Harare Bureau
THE Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has reserved the judgment in the case in which Highlanders were summoned to answer charges of failing to control their fans who forced the abandonment of the match against Dynamos earlier this month.

Highlanders appeared before the league’s disciplinary committee on Tuesday.

Bosso fans protested against DeMbare’s equaliser which they felt had been scored from an offside position.

The Bulawayo giants are being charged in terms of Order 31 of the PSL rules and regulations which makes it an offence for a club when “its supporters misbehave in any manner whatsoever, inside or outside a ground before, during or after a match.”

According to a communique released by PSL communications and media liaison officer Kudzai Bare, “the judgment will be released to relevant parties in due course.”

The explosive Castle Lager PSL flagship encounter was only played for 42 minutes before being called off due to crowd trouble.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
How Mine 2-1 Black Rhinos

A fired up How Mine completely dominated visiting Black Rhinos and handed the army side their second defeat of the season to end their eight match unbeaten run.

Prior to yesterday’s match, Rhinos had only conceded two goals in the Castle Lager Premiership in eight games.

The few Luveve Stadium supporters were ejected from their seats as early as the fourth minute when Toto Banda whizzed his way past the Black Rhinos defence of skipper Bruce Homora and the gangly Sydney Linyama before firing past a drawn out Herbert Rusawo in goal for the soldiers.

How Mine got their second and winning goal from the hard working Kuda Musharu, who reacted swiftly to a rebounded shot from a Milton Ncube strike in the 79th minute. Ncube’s shot went past the diving Rusawo, but hit the upright post and went back into play. Musharu reacted quickly to slot the rebound home.

Rhinos coach Stix Mtizwa claimed referee Allan Bhasvi, who had a firm grip on the match, should have blown for off side.

“I feel the goal was scored from an offside position,” said Mtizwa.

His side had scored a beauty of a goal a minute before half time through Lot Chiwunga. A swift counter attack engineered by left-winger Milton Kureva, who switched the ball to an overlapping Jameson Mukombwe, saw the right-back laying a cross that was met first time by Chiwunga to beat How Mine goalie Munyaradzi Diya all systems out.

The home side though should have won the match by a wider margin had Banda and the wasteful Pasca Manhanga utilised chances that came their way.

Banda ought to have added his second in the 35th minute, but he failed to beat Rusawo in a one-on-one situation, although the goalkeeper had to make a second save from his initial shot.

A minute later, Manhanga literally passed the ball to the goalkeeper instead of going for a dipping volley after some nice moves by the gold miners.

Black Rhinos almost got the equaliser in the 21st minute through Linyama, but he directed his header over the bar from a Mukombwe free-kick on the right side.

Sensing that the visitors were dominating the midfield, How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu pulled out Marvelous Mukumba for Tsepo Ranthokoane before instructing Milton Ncube to drop back.

Young Adolf Muganyi was also pulled out for Peter Moyo in the 55th minute, as How Mine searched for the winning goal.

As a counter measure, Mtizwa pulled out Kureva and brought in Vincent Mhandu in the 68th minute, but the move did little to change the game in their favour.

It was, in fact, How Mine who almost shot ahead in the 75th minute through Banda, who somehow skied his effort from a Musharu back healer inside the box.

“It’s a well deserved three points. We controlled the game from the beginning to the end and created a number of chances, but we conceded a rather soft ball, although we are happy we managed to get maximum points,” said Kaindu.

Teams

How Mine: Munyaradzi Diya, Praise Tonga, Brian Mbiriri, Makundika Sakala, Kudzai Chideu,Marvelous Mukumba (Tsepo Ranthokoane 46th min0, Adolf Muganyi (Peter Moyo 55th min) , Pasca Manhanga, Kudakwashe Musharu, Toto Banda, Milton Ncube

Unused Subs: Future Sibanda, Nqobile Ndlovu, Nelson Tachi, Ndale Nefitary,Godfrey Nguwodzawo

Black Rhinos: Herbert Rusawo, Jameson Mukombwe, Wilson Chakanyuka, Bruce Homora, Sydney Linyama, Chigudu Taurai(martin Mine 75th min) Donald Mudadi, Cliff Chitsamba, Milton Kureva(Vincent Mhandu 68th min) Benjamin Marere(Yamikani Salima 80th min) Lot Chiwunga

Unused Subs: Sherpard Sikochi,Gift Mugabe, Farai Banda, Shadreck Jimu

Officials

Referee: Allan Bhasvi
First assistant: Edgar Rumeck
Second assistant: Wirimai Muroiwa
Fourth official: Martin Chivandire
Match commissioner: Bryton Malandule

Table

P    W    D    L    GF    GA    GD    Pts
Black Rhinos     10     6     2     2     12     4     8     20
Ngezi Platinum     9     6     1     2     12     5      7     19
FC Platinum     9     5     4     0     9     3      6     19
ZPC Kariba     9    6     0     3     13     8     5     18
*Highlanders     8     5     2     1     10     5     5     17
How Mine     10     5     2     3     8     8     0     17
Chicken Inn     8     4     0     4     9     5     4     12
Bulawayo City     10     4     2     4     9     10     -1     14
Triangle United     9     2     5     2     7     6     1     11
Shabanie Mine      9     2     4     3     4     6     -2     10
Caps United      6     2     3     1     10     6     4     9
Yadah FC      9     2     3     4     5     12     -7     9
*Dynamos      7     2     2     3     5     6     -1     8
Hwange     10     2     2     6     5     13     -8     8
Harare City      9     1     4     4     2     5     -3     7
Chapungu      9     1     4     4     4     10     -6     7
Bantu Rovers      8     2     0     6     13     19     -6     6
Tsholotsho FC      9     0     4     5     4     10     -6     4

*Match abandoned waiting for PSL decision

Leonard Tsipa (left) hugs Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo after his score for Caps United against Algerian giants USM Alger during the 2017 Caf Champions League Group B match at National Sports Stadium in Harare

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
Caps United 2-1 USM Alger

RONALD “Rooney” Chitiyo struck a superb double, including a very late winner, to power Caps United to victory over Algerian giants USM Alger, with the victory propelling the Green Machine into second place on the 2017 Caf Champions League Group B table.

The diminutive forward made it three goals, in as many Caf Champions League matches at the National Sports Stadium for his new club, on a day when the Harare giants showed once again that they can stand toe-to-toe with the best football teams on the continent.

Midfielder Tafadzwa “Fire” Rusike was the man-of-the-match with a dazzling show which saw him also provide the two assists for Chitiyo’s goals.

Makepekepe provided everything needed at this stage — the beauty of their passing game in the first half, the ability to repel the technically gifted Algerians and the character to find the winner after the visitors had equalised.

And, had forward Abbas Amidu arrived at the giant stadium with his composure intact, the Green Machine could have doubled their goal tally with the tall striker twice rushing his efforts when through on goal.

Chitiyo opened the scoring with quarter of an hour played and the Algerians, who were always looking dangerous with their aerial superiority, qualised through Ayoub Abdellaoui’s header with 67 minutes on the clock.

But with nine minutes of regulation time remaining, Chitiyo ensured maximum points with a sublime goal which was as brilliantly executed as the first strike.

Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe said he was not surprised by his side’s fine performance yesterday.

“We were looking forward to getting a very good result and I am happy we managed to get the result that we wanted,” he said.

“At the moment we are taking each game at a time. We know we have very difficult games to play because we are still to play Al Ahli Tripoli; we are still to host Zamalek and to travel to play Tripoli and to Algeria. So it’s still a long way to go but I’m very happy with the result.”

Makepekepe charmed even the neutrals at the giant facility, including scores of fans who came into the stadium as part of a deal brokered between the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association and Impala Holdings chief executive Thompson Dondo, with a hearty display which matched their coach’s declaration before this big game.

“You can’t fault them for lack of desire or determination. It’s not so easy to win games at this level of the competition unless your team can provide exactly that. Today the result was obviously a perfect result of determination and desire,” said Chitembwe.

Makepekepe survived an early scare when winger Abderrahmane won possession on the right flank and rolled the ball in front of goal only for Kaddour Beldjilali to direct his effort wide at the back post.

But after Amidu had failed in his bid to chip the goalkeeper from the counter-attack soon afterwards, it was not so with Chitiyo when he was presented with the opportunity to prove the football genius in him.

Makepekepe had pinned the visitors in their goal when the ball fell onto his feet with a cluster of players between him and the goal.

Chitiyo, full of composure and simplicity, fired Makepekepe ahead when he neatly placed the ball into the bottom corner of the nets with a shot struck with finesse.

Makepekepe nearly celebrated their second of the afternoon when Amidu poked the ball home at the near post from a cross by Ronald Pfumbidzai but far side assistant Gustave Baguma of Burundi had his flag up for offside.

Alger nearly went to the interval level when Denis Dauda failed to track his man but the Oussama Darfalou’s cracking shot was denied by the woodwork.

The 2015 Champions League runners-up came back from the breather a better side and had Makepekepe on the backfoot forcing Edmore Sibanda to make a good save from Abderaoup Benguit’s close range effort and stopping a header from Darfalou inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half.

But after soaking the pressure, Sibanda almost gave the Algerians a huge scare with one of his booming trademark freekicks, struck from a distance with power and precision.

Goalkeeper Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche had to summon his best reflexes to scramble the ball out for a corner.

USM Alger appeared to have found the way to hit back when defender Abdellaoui jumped the highest in the box to plant a firm header behind Sibanda.

But just as some of the pessimists were beginning to lose hope, Chitiyo capped a fine afternoon when he collected the ball at the edge of the box, picked his spot and fired home the winner.

USM Alger coach Paul Put conceded defeat although he felt his charges played well and deserved a point.

“We were not really in the game. We had some chances but we couldn’t utilise them. The difference came from the efficiency of the teams.

Teams

CAPS Utd: E Sibanda, H Zvirekwi (K Nyamupfukudza, 74th min), J Jangano, R Pfumbidzai, D Dauda, D Chafa, M Muchenje, R Chitiyo, T Rusike, A Amidu, P Bamusi.

USM Alger: M Zemmamouche, Meftah, T Zegdane (M Benmoussa, 59th min), A Abdellaoui, F Chafal, H Koudri, A Benguit, K Beldjilaji, A Meziane (G Guessan, 84th min), A Andriamahitsinoro, O Darfalou (M. Benkablia, 57th min).

Table

P    W    D     L     F     A     Pts
Zamalek     2    1    1     0    2    0    4
CAPS United     2    1    0    1    2    3    3
USM Alger     2     1     0      1    4     2    3
Al Ahli Tripoli     2     0    0    1    0    3    1

*Note that head-to-head format is used to separate two teams with the same number of points when those clubs have played against each other

Bongani Ndlovu, Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Saints legend Douglas Maneto, who died in Botswana on Monday, will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo on Sunday.

The former Chikwata striker died in the neighbouring country after a short illness at the age of 62.

Former teammate and close friend Ben Makadzange said Maneto’s body arrived in Bulawayo yesterday.

“Maneto’s body will lie in state at Doves Funeral Parlour. On Saturday, a funeral service will be held at McDonald Hall in Mzilikazi. Another service will be held at his house, H9 Mzilikazi, on Sunday at 8AM before burial at Lady Stanley Cemetery,” said Makadzange, who played right-back with Maneto at Zimbabwe Saints in 1976.

Maneto’s football peers include the late Emmanuel Sibanda, the late Zebron Magorimbo, Gibson Homela, Ebson Sugar Muguyo, the late Musa Muzanenhamo, the late Onias Musana and the late Isaac Banda.

Maneto played for Bulawayo Rangers in 1974, before joining Zimbabwe Saints in 1976. He played for three years before joining South African outfit Moroka Swallows.

After a one-year stint, he returned to Zimbabwe Saints and played for a year before retiring and taking up a post in the club’s executive committee.

Takudzwa Chitsiga, Harare Bureau
ISAAC Mpofu and Chiedza Chokore won the inaugural 42km JM Busha 54 races National Peace Pledge Marathon at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

Mpofu of ZRP Bulawayo came in as an underdog having spent most of his career taking part in 10km and 5 000 metre races. The 29-year-old from Binga beat veterans Lionel Muchena and Gilbert Mutandiro who finished second and third respectively in the $3 000 purse race.

He only had two months to prepare for this race.

“I think it’s through the grace of God that I won this race. I was not expecting it as it was my first time to compete in a full marathon.

“I just decided to give it a try some two months back and that was when I started to train.

”Before I used to take part in 10km and 5 000 metre races as well as short distances.

“The race was not easy as I spent most of the time trailing the guys who were leading but I managed to keep with the pace and because I was a sprinter before I specialised in short distances, it gave me the advantage in the closing stages and I am very happy.”

Chokore was dominant in the women category after crossing the line in 2hrs 53 mins 34sec to win $3 000.

Olivia Chitate came second in 2hrs 54mins 50sec to walk home $2 000 richer while Lizzie Chokore, the sister of the eventual winner, was third in 2hrs 54mins 50sec.

Bulawayo dominated the races with Fairbridge’s Trust Chidomaya winning the 10km race in 28mins 04sec while Blessing Wilson and Trust Hove were second and third.

The wheelchair race saw Elford Moyo coming out tops ahead of Samson Muroiwa and Munyaradzi Katiyo.

Another JM Busha 54 Races National Peace Pledge Marathon is also scheduled for South Africa this weekend.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ZIFA has lashed out at the unsanctioned presence of a French soccer scout, Yanick Salomon, who is in the country for a week-long scouting mission of young footballers.

This comes after reports that Salomon, in conjunction with the Harare-based Friendly Academy and the Associated Foods Zimbabwe, entered into a partnership with a French-based FootBreizh Academie aimed at exporting local talent to France.

Salomon, a director of FootBreizh Academie, and Friendly Academy technical director Patridge Muskwe are said to be overseeing the young footballers during their trial period, which started on Wednesday at Harare’s Raylton Sports Club.

Those that make the grade might see themselves going to Europe for an exchange programme in October.

Muskwe is also a former national Under-17 coach.

In a statement, Zifa said the Frenchman has no authority to conduct any football business in the country without its approval.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association has noted with displeasure, the unsanctioned presence in the country of Yanick Salomon, from France. We understand that Salomon is scouting for talent in the country at the invitation of Friendly Academy. Zifa would like to categorically state that Salomon has no authority to conduct any football business without the approval of Zifa. We would like to reiterate that Zifa as the mother body is in charge of all organised football and will not hesitate to invoke football statutes on anyone who transgresses against our statutes,” read the Zifa statement.

The football body said it wants to safeguard minors from potential exploitation and abuse.

“In a bid to maintain our standards, no one is allowed to conduct any scouting or football related activities in the country without approval from Zifa. The association’s major concern in this case is safeguarding minors from potential exploitation and abuse. It is Zifa’s mandate to ensure that minors are not trafficked to foreign clubs,” Zifa said.

Efforts to get a comment from Muskwe were fruitless as his mobile phone was not reachable.

- @khumzallen

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNGSTERS from across the country with hopes of making it into the Old Mutual-sponsored junior national rugby teams for the annual Coca-Cola Youth Weeks in South Africa have a chance to impress selectors during trials for Under-14s, Under-17s and Under-19s to be held in Esigodini and Harare today and tomorrow.

The Under-14 trials are at Falcon College in Esigodini, while Gateway High in Harare hosts the Under-17 and Under-19 trials.

At Falcon College, the selectors will come up with a team to represent the country at the Under-13 Coca-Cola Craven Week to be staged at Grey College in Bloemfontein from July 10-14 July.

At Gateway, a team for the Under-16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week will be selected.

At the Under-19 trials, two teams will be chosen to represent Zimbabwe at the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week and Academy Week to be held at St Stithians College in Johannesburg.

Matabeleland conducted their own trials at Christian Brothers College and Hartsfield Rugby Ground last Saturday where teams were selected to represent the province at the national trials.

Matabeleland Under-19

Rivaldo Kwidini (Falcon) Tadiwanashe Mabhudu (Falcon), Westhuizen (Petra), Ryan Dawson (Falcon), Davin King (Falcon) Jack Charlsley (captain, Falcon), Tegan Catteral (Falcon), Travis Rainford (Falcon), Joshua Allardyce (Falcon), Gilbert Tsikai (vice captain, CBC), Siampunga Sindaza, (Falcon), Ntandoyenkosi Tshuma (Petra), Tinashe Famba (CBC), Lebokgang Mokuele (Falcon), Malvin Makhanda, Charles Mabvundura (both Plumtree), Joshua Campbell (Petra), Jack Lowe (CBC), Kudakwashe Munyawiri (St Columbus) Mzingaye Moyo (CBC), Kayibongwe Malunga (CBC), Mark Mabwe (CBC), Sam Makonese (Milton) Oliver Tavares (Falcon)

Coach: Brendan Dawson

Manager: Themba Phiri

Matabeleland Under-17

Tafadzwa Hlanguyo (Falcon), Tanaka June (Falcon), Paul Mumvuri (Falcon), Anthony Hadebe (CBC), Tawanda Chigogo (vice captain, Plumtree), Kay Dez (CBC),Connor Campbell-Sparrow (Falcon), Muller Christian Frederick (Falcon), Ethan Wilson (Milton), Tinomukudza Chipfumbu (captain, Falcon), Nelson Nnam (Falcon), Jake Grant (Falcon), Nickson Mambo (Petra), Jonathan Mukanya, (Falcon), Cletos Sunduza (Petra), Stewart Marenga (Ihlathi), Tinashe Sithole (CBC), Keith Siziba (Milton), Dexter Pittaway (CBC), Leon Misichili Leon (Milton), Biton Longwe (Msiteli), Kieran Du Boil (Falcon) Shaun Matika(CBC), Praise Jinjika (CBC), Caleb Achinulo (Petra),Euan Nesbitt (CBC), Mthabisi Sibanda (Plumtree), Mzwandile Mabuza (Falcon), Glen Donnell (Petra)

Coach: Knowledge Moyo (Plumtree)

Team Managers: Simbarashe Dangah (CBC), Emmanuel Sibanda (Entumbane)

Matabeleland Under-14

Alex Chikamhi (Falcon), Munashe Muzaradope (CBC) Isheanesu Muvungani (CBC), Mandisi Ndlovu (Falcon), Devon Gover (Falcon), Isheanesu Chiganga (Nash Select), Washington Matiyenga (Petra), Kholwani Moyo (Entumbane), Tafadzwa Ngirazi (St Columbus), Junior Ruchaka (Nkulumane), Corny Du Preez (Falcon), Farai Mbaiwa (CBC), Tinaye Mukanya (Falcon), Ethan Musendo (St Columbus), Bryn Parker (CBC), Adam Rabvukwa(Falcon), Godwin Phiri (Milton), Cameron McGeoch (CBC), Luke Pritchard (Falcon), James Palmer (Falcon), Cordy Grant (Falcon), Ngoni Zvenyika (Falcon), Fundani Sinyolo (CBC), Nyasha Maidza(Petra), Tanatswa Marumani( Falcon)

Coach: Bryan Ray (Falcon)

Manager: John Sibanda (CBC)

— @Mdawini_29

Sunday Chidzambwa

Dennis Kagonye in Kariba
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Chapungu

CHAPUNGU picked a big point on the road when they held ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Nyamhunga yesterday.

Both sides missed a penalty in either half.

ZPC Kariba midfielder Talent Chamboko failed to convert from the spot and Tinei Chitora could not score from the penalty spot.

The hosts coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa said it was a poor day in the office.

“We have never played such kind of a game in front of our supporters. I am so disappointed. But we need to go back to the drawing board and return to winning ways in our next match,” he said.

The former Dynamos coach faces his former team on Sunday in Harare.

Chapungu coach Tendai Chikuni was satisfied with the draw.

“We are happy with a draw from home. In the opening minutes we couldn’t cope with the heat but the boys adjusted and began to play well.

“We haven’t conceded in the last four games which is an improve-ment,” he said.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNG Highlanders striker Prince Dube is the only locally-based forward called up for the Warriors’ Total African Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia set for the National Sports Stadium on June 11.

The Bosso forward will fight for a starting place with Orlando Pirates’ Tendai Ndoro, Maritzburg United’s Evans Rusike and Knowledge Musona, who plays for Belgian side KV Oostende.

Musona is one of seven survivors from the line-up that made it to the African Cup of Nations finals in Gabon as stand-in coach Norman Mapeza made wholesale changes to the squad.

Mapeza dropped the goalkeeping trio of Donovan Bernard, Tatenda Mkuruva and Takabva Mawaya, who were part of the Afcon squad, and replaced them with Caps United’s Edmore Sibanda, Highlanders’ Ariel Sibanda and the 2016 Goalkeeper of the Year Petros Mhari of FC Platinum.

Keeping their places in the squad are Onesimo Bhasera of Supersport, Teenage Hadebe of Chicken Inn, Kudakwashe Mahachi of Golden Arrows, Khama Billiat of Mamelodi Sundowns, Marvelous Nakamba of Vittesse, Danny Phiri of Golden Arrows, Ndoro and Musona.

Big defender Costa Nhamoinesu, who plays for Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic, was left out due to injury and is likely to be the next Warriors captain if he recovers.

There was no place for the England-based trio of Brendon Zibusiso Galloway, a 21-year-old defender with Everton, Macaulley Bonne, who plays for League

Two side Colchester, as well as 25-year-old Burnley winger Tendai Darikwa.

“We are still negotiating with the three players,” said Warriors’ manager Wellington Mpandare.

Zimbabwe are in Group G of the qualifiers that also includes the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo Brazzaville.

After the June 11 clash against Liberia at home, the Warriors’ next assignment in the qualifiers will be a trip to Congo Brazzaville on March 23, 2018, before they face DRC in September. The Warriors will then visit Liberia on October 12 next year and wind up their qualifying campaign with a home tie against Congo Brazzaville on November 9, 2018.

The group winner qualifies for the finals set for Cameroon in 2019, while the runner-up also qualifies if they are among the three best runners-up.
Warriors squad

Goalkeepers: Edmore Sibanda (Caps United), Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders), Petros Mhari (FC Platinum)

Defenders: Dennis Dauda (Caps United), Partson Jaure, Qadr Amin (Ngezi Platinum), Onesimo Bhasera (Supersport United), Teenage Hadebe (Chicken Inn), Jameson Mukombwe (Black Rhinos), Erick Chipeta (Ajax Cape Town), Sydney Linyama (Black Rhinos).

Midfielders: Thabani Kamusoko (Young Africans), Devon Chafa (Caps United), Simon Shoko (FC Platinum), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Golden Arrows) Khama Billiart (Mamelodi Sundowns) Marvelous Nakamba (Vittese), Danny Phiri (Golden Arrows), Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum), Ovidy Karuru (AmaZulu), Ronald Chitiyo (Caps United).

Strikers: Tendai Ndoro (Orlando Pirates), Evans Rusike (Maritzburg United), Knowledge Musona ( KV Oostende), Prince Dube (Highlanders)
Group G fixtures

June 10: DRC v Congo (Stade des Martrys)

June 11: Zimbabwe v Liberia (National Sports Stadium)

March 23, 2018: Congo v Zimbabwe, Liberia v DRC

September 5, 2018: DRC v Zimbabwe, Congo v Liberia

September 9, 2018: Zimbabwe v DRC, Liberia v Congo

October 12, 2018: Congo v DRC, Liberia v Zimbabwe

November 9, 2018: Zimbabwe v Congo, DRC v Liberia

— @skhumoyo2000.

Jairosi Tapera

Grace Chingoma, Harare Bureau
Yadah Stars 3-0 Triangle

TEENAGE forward Leeroy Mavhunga responded to his surprise ommission from the provisional Warriors squad for the 2019 Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia next month with a double strike as Yadah Stars ended a wretched run of four losses on the trot with an emphatic victory at Morris Depot yesterday.

The 18-year-old, who is set for an attachment spell at European champions Real Madrid, has been probably been the standout player of the Castle Lager Premiership in his first season in the top-flight league.

And, with his team badly needing victory yesterday, Mavhunga played the leadership role with a brace in the second half of a match which, for the first time since Yadah Stars’ promotion into the Premiership, attracted the presence of club owner Prophet Walter Magaya.

Magaya has been unhappy, of late, with his men’s questionable application suggesting some of them had let the success of their first few games get into their heads and lost their way.

The prophet revealed last week he refused to pray for his team and questioned why most of the players and coaching staff were no longer coming for services at the ministry.

Coach Jairos Tapera revealed yesterday that he had to humble himself and ask the prophet to help them, rather than abandon them, and attributed that to their success against Triangle.

“Eventually I had to call my prophet. I had to go and ask Prophet Magaya to come and help us and give us everything so that we can restart and do what we did in the earlier games.

“He is our father, the owner of the club and the prophet of this team. His presence here today inspired us,” he said.

Tapera said they deserved the three points.

“If we had utilised our chances we could have even scored more goals. I am happy with the boys, I am happy with the supporters.’’

The Triangle defence had not been breached in more than 180 minutes of football before yesterday’s game.

Magaya, who also doubles as the technical adviser, made a grand entrance ten minutes before full time.

He briefly had a photo shoot with the team after the match and immediately left.

The hosts could even have won by a bigger margin on an afternoon where Angolan Paulo Borges gave a glimpse of how good a player he is by creating a number of chances for Yadah.

Mavhunga was full of running and was behind the first goal in the 27th minute when his cross was headed into the nets by Guthrie Zhokinyu as he tried to pass back to his goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu.

The former Marlborough High student then grabbed his first in the 57th minute when he turned the ball in from the left and added his second in the 73rd minute, when he converted a penalty after fellow attacker Johannes Sibanda was brought down in the box.

The visitors were reduced to ten men four minutes before stoppage time after referee Thabani Bamala expelled Triangle forward Courage Denias for elbowing defender Jimmy Dzingai in an off-the-ball incident.

Coach Taurai Mangwiro said his men shot themselves in the foot.

“It was one game which we presented to them on a platter. We gifted them with an own goal after a mix-up. We thought we would regroup but it was always difficult for us.

“It is not like we have suddenly become a bad team and we can quickly bounce back against Caps United,” said Mangwiro.

Teams

Yadah Stars: T Dube, M Demera, M Musiyakwi, J Dzingai, R Dongo, B Mapfumo, W Kamudyariwa, E Kalembo, L Mavunga (D Savanhu 90th min), P Borges, J Sibanda.

Triangle: R Mudimu, D Dzvinyai, R Kawondera, R Mhlanga, K Chigwida, G Zhokinyu, T Huwa, R Madamombe, S Makoni (J Chivasa 70th min), L Nhamo, C Denias.

INDOMITABLE LION ON THE LOOSE. . . Dynamos’ Cameroonian striker Christian Epoupa Ntouba (right) streaks clear of his marker during the Castle Lager Premiership match at the National Sports Stadium last night. — Picture by Kudakwashe Hunda

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
Harare City  0 – 1 Dynamos

CAMEROONIAN striker Christian Epoupa Joel Ntoupa struck a beauty, a goal whose quality is rarely seen on the domestic front, to earn the Glamour Boys a crucial win over struggling Harare City at the National Sports Stadium and ease the pressure on coach Lloyd Mutasa.

Epoupa’s classy 35th minute goal brightened an otherwise dull night encounter as DeMbare grinded a victory they needed to ease the pressure on the technical bench after the former champions had failed to secure maximum points in their last three outings.

DeMbare supporters were beginning to lose faith with their coaching staff and team but the win yesterday bought some time for Mutasa and his men ahead of another tricky tie against Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba at the same venue on Sunday.

Epoupa, who was on target in the last match which ended 1-1 against Shabanie Mine, continued with his goal scoring form when he expertly volleyed home from inside the box after Harare City had failed to clear their lines from a corner kick.

The Cameroonian, with his back to goal, was able to pick his spot with a curling shot, hit with both accuracy and technique, that gave goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu no chance after Dynamos had forced two corner kicks in quick succession.

“If you look at the goal, to us as technical team, it was a wonder goal, a goal from a great striker and it was worth to win us three points,” said Mutasa.

Still DeMbare have a lot of work to do to redeem themselves after losing ground early in the race.

Mutasa was also man enough to point out that his team did not play well as they could not maintain the flow of the game.

The passing was appalling from both sides as scoring opportunities remained few and far between.

“I think we created chances but like every other day we only managed to convert one. But the good part is we managed to score and never conceded.

“If our memory serves us well I think we turned the corner last time when we played Harare City here and went about nine games unbeaten.

“I would like to believe this has to be the turning point. If we manage to take three points again I am sure it will enhance our chances of going forward,” said Mutasa.

Harare City were looking for a fresh start under new coach Philani “Beefy’’ Ncube who took over from Mike Madzivanyika this week.

Ncube was disappointed with his team after the Sunshine Boys wasted the few chances that they created.

Substitute Protash Kabwe could have at least found the equaliser 10 minutes after the breather when he got to the end of a good cross from Martin Vengesai but he could not connect with his head.

Then DeMbare goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga almost gifted them with a goal on a silver platter when he spilled the ball from a corner kick but Ocean Mushure was on guard to clear from theline.

Ncube was happy with the positive signs that he saw in his team.

“The potential is there. If only we had scored from our chances the match could have been different. We were the better side, definitely.

“I know Dynamos were under pressure and we were also under pressure but we were the better side. Our conversion rate was poor. They only had one chance and they scored,” said Ncube.

Teams

Harare City: M. Nyamupangedengu, T. Chimwemwe, P. Mpelele, J. Tigere, R. Uchena, T. Samanja, E. Zinyama (G. Kufandada, 77th min), W. Manondo, M. Gaki (P. Kabwe, 41st min), J. Chipangura (H. Chimutimunzeve, 58th min), M. Vengesai

Dynamos: T. Mateyaunga, P. Makaha, O. Mushure, M.             Machazane, L. Zvasiya, O. Mwerahari, T. Chipunza, E.           Mandiranga (D. Mukamba, 77th min), M. Mambare ( T.         Sadiki, 67th min), Q. Kangadze (W. Mutasa, 86th min), C. Epoupa

Chicken Inn players wheel away in celebration after Moses Jackson heads in a corner kick

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
Highlanders 0 -1 Chicken Inn

CHICKEN Inn underlined their dominance over Highlanders when defender Moses Jackson headed in a well taken corner kick two minutes before full time in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

It was Chicken Inn’s sixth win over Highlanders since 2011 and it came when it looked like the two Bulawayo sides will settle for a goalless draw.

Highlanders then conceded a corner after defender Peter Muduhwa, who ought to have been red-carded for elbowing Passmore Bernard in an off the ball incident a minute earlier, failed to deal with second half substitute Thomas Kadyaridzire.

Innocent Mucheneka took the resultant corner and Jackson rose unchallenged to power a header past a diving Bosso goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

The match was played in a typical derby style with some rather crude challenges from both sides, but it was Highlanders who created more clear cut chances in both halves.  Rodreck Mutuma’s 67th minute miss was probably the most glaring.

Mutuma was set up by Prince Dube and he came face to face with keeper Elvis Chipezeze, but the lanky forward poked the ball wide under a strong challenge from the resurrected Guide Goddard.

Chicken Inn scores and lead Bosso 1-0 at Barbourfields pic.twitter.com/qxh0VBZEIN

— Dingi Ntuli (@dilizwe) May 25, 2017

Bosso were the first to attack when playmaker Allan Gahadzikwa’s third minute shot was well dealt with by Chipezeze and 10 minutes later, the home side were asking questions again through Godfrey Makarutse, who whizzed his way past Goddard, only for the Chicken Inn defender to pull the young man down for the first yellow card of the day from referee Hardley Ndazi.

After absorbing the Bosso pressure, Chicken Inn started surging ahead and could have taken the lead in the 19th minute, but Darly Nyandoro’s full bloodied shot from inside the box was punched back into play by an alert Sibanda.

Two minutes later, the Gamecocks were charging again through Obidiah Tarumbwa, who was hacked down just outside the box by Muduhwa, but the resultant set piece was wasted.

There was no more major goalmouth action in the first half except for a few off target attempts by Simon Munawa.

In the second half, Rahman Gumbo pulled out Tarumbwa for Brian Juru, while his Highlanders’ counterpart Erol Akbay benched Makarutse for Mutuma.

Akbay also took out Gahadzikwa for Ralph Matema and Gumbo feels that is where Bosso lost the plot.

“I think tactically we were better than Highlanders. They had their playmaker Allan Gahadzikwa and when they took him out, we realised that there was no more supply of clean balls. They brought in three strikers and started pumping the ball forward and it was almost like game over for us; they played right into our hands,” said Gumbo.

Akbay blamed lack of concentration for the defeat as well as failing to utilise their scoring chances.

“We lost because of lack of concentration in the last minute. We played good football, first half we waited for them to make mistakes, which never happened, but we created many scoring chances. If you don’t score, you can’t win. I cannot complain about the performance of the team, we played very good football, but good football is not enough, you need to score,” said Akbay.

Gumbo said while they welcomed the win, they played with heavy hearts as one of their players Teenage Hadebe had to be withdrawn from camp yesterday morning following the death of his mother.

“We came here to get a result and managed to do that, but the unfortunate part is that our hearts and minds were somewhere else because Teenage Hadebe lost his mother and we had to withdraw him from camp. It meant we had to change our strategy too,” he said.

Teams

Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Bukhosi Ncube,                        Rahman Kutsanzira, Simon Munawa, Prince Dube, Godfrey Makarutse (Rodreck Mutuma 52nd min), Peter         Muduhwa, Tendai Ngulube, Honest Moyo, Benson Phiri, Allan Gahadzikwa (Ralph Matema 69th min)

Unused Subs: Charlton Siamalonga, Yves Esisa Ebabali, Brian Banda, Tendai Ndlovu, Prosper Matutu,

Chicken Inn: Elvis Chipezeze, Passmore Bernard, Devine Lunga, Moses Jackson, Guide Goddard, George Majika (Ishmael Lawe 61st min) , Clemence Matawu, Obidiah Tarumbwa (Brian Juru 51st min), Innocent Mucheneka, Tafadzwa Kutinyu(Thomas Kadyaridzire 84th min, Darrly Nyandoro

Unused Subs: Kuda Gurure, Pride Zendera, Nicholas Muchadeyi, Chris Samakweri,

Officials

Referee: Hardley Ndazi

First assistant referee: Brilliant Sibanda

Second assistant referee: Emmanuel Mugwagwa

Fourth official: Bekezela Makeka

Match commissioner: Dennis Chuma

Results at a glance

Yesterday: Yadah 3, Triangle 0; Harare City 0, Dynamos 1; ZPC Kariba 0, Chapungu 0; Shabanie 4, Bantu Rovers 1; Highlanders 0, Chicken Inn 1; Tsholotsho 1, Ngezi Platinum 4

Wednesday: How Mine 2, Black Rhinos 1; Bulawayo City 1, Hwange 0; CAPS United v FC Platinum (postponed)

- @skhumoyo2000

Tonderai Ndiraya

Thupeyo Muleya in BEITBRIDGE
Tsholotsho 1 – 4 Ngezi

NGEZI Platinum ran riot at Dulivhadzimu yesterday to crush whipping boys Tsholotsho 4-1 in a Castle Lager Premiership tie here yesterday.

Keith Murera thrust Ngezi into the lead in the ninth minute when he beat goalkeeper Winston Chiwetu.

Qadr Amini doubled the visitors’ tally from a set-piece in the 25th minute.

It was then three, two minutes into second half, when Donald Teguru converted a penalty after defender Godfrey Mukambi handled the ball under pressure.

Tsholotsho found a consolation goal through Lucky Nyathi in the 57th minute.

But Terrence Dzukamanja restored the three-goal cushion in the 69th minute.

“We played according to plan and we are happy with the result and we will continue fighting for a top four finish,’’ said Ngezi coach Tonderai Ndiraya.

“It’s too early to talk about winning the Premiership title since this is a marathon and we have to take each game as it comes.’’

Tsholotsho are likely to name a new coach in the coming weeks with Tavaka Gumbo the favourite for the post.

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
ZIFA will this year hold a Caf B licence for former players who have played football at the highest level and who would want to pursue a career in coaching.

Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda said this year the organisation will roll out various coaching courses as they seek to increase the number of coaches in the country which will also make it easier for clubs to meet the new club licensing requirements.

He said this year there is going to be a Caf Pro Licence course towards the end of the year, two Caf A courses, four Caf B courses and six Caf C coaching courses.

Already the first Caf B coaching course was completed in Zvishavane on Monday which saw 26 coaches taking part.

A goalkeepers’ coaching course is also on the cards in June and will be held in Kwekwe.

Sibanda said the Caf B coaching licences for former players will only be extended to those with a reputable record.

“We are going to hold a Caf B Licence for former players in June but we are not going to be allowing any other player for this course.

“We will consider players who played for the national team and those who did exceptionally well while playing in our local premiership. We realised that there are players who want to take up coaching and because they have played at that level, their entry point should be a Caf B coaching badge,” said Sibanda.

Turning to the issue of local coaches who hold foreign qualifications, the Zifa vice president said the coaches will have their qualifications regularised through the Zifa technical director’s office.

He said for foreigners their qualifications would be regularised through Caf and said the association will soon be strict with foreigners who have inferior qualifications as they “will not add value to our local game”.

Meanwhile, Zifa have appointed Zifa Central Region board member John Marima to be the regional technical coordinator for the region.

He takes over from Benedict Moyo who is now an instructor.

—@lavuzigara1

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
A mouth-watering clash is in the offing at the Midlands State University this afternoon when third placed ZPC Munyati travel to Gweru to take on second placed MSU in a Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) encounter.

MSU had been the log leaders after reclaiming top spot from the power generators over the weekend but they were eclipsed by army side Tongogara who edged Black Eagles 1–0 on Africa Day to go three points clear on the standings.

The army side now have 20 points from the eight games they have played so far and look set to continue their impressive run when they travel to Gwanda for a date with Vumbachikwe who have been operating in fits and starts.

However, the attention this weekend will be on the clash between ZPC Munyati and the students.

The two sides’ coaches are cautious going into today’s match but they were both confident that they will walk away with maximum points.

“It’s going to be a tough match judging by the way MSU has been playing lately. We need to be at our best and tactically disciplined if we are to come out with a result,” said ZPC Munyati mentor Isaac Nyabvure.

He has one of the most balanced sides in the league with a lot of youngsters who have shown potential at the same time with veteran players the likes of former Dynamos forward Jacob Muzokomba.

His counterpart Themba Chingwena whose side consists of mainly students from the institution described today’s game as a “game of chances.”

“We respect ZPC Munyati and with little to separate us from them judging by the results, it will be a game of chances. I have told my boys to make sure that they convert the chances that come our way if we are to come back with a result,” said Chingwena.

Elsewhere, former premiership side Border Strikers make a long trip to Gweru where they take on Whawha at the prisons and correctional services grounds.

Fixtures

Today: TelOne vs Gwanda United (Wilson Fields), MSU vs ZPC Munyati (MSU), Chrome Stars vs Blanket Mine (Chrome), Ivan Hoe vs Makusha (Amaveni), Whawha vs Border Strikers (Whawha),

Tomorrow: Black Eagles vs ZRP Gwanda (Simbi), Vumbachikwe vs Tongogara (Vumbachikwe), Silo United vs Nichrut (Mbizo), FC Platinum U19 vs Kwekwe Stars (Mandava)

— @lavuzigara1

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Southern Region Five-A-Side League enters Week Two with five matches set to be played at the Grassroots Soccer Football for Hope Centre in Gwabalanda tomorrow.

Nine teams; Amabhubesi, Cash Money, Bulawayo Artists, National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Tshabalala SDA, Black Stars, Fox, Street Set and Flying Stars will vie for honours in this year’s competition.

Bulawayo Artists will play Cash Money at 10AM before locking horns with league debutants, Street Set later during the day. Tshabalala SDA will also have two fixtures against Nust and Flying Stars respectively. Black Stars will play Fox.

Meanwhile, the region will hold a five-day Zifa Level One training course for coaches, referees and administrators at Fatima High School, Matabeleland North from June 5-10.

The course was first held last year at Football for Hope Centre in Bulawayo.

Southern Region Five-A-Side League chairperson Philani Banda said sports writers are also welcome to attend the course.

“We want to encourage everyone interested to attend this programme. We would like to see our sport growing and becoming popular and the only way to do that is to educate people about it. Once we do that, we will know that we now have a strong foundation,” said Banda.

Tomorrow’s fixtures

Cash Money vs Bulawayo Artists, Nust vs Tshabalala SDA, Black Stars vs Fox, Street Set vs Bulawayo Artists, Flying Stars vs Tshabalala SDA.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
NKULUMANE High School is confident of winning the Bulawayo Under-17 girls’ Top Schools Basketball tournament to be held at Eveline High School today.

At least 15 schools are expected  to battle it out with outstanding players being called up for a provincial select team that will represent Bulawayo in a national competition set for Harare next month.

Nkulumane High School Sports director Simbarashe Mudiwa said his charges have prepared very well for the competition and are looking forward to making a lasting impression.

“We have tried our best and we are ready for the competition. In terms of preparations everything went according to plan and what is now left is for the girls to put into practice what we have been doing on the training field.

“We are only going to know our group opponents after tomorrow’s draw but we are not scared of any team. I hope we will be placed in a group with the strongest teams so that we see our potential,” Mudiwa said.

He said he believes the school has become a basketball hub considering that the school came first in the men’s competition.

“I think we are on the right track as a school. The boys’ team also did well in the same competition and they will be representing the province in the national competition. My wish is to see the girls doing the same thing or at least having quite a number of them being selected to the provincial team,” he said.

—@khumzallen

Obriel Chirinda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BANTU Rovers striker Obriel Chirinda has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash against Harare City after suffering a career threatening injury in Thursday’s 1-4 loss to Shabanie Mine in Zvishavane.

Chirinda had to be substituted in the 60th minute after the home team’s goalkeeper Samuel Mafukidze stuck his boots on him.

The 20-year-old who got the consolation goal for his team in Zvishavane was reportedly rushed to a hospital before the end of the match and was released to the club who took him to a specialist in Bulawayo.

Rovers’ physiotherapist Takura Musasa said the injury “doesn’t look good” and they will be able to establish the damage by Monday.

“It doesn’t look good and there could be damaged ligaments. For now we can’t establish the extent of the damage because the knee is swollen,” said Musasa.

The development means that Chirinda who has been giving opposition defenders a torrid time will be out for a long time.

Rovers will now rely on 18-year-old McCarthy Dube, Newman Sianchali and Gladman Bharibhari to lead their attack.

They also have skipper Bukhosi Zakhu Sibanda who can support the strikers coming from the midfield.

Rovers are second from the bottom with six points from nine outings and will be hoping to get at least a point from Harare City who are on position 16 with seven points.

City, just like Rovers are hard-pressed for a win so that they can move out of the murky relegation waters.

City signed former Bulawayo City and How Mine gaffer Philani Beefy Ncube on Wednesday and the coach began his job with a 1-0 home defeat to Dynamos on Thursday night.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Warriors’ technical bench has given grieving national team and Chicken Inn defender Teenage Hadebe a compassionate leave following the sudden death of the talented footballer’s mother this week.

Hadebe is part of the 25-member squad called up by stand-in coach Norman Mapeza to prepare for the Total African Nations Cup Group G qualifier  against Liberia on June 11 at the National Sports Stadium.

The players are expected to report for camp in the capital on Monday but Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare said it was only humane that they give Hadebe some time to mourn his dear mother but they expect him to join his colleagues at a later stage.

“We surely will give him time to mourn his mother and our thoughts are with him and his family during this trying time. We however expect that he will be able to join us later as the game is almost two weeks away,” said Mpandare.

Hadebe’s mother is expected to be buried here in Bulawayo although the family had not finalised on the actual date yesterday.

“Only God knows why, everything happens for a reason I guess,” said a grieving Hadebe.

Mourners are gathered at House Number 43, 11th Street Makokoba.

Russell Mhiribidi, Sliz director

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE inaugural Higher and Tertiary Education Autumn Sports Management Camp organised by the Sports Leaders’ Institute of Zimbabwe (Sliz) kicked off  in Masvingo yesterday with 104 participants registering for the event.

The three-day camp ends tomorrow.

African Sports management Association’s (ASMA) committee member who is also a top Kenyan athletics coach Edward Muema Munguti will be the guest speaker.

Acting Sports and Recreation Commission’s (SRC) director-general Joseph Muchechetere and Wold Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited doctor Nicholas Munyonga will also make presentations.

The camp is targeting tertiary and higher education institutions’ decision makers that is principals, vice-principals, deans of students and heads of sports departments.

Russell Mhiribidi, Sliz director, said they are ready for the camp which seeks to deal with the new education curricula, which includes sport as an examinable subject, as well as enhancing the teaching of mass displays.

“We’ve a good turnout and for a new camp to attract over 100 participants and officials is great. Wellness and active lifestyle is what the Government is encouraging and as Sliz we’ve seen it proper to organise a workshop for higher and tertiary education institutions so that we address a number of issues.

Teachers who teach pupils physical education and sport come from these institutions, so it’s prudent that we interact with them on matters to do with sports management issues,” said Mhiribidi.

Sliz will also highlight the importance of setting up vibrant university sporting leagues.

“We’re of the view that universities are the zenith of sports development and as such there is a need to have vibrant leagues for different sporting disciplines. Universities and tertiary education institutions have some of the best sporting facilities for use in league programmes instead of just having festivals.

“It is also possible for these institutions to get sound sponsorships from strategic partners just like what happens across the Limpopo where South Africa has vibrant university leagues,” said Mhiribidi.

Sliz, who also run winter and summer camps for sports administrators, have also invited agricultural colleges to their Great Zimbabwe camp.

— @ZililoR