Chelsea will open the defence of their Premier League title at home to Burnley when the season kicks off on the weekend of August12-13.

The full list of fixtures was released on Wednesday with Antonio Conte’s side also slated for a follow-up game at Tottenham Hotspur, who will play all their home fixtures at Wembley while White Hart Lane is being redeveloped.

Manchester City travel to newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion on the opening weekend, while Manchester United play West Ham United at Old Trafford.

Liverpool take on Watford, under the new management of Marco Silva, at Vicarage Road, while Spurs travel to Championship (second tier) champions Newcastle United.

The other Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town will play their first top-flight game in 45 years at Crystal Palace as Arsenal open at home to Leicester City .

Everton, who begin at home to Stoke City, face a testing opening to the campaign with games against Manchester City,                                  Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United before the end of September.

The first weekend’s fixtures are completed by Swansea City’s visit to Southampton and Bournemouth’s trip to West Bromwich Albion.

Manchester United’s first meeting with Liverpool, always one of the highlights of the season, will be at Anfield on October 14. The first Manchester derby will be at Old Trafford on December 9, the same weekend as the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Huddersfield manager David Wagner will have a first competitive reunion with mentor Jurgen Klopp at Anfield on October 28.

However, his side face a daunting end to the season with their final four games including trips to Manchester City and Chelsea, plus Everton and Arsenal at home.

The festive programme is typically packed, with a full round of fixtures two days before Christmas.

All the timings are subject to slight change because of TV scheduling.

Spurs’ games face further problems because of conflicting demands at Wembley and the club immediately announced that their home game with Burnley on August 26 would have to be rescheduled because it clashes with the Rugby League Challenge Cup final.

The EFL fixtures for the other three divisions will be released on June. 21. — Reuters.

Former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote

The agent of the late Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Cheick Tiote yesterday called for the media to cease making unsubstantiated claims about the reasons for his death.

The 52-time capped star – a member of the Ivory Coast squad that ended a 23-year drought in winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations – died after fainting during training with second division side Beijing Enterprises on June 5. He was 30 years of age.

His death shocked the football world, reverberating in England, where he played for seven years at Newcastle United before joining the Beijing team in February.

However, with his body being flown home to the Ivory Coast — after an emotional farewell held at a funeral home in China on Tuesday — Emanuele Palladino issued a statement to Press Association Sport calling on the speculation over why he died to end out of sympathy for his family’s feelings.

“There is increasing speculation regarding the circumstances and reasons behind Cheick Tiote’s death with many inaccuracies being printed in the press on this subject,” Palladino said.

“This has been upsetting for Cheick’s family and all parties involved at what is already a difficult time.

“We appreciate Cheick was a much-loved personality. His club Beijing Enterprises are being co-operative at this time and when we have official information surrounding his death we will give a statement on behalf of his family.

“Until then we cannot comment further however we thank you for all your continued support and well wishes.”

Tiote’s body is expected to arrive back in the Ivory Coast today and more tributes are planned for the player.

The national team returned to Abidjan on Monday after an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat by Guinea and presented their condolences to the player’s family.

Tiote was one of 10 children, who like many of his Ivory Coast teammates, grew up in abject poverty and didn’t possess a pair of boots until he was 15, but whose lucrative move to China gave him the opportunity to help his family financially.

“It was his dream to play in China and I was so delighted for him when it happened,” said former England manager Steve McClaren, who coached him twice, once at Dutch side Twente where they won the 2010 league title and then at Newcastle (2015/16).

“He earned money to look after his family.

“He loved playing football to look after his family. All the relatives, uncles, aunts, grandparents, they all relied on him to look after them.” — AFP.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Aquatic Union (ZAU) has selected four athletes to represent the country in the 17th edition of the FINA World Championships set for Budapest, Hungary, from July 14-30.

The four are Peter Welzlar, James Lawson, Robyn Lee and Devyn Leask, who will be accompanied by ZAU president Mary Kloppers and coach Sheelah Crause to the east European nation.

Kloppers said the swimmers were selected based on the FINA points system.

“FINA set a qualifying criterion and thereafter we used FINA points to determine which athletes could attend. Zimbabwe was allocated a total of four athletes.

“FINA also specified that for unqualified athletes we had to include two female athletes for gender equality purposes,” Kloppers said.

She said preparations were underway with all four athletes in full training.

With seven-time Olympic medalist Kirsty Coventry having done well at similar competitions, Kloppers said they were hoping to see male swimmers winning medals at international galas.

“This is the first time we have had a male qualify for the World Champs. We are happy about this development as it clearly shows Zimbabwe swimming still has something to offer after Kirsty. It is now imperative that the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) support these swimmers, as qualifying for World Champs is a very good indication of future Olympic qualification,” she said.

Kloppers will be the first to depart for Budapest where she will attend two congresses from July 21-22.

@khumzallen

Philip Marufu

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
Chapungu 1-0 Bulawayo City

A strike by Philip Marufu deep into stoppage time earned maximum points for Chapungu in yesterday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Ascot Stadium.

The result saw the airmen extending their unbeaten run to seven games without conceding a  goal.

City coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu was left cursing the football gods after managing to contain Chapungu for the better part of the game only to suffer the proverbial sucker punch when a share of the spoils seemed imminent.

“It’s just unfortunate but this is how football is. It is sad that we lost three points today after playing so well and controlling the match into which I had thrown youngsters into the fray,” said Mpofu.

“We need to work on our concentration, which saw us conceding in the last minute, but we are not demoralised and it’s still a long way to go in terms of our survival mission,” he said.

Despite putting a lethargic performance, Chapungu gaffer Tendai Chikuni was happy that his side collected maximum points.

“Today we did not play our normal game, but I told the guys that after this (international) break anything can happen and so my worry was about consistency and I am happy we managed to get maximum points,” said Chikuni.

There was nothing much to write home about as there was little goalmouth action.

Chapungu had two chances in the first half, but their strikers failed to convert and in the second half both sides also took turns to miss.

City’s best chance fell to substitute Rainsome Pavari, whose long range effort missed the upright in the 63rd minute.

However, it was Chapungu who took the initiative thereafter following the introduction of Marufu, who came on for Ian Nyoni.

With the match seemingly headed for a drab draw, Collen Kwaramba’s throw in was flicked onto Marufu’s path and he obliged with a tap in from close range, giving City goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya no chance.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
Chicken Inn 2-0 ZPC Kariba

A late first half tactical substitution by Chicken Inn turned the direction of the game into their favour as they went on to grind a fourth straight win in a Castle Lager Premiership against ZPC Kariba at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

Despite taking a scrambled third minute lead from the boot of the imposing Guide Goddard, the home side was clearly on the back foot for the better part of the first half as Sunday Chidzambwa’s boys enjoyed more possession, with Raphael Manuvire and Francisco Zekumbawire causing problems.

Sensing a possible halt to their winning streak, Chicken Inn coach Rahman Gumbo took a gamble five minutes before the breather by taking out George Majika and bringing in midfield enforcer Thabani Goredema and it paid off.

“We had to cut off the supply line to the front runners where big striker Zekumbawire was putting them into the game. We defused the situation when we brought in Goredema to help Goddard and you could see a changed team in the second half,” said Gumbo.

The match got off at a rather slow start as the two sides were still sizing each other in the early stages of the game. However, the home side found itself ahead in the third minute when Majika forced a corner kick that was taken by Innocent Mucheneka.

The corner kick was cleared back to him and the former Hwange player sent in a rising shot which goalkeeper Elisha Nechiturire fumbled allowing Goddard to blast it into the nets from inside the 12-yard box.

It was to be the first and only real chance for Chicken Inn as ZPC Kariba took full charge of proceedings through methodical build-ups, but they were foiled by the home side’s backline of Passmore Bernard, Teenage Hadebe, Moses Jackson and Devine Lunga.

In the 36th minute, Manuvire forced a corner kick after winning possession inside the box, but the resultant kick was wasted. On the stroke of half time, Bornface Zuberi’s low cross from the right side found no takers.

The home side almost grabbed another gifted goal a minute into injury time when Darrly Nyandoro’s tame shot was cleared off the line with goalkeeper Elisha Nechiturire already beaten.

Chicken Inn returned from the breather eager to extend their lead, but their strike force failed to punish the visitors, especially Chris Samakweri. In the 51st minute, Samakweri skied his effort after being set up by Lunga.

In the 83rd minute, referee Bonamwali Bwanali, who had a good day with his assistants Abraham Manda and Peter Simtenda, pointed to the spot after Manda raised his flag following a foul on Thomas Kadyaridzire by goalkeeper Nechiturire.

Mucheneka stepped up to score despite the goalkeeper diving in the right direction.

“I thought in the first half we played reasonably well although we conceded an easy goal, but in the second half Chicken Inn controlled the game. The entire second half we were out of the game. It’s the attitude of the players, if you are to win away games you have to fight, but our guys were not fighting,” said a visibly disappointed Chidzambwa.

Gumbo also conceded that it was a game of two halves in which the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening stanza, while they controlled proceedings in the second.

Meanwhile, in other matches played yesterday, a second half brace from substitute Courage Denias and another goal from Guthrie Zhokinyi were enough to give Triangle a comfortable victory against Shabanie Mine in a midweek Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gibbo yesterday. FC PLatinum coach Norman Mapeza is worried by the way his team keeps dropping points  at home after midfielder Gerald Takwara missed a sitter in a goalless draw at Mandava yesterday against Harare City.

Teams

Chicken Inn: Elvis Chipezeze, Passmore Bernard, Divine Lunga, Moses Jackson, Guide Goddard, Clemence Matawu, Chris Samakweri, Teenage Hadebe (Thomas Kadyaridzire 61st min), Innocent Mucheneka, Goerge Majika (Thabani Goredema 41st min), Darryl Nyandoro (Ishmael Lawe 82nd min)

ZPC Kariba: Elisha Nechiturire, Bornface Zuberi, Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe, Arnold Chiveya, Tawanda Nyamandwe, Tawanda Munyanduri, Never Tigere, Talent Chamboko, Daniel Chakupe( Samuel Makawa 68th min), Raphael Manuvire( Leonard Fiyado 74th min), Francisco Zekumbawire (Godknows Mangani 74th min)

Results: Chicken Inn 2-0 ZPC Kariba, FC Platinum 0-0 Harare City, Chapungu 1-0 Bulawayo City, Black Rhinos 3-0 Highlanders, Triangle United 3-1 Shabanie Mine.

@skhumoyo2000

Black Rhinos players celebrate a goal

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
Black Rhinos 3 – 0 Highlanders

ARE Black Rhinos turning back the hands of time to exactly 30 years ago when they were last crowned champions of Zimbabwe football?

The army side made another huge statement when they handed giants Highlanders a hiding at Morris Depot yesterday but Chauya Chipembere coach Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa still wants more from his charges.

Mtizwa was thrilled by the brace scored by Lot Chiwunga and another goal from the penalty spot by goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo which took the army side back at the summit of the Premiership standings.

Rhinos took the overnight control of the race, equal on 26 points with early pace-setters Ngezi Platinum Stars, who play Dynamos this evening at the National Sports Stadium.

“I am happy that my boys are matching all these big guys – Dynamos, Highlanders, Chicken Inn. I want them to keep up the momentum. Maybe, that would take us where we want.

‘‘I have always said we want to run away from relegation but if we keep winning then we would be talking about the top four,” said Mtizwa.

Chiwunga struck  just before the half-time whistle when he headed the ball home in a crowded box from a short corner-kick that was engineered by Milton Kureva and Jameson Mukombwe on the right.

The former Warriors fringe man doubled his tally soon after the restart when goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda made a horrendous blunder, spilling a long range grounder from Mukombwe into the path of the advancing striker.

It got worse for Bosso when referee Norman Matemera penalised defender Tendai Ndlovu, albeit harshly, after Chiwunga tumbled to the ground in a tussle for possession.

Goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo beat his opposite number Sibanda with a rising shot into the roof of the net.

“I think lately we have been crying more about our strikers because mostly midfielders and defenders were scoring. Now that we have been working with those strikers, I think it is paying,’’ said Mtizwa.

‘‘They are now scoring. We are still going to work on them to score more than two goals in a game especially Lot.”

Highlanders had some good scoring opportunities but Prince Dube somehow blew their best chance of the day over the bar when coming face-to-face with the goalkeeper on 57 minutes, with Rhinos still leading 2-0.

“We played football and they won the match, this is what happened today. We played very good football, we had very good combinations, everything was there, we created many chances but the problem was we were not scoring.

‘‘And we made stupid mistakes in defending and you would not expect us to win the match.

“In the first half we had two good chances to score and in the second half we had two to three good chances,’’ said coach Elroy Akbay.

Teams

Black Rhinos: H. Rusawo, J. Mukombwe, M. Kureva, S. Linyama, B. Homora, D. Mudadi, T. Chigudu, C. Chitsamba, R. Mwenga (L. Samaraya, 68th min), B. Marere (V. Mhandu, 86th min), L. Chiwunga (Y. Salima, 86th min)

Highlanders: A. Sibanda, B. Phiri (G. Makaruse, 53rd min), H. Moyo, P. Mudhuwa, T. Ndlovu, T. Ngulube, S. Munawa, A. Gahadzikwa (K. Nadolo, 83rd min), R. Kutsanzira, P. Dube, R. Matema

Wicknell Chivayo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
BUSINESSMAN and socialite Wicknell Chivayo has undertaken to pay the $4 000 fine imposed on Bulawayo giants Highlanders by the Premier Soccer League’s disciplinary committee for the abandoned match against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on May 14.

Highlanders were found guilty of offences which include pitch invasion, missile throwing and violent conduct by their fans during the epic encounter that was halted in the 42nd minute.

“The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee found Highlanders guilty of causing the abandonment of the match. The match has been awarded to Dynamos FC on a 3-0 score line. Further, Highlanders FC were fined a sum of $4 000, which fine together with the cost of the hearing shall be paid by the 31st of July 2017,” read the judgment.

The free-spending businessman yesterday took to social media to announce his benevolence to Highlanders, a team which he claims to have supported since his primary school days at Avoca in Insiza district, Matabeleland South.

“Bosso ngenkani! I was speaking to our respectable Highlanders (acting) chairman Modern Ngwenya over the weekend. I was so impressed by his sentiments that ‘soccer results are determined in football grounds not in board rooms’. I assured him that on his instruction simply by text or phone call, I will definitely go and pay the $4 000 fine to the PSL with my eyes closed. I told him I will go one better and do them a favour and go in person myself and pay it in cash so that they can get a chance to also meet one of Highlanders’ life time supporters who don’t condone violence. Enough said and to cut a long story short, asifuni bumbulu,” wrote Chivayo on his Facebook timeline yesterday.

Chivayo said he meant and stood by his Facebook post.

Highlanders have since formally lodged an appeal against the decision to award the game to Dynamos on a 3-0 score line.

Bosso lodged their appeal to Zifa on Tuesday as defined by the PSL Article 49 of its statutes and it is now up to the national association to hear the case using its appeals committee.

“We have launched our appeal with Zifa because we feel it’s not fair to us as Highlanders and it’s not fair to other teams in the league. We want to be given an opportunity to compete where we are going to win, lose or draw on the field of play, not for Dynamos to get three points via the boardroom,” said Ngwenya.

He said the issue of monetary sanction will need to be tackled at policy level, but their immediate concern now was the decision to award the match to Dynamos on a 3-0 score line.

“Look, it’s common knowledge that we were ready to play when the match was called off and it won’t be fair to us and other teams in the league for Dynamos to get three points through the boardroom. We want our players to be given an opportunity to compete on the field of play; we want them to beat Dynamos on the field of play and if need be, we want Dynamos to beat us on the field of play, not via some boardroom,” Ngwenya said.

@skhumoyo2000

FC Platinum supporters invade the pitch after the match against Highlanders at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane was abandoned last month

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE police have been blamed for causing the abandonment of the FC Platinum and Highlanders’ Castle Lager Premiership match at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane on May 28.

The referee and match commissioner’s reports indicating that Bosso fans threw stones and invaded the pitch were rejected by the PSL disciplinary committee after viewing video evidence of the disturbances.

“It is clear from the evidence presented that had it not been for the trigger-happy police who threw teargas at exiting fans, the match would have been concluded,” reads part of the disciplinary committee’s judgement.

In a strongly worded 1 400-word judgment which Chronicle Sport is in possession of, the four-man PSL disciplinary committee described referee Brighton Chimene and match commissioner Masimba Chihowa’s evidence as unreliable, as it sought to portray Highlanders’ supporters as a violent lot by insinuating that they threw stones onto the pitch before invading it and causing the abandonment of the game.

Highlanders, who were represented at the hearing by chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube and treasurer Donald Ndebele, did not deny that some Bosso fans threw missiles, except that these were empty plastic bottles and not stones.

They admitted that some of their fans invaded the pitch with FC Platinum fans to escape tear smoke that had been thrown at exiting fans.

Bosso were then found guilty of count two of throwing of missiles and acquitted on the first count of causing the abandonment of the match.

“What is in contention is whether the game was abandoned due to the accused club’s actions or due to the action of the police. The referee was of the view that he could not restart the match because the Highlanders’ supporters threw missiles at the assistant referee after the penalty kick. He also stated that it was the Highlanders’ supporters who invaded the pitch. The match commissioner basically stated the same. In its defence, the accused produced a video showing the events of the day.

“The video was at odds with the evidence given by the two witnesses (referee and match commissioner). It showed that the accused club supporters were in fact leaving the stadium or heading towards the exit. It also showed that the police used tear smoke and it was at this point that the FC Platinum supporters then entered the pitch. There was no evidence on the video that the stampede that ensued was caused by the accused or that it was the accused’s supporters who caused the abandonment of the match. But for the action of the police, the game would have proceeded.

“Both witnesses indicated that much of the confusion started when supporters tried to escape the tear smoke, with many people following the players into the dressing rooms. Both the referee and the match commissioner’s version of events were discredited. They became evasive under cross examination, especially after the video evidence. Their evidence was totally unreliable as at one stage they said stones were thrown, but it was clear from the video that very few plastic bottles had been thrown and the police had managed the situation.

“In their evidence, they said the accused’s supporters invaded the pitch and yet it was FC Platinum supporters who first invaded the pitch running away from teargas thrown by police as accused’s supporters exited the stadium. They painted a picture of the accused being the violent party and did not even mention seeing police kicking  accused’s supporter (seeking police help) after being beaten by FC Platinum supporters right in the middle of the pitch. It is clear from the evidence presented that had it not been for the trigger-happy police who threw teargas at exiting fans, the match would have been concluded,” the judgment read.

For pleading guilty to missile throwing, Bosso were ordered to pay a fine of $2 000, of which $500 is suspended for the rest of the season on condition they are not convicted of any offence involving missile throwing. The fine of $1 500 together with the cost of hearing should be paid by July 31, 2017.

“In arriving at the appropriate sentence, we have considered the fact that the accused admitted throwing missiles into the pitch.

However, throwing plastic bottles or missiles of whatever nature should not be condoned at all. No matter how one perceives to have been robbed of a game, violence will never be the answer. Those perceptions must be addressed through formal structures and not by resorting to violence.

“We have considered that had it not been for the statements presented to PSL, perhaps the club would have been given the mandatory fine in the Standing Orders. We are also mindful of deterring future missile throwing by imposing a suspended sentence. The suspended sentence will act as a deterrent and ensure the club does not commit a similar offence in future. The match results stand at 1-1,” concluded the disciplinary committee in its judgment.

@skhumoyo2000

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
TALEN Vision are threatening to burst Southern Region Division One League leaders Bulawayo Chiefs’ bubble when they face off in a potentially explosive encounter at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

Chiefs are on a nine-match unbeaten run and sit at the top of the table with 25 points, nine points ahead of second-placed ZRP Bulawayo.

Vision are fourth with 14 points from nine games and are confident of causing an upset.

“We have picked form, which is good, especially going to face the leaders. We will not be cowed and we’re going into the match confident of getting three points,” said Juma Phiri, Vision’s manager.

Vision have not lost a match since Week Two in April when they fell 1-2 to new boys Chiwororo.

Since then, they have won three times and drawn the same number of games.

Last week Vision held second-placed ZRP Bulawayo to a 0-0 draw.

Former Bantu Rovers goalkeeper Elton Sibanda, defenders Mongameli Ndlovu and Shelton Sibanda, the midfield pair of Ntokozo Tshuma and Adonis Nyoni as well as strikers Mthulisi Nkomo and Anesu Nyathi have been the driving force behind Vision’s solid displays.

Chiefs are wary of Vision, who beat them 2-1 in their last meeting last season.

Thulani Sibanda, the Chiefs’ coach, said they would approach the encounter with caution.

“We have to be alert throughout the game because we’re playing a side that can surprise us if we’re not careful. However, even though we’re not underrating our opponents, it will be foolish of us to think we will have an easy walk in the park. We’ve made our championship intentions known and we want to reach the 10-game mark without losing, which means we have to fight on Saturday,” said Sibanda.

Goalkeeper Kelvin Nyoni, captain Kundishora Chakanyuka, striker Fortune Nkomazana, Mthulisi Maphosa and Makhosi Ncube are the mainstay of Chiefs.

At Turk Mine, Casmyn host ZRP Bulawayo in a tricky encounter.

Bottom of the table Victoria Falls Tigers travel to Hwange for a date with coal miners Makomo, while Zim Leopards are away to Mosi Rovers in Victoria Falls.

Amagagasi will entertain Bosso 90 at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls, with Chiwororo and Black Boots locking horns at White City Stadium.

Fixtures
Tomorrow: Makomo v Victoria Falls Tigers (Old Hwange), Mosi Rovers v Zim Leopards (Chinotimba), Talen Vision v Bulawayo Chiefs (Luveve), Casmyn v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Turk Mine), Chiwororo v Indlovu Iyanyathela (White City), Black Boots v ZPC Hwange (Fairbridge)

Sunday: Amagagasi v Bosso 90 (Chinotimba)

Bukhosi Zakhu Sibanda just can’t stop scoring. 

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
Bantu Rovers 1-1 Tsholotsho FC
BANTU Rovers drew their first match of the season after 13 outings, while their rivals Tsholotsho clocked the same number of matches without a win, as both sides shared the spoils in a Castle Lager Premiership game at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

The league’s leading goal scorer Bukhosi Sibanda put Rovers ahead with a well taken 11th minute set piece to take his goal tally to nine.

However, a howler by veteran defender Dumisani Ndlovu three minutes later gifted Tsholotsho the equaliser. The gangly central defender miscued a back pass to drawn out goalkeeper Notice Dube, who was dispossessed by an alert Lucky Nyathi to level matters.

The two sides put up brave faces after the match in which they ruled out automatic relegation at the end of the season, although they remain in the drop zone.

“There is a chance of survival, there are still more than half of league games left and I think we can still make some improvements. I don’t think we are far away, we are one or two positions behind, but I must say we are really happy with the younger players and the development they are having, but there are a couple of positions I think we can upgrade when the window opens,” said Bantu Rovers’ head coach Methembe Ndlovu.

His Tsholotsho counterpart Darlington Dodo described his mission of pulling the great escape as work in progress.

“It’s work in progress. I cannot say what will happen, but that’s why we are here. I am sure we will get things right. We have to survive and there’s no two ways about it,” said Dodo.

The match had some flashes of brilliance, especially from the young Rovers’ players, although their display didn’t yield the desired result. Tsholotsho’s forays upfront found 18-year-old central defender Shadreck Nyahwa unyielding.

Teams
Bantu Rovers: Notice Dube, Jileni Nsingo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Dumisani Ndlovu, Tapiwa Kumbuyani, Munyaradzi Chitembwe, Lucky Ndlela, Bukhosi Sibanda, Gladman Bharibhari (McCarthy Dube 88th min), Obriel Chirinda ( Kudzaishe Dzingwe 82nd min), Mbonisi Ncube (Brighton Ncube 56th min),

Unused subs: Junior Mubayiwa, Fortune Sibanda, Master Mlangeni, Stephen Chimusoro

Tsholotsho: Chang Mariyoni, Bruno Madanhire, Nkosilathi Moyo, Godfrey Mukambi, Trust Nyabinde, Pride Zivengwa, Malon Mashonga, Xolani Ndlovu, Nixon Gama, Thabani Moyo (Thomas Chimenya 62nd min), Lucky Nyathi

Unused subs: Marshall Phiri, Shephard Mhlanga, Canaan Nkomo, Spar Dube, Tawanda Zinake, Winston Chiwetu

@skhumoyo2000

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA is today expected to announce coaches for various representative national teams from the Under-15 level up to the senior national team.

The announcement will also include the new head coach of the Mighty Warriors, who were left coach-less after stand-in coach Shadreck Mlauzi’s services were terminated.

The new coach will lead the girls in the Cosafa Women’s Championships set for Bulawayo in September.

Besides the Under-15 and Mighty Warriors’ head coaches, head honchos of national Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 sides will also be named.

Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda, who also doubles up as chairperson of the High Performance Committee that recommends candidates for national team posts, said all positions would be filled today. He was, however, coy on whether Warriors’ stand in coach Norman Mapeza would be made substantive.

“Wait for tomorrow (today), we will announce everything then,” said Sibanda.

The Under-17 coach will have a little over a month to prepare his charges for the 2017 edition of the Cosafa Championship set for Mauritius next month in which Zimbabwe were drawn in Group A with Botswana, Malawi and hosts Mauritius.

The Under-20s also have the Cosafa Championships in December and sources yesterday said Caps United assistant coach Mark Mathe is likely to be in charge of the team, taking over from Mandla Mpofu, who had been appointed on an interim basis following the resignation of Jairos Tapera upon his appointment at South Africa’s Black Leopards in June last year.

“There is little chance that the guys will tamper with the senior national team set up for now, meaning Mapeza and his lieutenants Tonderayi Ndiraya and Mpofu will continue in their positions, but what we don’t know is whether on an interim or permanent basis now. Ndiraya might be given the Under-23s and one of the most qualified women coaches Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is almost certain to take charge of the Mighty Warriors,” said the source.

The Warriors’ gaffer will be expected to immediately call up his preferred squad for the Cosafa Senior Challenge set for South Africa from June 25 to July 9.

The championships will be followed by an African Championship qualifier against Namibia that will be played over two legs on August 11 and a week later.

The winner takes on the victors between Comoros and Lesotho, which is the final leg before the finals in Kenya early next year.

Zimbabwe have qualified for every version of the Chan finals since inception in 2009, but are yet to lift the Cup, which is contested by players plying their trade on the African continent.

With the Under-15s certainly at school level, Zifa might look to the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) and their secondary counterparts (Nash) for assistance in identifying suitable candidates.

@skhumoyo2000

Paul Mundandi, Harare Bureau
HIGHLANDERS wrote a letter of protest, before their Castle Lager Premiership tie against Black Rhinos at Morris Depot on Wednesday, over the appointment of referee Norman Matemera to handle their match.

Bosso lost 0-3.

After seeing Matemera on the pitch, the Highlanders officials wrote a letter of protest to match commissioner Tendai Bwanya.

“We wish to register an official complaint on the appointment of Mr Matemera as the referee for our match against Rhinos FC at Morris Depot today, 14th of June 2017,’’ club chief executive Nhlahla Dube wrote.

“Our discomfort with the said match official is that:
1 – In 2014 he handled our match against Dynamos FC and made controversial decision by adding more than nine minutes of optional time when the board had indicated four minutes.

2 – In 2015, in our match against Dynamos, he made a bad call and denied our club victory.

3 – He is as we are informed a serving-member of ZRP and is thus conflicted when handling a game involving another arm of the national armed forces.

“We thus register an official complaint before the match proceeds. We, will, however participate in the match under protest.”

Zifa Referees Committee chief Gladmore Muzambi confirmed receipt of the letter.

Meanwhile, Thomas Kusosa, the assistant refereee who was at the centre of the abandoned match between Highlanders and Dynamos this season, is one of a panel of match officials for the Cosafa tournament in South Africa.

Referee Philani Ncube, who was also in charge of that game, has also been appointed to be part of the referees at the Cosafa tournament.

“They two are doing well on the international scene no wonder why the Cosafa Referees Committee appointed them,’’ said Zifa referees chief Gladmore Muzambi.

“We hope they will go and represent us well throughout the tournament.’’

Kusosa is a member of the Fifa panel and has ipressed on monthly progressive tests from Fifa meant to gauge the level of interpretation of the Laws of the Game.

The tests include analysis of match situations, Laws of the Game trivia and offside.

Munyaradzi Diya

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
How Mine 2-1 Yadah Stars FC
MUNYARADZI DIYA produced brilliant saves to inspire 10-man How Mine to a hard fought victory over a highly determined Yadah Stars FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

How Mine’s victory saw them moving three places up the ladder into fourth place. The gold miners are now tied on 24 points with third-placed Chicken Inn, who have a better goal difference.

Diya kept his side in the game with a double save in the 18th minute by first blocking a Johannes Sibanda shot before tipping Paulo Borges’ attempt from the rebound out for a corner.

Two minutes later, Diya again went airborne to push Borges’ header out.

Yadah’s control of the first half lasted for half an hour as How Mine struggled to keep up with the visitors’ attackers led by Leeroy Mavunga and Borges.

How Mine crept back into the game after coach Kelvin Kaindu instructed his players to keep possession and build-up through the midfield.

A quick exchange of passes between Pasca Manhanga and Kuda Musharu opened up Yadah’s defence for the first time, and midfielder Marvelous Mukumba was denied by goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube in a one-on-one situation in the 31st minute.

But there was no denying Manhanga two minutes later when his strike from the edge of the box took an awkward bounce and beat Dube at the near post.

The home side was then dealt a blow when Mukumba received his second booking in the 41st minute leaving his team with 10 men.

However, Mukumba’s expulsion did not deter How Mine, who doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime through Toto Banda, who toe-poked the ball into the net after keeper Dube spilled Musharu’s effort.

The goal infuriated Yadah coach Jairos Tapera, who felt his defenders could have cleared the ball.

“Defensively we were poor in the first half and if you look at the first goal, the keeper was hit at the near post and the second one the central defenders were sleeping. That was our biggest undoing,” said Tapera.

With a bit of luck, How Mine could have killed off the contest early in the second half had the upright not denied Banda in the 53rd minute with Dube beaten.

Three minutes later, Yadah pulled one back through a beautiful curler from inside the box by Wellington Kamudyariwa. After the goal, Yadah piled pressure on How Mine, but found Diya resolute.

“We thank God for these maximum points. We didn’t play our normal game and the red card affected our game plan because we were always defending.

The good thing is that this victory makes us move up the table, which is a relief,” said Kaindu.

Teams
How Mine: Munyaradzi Diya, Praise Tonha (Peter Moyo, 46th minute), Thembani Masuku (Nelson tachi, 78th minute), Mukundika Sakala, Frank Makarati, Marvelous Mukumba, Tsepo Ranthokoane, Pasca Manhanga (Nqobile Ndlovu, 65th minute), Toto Banda, Kuda Musharu, Timothy January
Yadah: Tafadzwa Dube, Moses Demera, Morris Musiyakuvi (Munyaradzi Nyenye, 50th minute), Jimmy dzingai, Regis Dongo, Brian mapfumo, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Leeroy Mavunga, Paulo Borges (Leeroy Murape, 50th minute), Johannes Sibanda (Milton Makopa, 75th minute), Munyaradzi Chiwara

Results
Tuesday: Caps United 3-0 Bantu Rovers

Wednesday: Chapungu 1-0 Bulawayo City, Chicken Inn 2-0 ZPC Kariba, FC Platinum 0-0 Harare City, Black Rhinos 3-0 Highlanders, Triangle United 3-1 Shabanie Mine

Yesterday: Bantu Rovers 1-1 Tsholotsho FC, How Mine 2-1 Yadah FC, Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum (National Sports Stadium, 7PM), Hwange v Caps United (Postponed)

@ZililoR

Joel Christian Epoupa

Eddie Chikamhi , Harare Bureau
Dynamos  3 – 2 Ngezi Platinum Stars
CAMEROONIAN striker Joel Christian Epoupa once again proved the hero as he scored a beauty, which provided a fitting difference in this five-goal thriller, which powered a resilient Dynamos to within just three points of surprise leaders Black Rhinos on the Castle Lager Premiership table.

The Glamour Boys showed great character, refusing to be bullied by their plucky opponents in one of the best league matches this season that illuminated the National Sports Stadium last night, to emerge victorious and ignite wild celebrations among their fans in the stands.

Dubbed the battle between “DeMbare Urban and DeMbare Rural”, because of the number of coaches and players in the Ngezi Platinum Stars’ side who used to be Glamour Boys, this grudge showdown produced a thriller that was spiced by five goals.

Epoupa, as he has so often down this season, fired home a rocket with eight minutes remaining on the board for the golden winning goal.

Denver Mukamba opened the scoring on 29 minutes but the platinum miners equalised exactly 10 minutes later through Terrence Dzvukamanja before even having the nerve to take the lead midway through the second half courtesy of Dominic Mukandi.

However, DeMbare skipper Ocean Mushure, who is having a dream season, gave the Glamour Boys hope with a well-struck freekick which brought the scores at par with a quarter of an hour to go.

A draw was probably going to be a fair result but then the stands exploded into delirium as Epoupa struck a ferocious shot to lift the giants to within three points of leaders Rhinos.

“I think all along we have been talking about this fixture that probably for us to be reckoned as Dynamos we need to beat the contenders,’’ coach Lloyd Mutasa said.

“I am happy the youngsters came to the party, we scored three goals and we collected three points.

“Four wins in a row, I think it’s a good progress for the institution.”

DeMbare appear to have recovered from a slow start this season as they have now taken their points tally to 23 while Ngezi Platinum Stars and new log leaders Black Rhinos are tied on 26 points.

To their credit, Ngezi Platinum Stars under former Dynamos coaches Tonderayi Ndiraya and Gift Muzadzi and featuring eight former DeMbare players in yesterday’s match, had started at electric pace.

But DeMbare managed to soak the early pressure thanks to the vociferous fans who kept propping them up for the fight.

The Glamour Boys then took an unexpected lead through Mukamba when the midfielder placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper from a low cross by Peace Makaha.

The platinum miners hit back with a fine strike from Terrence Dzvukamanja to ensure the scores were at par by the half-time break.

The lead exchanged hands in the 69th minute when Mukandi jumped above everyone else in the box to plant a firm header from Tichaona Mabvura’s corner kick.

But DeMbare refused to be buried at home and were back at par courtesy of their captain’s well struck free-kick after second half substitute Kelvin Bulaji was penalised for a high boot on Takunda Sadiki just outside the penalty box.

The final minutes of the game were tense and it needed something special to separate these teams.

And, as has become the norm, it came from Epoupa who controlled a pass threaded into his path by Peace Makaha and fired a blistering shot past the goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya.

Ngezi Platinum coach, Ndiraya, rued the missed opportunities which his men blew in the first half.

Midfielder Liberty Chakoroma almost caught DeMbare goalkeeper Tonderayi Mateyaunga off guard early in the game with a long range shot.

Then Walter Mukanga came close with a curling shot which just went over before Donald Teguru’s shot at the near post presented Mateyaunga with all sorts of problems.

Dynamos defender Marshal Machazane made a timely interception to block Mabvura’s grounder moments later.

The hosts suffered a further setback early into the second half after losing Quality Kangadze through injury.

“Five goals, I thought the fans were in for a treat but a disappointing result for my team. We defended badly today. We conceded three goals through lack of concentration.

“We started the game well. We dominated, we created some opportunities and that has been our way of doing things since the start of the season.

“We create so many opportunities but we fail to put them away. Dynamos got that goal against run of play and I thought we came back strongly and equalised, took the lead but again our defending has been so atrocious in this game.’’

Teams
Dynamos: T Mateyaunga P Makaha, O Mushure, L Zvasiya, M Machazane, T Chipunza, O Mwerahari, D Mukamba (T Macheke, 71st min), E Mandiranga (T Sadiki, 67th min), Q Kangadze (Kapupurika, 48th min), C Epoupa.

Ngezi Platinum: T Mawaya, K Murera, Q Amini, P Jaure, W Mukanga, L Chakoroma, D Mukandi (C Augusto, 87th min), G Murwira, T Mabvura (Pakamisa, 87th min), T Dzvukamanja, D Teguru (K Bulaji, 67th min)

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
The 15th edition of the revised and rebranded Zimbabwe National Youth Games get underway next week with games in the country’s 1 963 wards that will lead to the National Games proper set for Matabeleland North in August.

The national sporting extravaganza will run from August 17-27 with Hwange being the nerve centre in terms of the main village as well as the availability of many sporting facilities compared to other districts in the province.

The rebranded games will now have 22 sporting disciplines and will for the first time involve members of the uniformed forces as well as tertiary institutions who will compete in the Under-23 category.

The new sport codes are rowing, swimming, rugby, hockey, rowing cricket, pool, chess, darts, gymnastics, weightlifting, martial arts, cycling, table tennis, traditional games, in addition to the generic football, basketball, handball, tennis, volleyball, boxing, athletics and netball.

According to the Sports and Recreation Commission acting director general Joseph Muchechetere, ward level games will run from June  18-25 and will mainly be for the community clubs who will also be expected to come up with the best talent from those clubs to compete at constituency level.

Dates for constituency level competitions have been tentatively set for June 29 to July 2 involving all the country’s 210 constituencies.

“In terms of other platforms, that is the defence forces.  They would have their platform of selecting the best talent at district level and this is in line with the distribution of army camps to determine their own competition so they may start at district level. The same applies to the tertiary institutions, some districts don’t have universities so they will also start at their level. We then have the vocational training centres which are distributed throughout the country and will also have their competitions at the appropriate level depending on the distribution of their training centres,” said Muchechetere.

The district competitions are expected to be held from July 13-16.  They will culminate into provincial teams whose competitions will be on July 27-30.

“From the 10 Under-18 provincial teams mainly from schools, we will have the tertiary institutions making up the 11th province, uniformed (12th), police (13th), prisons (14th) and vocational colleges being the 15th province. We will be looking at about 30 000 athletes for the National Games but the number could go down as we are yet to finalise on a few logistics due to teething problems. We might also spill over to other provinces for some disciplines like swimming where we could come to Bulawayo for the standard pool and Matabeleland South for rowing,” said Muchechetere.

Ronaldo

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club and Spain after being accused of committing tax fraud in the country, a report in Portuguese sports daily A Bola said yesterday.

The newspaper said its story was based on a reliable source and that the 32-year-old four-times world player of the year had already made up his mind to ask the club for a transfer.

It said that Ronaldo was “deeply disenchanted” with the allegations against him.

Spanish prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against the player accusing him of defrauding tax authorities of €14.7 million by hiding his image rights income between 2011 and 2014. Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing.

Real Madrid said on Thursday that they were confident the Portuguese forward had acted legally.

They could not immediately be reached yesterday to comment on the report.

Ronaldo led Real Madrid to their 12th European Cup earlier this month after scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League final, becoming the tournament’s top scorer.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, is the latest in a long line of soccer players in Spain — among them Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and                  Neymar — to be caught up in cases over tax or transfers.

Ronaldo has completed eight seasons at Real Madrid since joining them from Manchester  United in 2009 for a then world record fee of €96 million.

During that time, they have won the Champions League three times and La Liga twice.

In November, he agreed to extend his contract until 2021.

He is currently at the Confederations Cup in Russia with the Portuguese national team. — Reuters

Floyd Mayweather

Las Vegas — Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor — the kingpins of their respective sports — announced on Wednesday they would fight on Saturday, August 26 in Las Vegas.

The 40-year-old Mayweather announced the fight on his Instagram account with a graphic saying “IT’S OFFICIAL!!!” showing pictures of both fighters and listing Las Vegas as the location. McGregor sent out a tweet stating “THE FIGHT IS ON.” He also included photos of the pair.

MMA promoter Dana White said the bout would take place at the T-Mobile Arena and it would be a boxing match at 154-pounds with 10 ounce gloves.

“We have been in negotiations for a while,” White told American sports broadcaster ESPN.

“The negotiations went smooth. Floyd Mayweather surrounds himself with smart people and we got the deal done.”

McGregor is the top pay-per-view draw in UFC while Mayweather had been the moneyspinner in some of boxing’s biggest bouts, including matchups with Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao and US star Oscar De La Hoya. Mayweather earned $250 million for his fight against Pacquiao.

Neither Mayweather or McGregor have competed this year. Mayweather retired from pro boxing in 2015 after defeating Andre Berto, while McGregor (21-3) defeated Eddie Alvarez in November 2016.

White said the key to finalising the fight was luring Mayweather out of his 23-month retirement.

“Everybody is happy with this deal,” White said. “Nobody is bummed out.”

The boxing format heavily favours the undefeated Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs) who many consider to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
McGregor, a 28-year-old Irishman, will be entering unknown territory as he has not stepped in a boxing ring since he was a teenager.

Despite having little or no boxing experience, White insists his MMA client McGregor is confident of victory. McGregor is UFC’s only simultaneous two-division champion.

“He is absolutely, 100 percent positive he will win this fight. When two men step into the ring anything can happen,” White said of southpaw McGregor.

There will, of course, be no titles on the line, but it is an opportunity for both to cash in financially.

The fight is expected to be a pay-for-view blockbuster, as organisers are hoping it can challenge the 4.6 million pay-per-view buys for Mayweather-Pacquiao.

Not everyone will be excited to see a Mayweather-McGregor exhibition match, especially considering that McGregor is a 25/1 underdog.

Boxing champion turned promoter De La Hoya said a fight between the two would be an embarrassment for the sport of boxing.

But the trash-talking Irishman has a dedicated fan base and knows how to sell tickets.

In his last fight, McGregor won the lightweight title from Alvarez in November 2015 in UFC’s first Madison Square Garden card.

At one time promoters were looking at a September 16 date for Mayweather-McGregor but it is now taken by a Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin middleweight world championship fight at T-Mobile Arena.

McGregor received a California boxing license last year but is still waiting for his Nevada boxing licence application to be approved. — AFP

Dynamos player Joel Christian Epoupa

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
GLAMOUR Boys Dynamos descend on Gweru tomorrow for a date with airmen Chapungu at Ascot Stadium in a game expected to produce fireworks as both sides have been in terrific form in the Castle Lager Premiership.

The DeMbare fever has already gripped the Midlands capital with flags and Dynamos replica jerseys now a common sight.

It will be a question of the league’s best attack at the moment facing the best defence in the last seven games.

Dynamos have recorded four consecutive wins and have the most potent attack in the last three games where they have scored seven goals in three games.

On the other hand Chapungu come into the match with an impressive defensive record where they are yet to concede a goal in their last seven games in which they are unbeaten.

A buoyant Tendai Chikuni, the Chapungu gaffer said he will make changes to the team that beat Bulawayo City 1 – 0 and will attack Dynamos as he is looking at securing maximum points.

“If you look at the team that beat Bulawayo City there will be some changes because we have a plan against Dynamos.  The good thing is I went to Harare (Thursday) yesterday to have a look at how Dynamos is playing,” he said.

“We are playing at home so there is nothing to defend and we will go all out in attack so that we come out with maximum points,” said Chikuni.
Chapungu will be hoping that their playmaker Ian Nyoni recovers from a bout of flu which saw him playing a subdued role during the Bulawayo City game.
Nyoni has been a revelation for Chapungu this season which has seen him winning the Castle Lager Man of the Match award on four occasions, three of them consecutively.

However, Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa while conceding that it will be a tough match said he is determined to collect maximum points.

“We are playing against a side that is doing well and it is going to be a tough match. It’s even tougher because every club that plays us raises their game and as such all games are like a cup final to us,” said Mutasa.

“The game against Chapungu is another tough encounter because we are playing a side with a good defensive record which is a good mark but on our part we also have a good attack but at the end of the day we would want to play for maximum points,” added Mutasa.
Eyes will be on Joel Christian Epoupa who has been scoring for fun ever since he joined the Glamour Boys as he is slowly proving critics who doubted his credentials when he joined Dynamos wrong.

Meanwhile, the airmen have also upped their game in as far as preparing for the big game is concerned as they seek to attract a bumper crowd which can turn out to be the biggest crowd this season.

They have lined up a number of activities in the run up to the big game.

“Waru Waru” public relations officer Tawanda Zowa said the club will embark on a road show which will take them to most suburbs in the city to drum up support for the team and encourage supporters to come to the game.

“We are going to have a road show which will start in the CBD and will take us to Senga, Mtapa, Mambo and Mkoba 6 where we are going to engage in clean up exercises,” said Zowa.

“We are also going to be selling raffle tickets for a $1 and there will be instant draws where winners stand to win tickets for the game and the main draw will be held at Ascot on Sunday”.

Zowa said the Airforce Brass Band will also be part of the proceedings.

@lavuzigara1

Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls

THE Victoria Falls Border Post will be closed for 12 hours between tonight and tomorrow morning to pave way for the 2017 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.

Organisers expect over 2 000 athletes to participate in the 11th edition of the annual fete where 1 300 entries had been made yesterday.

The resort town was a hive of activity as scores of athletes arrived and went through registration at a local hotel where they were being given race numbers while registration will continue today.

All athletes are expected to sleep over in Victoria Falls ahead of the races which start at 6AM tomorrow and those using the Victoria Falls border are expected to have crossed before end of the day.

“Please be advised that the Zimbabwe/Zambian border will be temporarily closed from 22H00 on the 17th June until 08H30 on the 18th June for the Victoria Falls Marathon. Please note it will only be open for the normal flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic after 08H30. All guests participating in the marathon will need to stay in Zimbabwe on the night of the 17th June,” said the organisers on the website.

One of the organisers Brent Williamson said the annual event provides an opportunity for the tourism sector as athletes will take time to sample various tour activities.

He said they were expecting veteran runners who have dominated the event over the years to feature although he could not confirm who among some of them had registered yesterday.

He said there is a sizeable number of Tanzanians who had registered and ready to challenge Zimbabwean dominance.

Prize money has not changed, with those who will come first getting $900 for the full marathon, $500 for half marathon and $30 vouchers for fun run.

There will also be a category for the wheelchair bound runners who will get certificates.

Entry fees are pegged at $10 for locals and $20 for foreigners. The fun run registration is $3 and minimum age for the event is 10 years.

Only those above the age of 21 are eligible for the full marathon, while the minimum age for the half marathon is 18 years.

All races will start at the car park opposite the Post Office then cross over the Victoria Falls Bridge briefly into Zambia and back into the Zambezi National Park and end at Victoria Falls Primary School.

Econet and its various brands remain the major sponsors and Wild Frontiers, which has interests in tourism locally and in Botswana and Zambia, are the event organisers.

The marathon was devised in conjunction with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) and is an Association of International Marathon and Distance Races registered event.

It is also one of the major marketing events for the country’s tourism sector as runners sample rafting, canoeing, boat cruising, game viewing, elephant back safari and bungee jumping activities while in the resort town.

@ncubeleon

Amini Soma-Phiri and Cosmas ‘Tsano’ Zulu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS FC have, with immediate effect, suspended their assistant coach Amini Soma-Phiri and goalkeeper’s coach Cosmos “Tsano” Zulu as well as an unnamed foreign player for indiscipline.

The two coaches have been suspended after they insulted each other in front of players on their way back from the FC Platinum match in Zvishavane.

The two allegedly also had a go at each other while on the bench in the 3-0 loss to Black Rhinos at Morris Depot in Harare on Wednesday.

Developmental side coach Melusi Mabaleka Sibanda will assist head coach Erol Akbay during tomorrow’s game against Hwange while Gift Lunga Junior will go with the Bosso 90 side to Victoria Falls for a league match against Amagagasi tomorrow.

Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube, the Highlanders chief executive officer, last night confirmed the development although he did not go into detail.

The trio is set to appear before a disciplinary committee.

“Yes, we have suspended the two coaches, our goalkeepers’ coach Zulu and assistant coach Amini Soma- Phiri over the Mandava and the Black Rhinos incidents.  They are not going to be sitting on the bench for now, they are obviously going to be afforded the opportunity to bring in their reports for the hearing,” said Dube.

The player, who Dube did not name but is yet to feature for the Bulawayo giants this season, was suspended for allegedly recording an internal conversation involving technical staff which has since gone viral.

“We then don’t know the motive behind the recording and for how long this has been going on.  So the player yes, has been suspended and will too appear before the disciplinary committee,” said Dube.

Impeccable sources told this publication that the two coaches’ differences were just irreconcilable with the blame also being put on the people who drafted Zulu’s contract which seemed to give him more powers despite being a goalkeepers’ coach.

“We understand that after the Mandava game Amini went into town to buy some medicine having been affected by the tear smoke and the team bus waited for him in town despite the volatile situation. Upon arriving, Tsano went ballistic and started insulting him to the extent of calling him a baboon  in front of the players and efforts by coach Akbay to calm the two guys failed.  Amini had  to drop off the bus and jump into the supporters’ mini bus,” said the source.

The two  coaches were again at each other’s throats last Wednesday where they allegedly called each other names again in front of players and supporters.

@skhumoyo2000.