Prince Dube

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ young sensation Prince Dube was last night named the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Rookie of the Year at a glittering ceremony held at an upmarket hotel in Harare.

The 19 year old former Somvubu High School pupil beat a close challenge from Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.

Dube, with five goals in his debut season charmed the hearts of selectors who met on Tuesday to select the country’s 11 best footballers, Coach of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and the top three players from the 11 chosen.

While Dube was celebrating his achievements in Harare, his former school headmaster, Khumbulani Sibanda at the school in Inyathi district was also over the moon with the boy’s achievements.

“We are extremely happy for the boy as Somvubu Seconday Secondary.  He has put the name of our school on the map and his achievement will obviously spur other rural based but talented footballers,” said Sibanda.

He was Dube’s guardian from 2013 after he took him from Makhosini Secondary School, an annex school for Somvubu.

“I took him over after his guardian could no longer afford paying his school fees because I had seen the talent in him. He had no relatives in Inyathi having been brought by one Senzo Khumalo who wanted to start a football academy in rural Inyathi but finances were a problem,” said Sibanda.

Dube was then taken aboard by Highlanders who were under Bongani Mafu then who recommended him to the juniors where he shone like a beacon, prompting the coaches to promote him to the first team.

He had a decent season and although he did not find the back of the net regularly, he contributed to nearly all the goals that Highlanders scored this season. His goal against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium will remain entrenched in the hearts of Highlanders supporters.

Dube leaves on Monday with the Cosafa Under-20 squad that will take part in the Championships set for South Africa where he will be the main draw card for Mandla Lulu Mpofu’s side.

Sports Reporter
THE fissures in the Dynamos family are set to deepen as a group of former Dynamos players led by Ernest Kamba says they are pressing ahead with their extraordinary emergency meeting scheduled for next week to decide on the fate of the current club’s leadership.

Kamba told our Harare Bureau that Dynamos has been running outside the provisions of its constitution and has insisted that former players will meet at Prince Edward School next Saturday.

The former players have for a long time disowned the current board of directors fronted by Bernard Marriot.

Kamba said a legitimate board that should be in charge of Dynamos is the one that was set up at the 2008 general meeting led by George Shaya.

“The meeting is definitely on. We are inviting everyone who has an interest in this club. All former players must attend this very important gathering,” said Kamba.

“We have two issues on the agenda. Firstly, we would want to confirm the minutes of the meeting held in 2008, which was the last legal meeting held by Dynamos according to the constitution.

“Secondly, we will look at the appointment of the board of directors that was done at the same meeting.

“Everything is there in the minutes and it’s up to the shareholders to decide what they want to do with those resolutions.

“Those two issues are crucial for us to move forward as a club because there has never been another recognised meeting held since then. Yet our constitution says we should have an AGM every year.

“So it means for the last eight years we have failed to hold AGMs. The people who ran things weren’t adhering to the constitution whether it was by ignorance of by design we don’t know. What we want now is to put things in order.

“We want to do things right. It’s pathetic for a club like Dynamos to be what it is today. You can’t attribute the team’s failure to things that have happened this year or last year but this crisis has been accumulating over the years.”

The same group of former players also gathered a few months ago in Mbare where they agreed to press ahead with their efforts to bring new structures at the club.

Kamba claimed that Marriot and his board have violated the Dynamos constitution.

“The constitution is a legal document that cannot be changed just like that. There has to be a process involving shareholders and on our part we have not heard of any gathering that was called to discuss the constitution.

“If there were individuals who sat down and decided to change the constitution probably to suit their own agendas then it’s all illegal.

“We want to do things the right way. Dynamos has to lead by example in terms of governance. That is why we have called this meeting,” said Kamba.

A defiant Marriot has since dismissed the proposed indaba as “a malicious and frivolous attempt to cause confusion and divisions in the club.”
Dynamos have completed a trophyless 2016 season and more worringly for the Harare giants, and their millions of fans, it is the first time since 2007 that they have failed to secure a top-two finish.

And, to rub salt into their wounds, the championship was won by bigger rivals Caps United.

Interestingly, the last time Caps United were champions in 2005, DeMbare were surviving relegation on the final day of the season with a 2-1 win over Masvingo United.

Hardlife Zvirekwi

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
CAPS UNITED defender Hardlife Zvirekwi last night joined an elite club of Zimbabwe’s finest footballers by winning the 2016 Soccer Star of the Year award but dark clouds are gathering on the horizon for the country’s top-flght league.

Zvirekwi was crowned at a glittering ceremony held at a Harare hotel to bring down the curtain on the 2016 football season.

The night belonged to the Green Machine as Zvirekwi’s teammate Leonard Tsipa, who was also a favourite for the top gong, landed the first runner-up award while FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari walked away with the bronze medal.

Zvirekwi was rewarded with $6 000 for his success while Tsipa pocketed $4 000 for coming second and another $4 000 for winning this year’s Golden Boot with 11 goals.

Mhari received $3 000.

However, amid the pomp and fanfare, there was a reminder that the future could be gloomy for the league after their main sponsors Delta Beverages broke their silence and made it clear they were not happy with the squabbles that were tainting the league.

The PSL management have been engaged in a boardroom battle with Zifa over the relegation and promotion puzzle which led to the suspension of the league’s chairman Peter Dube who is also the Highlanders boss.

The marriage between Delta Beverages and PSL comes to and end this month and the sponsors made it clear last night they were unhappy with the boardroom squabbles and would not re-engage the league, for an extension of the deal, because there was a leadership vacuum at the top-flight league.

Delta Beverages’ marketing director, Maxen Karombo, said his organisation was incapacitated to start contract negotiations with the PSL for an extension of their marriage when the league didn’t have a substantive chairman running their affairs.

Karombo said the confusion over the relegation and promotion had damaged their brand, as sponsors, and it was up to the football community to put its house in order if it wanted to continue having them as partners.

It’s the first time that Delta Beverages, who also sponsor the only major knockout tournament in the PSL, have spoken out on the crisis.

Their concerns also come on the eve of a meeting by the PSL emergency committee in Harare today to try and resolve the issue.

Caps United team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya was over the moon after the champions did not only produce the winner of the prestigious individual football accolade in the country but also the runner-up, the Coach of the Year and the Golden Boot winner in a clean sweep.

Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was named Coach of the Year while Tsipa graced the podium twice after landing the Golden Boot award.

They also had another player Ronald Pfumbidzai among the finalists.

Chinogwenya said in the case of Zvirekwi, God had proved his faithfulness.

“I think this guy has been the unlucky one in past selections but when God says your time has come no one can stop it. This definitely is his time.

“He has done so well in the past but it appears nobody cared to notice. I don’t know how you guys in the selection always overlooked him when you selected your finalists.

“But when it is written by a Divine hand, you cannot erase it. Zvirekwi has been a pillar to our success this season. That is why national team coach Callisto Pasuwa considers him to be a key member in his squad,” said Chinogwenya.

The other players who made the 11 finalists include Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Clemence Matawu (Chicken Inn), Gift Mbweti (Hwange),  Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Dynamos) and Walter Musona (FC Platinum).

In a season in which the players struggled for consistency, Zvirekwi was one of the few shining lights in a successful year for Makepekepe.

He is the latest Caps United player to walk this road since legend Shacky Tauro opened the way for Makepekepe players in 1979.

Stanley Ndunduma (1981), George Nechironga (1990), Stewart Murisa (1996), Energy Murambadoro (2003) and Cephas Chimedza (2004) have put Makepekepe on the podium with Joesph Kamwendo the last one to win it in 2005.

Zvirekwi was among the finalists in 2013 when Tawanda Muparati won the big prize.

But he had probably the most consistent run of form this year in the green-and-white strip.

The 29 year-old defender featured regularly in the championship-winning side and missed only two league games the whole season due to suspension and injury.

Chinogwenya said it’s time Zvirekwi get offers abroad as some foreign clubs have shown interests.

“I can only wish him well in his career. I strongly feel it’s time to be considered to cross the borders and join a host of other Zimbabweans playing abroad. He has the qualities, he has everything and it’s good some foreign coaches are showing interests,” said Chinogwenya.

Zvirekwi also becomes the ninth defender to lift the Soccer Star accolade since 1969 when the awards were unveiled. eteran striker Tsipa, who won the Golden Boot in 2004, has returned to rule the roost again.

With 11 goals in the bag, Tsipa scored two more than closest rivals Mbweti of Hwange and FC Platinum’s Musona who also made it on the calendar.

Somehow, he managed to transform himself from a player who had been condemned after his career took a huge tumble when he was fired by the Green Machine in 2010. The 34-year old forward turned the hands of time back to 2004 when he lifted the Top Goal Scorer award after netting 18 goals to lead Makepekepe to championship success under Charles Mhlauri.

Again, with Tsipa a key man, Makepekepe have just completed a successful season by winning their fifth league title.

Their coach Chitembwe has been credited with transforming the under-achieving Green Machine outfit into champions and last night walked away $4 000 richer.

The former Zimbabwe international midfielder became the first Caps United player to win the title both as player and coach.

FC Platinum’s ‘keeper Mhari, who was voted the best player of the season, also had a night to remember after winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Highlanders’ striker Prince Dube, who exploded on the scene this season with a bang, won the Rookie of the Year award after his impressive show for Bosso.

The Most Disciplined Team award was awarded to the team with the least cumulative points at the end of the season.
2016 Soccer Star of the Year – Hardlife Zvirekwi (Caps United)

First Runner-up – Leonard Tsipa (Caps United)

Second Runner-up – Petros Mhari (FC Platinum)

Goalkeeper of the Year – Petros Mhari (FC Platinum)

Coach of the Year – Lloyd Chitembwe (FC Platinum)

Rookie Player of the Year – Prince Dube

Castle Lager Premiership 2016 Soccer Star of the Year 8 finalists:

Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Clemence Matawu (Chicken Inn), Gift Mbweti (Hwange),  Winston Mhango (FC Platinum), Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Dynamos), Walter Musona (FC Platinum), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Caps United).

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho claimed he is being judged unfairly by critics after Manchester United conceded a late Leighton Baines penalty in a damaging 1-1 draw at Everton.

Mourinho’s team have won just twice in the league since the end of August, a run which has featured numerous draws and has derailed United’s hopes of winning a title in their manager’s debut season at Old Trafford.

However, Mourinho, who earned a reputation for not always winning in the most attractive style when in charge of Chelsea, insists his side is playing well and that he is being held to a double standard.

“You have to make a decision because when my teams are playing pragmatic football and winning matches and winning titles, you say it is not right and nice,” Mourinho said.

“When my teams play very, very well, there is a huge change in relation to the past two or three years. Now you say what matters is to get result, no matter what.

“At the moment teams are getting results, defending with 11 players, keeping the ball and playing on the counter-attack. You have to make a decision.”

The last comment may have been a thinly disguised reference to Chelsea and their current style of play.

But, in any case, United had only themselves to blame for their latest disappointment as late substitute Marouane Fellaini tripped Idrissa Gueye and Baines struck the equalising penalty.

Mourinho, whose side are 13 points behind leaders Chelsea, did not take kindly to questions about his decision to bring on the Belgian and said: “I thought you would know more about football than you do.

“It is obvious. Everton is not a passing team. They play direct. Everything is direct.

“When a team is losing it plays direct, when you have a player on the bench with two metres (height) you play that player in front of the defensive line to win the match.”

Baines’ penalty cancelled out the opening goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a strong spell from United who also saw Ander Herrera hit a post.

“It was another game with a very good performance in a very difficult place to play,” said Mourinho.

“A very emotional stadium against a team with very good players.

“We are playing very well at home, being super dominant. We are playing very well away controlling matches and performing really well with some amazing performance but not getting the results we deserve.”

United defender Phil Jones, who continued his impressive recent form after returning from injury problems, articulated the frustration in the visitors’ camp.

“It’s happened too many times, we’ve dropped too many points,” said Jones.

“That’s four or five games I can think of where we have completely dominated and didn’t win. It’s happened again.”

United might have had greater problems had defender Marcos Rojo been dismissed in the first half, instead of earning a yellow card, for a horrific lunge at Gueye, although Everton manager Ronald Koeman refused to criticise the Argentinian.

“It’s difficult,” said Koeman who made three excellent substitutions to rescue the point.

“Maybe if the referee could watch it back, maybe it would be a red card. We always have discussions about red or yellow, if it’s a penalty, but finally it’s a fair result. Both teams didn’t deserve to lose.

“We can fight back, we showed that today. It was disappointing to go 1-0 down but we didn’t deserve to lose the match.

“We showed that commitment and qualities and the three subs had a big impact on the game. We deserved it because we were dangerous in the second half.” — AFP

Charles Manyuchi

Harare Bureau
CHARLES Manyuchi’s manager Chris Malunga says work is in progress for the Zimbabwean boxer to defend his title in February, in Singapore.

Manyuchi was set to defend his title in October but ended up taking on Jose Agustin Julio Feria in a non-title fight after Frenchman Damien Martin pulled out of the title fight.

And there has been uncertainty concerning Manyuchi’s status after it emerged that Russia’s Dmitry Mikhaylenko, whom he defeated earlier this year, had taken over the WBC silver title on an interim basis.

Addressing the media yesterday at Monomotapa hotel, in Harare, Malunga said Manyuchi was still the champion.

But he will have to defend his title in Singapore first against an opponent yet to be named on February 17 and then take on Mikhaylenko in May.

“The Singapore fight is supposed to take place but that is subject to approval by WBC because even certain quarters of WBC are interested that the fight should take place in Singapore with a boxer from Singapore.

“Charles Manycuhi is still the WBC silver champion. I will tell you one thing, an interim championship can be conducted and once it is conducted, it is created in the interest of creating better opponents for the WBC silver champion.

“It does not mean that once you become an interim champion then you become automatically the champion, no there is nothing like that in boxing,” said Malunga.

Malunga could not, however, reveal the identity of Manyuchi’s opponent indicating that they are still waiting for approval by the WBC.

“I cannot give details until approval from WBC. Even the Russian people, Dmitry Mikhaylenko’s handlers, are in support that let the champion defend his title in Singapore, then fight their boxer in May in Russia. He has to defend in Singapore then go and defend against an interim champion in Russia,” said Mikhaylenko.

Malunga, who is set to attend the WBC convention this month, said they are going to push for Manyuchi to fight for the WBC gold title.

“The major issue why we are going to Miami is that we want to make sure that WBC silver champion, Charles Manyuchi, gets close to the WBC gold.

“We will make sure that he moves forward towards the championship itself, the WBC gold. We want Charles Manyuchi to fight for the WBC gold,” Malunga said.

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chairman, Paul Nenjerama, said they had called for the media briefing to clarify Manyuchi’s status as the WBC silver welterweight champion.

“We felt it necessary that we have this press conference to clarify misconceptions and misinformation that have been peddled in the media as far as the status of our champion, Charles Manyuchi is concerned.

“We are there as a board and we can be able to assist you. The recent article created a lot of misinformation. We went out of our way as the board to get in touch with Charles Manyuchi’s handlers,” said Nenjerama.

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
RAILSTARS Darts Club player, George Nyathi teamed with rival Simeone James of Archers in the Open Darts Doubles tournament held at Sizinda South Beer Garden over the weekend to clinch a steer that was up for grabs.

The duo outplayed a strong field that included national darts team players to walk away with the beast valued at $600 at the Bulawayo Social Darts League-organised tourney whose main prizes were sponsored by Sizinda South Beer Garden and Sizinda South Bottle Store.

Nyathi and James also walked away with t-shirts from Delta Beverages, a six pack of Carling Black Label beer and a crate of Ingwebu’s Shake It for their efforts, prizes that went to all the top three.

The highest paying darts tournament in the city had been expected to attract a huge field but the reported presence of national champion, David Nyemba scared away most players who felt they would be embarking on a lost cause, as they felt the Chinhoyi darts player would run away with the title.

However, Nyathi and James had other ideas and kicked Nyemba and his partner, Simon Mujuru in the semifinals and went on to dispatch Nyemba’s son Kudzanyi and his partner Tonde Kuvheya in the finals.

Other national darts team players that were present included the pair of Wilfred Chitakatira and Moses Ndlovu, whose last 16 match against Nyemba and Mujuru produced a tense thriller that saw the former pair miss four opportunities to seal the match as they could not close it.

Nyemba and Kuvheya received two goats for coming second while Mandla Dube and Meli Tshuma took bronze walking away with a sheep.

The much fancied Nyemba and Mujuru walked away with a goat, two t-shirts and a crate of Ingwebu’s Shake It for fourth position.

The four pairs knocked out at the quarter- finals Brian Ndlovu/Albert Tawanda, Patrick Zimidzi/Mgcini Nkala, Qhawe Sibanda/Dave Mahlangu and Ndabezinhle Ngwenya/Jackson Ndimande  were rewarded with two chickens, five units of Shake it and two Carling Black Label pints each.

BSDL vice secretary, Julius Ncube said they were happy with the way the tournament went adding the presence of national team players showed the competition, which is in its third year, had grown in stature.

He said the competition was exciting for the crowd as the players showed great skills.

The prize for the highest close went to Carrington Mabeta who closed with 150 points while David Nyemba had the most 180s, claiming three of them.

Businessman, Donald Ndebele, who runs Sizinda South Beer Garden said the tournament was marvellous and was looking forward to a bigger edition next year.

Ndebele, together with Rozina Nhlamba of Sizinda South Bottle provided the main prizes for the tournament.

Tshinga Dube

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
Makokoba MP Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube has heaped praises on Mzilikazi District for a positive response towards the government’s call to have organised sports following a successful launch of Community Sports and Recreational Development Programme (CSRDP) in Emakhandeni.

Saturday’s event saw 22 wards from Mzilikazi District competing in sports codes like boxing, soccer, netball, volleyball, athletics, darts, tug of war, tennis, chess, cricket, wushu, taekwondo and handball.

Sporting legends Tobias Mudyambanje, Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, Phillip Striker Ndlovu and Cosmas Zulu graced the occasion and offered advice to more than 900 participants who were present.

Also present were senior government officials, Ministry of Sport and Recreation staff as well as various business personnel.

“I am so happy to note that Mzilikazi District has responded to the government’s need to have organised sport as seen by the establishment of the CSRDP. It shows that the committees are committed to the well being of its citizenry and the development of sport and recreation as has been expressed by the Ministry of Sport and Recreation,” Rtd Dube said.

The CSRDP is an effective platform for stimulating mass participation in sport and recreation by all people including youth, women, persons with disabilities and elderly in order to address issues of discipline, employment, patriotism, gender, healthy lifestyles, and tolerance of difference, community development and social cohesion thereby contributing towards the economy of the country.

Rtd Col Dube also said the community sports programme will open doors for previously disadvantaged rural communities.

“The Ministry of Sport and Recreation has identified this programme as a platform for decentralisation and democratisation of sport and recreation in Zimbabwe. Through this strategy, the ministry in collaboration with stakeholders is rolling out a community sports club programme that will affect all corners of Zimbabwe including the previously disadvantaged rural communities.

“I am very pleased to note that all the districts have embraced this initiative as witnessed by the different teams in different sporting codes. I would like to thank all the districts for collaborating well and sending their teams to this event,” said Rtd Col Dube.

CSRDP secretary Morris Mukwiti said the event was a huge success despite the rains that interrupted some of the activities.

“The turn-out was just beyond our expectations. Despite the rain, people came out in numbers to have a great time and support the programme. We hope to see this initiative breed future sporting stars. We will be having another programme in January as we seek to build a team which will take part in the Youth Education through Sports (YES) games,” he said.

@khumzallen

Manuel Mpofu

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Athletic Board (Bab) have made a passionate appeal to the corporate world, seeking sponsorship packages so that they hold more road races next year.

Bab only had three road races in 2016, leaving athletes clamouring for more long distance races.

The road races held under the Bab banner in 2016 are the PPC 33-Miler, Old Mutual Nkulumane 10km Road Race and the Liquor Hub 10km and 5km Fun Run.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Liquor Hub 10km and 5 km Fun Run, Bab chairman Manuel Mpofu said they have started negotiating with potential partners who can bankroll their events for the coming year.

“The 2016 calendar programme is almost over as we’re done with road and track events. The Liquor Hub 10km and 5km Fun Run was the last major event on our calendar and we’re now moving to kids athletics. This has been a good year for us as we had 12 track and field events, hosted the inter-provincials and had three road races.

“As Bab we would like to have more road races and maintain the number of track and field events we hold. We’ve already started courting some corporates and we wish to have more coming to sponsor long distance competitions,” said Mpofu.

Bab also intends reviving of the Masiyephambili Marathon and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Half-Marathon which were last held in 2013.

“The Masiyephambili was being sponsored by the Bulawayo City Council through their various strategic partners. In the 2013 edition we saw companies coming together for a well-managed Masiyephambili Marathon. PPC sponsored the prizes for the main race that saw winners for both categories taking home $1,500, with the first runners-up getting $600, the third placed athletes $400 while the athletes that crossed the line fourth went away with $300. There was a consolation prize of $200 for fifth placed athletes.

Prizes for the Masiyephambili Half Marathon funded by BancABC were as follows:

$500 for the winners, $400 first runners-up, $300 second runners-up, $300 for position four and $100 for athletes who finished fifth.

“Zimpost sponsored medals with Edgars providing t-shirts while Innscor donated food and refreshments came from Delta Beverages. The leading vehicles for all races were provided by Autoworld with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority funding prizes for the junior relays. Plans are underway to table a presentation to the custodians of the Masiyephambili Marathon, the BCC so that we revive the race,” said Mpofu.

He challenged the corporate world to adopt the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Half-Marathon which was previously administered by the JM Foundation.

“The guys from the foundation have been honest with us, they came and told us that they are facing financial challenges and as such they can’t sponsor the race. I believe companies can use the race to celebrate the life of the former Vice-President. We remain hopeful that 2017 will bring more partners into athletics and we will have more races,” said Mpofu.

@ZililoR

Gabriel Mvumvure

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN sprinter Gabriel Mvumvure is appealing to well-wishers to help him raise funds to undergo a kidney transplant.

The 28-year-old who represented the country at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro early this year, announced that he requires $21 000 to undergo a kidney transplant in the United States.

Mvumvure said he had another diagnosis last year as his body had a fluid overload and was coughing blood because a sac of fluid had formed around his heart, squeezing it to stop beating properly.

“My kidneys were failing and my lungs were functioning at 70 percent which was not good for my heart muscles. The doctors decided I had to get emergency dialysis to take out the excess fluid or else I have less than a few days to live.

“After four days of emergency dialysis sessions, they took out 12 litres of excess fluid from my body after spending two weeks in hospital. Nearing the end of my hospital stay, I was feeling better but unfortunately my kidneys couldn’t recover as I had suffered Acute Kidney Failure. My kidneys weren’t strong enough or able to sufficiently clean my body of toxins and excess fluid,” he said.

The track star said he was then told that he needed a kidney transplant but would have to do dialysis three times a week, four hours each day until he got a transplant. The dialysis machine would clean the blood of the toxins and excess fluid.

“It would essentially help me stay alive because toxic build up is deadly and fatal, it’s basically poison. As you may know healthcare in the US is expensive and the price for a complicated surgery like a transplant is high. I appeal to you my family and friends to help me raise money for my transplant and hospital bills by donating and sharing my story,” Mvumvure said.

Recent reports suggest that Mvumvure’s former college in the Unites States- Louisiana State University (LSU) announced that it would be partnering him in his fundraising efforts.

Donations to the Gabriel Mvumvure Fund are now being accepted through Tiger Athletic Foundation’s official website at <http://www.lsutaf.org>.

@khumzallen

Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday said its high time the country invested in science and research in sport to attain success.

The Vice President made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of State in his office, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga at Team Zimbabwe’s send-off for the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games,

The Games are running from December 9 to 18 in Luanda, Angola.

“The application of science in sport is now an obligation and, as such, we have to measure up if we are to impact on the international sporting arena. This calls for us, in government to consider deploying a significant chunk of resources in the area of science and research in sports because it is crucial to our success at any level.

“This initiative also needs to be supported by requisite infrastructure. Identification of athletes from tender ages should be scientific if we are to have competitive edge over our competitors. Gone are the days when athletes were identified through hit and miss methods.

“Let me take this opportunity to encourage all our athletes to desist from doping and learn to practice clean sport,” said Mphoko.

Mphoko also stressed the importance of development of coaches for better performance by the athletes.

“Even though we have achieved some degree of success in these Games, I would like to take this opportunity to implore the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, together with all the sport stakeholders to double their efforts in facilitating the training and development of podium coaches.

“The level of our coaches determines the level of athletes’ performance at international sport competitions. This implies that we have to invest more in training and development as enunciated in our National Sport and Recreation Policy (NSRP) which government adopted in August,” said Mphoko.

The Vice President acknowledged the government and CBZ for their support to Team Zimbabwe and encouraged other corporates to also support sporting programmes.

The Games will see athletes from 10 countries taking part in athletics, athletics for people with visual impairment, basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics, judo, netball, swimming and tennis.

Zimbabwe has always played second fiddle to South Africa, who have dominated the Games since their inception.

And Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhosini Hlongwane yesterday challenged the team to go for the top spot in Angola.

“It is not enough to maintain the position, we need to go beyond just maintaining our silver, we need to go for the gold.

“And therefore Angola must be different, every athlete, every coach, every member of the technical team in whichever code you are the challenge you is to make sure that your team will outdo South Africa.

Zimbabwe hosted the Games in 2014 and came second behind South Africa and it’s not going to an easy task in Angola.

Besides South Africa, Zimbabwe are likely to face a tough challenge also from the hosts, Angola, who finished third in Bulawayo.

The team was scheduled to leave for Angola this morning while chef de mission Chiedza Mafunga is already in Angola.

Kenny Ndebele

Harare Bureau
FOOTBALL authorities at Zifa and the Premier Soccer League have been summoned to Parliament this week to explain the state of the game in Zimbabwe.   

The leadership, who are currently at loggerheads over relegation and promotion procedure, are expected to appear before the Portfolio Committee on Education, Sport, Arts and Culture chaired by Matobo North Member of Parliament Never Kanye this Thursday.

According to a circular from Parliament, the football leaders will present oral evidence on the challenges and achievements in Zimbabwean football.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele acknowledged the invitation from Parliament.

“I can confirm we have received the invitation from Parliament and I am in the process of circulating to the governors. Probably. by end of day tomorrow, I should be able to stand guided on what we are going to do as PSL,” said Ndebele.

The Premier Soccer League have just completed a successful season which ended with Caps United winning the championship.

Zifa are also expected to report on the success and challenges in a hectic year in which both men and women’s senior football teams were involved on the international stage.

However, the report on the achievements by the Warriors and the Mighty Warriors is likely to be dwarfed by the negative developments that have painted football in bad light of late.

Zifa and PSL were recently plunged in crisis in the wake of a decision by the association’s congress to relegate four teams and promote four from the regions.

This was against their resolution at last year’s meeting when they agreed to demote two and then engage in play-offs involving four winners from the Division One leagues for the two Premiership slots available.

But when the PSL indicated they could not afford to bankroll the promotion play-offs, the Zifa congress decided to revert to the old system to relegate four teams.

The decision was not welcomed by the PSL who felt it was not in line with the tenets of fair play as it was communicated with just two matches remaining in the league programme.

This has led to confusion as Chapungu and Tsholotsho, who finished third and fourth from the bottom, are still not sure of their status next season.

However, Zifa and the PSL representatives agreed on Saturday that only two teams will be relegated from the top-flight league this year.

What is left is to decide what will happen to the four Divison One regional league winners with the possibility of all of them being admitted into an expanded PSL or a play-off being held.

Moses Chunga

Paul Mundandi, Harare Bureau
HARARE City have parted ways with Moses “Bambo” Chunga.

Chunga was appointed the Sunshine City Boys new coach after Taurai Mangwiro was fired in May on the basis of poor performance.

Mangwiro whose charges were tenth the log, had managed just nine points from a possible 27.

City finished the season in 9th position, it was a team that was hated by FC Platinum after it dashed their hopes  of winning the crown when Pure Platinum Play was handed a 3-1 defeat at Rufaro

Club secretary Matthew Marara confirmed that Chunga was given a performance-based contract that will expire at the end of the season and was not going to be renewed.

“His contract is expiring on December 31 and we are not going to renew it and to us that is not firing. Mkhuphali Masuku is going to take over as the head coach on January 1,” Marara said.

Before Chunga, Mangwiro had been given a top-three finish as his target, but  the executive  axed the former Caps United coach after realising he would not be able to meet their target.

The well-sponsored side was also eliminated from the Caf Confederations Cup in the first round.

The greatest former midfielder had a frost relationship with some Harare City supporters and some executive members who wanted him out of the team despite transforming the team.

He also had a bust up with Raphael Manuvirie but they later patched up their differences.

Bambo could not be reached for comment yesterday as his phone went unanswered

Harare City managed 39 points from the 30 games they played. The team just managed 11 wins, six draws and lost 13 games, poor performance for a team that once challenged for honours.

Peter Muduhwa

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS central defender and Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year finalist Peter Muduhwa believes committing to Bosso will improve his career and chances of joining bigger leagues next season.

Muduhwa last month extended his contract with the Bulawayo football giants by two more years until December 2018, a move he believes is best for his career.

Muduhwa (23), a utility player, played a pivotal role in the Highlanders central defence, partnering Tendai Ndlovu, with veteran skipper Felix Chindungwe sitting it out on the bench for part of the 2016 season.

His consistent performances saw him being selected into the country’s best 11 PSL players.

“Obviously I’m grateful to God who gave me this talent, my family, the community of Pumula where I stay, the clubs which had a role towards my development into a player I am today, the Highlanders family who embraced me that is my teammates, supporters, coaches and executive. Without these people it wasn’t going to be easy to achieve what I’ve done in a short space of time. I worked hard at training and gave my best on match days and these are rewards of hard work.

“I think being part of the country’s best 11 is a big honour. Hopefully I’ll be able to maintain consistency next season. Remember I’ve just signed a two year contract with Highlanders, a decision which wasn’t difficult to make because I want to grow as a player and sometimes changing environments can affect one’s career. I know if I keep working hard, better opportunities will come and I believe playing for Highlanders will open better avenues for my career,” said Muduhwa.

He joined Highlanders at the beginning of last year, signing a two year deal Division Two side Ajax Hotspurs. Muduhwa didn’t make it into the first team with the then Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu loaning him out to Division One outfit, Bulawayo Chiefs where he played half a season before returning to Bosso.

He struggled to make it into the first team and started off as a bench warmer at the beginning of the 2016 season. Muduhwa got his chance on Week Nine against Border Strikers after an injury to Honest Moyo and since then he became a regular.

The former Pumula High School student also played for Boot Laces, MK Lions in the junior ranks before moving to Mpopoma-based Ajax Hotspurs, who seconded him to Bosso.

“It’s every player’s dream to play in Europe and that is where I want to be in about five years. I’m young and determined to achieve my goal,” said Muduhwa.

About the Highlanders’ awards ceremony set for the weekend, Muduhwa tips Rahman Kutsanzira for the Players Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards.

“I enjoyed my season but I think Rahman should have been part of the PSL Soccer Star of the Year finalists. He had a fantastic season and made us tick. I think he is a favourite to land the club’s Player of the Year and the Players Player of the Year awards,” Muduhwa said.

Cape Town — Cristiano Ronaldo has been informed that he will win the Ballon d’Or award for 2016, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Ronaldo and the Spanish giants have already been informed that voting for the award suggested the 31-year old will pip his Barcelona rival Lionel Messi to be crowned the world’s best player.

The award for last place on the podium though will be a tightly contested affair between Barca team-mates Luis Suarez, Neymar and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.

If reports are true, January 9, will mark the fourth time Ronaldo lifts the award, closing the gap to long-time rival, Messi — who has scooped the award for a record five times.

It was the first time in Portugal’s history that it lifted the trophy after beating hosts France in the final.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on Monday, January 9. — Sport24

Orlando Pirates forward Tendai Ndoro has elevated himself to the second quickest player to reach double figures in the history of the modern day PSL.

This comes after he reached 11 league goals in as many league starts.

Zambian forward Chris Katongo remains the fastest player to touch the 10 goals mark which he did during the 2006-07 season when he slammed 10 in the first 10 league games of that season in the colours of Jomo Cosmos.

Although Katongo only played half of that campaign before leaving for Brondby IF in Denmark in January 2007, his total of 15 goals from 15 league starts was enough to hand him the top goal scorer award.

This season Ndoro has 11 of the 13 league goals that Pirates have managed and also has a dozen of the 18 that The Bucs have scored in all competitions.

Just like Katongo the Zimbabwean is sitting on a return of one goal in every match that he starts with 11 league goals in 11 starts following his brace against Highlands Park over the weekend.

A rate of 11 league goals in as many league games means Collins Mbesuma’s record of 25 league goals is also finally looking under threat should  Ndoro continue with this form.

In the meantime, Ndoro has already surpassed the 10 goals he managed in all competitions last season.

The lad from Bulawayo’s Nketa 8 township has also already scored more goals than the 10 which won Bernard Parker the top scorer award at the end of the 2013-14 season.

Such is Ndoro’s impressive return from every game started since he joined The Bucs at the beginning of last season that he is cruising at a strike rate of 71 percent — incredible for a league thin on consistent scorers.

Despite only getting his break at Pirates in February after a six months long wait he has now scored 22 goals in 31 starts through the calendar year.

Other quick starters in the past 20 years have been Knowledge Musona (2010-11) who scored nine goals in the first 12 league games and Katlego Mphela (2009-10) who had nine goals in the first 11 league games.

Mbesuma also scored nine in the opening 11 matches of his record breaking season (2004-05).  — kickoff.

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
TALEN Vision FC have been kicked out of the Southern Region’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Trukumb Mining Enterprises Top Eight tournament after being found guilty of fielding ineligible players during the quarter-finals.

Talen Vision fielded three “guest” players Newman Sianchali, Lee Munyorove and Congolese striker Boyd Patrick during their first round’s match against ZPC Hwange played at White City Stadium on Saturday.

Talen Vision emerged 4-3 winners after the penalty shoot-out having played a one-all draw.

An ad hoc disciplinary committee assigned to deal with disciplinary issues arising from the tournament resolved on Monday night to kick Talen Vision out of the tournament and bring in ZPC Hwange who had played the match under protest.

Augustine Ndlovu, the Zifa Southern Region administrator confirmed that ZPC Hwange will play Bosso 90 in this afternoon’s semi-final match slated for Hartsfield Ground.

“The committee met on Monday evening and resolved to reinstate ZPC Hwange into the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Trukumb Mining Enterprises Top Eight tournament after noting that their quarter-final opponents Talen Vision had used three players who were not supposed to play in the tournament. The rules of the tournament stated that only players who featured or were registered for the 2016  season may participate,” said Ndlovu.

Bosso 90 beat Indlovu Iyanyathela 2-1 in the quarter-finals, getting their goals from Ray Lunga and Nqobizitha Mpofu while the army side got their consolation from Saviours Sibanda.

With ZPC Hwange squaring off with Bosso 90, the other semi-final match will be between Amagagasi and ZRP Bulawayo.

Amagagasi needed penalty shootouts to edge Black Boots 5-4 in the quarter-finals having been tied 0-0 in regulation time while ZRP Bulawayo beat Southern Region Division One Soccer League Bantu Rovers 1-0 courtesy of an Eriko Phiri strike.

Meanwhile, winners of the inaugural tournament, which is sponsored to the tune of $10 000, are set to walk away $2 400 richer with the runner-up pocketing $1 500.

Teams which lose this afternoon’s semi-finals will each get $700 with the teams that failed to reach the last four stage each getting $300.

@ZililoR.

John Nyikadzino

Lovemore Zigara, in Gweru
THE hunt for the next Chapungu FC coach has started, a week after John Nyikadzino left the hot seat with the Air Force of Zimbabwe funded side hopeful of appointing a substantive gaffer soon.

Chapungu said interviews for a substantive coach are expected to be conducted next week after which the person who will be in charge of the team will unveiled.

Prospective candidates have been dropping their CVs at Thornhill Airbase which is the home of the side.

Nyikadzino threw in the towel on Monday last week after failing to meet the club’s top eight target.

Club chairman Fungai Makuyana was not in a position to reveal the shortlist of candidates who have shown interest for the job but Chronicle Sport has it in good authority that at least three coaches had left their CVs at the club.

“Our secretary is the one who is receiving the CVs and we should be screening them by the end of the week when we will come up with a shortlist of candidates to be interviewed,” said Makuyana.

“We hope to interview the shortlisted candidates next week. Once we agree on the package of the incoming coach which should be commensurate with our expectations we should be making the announcement before the end of next week and you will be the first one to know,” added Makuyana.

Ex-Chapungu player Wellington “Boxer” Shangiwa, Godfrey Tamirepi a former Hardbody coach and Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera are said to be interested in the job and have dropped their CVs.

Tavaka Gumbo, a former Shu-Shine midfielder is believed to be interested in the job as well and is said to have indicated that he would drop in his CV today.

The airmen are believed to have also been keen on Tsholotsho FC gaffer Lizwe Sweswe and national Under-20 coach Mandla Mpofu who is presently with the Young Warriors competing at South Africa’s Cosafa tournament.

In the just ended season Chapungu finished fourth from bottom with 32 points.

@lavuzigara1.

Lizwe Sweswe

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO head coach Lizwe Sweswe’s future with the twice Premier Soccer League relegation survivors remains uncertain following overtures from Midlands outfits Chapungu and FC Platinum.

Sweswe, one of the shrewdest but underrated coaches in the league has been with the rural outfit side since their formative years in 2011 when they were in Division Two.

“At the moment I can’t really say that I will be here or not, I am just waiting for the team to table their offer and plans to me. Nothing has been done so far,” said Sweswe.

“Chapungu United have had a chat with me for a possible move but nothing official has come out.”

There are rumours that FC Platinum want him as an assistant coach.

Chapungu recently parted ways with John Nyikadzino.

Sweswe though said he remained committed to Tsholotsho FC and if a good offer comes from the team’s authorities, he would stay on.

“Moving to another challenge is always a dream but Tsholotsho is my home, it will always remain such. It will never be easier for me to leave them but I think we need to run this club the same way as other clubs do where a proper budget is presented and plans are laid on the table. As a coach I would want to play in front of our home fans and that means having a stadium here in Tsholotsho, to me that must be a priority,” said Sweswe.

Since coming into the PSL last season, Tsholotsho has had three assistant coaches working under Sweswe. They started with Sithethelelwe Sibanda who was replaced by Bongani Mafu towards the end of 2015 season and this year little known Farai Tawachera has been Sweswe’s right hand man.

@Skhumoyo2000

Hwange FC players

Tobias Mandoreba in Hwange
HWANGE FC’s disappointing performance in the 2016 season has jolted them into establishing a Wankie Football Association (Wafa) junior league targeting U-14 and U-17s  which kicks off in February next year and taking place in all the town’s villages.

Chipangano blew hot and cold in the just-ended Castle Lager Premier league campaign which saw them remain deeply entangled in the web of relegation until the very end of the race.

Hwange club administrator Khumbulani Mbano confirmed the latest development aimed at identifying and nurturing players for the senior team.

“We have decided it’s time we seriously embark on a vibrant junior development within Hwange like was the case in the yesteryear when the town had the popular Wafa league.

The name is deliberate as we want to revoke the sweet memories of that previous set up. This league will not in any way compete with Zifa Division

Two league but licences will be processed. Besides, participation in junior development is a practical requirement of Club Licencing System which demands for individual clubs to invest in junior development,” he said.

The league in which birth certificates and school records will be used, will run in villages namely Lwendulu, Madumabisa, Makwika, Cinderella and Lusumbani although Railways and Mpumalanga have also shown keen interest. The first preparatory meeting with various partners in Hwange’s football fraternity was held on Monday to set the ball rolling.

In an interview, Hwange soccer legend Amos Rendo, a product of the old Wafa league which had two divisions, came out in full support for the junior league.

Popular teams back then which illuminated the scene included Hotspurs FC, Kabwe Warriors, Giant Killers, Rufaro Rovers, Lwendulu United and Iwisa.

The league ran for close to four decades until the birth of Zifa Matabeleland North in 1997, churning out stars like Tywman Ncube, Barton Mwalukuka, Isaac Phiri, Joseph Chimao, Skevah Phiri, Austin Ncube, late David “Dhidhidhi” Khumalo, Rodger Sibanda, Kakoma Kayonga, late Christopher “Yoyo” Tshuma, Philemon Nyathi and late Masauso Banda

The later generation had notable names like Method Mwanjali, Fabian Zulu, Walter Tshuma, Salim Milazi, Mailos Phiri, Jabulani Ngwenya, Chenjerayi Dube and Witness Munkuli, who all formed the nucleus of a formidable Hwange outfit which was difficult to beat especially at home.

Wayne James

Bongani Ndlovu, Sports Correspondent
BULAWAYO Metropolitan Tuskers cricket team coach Wayne James says he backs his team to post competitive totals and defend them during the next domestic season.

Speaking ahead of his charges’ Logan Cup match against Rhinos on Saturday at Queens Sports Club, James backed his batsmen to post competitive totals and challenge for the Logan Cup title and other competitions.

Knowing fully well that games are won and lost with the bat, Tuskers’ opening batsmen will be expected to lead from the front.

“We’re hoping that we post very competitive totals from our batsmen. Unfortunately some of them have been away on national duty and they should be joining us anytime this week. The likes of Brian Chari, Richman Mutumbami, Tafara Mupariwa, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine will be with us. However, Ervine won’t be available for the first match as he’s off to an early Christmas holiday,” said James.

The former national Under-19 coach also expressed a vote of confidence on his bowling attack who he described as “the back bone of the team.”

“We’re pinning our hopes on the seam attack which has always been our strength and the boys have been working really hard in terms of training,” said James in a video on the Tuskers Franchise Facebook page.

The seamers that James has to his exposal are Christopher Mpofu, Njabulo “Papa” Ncube and Thabo Mboyi with spinners such as captain John Nyumbu and seasoned campaigner Keith Dabengwa also in his pool of bowlers.

James appealed to fans to come in their numbers and support the team during their home matches.

“We look forward to fans coming out in their numbers to support the team. We shall strive to reclaim the Logan cup and also do well in the T20 and 50 over game where we were very short in our results last year,” said James.

@bonganinkunzi.