezi Platinum Stars, who are unbeaten in six games. Chicken Inn ended a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 home win over Harare City at the weekend.

Fixtures

Today: Border Strikers v Bulawayo City (Dulivhadzimu), Harare City v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chicken Inn (Baobab), Chapungu v Triangle United (Ascot), Tsholotsho FC v Caps United (Luveve), FC Platinum v Hwange (Mandava)

Tomorrow: Dynamos v How Mine (Rufaro), Highlanders v Mutare City Rovers (Barbourfields)

PSL Table

P W D L F A GD Pts

FC Platinum 16 11 3 2 19 7 12 36

Caps United 16 9 5 2 21 10 11 32

Highlanders 16 9 4 3 21 9 12 31

Dynamos 16 7 5 4 12 9 3 26

ZPC Kariba 16 6 6 4 14 11 3 24

Triangle United 16 6 6 4 13 13 0 24

Chicken Inn 16 6 4 6 16 11 5 22

Ngezi Platinum 16 6 4 6 16 16 0 22

Hwange 16 6 3 7 11 17 -6 21

Harare City 16 5 5 6 16 14 2 20

How Mine 16 4 8 4 15 14 1 20

Bulawayo City 16 5 5 6 12 14 -2 20

Chapungu 16 4 7 5 14 15 -1 19

Tsholotsho FC 16 3 3 10 10 17 -7 12

Mutare City 16 3 3 10 9 25 -16 12

Border Strikers 16 2 1 13 4 21 -17 7

— @ZililoR

*Please accept our apologies for the mistake that appeared on the PSL table in Monday and yesterday’s editions of the paper placing Highlanders second instead of Caps United. This was due to the erroneous use of an automated log template. The correct log table is as published above. — Editor

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
AMBITIOUS Tanzanian Premiership side Azam has improved its offer for the signature of Highlanders’ utility player Bruce Kangwa ahead of the Vodacom League kick-off on August 20. Kangwa’s manager George Deda said the Tanzanians had added $5,000 to the initial $25,000 offer they made to the Bulawayo giants for Kangwa’s signature. Bosso initially priced Kangwa at $50,000, but are believed to have climbed down to $40,000. However, the Tanzanians believe this is still too high for a player whose contract ends in December.

“I’m happy to say that we seem to be reaching an agreement. We’re getting somewhere in our negotiations. I hope both parties see the urgency in concluding these talks because the Tanzanian window will be closing soon, something which will heavily prejudice the player,” said Deda.

The player is also believed to be keen on joining the Tanzanians as the deal is lucrative to him. His signing on fees has been pegged at $20,000 plus a monthly salary of $5,000 and a winning bonus of $500.

“I’m hoping he plays a farewell game for Highlanders before he leaves. It’s only proper that way, but we need to grind out an agreement,” said Deda. Highlanders, drowning in debt, need to avoid a similar situation that saw Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo leaving as free agents two months after the club had turned down a $60,000 offer from AmaZulu. — @skhumoyo2000

Shadreck Mlauzi

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter—
OLYMPICS football debutants the Mighty Warriors go into today’s opening game as underdogs when they take on the physically imposing Germans in Group F, dubbed the tournament’s group of death. Group F features three teams in the world’s top 10 that all made it to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup. Germany are ranked second, Australia fifth and Canada 10th in the world, while the Mighty Warriors are ranked 93rd in the world.

The Mighty Warriors’ brave coach Shadreck Mlauzi has warned of a “shocker” if the Germans approach the match looking down upon them. The match will be at 11PM Zimbabwean time. Mlauzi is under no illusion about what they are up against tonight.

“We know that we are up against a team that’s very physical; they’ve very good height, are strong in the air, and because of the experience, they are most likely to dominate possession, so we will be more than happy to sit back, absorb pressure and hope to catch them on the break. But again it’s important that we be organised defensively,” said Mlauzi.

He said the international friendly they played against China on Friday gave them good exposure despite their 0-3 loss. While the Mighty Warriors lost their final practice match, Germany routed Ghana 11-0 as they sought experience playing African opponents ahead of tonight’s clash.

Mlauzi said they had been working on mentally reconditioning the girls to remove the fear factor when they take to the field.

“Obviously our girls, due to the nature of the opponents, will be a bit frightened, but we’re trying to work on confidence. We hope we will be able to put on a performance that will assist us in future. We hope to stand our ground and give the Germans a difficult match and at the same time if they’re not careful, we might cause a shocker here,” he said.

He is also aware of reality on the ground and wants everyone to accept and be prepared for any eventuality, largely because of the shoddy preparations the girls had, as the technical team’s strategic road map to Rio was totally ignored by Zifa.

“It’s obviously not going to be easy because it’s our first time being here. We’re trying to carve a good platform and gauge our state of women’s football. It’s quite a tall order, but we’re hoping the girls will come through and compete. It’s not about going up there and wanting to win the tournament because there is still a big gap between Africa and the rest of the world at the present moment,” Mlauzi said.

Zimbabwe’s second game is against Canada on Saturday followed by their final group game against Australia on August 9. — @skhumoyo2000

Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
Border Strikers 0-1 Byo City

BORDER Strikers yesterday suffered a third defeat at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in a match that was marred by match fixing allegations.

Bulawayo City assistant coach Farai Mujokoro was accused of bribing Border Strikers goal minder Talent Sande with $300 to let them win the game by five goals.

According to WhatsApp messages allegedly between Mujokoro and Sande, the money was supposed to be collected by Sande’s sister from Bulawayo City kit manager Gift Mvala.

However, Mvala walked into a trap before kick-off when he allegedly handed the money to Border Strikers treasurer Gift Jera, who was in the company of a woman posing as Sande’s sister.

The matter was reported to the police before kick-off, forcing Mujokoro to disappear from the stadium at halftime.

Mujokoro’s phone went unanswered when Chronicle Sport contacted him last night.

Sande said he was disturbed when Mujokoro approached him and he alerted his superiors, who then set a trap.

“I am still young and I want to build a career based on integrity. Such corrupt tendencies are destroying the game of football in the country. I hope authorities will deal decisively with this issue,” said Sande.

Emmanuel Mandiranga scored the solitary goal in the sixth minute that gave the visitors maximum points.

Bulawayo City coach Philani Ncube said he was unaware of the match fixing attempts, although the WhatsApp messages allegedly indicate that he gave Mujokoro the nod.

“I cannot comment on matters of hearsay that haven’t been brought to my attention,” said Ncube.

Zenzo Moyo, Bulawayo City vice-chairman, said police should investigate the allegations.

“As a team, we don’t tolerate match fixing. Football should be the winner and the responsible authorities should conduct investigations into the allegations.

“We are yet to get full details about the matter,” Moyo said.

Border Strikers secretary Rodlet Chigwinya said they were worried about the match fixing allegations.

“This is killing sport. We played the match fully aware of our opponents’ efforts to influence the result,” Chigwinya said.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
Tsholotsho 0-1 Caps United

A BIZARRE 50th minute decision by match officials that denied Tsholotsho a clear penalty following a handling incident inside the box by Caps United defender Dennis Dauda overshadowed the Harare side’s narrow win in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

Caps United scored in the 71st minute through their bulldozing Hwange-born striker Dominic Chungwa after a brilliant move started by Joel Ngodzo, who made a dazzling run outside the box and in the process drew the Tsholotsho defenders. Ngodzo then quickly laid the ball back to Valentine Musarurwa, who spotted the overlapping Hardlife Zvirekwi from the blind side. Zvirekwi sent in a hard and low grounder that Chungwa just pushed into the net.

However, Tsholotsho, whose game plan had worked for them, felt hard done by the 50th minute penalty denial.

An in-swinger came from the right side and in an effort to clear, Dauda handled with his outstretched arm. Gweru referee Thomas Masaa did not blow even when first assistant referee Melody Ncube flagged and continued to wave his flag to draw the attention of Masaa. Ncube then put his flag down just as Masaa was also turning to look at him. The two officials exchanged a thumbs up sign, much to the astonishment of fans.

“It could have been the turning point for us, but referees are human beings too that make mistakes,” said Tsholotsho assistant coach Xolani Mafikeni after the match.

Tsholotsho though could have scored in open play had their strikers, particularly Collins Dhuwa, been more composed in front of goal.

In the seventh minute, the wasteful Dhuwa’s tame and ill-advised shot from outside the box rolled weakly at Caps United goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda.

Two minutes later, Makepekepe almost opened the scoring after left-winger Valentine Bamusi dispatched a speculative and dipping shot that almost embarrassed Chang Mariyoni in goals for Tsholotsho.

The visitors continued to exert pressure on the home side’s defence with their best chance falling in the 14th minute.

Zvirekwi, who was playing on the right of defence, but used as an attacking link, released a long calculated pass to the onrushing Phineas Bamusi on the left side. Bamusi charged forward and delivered a low cross that a cluster of Tsholotsho defenders and Caps United forwards took turns to miss. The ball fell to an unmarked Moses Muchenje, whose grounder was cleared for a corner.

In the 23rd minute, Dhuwa was again presented with another chance to put Tsholotsho ahead, but his shot from inside the box gave Sibanda no problems following a move orchestrated by outstanding debutant Zimiseleni Moyo, who had a good game.

Four minutes before the breather, Moyo was again involved in another Tsholotsho attack that was again fluffed. The championship winning left footer with Zanaco of Zambia was at it again a minute before halftime when his industry saw a through ball being laid to Blessing Sibanda, who beat his marker for pace and placed the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda and it rolled goal wards.

Blessing somehow slowed down, probably thinking the ball was going straight in, but it changed direction and went out for a goal kick.

The second half was a rather dull affair except in the last 15 minutes when Caps United threw everything they had and it was from one of these raids that they grabbed the goal and with it maximum points.

“We told our guys to take the initiative in the second half as it was clear that Tsholotsho had a game plan which worked for them in the second half. We badly needed this result and I am glad we got it,” said Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe.

Teams

Tsholotsho: Chang Mariyoni, Maaclive Phiri, Nkosilathi Moyo, Spar Dube, Rodrick Mufudza, Zimiseleni Moyo, Ayanda Ncube (Nkosana Siwela 79th min) , Collins Dhuwa, Nixon Gama (Denford Chirwa 79th min), Blessing Sibanda (Nicholas Mundandishe 65th min) , Thandolwenkosi Ncube

Unused: Paul Ngwenya, Trust Nyabinde, Xolani Ndlovu, Godwin Saungweme

Caps United: Edmore Sibanda, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Valentine Musarurwa, Devon Chafa, Dennis Daudi, Moses Muchenje, Phineas Bamusi, Joel Ngodzo (Amon Kambanje 90 + 7 mins), Simba Nhivi, Dominic Chungwa (Kudzai Nyamupfukudza88th min) Stephen Makatuka

Unused subs: Jorum Muchambo, Carlton Munzabwa, Cabby Kamhapa, Zvikomborero Biseki

Results:

Chapungu 1-0 Triangle United, Tsholotsho 0-1 Caps United, FC Platinum 1-1 Hwange, Harare City 2-0 ZPC Kariba, Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-1 Chicken Inn, Border Strikers FC 0-1 Bulawayo City FC

Allen Khumalo Sports Reporter
THE South African women’s chess team won the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) chess tournament held at Hillside Teachers College yesterday.

The South Africans won the tournament with eleven match points; five points ahead of Zimbabwe who took second place. Zambia and Botswana were third and fourth respectively.

South African chess coach Remondo Solomons attributed the win to dedication and good preparation.

“It all started at home. Personally I think when one is coming to such tournaments, the homework should be done at home so that when you come here you are fully prepared, so if you are going to prepare, prepare at home,” said Solomons.

The preparations, Solomons said, were not only physical, but psychological.

“I said to them they know the theories they did at home and the trick was to be psychologically ready. If something goes wrong they have to act accordingly. In chess, we play with the clock and if you are going to ignore it, suddenly the clock becomes like an extra piece, so I told them that they should play their chess and manage time.”

South African captain Rachelle-Mari Voges said it was a tough tournament.

“It was a tough day because we played all three games in one day, but I am glad we gave our best shot and won,” Voges said.

Bulawayo Chess Association public relations director Russel Dzete said: “Generally the competition was stiff, except for the ladies section where South Africa won all their games with bigger margins. They did very well outclassing every team present.”

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND North will for the first time take part in the National Darts Association of Zimbabwe (Ndaz) national closed darts championships that begin in Gweru tomorrow.

The championships will be held at Thornhill High School up to August 9.

“This time around we are having debutants, Matabeleland North, who have confirmed participation and have already sent us their team lists with two men’s teams of seven players and a single ladies’ team of five players. We are encouraged as the Ndaz leadership because it now means all our 10 provinces now play darts,” said Ndaz president Meynard Moyo.

The Harare banker said 171 men and 63 ladies will battle it out for the various individual and team accolades that will be on offer.

Mashonaland West will be the team to beat in both the team and individual duels. They have one of the best players in the country veteran David Nyemba, who has managed to stand his ground against stiff challenges from other experienced players. Midlands has also been a force in the ladies section.

Moyo praised the professional behaviour exhibited by players during major tournaments, such as the Easter Holidays and Heroes championships.

“I must commend our players for the professionalism that they have been showing and hope that it continues that way. It is such behaviour that has seen us convince schools to come on board, as the game of darts is now in their curriculum,” said Moyo. — @skhumoyo2000

Sports Reporter
Ngezi Platinum 2-1 Chicken Inn

THE good times are certainly rolling at Ngezi Platinum.

Tonderai Ndiraya’s men continued with their purple patch when they overcame champions Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Baobab yesterday.

Ngezi are yet to taste defeat since Ndiraya arrived to replace Klifton “Somalia’’ Kadurira and yesterday’s victory helped them move three places up into fifth place with 25 points.

The hosts got their goals through last year’s Northern Region Division One Soccer Star Donald Teguru in the seventh minute and seasoned striker Washington Pakamisa in the 74th minute.

George Majika had replied one for the Gamecocks off a free-kick before former Caps United and Dynamos striker Pakamisa sealed victory for the miners.

Ndiraya who has also boosted his team by bringing on board some of the experienced players he coached during his time at Dynamos, reckoned that their triumph over the champions was a sign of the progress that his side continues to make.

“It is a good feeling (to win) we were prepared for the match and we had come with an underdog tag but we managed to emerge with a positive result at the end.

“We are playing as a unit and the players now believe in themselves I could not imagine us beating Chicken Inn but the guys played so well. We relaxed a bit in the second half and they were all over us but we defended well and relied on counter attacks which worked well for us.

“I’m happy that the players adjusted to my philosophy so quickly and we will continue to work hard and we have not rushed to change the system which is good for the team.

“There is no big secret in our good run . . . the players just did not have self-belief coming from Division One but their confidence is growing with each passing game,” said Ndiraya.

Ngezi could however not immediately use some of their latest acquisitions including goalkeeper Chris Mverechena and defender Partson Jaure who are still waiting for their paperwork to be formalised.

Striker Kelvin Bulaji who arrived from Dynamos was on the bench while midfielder Walter Mukanga is nursing a groin injury.

Of the newboys only central defender Byron Madzokere made the team and Ndiraya was full of praise for the former Gunners, Dynamos and DStv Rangers man whose experience he reckoned will come in handy for Ngezi.

David Mandigora

Chapungu edge Triangle Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
Chapungu 1-0 Triangle

CHAPUNGU cruised to their third consecutive home win when they edged battling Triangle at Ascot Stadium yesterday.

A 13th minute own goal by Triangle defender Donald Dzvinyai was all the airmen needed to secure maximum points in a scrappy encounter that had no meaningful chances.

Allen Tavarwisa’s free kick was miscued by Dzvinyai, who agonisingly beat his goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu in an attempt to clear the ball.

After that goal, the match degenerated into a scrappy affair, with nothing to write home about. The second half was just as scrappy as the first.

The only meaningful chance created was by Triangle in the 65th minute when Rodwell Mhlanga’s free kick was flicked towards the Chapungu goal by Tichaona Mapungwana, but his effort missed the target with Roy Mazingi in goals for Chapungu beaten.

Sensing danger and with Triangle on the ascendancy, Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino told his charges to protect their one goal advantage.

“I am very happy that we managed to collect maximum points considering that we created very few chances today. It was sweet revenge for us, especially after we lost the reverse fixture,” Nyikadzino said.

His counterpart David Mandigora was disappointed with the result and blamed the loss on a lapse in concentration by his defenders.

“I am disappointed because we were punished for a lapse in concentration.

“We need to go back to the drawing board because we are not creating chances as we have now gone three games without scoring and it’s worrisome.” — @lavuzigara1

Grace Chingoma Harare Bureau
Harare City 2-0 ZPC Kariba

MOSES Chunga finally got his first victory on home turf yesterday since he became the coach of Harare City when he saw off ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer game at Rufaro yesterday.

The win also helped Chunga to complete a double over his mentor Sunday “Mhofu’’ Chidzambwa as the Sunshine Boys won 1-0 in Kariba.

Chunga was appointed head coach at the Sunshine Boys on June 1 and presided over a total of seven games including three home ties but a home victory remained elusive for the well-travelled gaffer.

However, yesterday Chunga was left celebrating courtesy of a 13th minute header from defender Crispen Dickson before forward Martin Vengesayi sealed the match with a 90th minute long drive .

This victory came after Chunga had presided over a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Dynamos, a goalless draw against How Mine and a 1-1 draw against Chicken Inn at the same venue since he replaced former coach Taurai Mangwiro. “Since I came at the club it was my first win at Rufaro so I will celebrate it. It is a great win for us. We have been playing well but without scoring goals it counted for nothing. I’m happy with the way we are playing. I think today we showed our pedigree,” said Chunga.

However, the former Warriors captain said there is still a lot of work to do for his Harare City who are in the bottom half of the table. “In the first half we were all over them but in the second half they came onto us. We still have a lot of games to go so we need to polish our act,” said Chunga.

Chidzambwa said yesterday’s match was one he would quickly want to forget after his charges displayed a deplorable performance.

“It is a game which we should quickly forget about because we played badly in all the departments.

“We tried to put pressure in the second half but at the end we lost concentration. We played utter rubbish and tried to improve in the second half.

“In football you win by fighting and at times by individual performance but today there was none of that,” said Chidzambwa.

The wheels appear to be coming off the electricity men who have lost the kind of steam that characterised their start to the season.

They have not scored or won a match in their last seven outings. “We have hit a bad pitch and we need to work really hard to regain our form. It’s not a difficult task if all the coaches and the players pull in the same direction. As coaches you always hope for the best in each and every game,” said Chidzambwa.

Harare City defender Jimmy Tigere had to be substituted before quarter of an hour after he suffered a concussion following a collision with his namesake ZPC midfielder Never Tigere in which he landed badly. The defender had to be rushed to the hospital in the second half of the match but last night he was said to be in a stable condition and had regained his speech.

Harare City were in charge of the proceedings in the first period in which midfielder William Manondo could have found the opener but fluffed his chance.

However, to his credit he immediately made amends when he whipped in a good corner from the right which met an alert Dickson on the other end to finely head into the nets.

After the break, ZPC returned with some urgency.

But the day belonged to Harare City who absorbed the pressure and in the optional time Francesco Zekumbawire, set up Vengesayi, who was yards outside the box to drill the ball home and send their small band of supporters into celebration.

Teams:

Harare City: M. Nyamupangedengu, J. Tigere (T. Chimwemwe 18th minute), C. Dickson, M. Diro, A. Chivheya, T. Tumba (B. Maglas 78th minute), T. Samanja, W. Manondo (S. Muneka 64th minute), M. Vengesai, J. Jam, F. Zekumbawire.

ZPC Kariba: T. Hove, T. Munyanduri, M. Kunyarimwe, T. Nyamandwe, S. Appiah, B. Mutukure (P. Kabwe 60th minute), T. Mamvura, D. Chakupe, N. Tigere, T. Chawapiwa, L. Chikafa.

Goalkeeper Roxanne Barker (left) of South Africa and Fridolina Rolfo of Sweden in action. — Reuters

South America’s first Olympic Games kicked off with women’s football yesterday, when Sweden beat South Africa 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro.

Although the opening ceremony takes place tomorrow, the football competitions began ahead of time with six women’s matches yesterday and another eight men’s games today.

The opening action at Rio’s Olympic stadium was lacklustre with few clear chances.

Nilla Fischer scored Sweden’s winner after 74 minutes, bundling the ball into the net with her knee after the South African keeper failed to hold a cross.

Sweden were superior, particularly in the first half, but could not turn possession into goals.

The result means South Africa have yet to win an Olympic football match in their four finals appearances.

The second game in Group A took place later yesterday when home side Brazil, seeking their first Olympic gold after two silver medal performances, took on China.

Holders and No. 1 ranked side the United States played New Zealand at night in Belo Horizonte.

The men’s competition begins today, with eight games, including Brazil against South Africa and holders Mexico versus Germany.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Christine Sinclair and Janine Beckie scored to give Canada a 2-0 win over a tough Australia team in their opener of group stage play.

Beckie scored after 21 seconds — the fastest goal in Olympic history — to put Canada ahead early. Sinclair added a much-needed insurance goal at the 80-minute mark after catching Australia’s goalkeeper way out of her goal. She chipped the ball over the keeper’s head to score and followed with a passionate celebration.

The win boosts the Canadian women chances of advancing out of the group stage at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Zimbabwe and Germany are also part of their group.

Things became difficult for Canada after 20 minutes when Shelina Zadorsky received a red card for pulling down an Australian player who got behind the Canadian defence.

Coach John Herdman reacted by pulling Sophie Tancredi and replacing her with the more defensive-minded Rebecca Quinn. Australia went on to show speed and dominate the rest of the first half.

Things changed in the second with Canada pushing harder and eventually being awarded a penalty kick after an apparent handball. Beckie shot straight at the goalie who made the easy save.

Despite the setback, Canada continued to push, with Sinclair scoring her first of the tournament.

Sinclair, Canada’s captain, is one of the team’s most respected veterans. Beckie has been a rock for Canada, scoring the winner against Brazil in stoppage time in the team’s last Oympic tune up in Ottawa on June 7 — a 1-0 Canadian win.

Yesterday’s game was played at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, which is about 400 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro.

The Canadian women won bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Canada’s next game is this Saturday at 2pm against Zimbabwe before closing group play next Tuesday at 3pm. against Germany. —

From Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum 1-1 Hwange

HWANGE showed their battling prowess as they restricted a fired up FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Mandava yesterday.

Pure Platinum play got their goal from midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku in the 29th minute but the coalminers equalised through a penalty by veteran Gilbert Zulu in the 57th minute.

The hosts could probably consider the result as a case of two valuable points lost as the draw saw Caps United ease to within two points of them following their win over Tsholotsho at Luveve.

FC Platinum were firing from all cylinders with speed merchant Marshall Mudehwe causing all sorts of problems while Makai “Jecha’’ Kawashu had his effort from inside the box saved by Future Sibanda.

The rebound fell into the path of Mudehwe but his bloodied shot was parried away for a corner in the 30th minute.

Rodwell Chinyengetere then flighted a cross from the left that saw Masuku outjumping the Hwange defence and place his header into the far right corner of the nets with Sibanda on the other side of the action.

Mabelo Njekwa then introduced Craven Sibanda who changed the complexion of the game as Hwange made meaningful raids.

Hwange were however pumping long balls forwards and in one of their attacks in a bid to clear defender Kelvin Moyo handled under pressure and Kwekwe-based referee Thabani Bamala, who had a good afternoon awarded the visitors a penalty.

Veteran Gilbert Zulu took the responsibility and he directed his effort to the left, sending Petros Mhari the wrong way.

In their first meeting Hwange beat FC Platinum 2-1 at the Colliery.

FC Platinum could have won the match with half a dozen goals but the brilliance of goalkeeper Sibanda denied the visitors maximum points.

It was Platinum against Sibanda from the first whistle.

His best save was in the 57th minute.

Kawashu was fed in the six yard box by substitute Walter Musona and came face to face with the goalkeeper but he directed his shot to the right and with fans anticipating a goal he dived full stretch to parry the ball for a corner which the hosts failed to utilise.

Musona shook his head in disbelief when his thunderbolt in the 67th minute was saved by Sibanda.

Following the miss Hwange could have increased their tally in the 71st minute when Mhango tipped over the bar a stinger from Craven Banda.

The coalminers who were blowing hot were not finished as another pass in the area from Banda saw Zulu’s shot tipped over the bar by Mhango for a corner which again they failed to utilise.

It was one match the platinum miners could have easily won but it was not just their day. “If you don’t score goals it’s difficult to win games. We got opportunities in the first half. It’s a point I can’t complain much.

“We are missing chances, creating maximum of clear cut chances. We have to convert the chances we create. We have to continue working from this performance and see how it goes,” said Mapeza.

“I’m very happy to collect four points from FC Platinum. The game is played in two halves.

“The had their half and we had ours in the second half, In modern football you have to score the chances you create. They missed a lot of chances. We came here but with a plan for them and we never played under pressure” said Njekwa.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Erol Akbay says he is mainly concerned about winning more than playing good football that produces no positive results.

The Dutchman also believes Bosso’s recent barren spell will end sooner than most critics think.

Akbay said the absence of key players was a contributing factor to their miserable run since the 2-0 loss to Chicken Inn that has seen the Bulawayo giants picking up just five points out of a possible 15.

Just one goal in five games is all there is to show for third-placed Bosso, who have also somehow benefited from a poor run by chief rivals Dynamos.

Bosso take on Mutare City Rovers at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon in a must-win game for the team in general and Akbay in particular.

“What is important for us is winning, why worry about good football while losing? For us winning is the only language we speak and what matters,” said Akbay.

He defended his style of play that has mostly seen Highlanders sitting back and allowing their opponents to come at them before trying to catch them on the break. That system has failed him three times this year.

“In modern football, you have to defend and attack only if certain of a kill. I know that people will always want to see us dominating, but you can’t win a game like that if you don’t have the players for such play,” said Akbay.

Bosso’s poor financial position resulted in the club not beefing their squad with experienced and quality players.

Highlanders only brought in Allan Gahadzikwa, who was offloaded by Caps United where he spent the better part of the first half of this season warming the bench.

They also recalled their junior player Nhlanhla Ndlovu from Division One side Amagagasi and thrust him into the deep-end of the attack together with the equally inexperienced Prince Dube.

The two youngsters have the potential of forming one of the deadliest strike force in the land given time, but the Bosso fans are not renowned for patience.

The coach is still within his target of a top four finish, but some fans believe the ultimate prize is still within reach and that has put a bit of pressure on the technical bench and the inexperienced players.

Akbay said they had spent the week working on their basic game, which some of the newly introduced players had not grasped.

“We are missing a number of players and we are trying to get our basic game back with these players. Throughout the week we have been practising that and these players have to play the way we want and if they do that then I assure you, Highlanders will be back to their old self again,” said Akbay. — @skhumoyo2000

Philani “Beefy” Ncube

BULAWAYO City Football Club has suspended its entire technical team over match fixing allegations.

Head coach Philani Ncube, assistant coach Farai Mujokoro, goalkeeper’s coach Reginald Buhali and kit manager Gift Mvala were today all frozen out and an interim technical team appointed in their stead.

More to follow…

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
AS the countdown to the Zimbabwe National Youth Games continues, officials will today conduct a final inspection of the games’ venues and accommodation facilities to satisfy themselves of Chinhoyi’s preparedness to host the annual event. The games will be held from August 13-21.

He said the traditional Youth in Sport Conference for team captains, managers and coaches would also be held on August17. “The team managers and coaches will also have their own sport conference, which will cover topics such as planning and managing mega sporting events,” he said.

Nheweyembwa said most provinces were now finalising their team selections, although only three had paid part affiliation fees to the local organising committee (LOC).

Bulawayo, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West have made partial payments, but the SRC remains confident all provinces will pay before the Games.

Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane officially launched the games at the Chinhoyi University of Technology last month. This year’s games, expected to be officially opened by First Lady Grace Mugabe, will run under the theme “Sport for a healthy and productive future”.

The following venues will be used for the games:

Athletics: Alaska

Basketball: Lomagundi College

Boxing: Chinhoyi University of Technology (Cut) Hall

Football: Sinoa Primary for the Girls and Chinhoyi stadium and Nemakonde High School for the boys

Handball: Nemakonde High School

Netball: Manyame Primary School

Tennis: Chinhoyi High School and

Volleyball: Cut. — @skhumoyo2000

Eddie Chikamhi Harare Bureau
Dynamos 0-0 How Mine

ALARM bells are ringing louder by the day in the Dynamos camp after the Glamour Boys fired blanks again yesterday as they staggered to a fourth consecutive goalless draw in a Castle Lager Premiership match against How Mine at Rufaro yesterday.

The Glamour Boys coach Lloyd Mutasa said it was getting “worrisome” that they have now gone for over 360 minutes of play without finding the target after watching his charges blow away some chances and then survive a late backlash from the visitors.

Ironically, How Mine are the team that halted DeMbare’s winning run, which had stretched five matches just before the Premiership break, when the two teams played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Bulawayo.

That result was followed by similar stalemates in the back-to-back clashes with Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba.

Mutasa was particularly unhappy with the poor finishing after the team fluffed the opportunities they created yesterday with a number of Caps United fans at Rufaro not only giving How Mine a standing ovation but mocking the misfiring Glamour Boys.

“It’s very worrisome. You go four games without scoring a goal, I think it’s not good for us. But such is football. We have to go back to the drawing board and try as much as we can to work hard.

“We were getting into the attacking third but an element of anticipation from our youngsters was a bit down hence we could not get the goals,” said Mutasa.

DeMbare yesterday started with lots of promise with Denver Mukamba running the show in midfield but they later fizzled out and allowed their opponents to come into the game.

Defender Marshal Machazane gave a good account of himself after getting the nod to replace injured Sydney Linyama as the side recorded their eighth clean sheet.

Masimba Mambare nearly gave them the breakthrough when he connected a ball swung in from a corner kick by Ocean Mushure with only 11 minutes played but his header was thwarted by alert goalkeeper Donovan Bernard.

The partnership of Jacob Muzokomba and Rodreck Mutuma, though, didn’t tick as Mutasa might have wanted.

How Mine then found their footing by raising their game in the midfield where Pasca Manhanga, the imposing Makundika Sakala and new-signing Milton Ncube – the best player on view yesterday – fought for every ball.

The Bulawayo side gave an improved performance in the second half and Manhanga had a long range attempt which flew just over the crossbar in the 62nd minute.

Toto Banda then failed to control his header from a corner kick by Milton Ncube in the 69th minute after DeMbare defenders had failed to track him inside the box.

But Mutuma had the chance to settle matters for Dynamos about two minutes later after substitute Kudzanayi Nyakasaka won possession inside the How Mine box and exchanged passes with fellow substitute Dominic Mukandi.

But, with the ‘keeper at his mercy, Mutuma hesitated to shoot and the chance was gone.

However, Mutasa’s decision to pull him out, under pressure from the fans, was not the right one given that it paralysed the attack and his replacement did not even manage a touch.

Mutuma, just like Caps United’s Dominic Chungwa might be a forward who frustrates his fans with the way he misses chances but, when it matters most, he usually delivers that killer blow.

DeMbare remained on fourth place in the championship race with 27 points, 10 behind leaders FC Platinum after 17 games.

“No wonder why from the onset I would say the destiny of the championship is not in our hands. We are playing a chasing game and if we cannot score it becomes very difficult. But I am sure one day it will come out well,” said Mutasa.

How Mine also remained unchanged in 13th position and their coach Kelvin Kaindu was disappointed by the failure to collect maximum points.

“If you are to look at the log standings, it’s not good (result). The way it is, it is very tight. I think if you manage to get three points in a match you move on the log standings and if you don’t get those points you either drop down or stay where you are.

“But I think we should have got probably a winner in terms of the way we attacked especially in the last 10 minutes where we created chances and were good going forward. Unfortunately we just managed to come out with a point,” said Kaindu.

Teams

Dynamos: T. Mukuruva, G. Murwira, O. Mushure, M. Machazane, O. Mwerahari, S. Alimenda, M. Mambare, B. Amidu (D. Mukandi, 46th minute), D. Mukamba, R. Mutuma (T. Macheke, 84th min), J. Muzokomba (K. Nyakasaka, 46th min)

How Mine: D. Bernard, P. Tonha, Q. Amini, K. Chideu, T. Kumbhuyani, M. Sakala, T. Banda, P. Manhanga, T. Makanda (K. Musharu, 70th min), M. Ncube (F. Chirinda, 83rd min), T. January (N. Ndale, 62nd min).

Allen Khumalo Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe men’s basketball team beat South Africa 84-68 in the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports’ Association (Cucsa) Games at the ZITF courts yesterday.

Zimbabwe came from behind to win the match despite South Africa dominating the first half of the match and going to the break leading their hosts 40-33. “This was an interesting match. We came from behind as South Africa were dominant in the first two quarters of the match. I am actually happy that we won this difficult game,” said Zimbabwe coach Emmanuel Mujuru.

“In the dressing room, I told the guys that we are not going to wait for the last quarter to win the match, that’s why we came from the break on fire. I also told them that they should use their height advantage because we are taller than them.”

He said Zimbabwe had to change their attacking style in order to win the match because South Africa were defending well.

In other games, Botswana pipped Malawi 55-54, while in the women’s section Botswana were humiliated 13-82 by South Africa. — @khumzallen

Tobias Mandoreba in Hwange
FORMER Hwange Athletics sprinting sensation Sebastian Simukancha has died.

He was 30.

Simukancha was found dead next to Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour in the coal mining town in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He was buried in at Madumabisa Cemetery yesterday in a moving ceremony attended by hundreds of people.

His father Cleopas Simukancha said the family was still in shock over the death of his eldest son, who was a sports fanatic.

“I am still shocked over the circumstances that led to the passing away of my son. There are many theories and versions we are getting, but I leave everything in the hands of God and we hope the police will soon conclude investigations into this tragedy that has shaken our family to the core. My son was an athletics fanatic from an early age and it was not a surprise to me when he became a member of the Hwange athletics team, which was popular back then in this town,” said the teary father.

Sebastian started his Hwange athletics career as a junior athlete in 2004 under the tutelage of renowned local coaches Chris Mlizane and Juma Phiri after leaving an indelible mark at Sir Humphrey Gibbs Primary and Wankie Secondary School.

He burst into the Hwange senior athletics team in 2007 under present Hwange sports officer Kenneth Nyape and featured in the all-conquering 4X400M relay team that featured the likes of former Zimbabwe national team athletes Gabriel Chikomo, Themba Ncube, Nelton Ndebele and Tryson Shonhayi.

Chikomo said he vividly remembers their days in action on the track.

“Sebastian was a highly promising junior and I vividly remember the big role he played in 2007 in the 4X400M relay team when we retained our Chamber of Mines trophy at Peak Mine in Shurugwi,” said Chikomo.

Ncube said: “We have lost a great athlete here in Hwange. After the triumph in Shurugwi, we again saw more glory with him in Gaths Mine the following year. His favourite slogan before races was ‘tiyeni navo mawana’ (let’s take them on my boy).”

Simukancha is survived by wife Princess and two daughters.

Grace Chingoma Harare Bureau
MIGHTY Warriors’ coach Shadreck Mlauzi has praised his charges for their courageous performance despite going down 1-6 to serial European champions Germany in their debut match at the Olympic Games football tournament in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Wednesday night.

Pundits had expected the Mighty Warriors to suffer a record defeat against the former world champions with even bookmakers in the country virtually refusing to take bets on a possible German victory as they were paying less than a cent for every dollar placed on the Europeans.

In sharp contrast, the bookmakers were ready to pay about $50 for every dollar bet on a possible Mighty Warriors victory, something which they believed was Mission Impossible.

With the Germans having hammered their last two African opponents by powering to double-digit scorelines against Ghana (11-0 in a friendly international recently) and Cote d’Ivoire (10-0 in a 2015 World Cup match), there were fears the Mighty Warriors were merely lambs that were being driven into the slaughter house of the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

But the Mighty Warriors battled long and hard, in their first match at such a big stage, and surprised the Germans with their tough and disciplined defensive approach.

That they were down 0-2 at half-time was, in itself, a psychological victory for the Mighty Warriors who only conceded the first three goals from set-pieces with the first two coming from questionable goal-keeping and their lack of height.

The Mighty Warriors enjoyed the bulk of the support with the fans chanting “Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe”, throughout the match in an outpouring of support for them with every touch by the Zimbabweans being loudly cheered.

Mlauzi, whose players faded towards the end, believes they could have done better if they had been provided with sound preparations before going for the Olympics.

The Mighty Warriors held on for 22 minutes until Sara Daebritz headed the Germans into the lead and the European champions doubled their lead, through another header, this time from Alexandra Popp.

Zimbabwe cut that deficit in half four minutes after the restart when Black Rhinos Queens’ Kuda Basopo pounced on a spill from Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult.

The ‘keeper had failed to handle a shot from striker Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore who had made a fine run on the left.

But the Mighty Warriors’ tactical and fitness shortcomings were exposed as the game wore on as they conceded four more goals, including a penalty that should not have been given and an own goal from defender Eunice Chibanda, who beat ‘keeper Lindiwe Magwede.

Regular ’keeper Chido Dzingirai was kept on the bench after Magwede showed potential in training.

Addressing a press conference after the match, Mlauzi said they tried their best.

“It was a technical match but I think my girls were doing extremely well for the greater periods of the game as we had to shut out the more experienced former world champions,” he said.

“We knew going into this game that we were up against it and needed to be defensively well-organised.

“But in the second period, the last 15 minutes, that’s when we lost a bit of our tactical defensive discipline due to the nature of our physical conditioning.

“I am sure you are all aware that we did not have the best of preparations coming into the Olympics as such it was going to be a factor in the last minutes of the game.”

However, the coach hailed his team, ranked 93rd on world rankings, for competing against the world’s number two.

“Other than that we think it was a very spirited team performance in terms of everything a coach would want against former world champions and a team ranked number two and being our first time in the Olympics or at a world stage,” he said.

“We could have asked for more in terms of our discipline but we can’t complain too much.”

The Mighty Warriors were a bit physical, if not overzealous, in some of their tackles with one such tackle by Lynnet Mutokuto on Simone Laudehr in the first half a dangerous one that should have been punished by a red card.

German tabloid, Bild, described it yesterday as a “Brutal, Horror Foul,” and Laudehr had to be pulled out in that first half before being taken to hospital.

German journalists in the briefing were eager to know from the coach whether it was part of the plan by Zimbabwe to frustrate their better opponents.

“Not really, you wouldn’t want to play harshly like that. It wasn’t part of the plan. And I am sure even if you are to analyse the replays, you will see that the intention was not really cynical as it is being put,” said Mlauzi.

“It was never the intention to hurt the opposition but we want to be extremely competitive as we can but never to hurt the opposition as it turned out to be.

“We are sorry about that, we were not even aware that she had to be taken to the hospital.

“The intention was never cynical but to just go for the ball and, maybe, she might have twisted the ligaments or something during the process of the tackle.”

Zimbabwe’s next group match is tomorrow evening against Canada who also won their opener against Australia 2-0.

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA has taken over the appointment of referees for the Castle Lager Premiership following an executive meeting held in Harare last weekend.

Referees appointed by Zifa took charge of all midweek games.

PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele had temporarily taken over appointment of referees in June after the confusion surrounding the formation of the ill-fated National Football Association of Zimbabwe (Nafaz) following the purported dissolution of Zifa by its council.

Nafaz failed to stand the legal test and all office bearers reverted to Zifa as bewilderment continued to engulf local football.

Xolisani Gwesela, Zifa communications manager, said the association’s president Philip Chiyangwa is handling the referees’ portfolio pending the appointment of a referees’ committee.

“A decision was made at last weekend’s executive meeting that Zifa takes over appointments of referees. All PSL matches played during the week were handled by match officials appointed by Zifa. At the moment, all matters involving referees are being handled by the president (Chiyangwa) until a substantive referees’ committee has been set. Names of people who will lead all the committees will be revealed in due course,” said Gwesela.

The PSL said their decision to take over the appointment of referees was meant to protect sponsors and the league in the aftermath of confusion brewed by the attempted dissolution of Zifa and Nafaz’s still-birth.

Chiyangwa had during the Nafaz days appointed PSL chairman Peter Dube as head of the referees’ committee; which was against regulations on the organisation of refereeing among Fifa member associations.

Part of Article 4 of the regulations reads: “. . .members may not be affiliated to any clubs, league or any other football organisation.”

Without the referees’ committee, it has been difficult to classify the referees in each category on the basis of their performance in selected matches and propose promotions or demotions.

Other duties of the referees’ committee include appointing match officials, nominating candidates for the international list eligible to officiate in international matches according to Fifa regulations governing the registration of international referees, assistant referees, Futsal referees and beach soccer referees on Fifa’s lists.

The referees’ committee also has to ensure local referees comply with standard refereeing methods as established by Fifa for uniform implementation of the laws of the game; approve the referee instructor and assessor panels as well as approve administrative regulations governing refereeing.

Zimbabwe referees are in danger of being removed from the international panel, as they are yet to undergo training clinics to familiarise them with new changes of the game because there has been no referees’ committee to organise such programmes since the present Zifa administration took office in December.

Besides the referees’ committee, Chiyangwa is expected to name heads of other committees that include finance, audit, competitions, technical and development, Futsal and beach soccer, and player status. — @ZililoR