Minister Makhosini Hlongwane

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
SPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane has bemoaned the lack of leisure studies among the country’s tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the launch of the 2016 Zimbabwe Report Card on the Physical Activity for Children and Youth at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) yesterday, Minister Hlongwane challenged the university to deepen its focus as far as the production of knowledge for sport, physical activity, sport and recreation and leisure studies is concerned.

“I really have to commend Nust for their role in producing knowledge in sport and physical activities. However, the whole area of leisure in Zimbabwe is a major skill gap. We don’t have colleges in Zimbabwe that actually train leisure oriented studies. That is not helping us in skilling the Ministry of Sport and Recreation so that we can interact with all those involved in this important movement. That’s one of the areas I want to challenge the institution to look at.

Children have to go to the University of Venda in South Africa to do leisure studies but why should that be the case. We are one of the most literate people in the continent. Why should we fail to meet a major component of what we should be doing on a day to day basis?”  Minister Hlongwane said.

The Report Card is a comprehensive summary of best available and current evidence regarding key indicators of physical activity such as participation in organised sports, active play, school, family, community and the built environment policy among children and youths.

It was compiled by the Department of Sports Science and Coaching from Nust in collaboration with Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) and Active Healthy Kids Zimbabwe (AHKZ). —

@khumzallen

Sunday Chidzambwa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
VETERAN gaffer Sunday Chidzambwa has bounced back as the Warriors’ interim coach for the Cosafa Senior Men Championship set to be played in South Africa while How Mine assistant coach Bekithemba Ndlovu gets his first national coaching job as the Under-20 head coach.

Godfrey Tamirepi and Tafadzwa Mashiri will be in charge of the national Under-23 and Under-15 sides respectively.

In a communiqué released last night, Zifa also named another football legend Moses Chunga as the national Under-17 head coach and will immediately need to assembly a team for the Cosafa Under-17 Championship set for Mauritius.

“The selected head coaches will appoint assistant coaches of their choice,” read the Zifa communique.

Kisido Matsika and Tizirayi Lupahla are the new Under-23 and 20 managers respectively while Jabulani Zwangubani and Alois Bunjira will manage the Under-17 and Under-15 squads.

Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda becomes the substantive Mighty Warriors coach while former gaffer Rosemary Mugadza will take charge of the Under-20 girls side. Sibanda will be assisted by Paddington Chinyananya and Mebelo Njekwa with legendary goalkeeper Peter Nkomo coming in as the goalkeepers’ coach while Tavaka Gumbo is the technical advisor.

Hwange High School English teacher Evelyn Rimai is the new Women Under-17 coach while the Under-15 girls’ national side will be led by one Prosper Manzunga.

Mugadza’s assistants will be Guthrie Chipuka and Annie Konje.

Rimai will be assisted by Langton Giwa and Nomsa Boyz Moyo while Yohanne Chikaola and Alex Mudirira will assist Manzunga.

The late Edzai Kasinauyo

Petros Kausiyo and Grace Chingoma, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S football family was yesterday plunged into mourning following the death of former Warriors, Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows winger, Edzai Kasinauyo, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He was 42.

Kasinauyo died at Donald Gordon Medical Centre, a private hospital in Johannesburg where he had been admitted for a few days.

Although it was still unclear what had caused his death, Kasinauyo’s former Warriors  teammates Ian Gorowa and Peter Ndlovu confirmed that the former roving midfielder passed away earlier yesterday.

His close friend, former Premier Soccer League Twine Phiri had first broken the news earlier in the day.

Tributes poured in from across the continent and Europe following the death of the former Zifa executive member in charge of development.

German-based George Mbwando said he had been shocked by the news of his close friend with whom he partnered on a number of programmes after their retirement from the game, including catering for orphaned children in Hwange through the Football Against HIV/AIDS project.

“I am just in state of shock. We had big dreams but it is God who gives and takes. I can’t believe I am not going to see you again or hear your voice. You played your part… go well my friend,’’ Mbwando said.

Zifa expressed shock following Kasinauyo’s death with the Association’s president Philip Chiyangwa describing the VW football ambassador to Zimbabwe as a legend.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association has learnt with great consternation and immense sadness the passing away of our former Executive Committee member and legend, Edzai Kasinauyo,” Chiyangwa said in a statement.

“It’s a huge shock to us that he has passed away without even hearing about his illness.

“Eddie’s professional career as a player was inspirational and it touched the lives of many not only in Zimbabwe but on the globe.

“He was a great player and administrator with a great personality.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association is immensely hurt by the departure of such a splendid administrator and legend who had a passion for development and invested a lot in youth football.

“It is undeniable veracity that he served the game of football with distinction and it will be very difficult to fill the void he has left. Edzai worked resolutely for Zimbabwean Football and the association is hurt by the loss of such an intelligent administrator.

“On behalf of the Zifa Executive Committee, the Zifa Assembly, the entire football family and on my own behalf, I extend deepest condolences to the bereaved Kasinauyo family and the football fraternity during this painful period.’’

Zimbabwe Soccer Supporters’ Association leader Eddie “Mboma’’ Nyatanga described Kasinauyo as a “humble young man who was dedicated to football’’.
In 2010 Kasinauyo and Ndlovu were appointed VW ambassadors in Zimbabwe with the pair leading a group of Under-13 players drawn from various schools on a dream trip to Madrid Spain for the VW World Masters’ tournament.

Yesterday, football supporters, players and administrators said it was a blow that the former player, who had ventured into player management and administration, had “gone too soon’’.

Apart from his ventures into sportswear retail, Kasinauyo through his company Tamba Sport International managed a number of players and helped them secure professional careers mostly at South African top-flight clubs.

They include Zimbabwe skipper Knowledge Musona,  Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khama Billiat, Evans Rusike, Tafadzwa Rusike, Willard Katsande, Thomas Sweswe, Zhaimu Jambo, Oscar Machapa, Gilbert Mapemba and Ronald Chitiyo.

Billiat’s mother said she was also devastated by the news of Kasinauyo’s death.

“I heard it a while ago. I broke down, I just couldn’t take it. We have lost a good manager whom we trusted with Khama’s career.

“He was always there for him guiding him with football decisions and personal decisions. He would always come here and was hardworking. Rest in peace Edzai,” she said.

Caps United midfielder Chitiyo said he had been shocked by the death of his manager, who was currently lining up a fresh deal for him for a move to a South African Premiership outfit.

“It’s sad. I cannot really say much at the moment. I am in shock. I was only talking to him yesterday (Thursday) over the phone and I cannot believe it that he is no longer with us.

“It is very painful.

“He motivated me a lot, gave me hope in my career. He started managing me in 2013 and is the one who took me to Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town for trials. This is sad,” said Chitiyo.

Dynamos president Kenny Mubaiwa, who is also the PSL leader, said it was a sad day for domestic football.

“My sincere condolences to the Kasinauyo family for their loss. It’s our loss too. We worked with him well with the BancABC kits deal.

“We have lost a hardworking young man. Whenever we would run short of soccer balls, he would quickly supply us from his shop.

“On behalf of the Dynamos Football Club and on my behalf, we say rest in peace Edzai. We are very sorry, he had a great future in football administration,” said Mubaiwa.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele joined in the tributes.

“It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the untimely death of football legend Edzai Kasinauyo. On behalf of the PSL Board of Governors, clubs and staff, we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Kasinauyo family, friends, and the entire football fraternity.

“Edzai Kasinauyo was a dedicated man and hard worker who achieved an incredible career as a football administrator as well as a businessman.

“He will be remembered as a legend who transformed the game of football in so many ways. His service to football will forever be cherished.

“May his soul rest in peace,” wrote Ndebele.

Footballers Union of Zimbabwe also wrote on their Twitter account, “We’re devastated to hear the news that Edzai Kasinauyo has passed away. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.”

South African clubs and sections of the country’s sports media also expressed their condolences on the social media.

Ajax posted “Rest in Peace Edzai” on Twitter while Soccer Laduma also paid tribute to the former player.

“Everyone at Soccer Laduma wishes to send their condolences to the Kasinauyo family and his friends following the tragic news.”

Malawian football agent Felix Sapao said he was in shock.

“I can’t believe what I am hearing, he was a young man who always strived to do more for the game and we are poorer without him and it’s a shock to football not only in Zimbabwe but across Southern Africa,” said Sapao.

Part of Kariyangwe High School boys team

From Fungai Muderere in Binga

Chibila High School advanced to the Copa Coca Cola Under 15 boys Matabeleland North provincial finals after they beat Zambezi 5-4 in a Binga District final match played at Kariyangwe High yesterday.

The provincial finals will be played at David Livingstone early next month.

Chibila will represent Binga District at the Matabeleland North contest together with Tinde High who got the better of Binga High in the girls’ final match on a 1-0 score line.

“We are happy that we have progressed to the provincial finals. We will need to work extra hard and make sure we go to the national finals. Special mention goes to our coaches and the boys. It was a job well done,” said an ecstatic Lawrence Sangurukani who is the deputy headmaster at Chibila.

On their way to the final Chibila edged Lubu 1-0 in a semi- final match.

At the provincial finals, fierce competition from Mosi Oa Tunya, Mabhikwa and Tsholotsho among other schools awaits Chibila.

Tinde will fight out against schools that include Vulindlela of Victoria Falls, Tsholotsho, Mabhikwa and Madlelenyoni from Umguza district.

Meanwhile, Kariyangwe High came to a standstill after their Under 17 boys soccer team beat Ntivhule 3-1 after a pwnalty lottery in a Nash Binga district Arenel sponsored tournament yesterday.

The game had ended nil all in regulation time.

Under the tutelage of Godrey Godaya, Kariyangwe had a dream comeback against Binga High in a semi-final tie that ended 3-1 in favour of the former courtesy of three superb goals that came deep into second half.

To book their final berth Ntivhule thumped hapless Nakapande 3-0.

The final match was witnessed by Chief Siansali together with the Binga business community and dignitaries from the Ministry of Education.

Lovemore Zigara in GWERU
Chapungu 0-4 Dynamos
(game abandoned after 58 minutes)
IT took just eight minutes for a resurgent Dynamos to break a Chapungu defensive fortress which had not conceded a goal in 632 minutes and, but for a freak incident at Ascot yesterday, this Castle Lager Premiership contest could have had a rugby scoreline in favour of the Glamour Boys.

Instead, it ended prematurely just before the hour mark, with the hosts down and out of the game having long been blown away by Lloyd Mutasa’s superb machine that had scored four goals when the match was abandoned. That’s seven goals for DeMbare in one-and-half hours of Premiership football in the past four days.

Given it’s an issue neither side had control over, the game could be replayed, starting at the 58th minute with Dynamos leading 4-0.

And, not for the first time this season, Cameroonian import Christian Epoupa stole the limelight again after a top drawer performance yesterday but his efforts were overshadowed by the abandonment of the game when the goal post collapsed.

The resurgent Glamour Boys looked set to stretch their winning run to five games with goals from Epoupa, Denver Mukamba and a brace from Mandiranga.

However, the football gods had other plans forcing journalists who attended the DeMbare massacre of Chapungu to change the script as the match’s abandonment in the 58th minute became the major talking point with the Harare giants leading 4 – 0.

The anti-climax of this match arrived when Dynamos’ Tichaona Chipunza, who had caught goalkeeper Talbert Shumba off guard, tried a speculative drive which had an awkward bounce just in front of the ‘keeper.

And, in his effort to clear his lines, the ‘keeper landed on the post as he retreated.

Shumba’s frame was too heavy for the goal post resulting in it collapsing.

Efforts to fix the goal post were in vain and after a one hour and 35 minutes of stoppage, match commissioner Israel Mugwagwa, in consultation with referee Martin Chivandire, called off the match.

“The match has been abandoned because council could not fix the goal post. Even if they had fixed it a councillor who was here said they would need a council engineer to certify it safe for the players and he is not around,” said Mugwagwa.

“We had wanted the match to be played under flood lights but then again the lighting here does not meet minimum standards and the decision (on the fate of the match) now lies with the Premier Soccer League,” he added.

The match had started 15 minutes late to allow supporters, who were still outside, to get into the stadium and as soon as the proceedings got underway DeMbare made their intentions clear.

After missing two chances, Dynamos found the opener in the eighth minute when Epoupa released an unmarked Mandiranga in the box who obliged with a volley which Shumba could not stop to send the predominantly DeMbare crowd into a frenzy.

However, Chapungu almost replied immediately when Maxwell Mavuto beat his marker before finding Collen Kwaramba in the box but he missed with the goal at his mercy.

Epoupa was to haunt Chapungu again in the 21st minute when he gained possession in the middle of the park before playing the ball into space, finding an onrushing Mukamba who fired past Shumba to double DeMbare’s lead.

Mandiranga completed his brace in the 32nd minute when he tucked in a Mukamba cross from inside the box.

Epoupa capped a fine afternoon with a goal five minutes after the breather when he beat a Chapungu offside trap to fire past a badly exposed Shumba who had not conceded a goal in the last seven games for Chapungu.

“It’s unfortunate the match had to end this way. We came here knowing that we were facing a side which had not lost in seven games and in those games it had not conceded,’’ said DeMbare coach Lloyd Mutasa.

“But look we also have been scoring and I am happy that the boys now have the confidence and are converting the chances.’’

Chapungu gaffer Tendai Chikuni said it was a game he would want to quickly forget.

“It is a game any coach would want to forget as we made a lot of mistakes which saw us conceding silly goals,” said Chikuni.

King Nadolo celebrates scoring Highlanders’ second goal against Hwange

Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Sports Reporter
Highlanders 3 – 0 Hwange
HIGHLANDERS are back!

THESE were the bold words uttered by head coach Erol Akbay after his side put up a splendid second half performance to dispatch struggling Hwange in a Castle Lager Premier League match played at Barbourfields yesterday.

The Bulawayo giants put up a near flawless performance in the second half to dust themselves up from the midweek loss they suffered at the hands of Black Rhinos.

However, it is still to be seen if the play they exhibited yesterday heralds their resurgence or it was aided by an injury inspired substitution made by the coal-miners on the brink of halftime.

Hwange played the last 22 minutes with 10 men after Collen Muleya got a second booking and left for an early shower in the 68th minute. By then, Highlanders were leading 1-0 courtesy of a 12th minute goal by Brian Banda.

In the build up to Highlanders’ opener, midfielder King Nadolo, who produced a man-of-the match performance, broke loose on the left flank weaving past two Hwange defenders and set a through pass to Godfrey Makaruse.

In turn, Makaruse picked up Banda inside the 18 yard box and the young lad’s shot beat a diving Hwange goalkeeper Taimon Mvula.

The miss of the day fell to Shepherd Gahadzikwa of Hwange who came face-to-face with Highlanders’ goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda after catching the home team’s defence napping but the former took a shot that the goalie easily dealt with.

In the 36th minute, the visitors were forced to make an injury inspired substitution when their attacking midfielder Nomore Chinyerere got off worse in a tussle for position with Bosso right back Bukhosi Ncube. Chinyerere made way for Nkosana Maseko.

Highlanders continued to pile on the pressure in search of a second goal before the break but Makaruse had his effort cleared on the goalline.

Hwange were the last to threaten in the second minute of added time of the first half but Melvin Mekiwa’s shot from the edge of the 18 yard box missed the upright.

In an effort to cushion his lead,  Akbay brought in his top marksman Prince Dube for a tired Makaruse at the resumption of the second half.

Thereafter Bosso took the game from their opponents but Dube, Matema and Nadolo were guilty of missing goal scoring opportunities.

The turning point of the game was to be in the 68th minute when Muleya was shown a red after being booked for a second time. Muleya struggled to contain Rahman Kutsanzira for the better part of the play, and earned himself a second yellow card when he pulled the Highlanders midfielder as he was charging towards goal.

Highlanders used their numerical advantage with Nadolo and Kutsanzira engineering most moves from the midfield as Hwange’s midfield which had veteran Andrew Chuma was left chasing  shadows.

Nadolo capped a fine afternoon with a 76th minute goal, tapping in a pin-point pass from Dube inside the visitors’ 12 yard box following an impressive exchange of passes between the two in a move initiated by Denzel Khumalo.

Dube scored his sixth goal of the season three minutes later to put the game to bed and this time Kutsanzira provided the assist.

“We needed the three points really hard. As you can see we are in the top eight, this is not good for Highlanders considering what we want this year. So it’s good that we won. I changed the team today because every time when we play a team at the bottom of the log we always experience problem that is why I changed the team. Highlanders is coming back don’t worry,” Akbay said.

Highlanders made several changes to their regular starting 11 which saw Rodreck Mutuma, Tendai Ngulube, Allen Gahadzikwa, Simon Munawa and Benson Dube dropped.

Hwange coach Nation Dube felt the red card affected his game plan.

“I was not happy with the awarding of the red card. We were in form in the first half and the start of the second half. But when we were shown the red card that is when we lost the game. Match officials changed the complexion of the game. In most games we have lost, referees have decided the outcome,” said Dube.

Teams
Highlanders: A Sibanda, B Ncube, K Nadolo, G Makaruse (P Dube), T Ndlovu, P Mudhuwa, B Banda (D Khumalo) H Moyo, E Mudzingwa, R Matema (K Tambwe)

Unused Substitutes: C Siamalonga, R Lunga, B Phiri, P Matutu

Hwange: Hwange T Mvula, C Phiri, G Phiri, M Mekiwa, N Chirenyere (N Maseko), A Chuma, A Banda, C Muleya, S Gadzikwa, M Mpofu (O Lunga), M Ncube (G Zulu)

Unused Substitutes: O Moyo, W Munorwa, S Chichero, T Ncube

PSL TABLE
Black Rhinos    13    8    3    2    16    4    12    27
Ngezi Platinum Stars    14    8    3    3    23    13    10    27
Chicken Inn    13    9    0    4    15    5    10    27
How Mine    13    7    3    3    11    9    2    24
Highlanders    14    7    3    4    16    13    3    24
*Dynamos    12    7    2    3    16    9    7    23
FC Platinum    13    5    8    0    11    5    6    23
ZPC Kariba    14    7    2    5    17    14    3    23
Bulawayo City    14    5    2    7    13    16    -3    17
Shabanie Mine    14    3    6    5    10    12    -2    15
*Chapungu    13    3    6    4    7    10    -3    15
Triangle United    14    3    6    5    11    15    -4    15
Harare City    14    3    5    6    6    7    -1    14
Caps United    8    3    4    1    14    7    7    13
Yadah FC    14    3    4    7    12    19    -7    13
Hwange    13    2    4    7    7    18    -11    10
Bantu Rovers    14    2    2    10    18    34    -16    8
Tsholotsho FC    14    0    5    9    6    19    -13    5
*match abandoned

Chile’s Eduardo Vargas beats Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa to secure the win. Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach, Reuters

Arturo Vidal’s late header helped Chile to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in their Confederations Cup Group B opener in Moscow on Sunday, as the video assistant referee played a prominent role.

Chile dominated an entertaining, but goalless, first half as Eduardo Vargas saw his strike ruled out by the video assistant.

The Copa America champions had to wait until the 81st minute though to find a breakthrough, which was provided by a flying header from Bayern Munich midfielder Vidal.

Vargas, who missed a host of earlier chances, added a second in added time after another video review.

The victory gave Chile a perfect start to their maiden Confederations Cup campaign, after they qualified by successfully defending their Copa America title last year.

“It was very important to start in the right way with our goal to become champions,” said Vidal, who also dedicated the triumph to the victims of a fierce storm in Chile that has claimed several lives.

“We were superior to Cameroon, pressed harder and looked to score more… Even though it was hard to play the first Confederations Cup match in our history.”

Reigning World Cup-winners Germany and Australia make up Group B, and they go head-to-head on Monday.

The South Americans made a blistering start and almost took the lead inside the first minute, but striker Vargas’ shot crashed back off the post, before Jose Fuenzalida saw his low effort well saved by Cameroon keeper Fabrice Ondoa just seconds later.

The Africa Cup of Nations holders did look a threat on the counter-attack and Vincent Aboubakar was denied by the legs of Johnny Herrera, who was in the Chile goal ahead of usual captain Claudio Bravo.

Ondoa was the busier of the two keepers in the first half though and he had to be alert to keep out Edson Puch’s long-range strike.

The best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Vargas after he was played through by Vidal’s pass, but he blazed over.

Controversy reigned on the stroke of halftime at the Otkrytiye Arena as Vargas saw his stoppage-time goal ruled out.

The 27-year-old clipped the ball home, but over a minute after the ball had hit the net, the video assistant adjudged the Tigres forward to have been marginally offside.

Alexis Sanchez, who had been struggling with an ankle injury before the game, was introduced by coach Juan Antonio Pizzi 12 minutes after the interval as he looked for the 38th international goal that would make him Chile’s outright record scorer.

Cameroon were much-improved in the second half as they gained a measure of control, but Benjamin Moukandjo could only curl a free-kick wide.

Vargas continued to see chances come and go, with his latest effort being deflected behind for a corner.

That set-piece almost saw the deadlock broken, but Mauricio Isla flicked a header past the far post with the goal gaping.

Sanchez made a difference as Chile finally forged ahead with nine minutes to play.

The Arsenal forward’s dinked cross was met by Vidal, whose powerful header gave him a 23rd goal for his country.

Sanchez should have broken the record, but saw his shot blocked after rounding Ondoa, only for Vargas to poke in the rebound.

After the game’’s second review, the goal and three points for Chile were confirmed. — AFP.

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
A moment of brilliance by attacking midfielder Perfect Chikwende in the dying stages of the game inspired Bulawayo Chiefs to a hard fought 1-0 win over Talen Vision in a Southern Region Division One League match played at the weekend.

With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Chikwende picked up a loose ball from the centre line in the 85th minute and dribbled past four Vision players on his way to scoring the goal that earned Chiefs maximum points.

Chiefs’ victory saw them achieving their pre-season target of reaching the 10-game mark without a loss. They have now amassed 28 points from a possible 30.

Chiefs have won nine games and played to a draw against Makomo last month.

Beating Vision saw Chiefs extend their lead from nine points to 11 after second-placed ZRP Bulawayo were held to a 1-1 draw by third-placed Casmyn.

Charles Mususha scored for Casmyn, with Stanford Chivingire finding the net for ZRP Bulawayo.

Chiefs coach, Thulani Sibanda, admitted that they had to dig deeper to get maximum points against Vision and praised Chikwende for his performance.

“Talen Vision gave us a good run for our money and at some stage I thought that a draw was going to be a fair result. However, Chikwende’s solo run took me by surprise because we had tried all the tricks and Talen Vision never gave us a chance to break. It took something special from Perfect (Chikwende) to get us that goal and I’m happy for the lad as well as the rest of the team,” said Sibanda.

Highlanders’ coach Erol Akbay watched Saturday’s Vision-Chiefs game and his presence led to speculation that the Bosso gaffer was looking for talent in the First Division to boost his squad.

The Dutch expatriate is yet to express interest in bringing fresh blood into his squad when the transfer window opens next week.

Perennial Southern Region Division One campaigners ZPC Hwange played to a 1-1 draw away to Black Boots, a result which pushed them up from fifth position into fourth place with 14 points.

Highlanders’ developmental side Bosso 90 piled misery on Victoria Falls-based Amagagasi, edging them 1-0 in the resort town on Sunday. Muziwakhe Dlamini scored the goal that earned Bosso 90 maximum points.

Gift Lunga Jr, Highlanders’ Under-18 coach, was given the mandate to lead Bosso 90’s hunt for maximum points against Amagagasi as coach Melusi Sibanda was assigned to assist Akbay in the first team following the suspensions of assistant coach Amini Soma-Phiri and goalkeepers’ trainer Cosmas Zulu.

Results
Saturday: Makomo 3-0 Victoria Falls Tigers, Mosi Rovers 0-0 Zim Leopards, Talen Vision 0-1 Bulawayo Chiefs, Casmyn 1-1 ZRP Bulawayo Province, Chiwororo 1-1 Indlovu Iyanyathela, Black Boots 1-1 ZPC Hwange
Sunday: Amagagasi 0-1 Bosso 90

Table

P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Byo Chiefs    10    9    1    0    20    2    18    28
ZRP Bulawayo    9    4    5    0    13    4    9    17
Casmyn    9    4    3    2    13    6    7    15
ZPC Hwange    7    4    2    1    9    2    7    14
Talen Vision    10    3    5    2    8    5    3    14
Bosso 90    8    3    4    1    8    7    1    13
Indlovu Iyanyathela    8    3    2    3    12    9    3    11
Makomo    8    3    2    3    8    10    -2    11
Mosi Rovers    10    2    3    5    8    18    -10    9
Zim Leopards    9    1    5    3    15    15    0    8
Black Boots    8    1    4    3    7    18    -11    7
Chiwororo    7    1    2    4    10    14    -4    5
Amagagasi    8    1    1    6    4    12    -8    4
Victoria Falls Tigers    8    0    3    5    3    15    -12    3

@ZililoR

Graeme Cremer

IT seems to be an exciting phase in Zimbabwe cricket, one where they are putting in an earnest effort to get quality cricket.

It started with their tour to Scotland where they played out a drawn two-match one-day international series and now they arrive in Netherlands for a three-match ODI series. Both sides haven’t seen enough of each other in the international arena and on the two occasions they have met, both in world events, the 2003 World Cup and 2014 World T20, Zimbabwe registered wins.

Zimbabwe, of late, have had a torrid time, starting with the five-ODI home series against Afghanistan, where they were beaten 3-2. Before their major tour of Sri Lanka, they headed to Scotland for two ODIs, and instead of winning it comfortably, as they were expected to, they just about managed to draw it 1-1, largely due to captain Graeme Cremer’s five-for in the concluding contest.

As they prepare themselves in alien conditions again to take on Netherlands, they would once again be largely dependent on their skipper. While the batting responsibilities would be hinged on the seasoned Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza and Malcolm Waller – all of who managed fifties in the two-match fixture – the call would be for consistency in their performances. Tendai Chatara and Chris Mpofu bagged 10 and 12 wickets respectively against Afghanistan and both the frontline seamers would know that they would be expected to lead the attack from the front again.

The hosts, Netherlands, are in prime form, with seven wins and just one loss – their last two games having resulted in wins. By virtue of their superlative performance, they sit atop the points table in the World Cricket League Championship and would be raring to have a crack at a higher ranked opponent.

The Dutchmen look a formidable unit on paper with Stephan Myburgh, Ben Cooper, Wesley Barresi and Roelof van der Merwe, all of them capable of contributing heavily with the bat. Michael Rippon has been in good form with the ball, but the pace bowling duo of Mudassar Bukhari and Ahsan Malik will need to provide the early strikes. Peter Seelar and van der Merwe add to Netherland’s left-arm spin repository and that would come in handy during the middle overs.

While both these teams haven’t faced off against each other often in recent times, their rivalry was looked forward to in the late 80s and early 90s when they took on each other in the World Cup qualifier tournaments. As both teams struggle to move up the ladder, it is not a bad time to revisit tussles of the past and revive themselves.

When: Netherlands vs Zimbabwe, June 20
Where: VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen
What to expect: The weather is expected to stay pleasant with a maximum temperature of 27 degrees and a pleasant breeze across the ground.

What they said:

“With Zimbabwe ranked 11th in the world in One Day Cricket, this series is vital for us in preparation for our key final ICC World Cricket League Championship matches against Kenya and Namibia. I promised my players that they would be rewarded for outstanding performances and Shane Snater and Sikander Sulfiqar gift us no option but to pick them after their standout performances for Netherlands A and in the Pro Series” – Ryan Campbell, Netherlands coach.

Teams
Netherlands: Peter Borren (c), Wesley Barresi, Ben Cooper, Fred Klaassen, Stephan Myburgh, Michael Rippon, Shane Snater, Logan van Beek, Paul Meekeren, Tobias Visee, Sikander Zulfiqar, Timm van der Gugten (only June 20 & 22), Roelof van der Merwe (June 20 & 22).

Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer(c), Ryan Burl, Chamu Chibhabha, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Chris Mpofu, Tarisai Musakanda, Richard Ngarava, Donald Tiripano, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams. — Cricbuzz.

Julius Chakupewa

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
IVAN Hoe and Prisons and Correctional Services outfit Whawha have maintained the heat on early pacesetters Tongogara in the Zifa Central Soccer League.

Ivan Hoe earned a 1-0 win away against Gwanda United to maintain the one-point gap between them and the army side.

A second half Dennis Banda strike enabled the Kwekwe-based outfit to collect maximum points. Log leaders Tongogara ran riot at Mbizo Stadium on Saturday, walloping Kwekwe Stars 6-3 in a nine goal thriller.

Julius Chakupewa, the Ivan Hoe coach, said after the weekend’s result his charges were beginning to believe in themselves.

“We have been putting in some good performances and even when we are not playing well we have been managing to get results, which is the hallmark of a good team. The Gwanda United match was tough because they are a young side with talented youngsters. We are beginning to believe now and we need to keep on putting in such solid performances and see where it takes us,” said Chakupewa.

Elsewhere, Whawha left it late to dispatch a stubborn Vumbachikwe 1–0.

Albert Matewu found the goal that separated the two sides five minutes from full time to take his goal tally to eight in the league.

Whawha coach Luke Petros-Jukulile said he was happy to collect maximum points.

“It was one of those tough matches that we played and I am happy we managed to come out with a result. Our plan is to take each game as it comes, with a view of collecting maximum points and I am happy we have fared well so far,” he said.

Results
Gwanda United 0-1 Ivan Hoe, TelOne 1-1 Chrome Stars, Nichrut 0-0 MSU, Tongogara 6-3 Chrome Stars, Black Eagles 0-0 Silo United, Whawha 1-0 Vumbachikwe, Blanket Mine 1-1 Makusha, ZPC Munyati 1-1 ZRP Gwanda, Border Strikers 2-1 FC Platinum Under 19.

Table

P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Tongogara     12    8    3    1    15    5    10    27
Ivan Hoe     12    8    2    2    17    7    10    26
Whawha     12    7    3    2    18    6    12    24
ZPC Munyati     12    5    6    1    11    7    4    21
Chrome Stars     12    5    5    2    13    6    7    20
Nichrut     10    5    4    1    13    5    8    19
MSU     12    5    4    3    15    11    4    19
TelOne     12    5    3    4    12    10    2    18
Vumbachikwe     12    4    4    4    14    16    -2    16
Makusha     12    4    3    5    11    13    -2    15
Blanket Mine     12    3    4    5    5    8    -3    13
Border Strikers     12    3    4    5    6    11    -5    13
FC Platinum U19    12    3    3    6    10    13    -3    12
Black Eagles     12    2    5    5    8    11    -3    11
Silo United     11    2    4    5    9    12    -3    10
ZRP Gwanda     12    2    4    6    10    16    -6    10
Kwekwe Stars     11    0    5    6    12    25    -13    5
Gwanda United    12    0    4    8    3    20    -17    4

@lavuzigara1

Norman Mapeza

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FC Platinum’s 13-match unbeaten run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League might count for nothing in the championship race unless they start turning draws into wins.

The platinum miners are seventh on the table with 23 points from 13 outings and they drew their eighth match of the season, a 0-0 stalemate with ZPC Kariba at the weekend.

FC Platinum remain the only unbeaten side in the league, but trail log leaders Black Rhinos by four points.

Rhinos drew 0-0 against Shabanie Mine, but retained top spot due to a superior goal difference, as they are tied on 27 points with Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chicken Inn.

Ngezi blew a perfect opportunity to open a two-point lead at the top of the table after being stunned by the “league’s whipping boys” Bantu Rovers, who forced a share of the points in a 2-2 draw.

Rhinos and Ngezi’s stuttering allowed Chicken Inn to catch up after registering their fifth consecutive victory by edging relegation bound Tsholotsho FC 1-0.

Chicken Inn last lost a league match on May 17 when they fell 0-1 to FC Platinum. They transformed themselves since that loss into serious title contenders.

However, their coach Rahman Gumbo refuses to be drawn into the championship talk, saying he is happy with the way they’re playing.

“We have been working hard. We started the season on a rough patch and we found our feet and have been enjoying our game. Hopefully, the players will be able to maintain this fine run and we’ll see where it takes us,” Gumbo said after their victory over Tsholotsho.

Chicken Inn face a stern test in their next match against Ngezi at home.

Former champions Dynamos have also been making a steady rise, winning four of their last five outings.

Dynamos’ performance against Chapungu on Sunday cannot go unnoticed even though the match was abandoned in the 58th minute after a goal post fell and couldn’t be repaired, with the Harare giants leading 4-0. The outcome will now be decided in the boardroom.

Highlanders made several changes to their regular starting line-up and threw in youngsters in their game against Hwange.

Rodreck Mutuma, Tendai Ngulube, Allen Gahadzikwa, Simon Munawa and Benson Dube were all left out as Bosso dispatched Hwange 3-0.

Highlanders’ coach Erol Akbay said: “Every time we play a team that is at the bottom of the log, we always experience problems and that’s why I changed the team.”

Brian Banda, King Nadolo and Prince Dube were on target for Bosso.

Bulawayo City eased pressure on themselves by piling more misery on Yadah FC with a 2-1 victory, while Harare City dismissed Triangle 2-0 to move out of the relegation zone.

Results
Saturday: ZPC Kariba 0-0 FC Platinum, Tsholotsho FC 0-1 Chicken Inn
Sunday: Highlanders 3-0 Hwange, Bulawayo City 2-1 Yadah FC, Harare City 2-0 Triangle United, Shabanie Mine 0-0 Black Rhinos, Ngezi Platinum 2-2 Bantu Rovers, Chapungu 0-4 Dynamos (match abandoned after 56 minutes)

Table

P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Black Rhinos    13    8    3    2    16    4    12    27
Ngezi Platinum Stars    14    8    3    3    23    13    10    27
Chicken Inn    13    9    0    4    15    5    10    27
Highlanders    14    7    3    4    16    13    3    24
How Mine    13    7    3    3    11    9    2    24
*Dynamos    12    7    2    3    16    9    7    23
FC Platinum    13    5    8    0    11    5    6    23
ZPC Kariba    14    7    2    5    17    14    3    23
Bulawayo City    14    5    2    7    13    16    -3    17
Shabanie Mine    14    3    6    5    10    12    -2    15
*Chapungu    13    3    6    4    7    10    -3    15
Triangle United    14    3    6    5    11    15    -4    15
Harare City    14    3    5    6    6    7    -1    14
Caps United    8    3    4    1    14    7    7    13
Yadah FC    14    3    4    7    12    19    -7    13
Hwange    13    2    4    7    7    18    -11    10
Bantu Rovers    14    2    2    10    18    34    -16    8
Tsholotsho FC    14    0    5    9    6    19    -13    5
*match abandoned

@ZililoR

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
DYNAMOS have indicated the Premier Soccer League might have to chip in to foot their bills if they are to replay their match against Chapungu which was abandoned on Sunday after a goal collapsed at Ascot.

The PSL were yesterday still to make a determination on the match as they were waiting for the reports from the match officials.

DeMbare were leading 4-0 with goals from Denver Mukamba, Joel Epoupa Chrisitan Ntiouba and Emmanuel Mandiranga’s brace when match commissioner Israel Mugwagwa confirmed the abandonment with 56 minutes played.

The Glamour Boys committee member Graham Mafoko yesterday said they were available to play the last 34 minutes of the game but would want the PSL to help meeting their travel costs.

“The onus is on the PSL. If we are to go back to Chapungu I think they would also need to come in and meet our travelling costs because it is not our fault the match was abandoned. Neither was it Chapungu’s nor the referees’,” said Mafoko.

PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare said a statement on the match will be issued today after the authorities have gone through the official report from the referees.

DeMbare, however, are looking to resume the match from the minute it was abandoned.

“We are still to hear from the Premier Soccer League, they have the final say. But this is not the first match to be abandoned under such circumstances.

“So we have to look at the precedence. In 2005 Real Madrid and Real Sociedad had to play the final six minutes of their league match on another day after the original tie was abandoned because of a bomb scare at the Bernabeu. The scores were 1-1 and still they had to play the six minutes.

“I am sure the PSL will also ask us to play the 34 minutes. I don’t think we have to start from scratch because of the precedence to this.

“It was just an unfortunate incident when the keeper collided with the goalpost.

“We were leading in this match and I am sure that has to count. We had the momentum on the day and we could have added four or more goals if we had played up to the 90th minute.

“I also don’t think it will be fair for Chapungu to forfeit the remaining minutes of this fixture because there was still time and who knows? Probably they could have recovered and reduced the arrears.

“So we have to play the remainder of the game,” said Mafoko.

Zifa Referees’ Committee vice-chairman Gladmore Muzambi said the PSL have to make a decision on the matter since such scenarios are not explicitly addressed under the international laws of the game.

“I cannot say much on this particular incident and how they will go about it because this is not covered in the laws of the game.

“Normally such cases are provided for in the competition rules and regulations. There is no universal position, it all depends on the competition organiser.

“Some say they have to restart the match from scratch, others would prefer to resume from the minute the match was stopped. But in our case, if the rules are not clear then an administrative decision has to be made,” said Muzambi.

Chapungu chief executive George Chigambe said the Air Force of Zimbabwe side would welcome whatever decision the authorities make.

“We are guided by the rules and regulations of the game. We believe in fair play, whatever the position is taken we have no qualms.

“But after all is said and done, we also wished the match to have been played up to the 90th minute. And, not taking away anything from Dynamos, they played a good game.

“However, in football you never know what would have happened if the match had finished. Our boys have been playing well of late. I don’t know what happened, probably they were just shocked by the thought of playing Dynamos,” said Chigambe.

Bukhosi Sibanda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BANTU Rovers and the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s leading goal scorer Bukhosi Zakhu Sibanda has been included in a 23-member Warriors’ squad for the 2017 Cosafa Cup that starts in South Africa next week.

The Cosafa Cup starts on Sunday, June 25, in Rustenburg and ends on July 9.

Sibanda (20), whose club Rovers have been struggling in the league and presently sit second from the bottom of the table, has managed to draw attention to himself with his 10-goals from 14 games.

The former national Under-20 captain is among the five strikers the Warriors’ Cosafa coach Sunday Chidzambwa called up.

Sibanda will battle for a starting place with ex-national Under-23 forward Knox M’tizwa of South African PSL side Lamontville Golden Arrows, Highlanders’ striker Prince Dube, who has six league goals, unheralded Blessing Majarira from the Northern Region First Division and ZPC Kariba’s Raphael Manuvire.

Chidzambwa, a member of Zifa’s High Performance Committee (HPC), has been assigned to take charge of the Warriors’ team for the Cosafa tournament and will be assisted by Dynamos’ Lloyd Mutasa as well as Botswana-based Bongani Mafu.

The caretaker technical staff named a squad that blends youth and experience.

Big goalkeeper, George Chigova, who plays for South African side Polokwane City, kept a clean sheet in the Warriors’ 3-0 win over lowly Liberia in a 2019 Afcon qualifier last week.

Other goalkeepers called up are Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Takabva Mawaya and Talbert Mthombeni of Chapungu.

Chidzambwa also included Ajax Cape Town defender Erick Chipeta and midfielder Ovidy Karuru, who turns out for Durban-based First Division club AmaZulu. The duo was part of the Warriors’ team that beat Liberia at the National Sports Stadium.

Warriors’ doors have also been opened for Michelle Katsvairo, who has been discarded by Kaizer Chiefs after failing to hold down a place, Dynamos’ captain Ocean Mushure, Highlanders’ left-back Honest Moyo and Liberty Chakoroma of Ngezi.

League leaders Black Rhinos have contributed two defenders Jameson Mukombwe and Bruce Homora, while FC Platinum’s midfield pair of Gerald Takwara and Talent Chawapiwa have also been called up.

Chicken Inn’s midfielder Innocent Mucheneka, who has been in terrific form since joining the 2015 league champions from Hwange at the beginning of the season, Yadah FC’s dribbling wizard Leeroy Mavunga and Shabanie Mine’s Collins Duwa are also part of the squad.

Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said the players are expected in camp today in Harare.

“The team will leave for South Africa on June 23 (Friday) and the players are expected to assemble in Harare to prepare for the trip tomorrow,” Gwesela said.

Zimbabwe are in Group B alongside Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelles.

The Warriors play Mozambique on June 26, followed by Madagascar two days later and finish off their group games against Seychelles on June 30.

The Warriors have to win their group to progress to the quarter-finals against Swaziland.

Warriors Cosafa Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City), Takabva Mawaya (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Talbert Mutombeni (Chapungu)

Defenders: Eric Chipeta (Ajax Cape Town, SA), Ocean Mushure (Dynamos), Honest Moyo (Highlanders) Bruce Homora (Black Rhinos), Jimmy Tigere (Harare City), Jameson Mukombwe (Black Rhinos), Nyasha Mpofu (Shabanie)

Midfielders: Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Gerald Takwara (FC Platinum), Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu, SA), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah Stars), Talent Chawapiwa (FC Platinum), Michelle Katsvairo (Kaizer Chiefs, SA), Innocent Mucheneka (Chicken Inn), Collins Duwa (Shabanie)

Strikers: Knox Mtizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows, SA), Prince Dube (Highlanders), Bukhosi Sibanda (Bantu Rovers), Blessing Majarira (Herrentals), Raphael Manuvire (ZPC Kariba)

Technical department: Sunday Chidzambwa (head coach), Lloyd Mutasa (assistant coach), Bongani Mafu (assistant coach), Thompson Matenda (fitness trainer), Admire Nyamadzawo (physiotherapist), Shingirai Binoni (kit manager), Dr Hillary Tshuma (team doctor), Wellington Mpandare (team manager).

@ZililoR

Marvelous Nakamba

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WARRIORS’ midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is set to join Belgian giants Club Brugge on a four-year deal today after completing his medicals.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who joined Netherlands topflight side Vitesse in 2014 from French outfit AS Nancy, had to cut short his holiday and leave Bulawayo for Belgium on Sunday to conclude his move.

In an interview from Belgium yesterday, Nakamba, whose contract with Vitesse is set to expire at the end of the 2017/18 season, was hopeful of passing the medicals at Club Brugge.

“I left yesterday (Sunday) and I am having medicals today and tomorrow. Hopefully if all goes well by tomorrow (today) afternoon, it will be official that I’ve joined FC Club Brugge,” said Nakamba.

The former Bantu Rovers’ star had a stellar 2016/17 season for Vitesse, with his performance at the Dutch topflight side winning him admiration from the club’s fans, who voted him their second best player of the season. He lost to striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel for the top prize.

Nakamba established himself as a vital cog at the Dutch outfit and won his first silverware in Europe when Vitesse collected a major trophy for the first time in their 125-year history by beating AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Cup final.

Because of his consistent performances at Vitesse, Nakamba became a subject of intense speculation early this year, with reports from the Netherlands linking him with a move to English Premier League side Everton, as well as Turkish giants Galatasaray and Belgium’s Anderlecht.

The former Njube High School pupil was also linked to German sides Hamburger SV and Wolfsburg.

However, the opportunity to play Uefa Champions League football could have influenced Nakamba, whose stock is rising with every season, to settle for Club Brugge, who finished second in the Belgian League last season.

Winning the Dutch Cup with Vitesse had presented the left-footed midfielder with a chance to play in the Europa League for the second time in his career.

His first appearance was in 2015 when Vitesse played in the Europa League play-offs and were knocked out by English side Southampton after going down 0-2 at home and 0-3 away to the Saints.

“Now that I’m likely to move away from Vitesse, I will miss the Europa League, but if all goes well, I could be playing in a bigger competition, the Uefa Champions League. I might sign a three or four-year contract tomorrow,” said Nakamba.

Nakamba joins Zimbabwe’s list of elite footballers to play in Europe’s club competitions, who include legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, Kennedy Chihuri, Norman Mapeza, Musa Mguni and Costa Nhamoinesu.

Should his Belgian move materialise, Nakamba will link up with Warriors’ captain Knowledge Musona as well as former national team midfielders Vusa Nyoni and Honour Gombami.

@ZililoR

Minister Makhosini Hlongwane

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
MORE than 60 delegates from across the country are expected to attend a two-day Zimbabwe National Youth Games general assembly to prepare for the rebranded games at a local hotel today and tomorrow.

This year’s rebranded Youth Games, set to be held in Matabeleland North from August 17-27, will have 22 sport codes and also will for the first time include members of the uniformed forces, tertiary and vocational colleges competing in the Under-23 age groups.

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

“We are going to convene the Zimbabwe National Youth Games general assembly where we will have stakeholders, who constitute the general assembly of the games. These are the media, the 15 provinces under the category of Under-23 and 10 provinces under the category of Under-18, which are mainly schools,” said Sports and Recreation Commission acting director-general Joseph Muchechetere.

The assembly will be officially opened by Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane, who will be accompanied by Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cain Mathema.

Expected at the indaba, according to Muchechetere, will be the Chef de Missions, the heads of delegations and competition directors of the 22 sport codes.

“We are also going to have ministries such as Home Affairs, Defence, Higher and Tertiary Education, Youths and Women Affairs, Tourism and so forth. It’s a big assembly,” said Muchechetere.

With an increase in the number of sport codes, there will also be need for a massive buy-in from the corporate world to complement the Government grant for this year’s games.

Bulawayo Metropolitan province has already set a budget of $276 146 to cater for a delegation of 800 athletes and officials in Hwange.

The province recently received a shot in the arm after SRC board member James Goddard donated $1 000 in cash, 100kgs of beef and 200 litres of fuel during unveiling of the Provincial Sports and Recreation Committee Board early this month.

According to the budget items for Team Bulawayo, the things they need include 12 buses, 16 utility vehicles, 3 600 litres of fuel, 800 tracksuits, 643 T-shirts, 184 golf T-shirts, 820 caps as well as 200 vests for athletics.

Part of the budget will go towards affiliation fees pegged at $80 per each athlete and official. This makes the affiliation figure $64 000, while close to $100 000 is needed for the welfare of athletes and coaches.

@skhumoyo 2000

Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been accused of tax fraud by Spanish prosecutors investigating his time as Real Madrid’s head coach.

Portuguese-born Mourinho is accused of defrauding Spain of €3.3m (£2.9m; $3.6m) in taxes between 2011 and 2012. He has yet to comment on the claim.

A prosecutor said he did not declare income from the use of his image rights in order to get an “illicit benefit”.

Other big names in football have been accused of tax fraud in Spain recently.

Those include Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, who played under Mourinho and shares the same agent as him. The player is accused of defrauding tax authorities of €14.7m, by also hiding his income from image rights.

He denies the accusations and is threatening to leave Spain. The Portuguese-born star is set to give evidence in his case on 31 July.

Why are Spanish football stars in legal trouble?

Mourinho, 54, is accused of two counts of tax fraud – €1.6m in 2011 and €1.7m in 2012. The Madrid prosecutor said the case was presented to a local court.

Other footballers accused of tax fraud in Spain include:

Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi, who has been handed a 21-month jail term. His father Jorge, who manages his finances, was also convicted

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano — also an Argentine — admitted tax fraud, escaping a jail term with a one-year suspended sentence

Barcelona and Brazilian star Neymar is also facing allegations of corruption and fraud over his transfer to the Spanish club in 2013 — a case which also involves his parents. Prosecutors allege the transfer cost much more than publicly declared, and that millions were concealed from authorities
Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, was arrested in May as part of a money-laundering investigation. — BBC Sport.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
A 30-man Sables’ squad trooped into camp at the weekend to prepare for their away Africa Cup encounter with Senegal on June 24.

This year’s Africa Cup competition, which also acts as a 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifier, will see six teams vying for the championship. Kenya, Namibia, Uganda and Zimbabwe from the 2016 Division 1A will be joined by Senegal and Tunisia from Division 1B.

Teams will play in a round-robin format, with the bottom two teams being eliminated from the qualifiers.

After the Senegal trip, Zimbabwe will head to Windhoek for a clash with Namibia on July 15 before hosting Kenya on July 22.

A week later, the Sables will play Tunisia in Harare before completing their campaign with a tie against Uganda on August 5.

Despite missing key players, Sables coach Cyprian Mandenge said he was confident his team would have a positive start.

“I don’t know much about Senegal, which I believe is a good thing. I keep telling players that there is only one thing you can control in a match and that’s how you play. You can’t control the referee and the opposition, so we just need to focus on how we want to do our things. We should focus on our defence, our attack patterns or whatever zones we are in. I know they (Senegal) are big boys, they will be very physical. It’s a good thing to know about your opponents’ game, but we should not dwell so much on that because sometimes you waste time on such things instead of focusing on things that we can do and improve on,” said Mandenge.

He said they would not take their matches lightly, as they aim to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. Mandenge also believes a good start in the competition will ensure good performances in future games.

“Winning is a habit and losing can become a habit as well. We need to challenge ourselves and say we want to go all the way and win the Africa Cup this year, so that winning becomes a habit for us. That’s what I’m looking forward to and I want to win every game as a coach. I believe in the players that have put their hands up and I’m happy to work with them. They are exciting players,” he said.

Sables training squad

Forwards: Denford Mutamangira, Lawrence Cleminson, Irvine Nduwa, Brian Makamure, Tolerance Zishe, Graham Cochrane, Takudzwa Bvunzawabaya, Brian Nyaude, Witness Mandizha, Fortune Chipendu, Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Connor Pritchard, Biselele Tshamala, Lucky Sithole and Osborne Muhambi

Backs: Hilton Mudariki, Scott Jones, Joshua Gando, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Gideon Muyambo, Tarisai Mugariri, Daniel Capsopoulos, Boyd Rouse, Ngoni Chibuwe, Stephan Hunduza, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Tadius Hwata and Tinashe Gwisai.

@khumzallen

Prince Dube

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
AJAX Cape Town scouts have been following the Highlanders’ trio of defender Peter Muduhwa, midfielder King Nadolo and striker Prince Dube, as the South African side seeks to fortify their side ahead of the start of the 2017/18 Absa Premiership.

The Cape Town-based side finished the season outside the top eight and the technical department has made no secret of its intent to beef up its arsenal.

“Their scouts have been following Highlanders; they were in Harare for the 3-0 loss to Black Rhinos and also watched the 3-0 win over Hwange at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday. Indications though are that they were impressed by the performance of Nadolo and Prince,” said a source close to the developments.

Peter Muduhwa

One of the scouts was also seen at the Highlanders’ club house on Sunday evening in the company of former midfielder Hillary Madzivanyika.

“As a club nothing formally has been communicated to us, but as you all know we don’t stand in the way of our players going for greener pastures,” said Highlanders’ chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube.

He, however, said the club would always be on guard against manipulation of its players and would want an agreement that is beneficial to both parties.

The 2015 MTN Top Eight winners finished the 2016/17 season in 10th place and coach Stanley Menzo is on record saying he will beef up the strike force, and Dube, with six goals in 14 matches for Highlanders, might just fit that bill.

King Nadolo celebrates

“We know that’s a problem, and it’s a department where we need to try and find stronger players who can help us,” Menzo said.

“We know that we have to score goals. Scoring goals is not only a striker’s job, but the whole team has to score more goals and deliver more chances for a striker to score. But yes, upfront we need more power, more danger. If you want to win, you have to score more goals,” Menzo was quoted by soccer publication Kick-Off online.

Former Highlanders’ striker Knox Mutizwa is also reportedly on the radar of the Urban Warriors and a dream reunion with Dube could be in the offing if both players make the move.

@skhumoyo2000

The late Edzai Kasinauyo

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ZIFA have requested that a minute of silence be observed in honour of the late Warriors’ legend Edzai Kasinauyo during matches up to June 26.

Kasinauyo passed away last week at the Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Johannesburg where he had been admitted for a few days.

He was 42.

In a notice to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Zifa requested that the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Central Region Leagues and Zimbabwe Women’s Super League (ZWSL) observe a moment of silence to ensure a befitting send-off for the Warriors’ legend.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association hereby requests the respective leagues mentioned herein to observe a minute of silence in all matches that will be played between June 19-26 across the country in honour of our legend and former Zifa executive member Edzai Kasinauyo. Zifa has declared this a Week of Mourning and as such all match officials handling matches should ensure that all players line-up in the centre or around the centre circle and observe a minute’s silence for our departed colleague,” Zifa acting secretary-general Joseph Mamutse said.

Kasinauyo, who also ran a sports company in Harare and facilitated the Highlanders and Dynamos Adidas kit deal, is expected to be buried this week.

He played for Arcadia United and Blackpool in the domestic Premiership before moving to South Africa where he played for Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows.

He also played for the Warriors with distinction, making the roster for the team that made history by qualifying for Zimbabwe’s first Africa Cup of Nations finals appearance in Tunisia in 2004.

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Johannes Ngodzo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER national team coach Callisto Pasuwa and ex-Bantu Rovers gaffer Johannes Ngodzo will lead the Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ)’s out-of-contract team at a regional competition set for South Africa next month.

Footballers’ unions from five countries, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo and hosts South Africa, have confirmed participation in the second edition of the regional competition aimed at giving out-of-contract players a platform to market themselves.

Desmond Maringwa, the Fuz president, said the competition will be held in Johannesburg.

Maringwa said Pasuwa and Ngodzo will identify players for the Fuz team during a training camp that starts next Monday in Harare.

“Fuz will have a comprehensive training programme to prepare out-of-contract footballers for the regional competition.

“We’ve engaged coaches that are not attached to any club to help us and we’re happy that former national team coach Pasuwa and Ngodzo have agreed to be part of the programme.

“The highly intensive training sessions will be designed to enhance physical abilities, develop and increase tactical as well as technical skills so that the players can perform at the highest level. The main aim of the training camp is to aid players get employment locally and out of the country,” Maringwa said.

Callisto Pasuwa

He said they would also invite local clubs to attend the Fuz training camp as well as the regional competition in South Africa.

Maringwa said because of limited funding, they would take a squad of 16 players to the tournament.

“Fuz approached FIFPro to sponsor the regional players’ out of contract tournament last year and the competition ran over three days.

“Last year the tournament was played on a knockout format and we are hoping to have it changed to a group stages format so that more games are played to afford scouts more time to watch the players. Because of limited funding, we’ll take a squad of 16 players and two coaches,” Maringwa said.

After last year’s tournament, which had Zimbabwe, DRC, Botswana and South Africa, former Highlanders’ striker Obert Tafira signed a contract with Pretoria University FC.

Besides the regional tournament, Fuz have in the past organised pre-season training camps in Harare and Bulawayo where local clubs could hunt for talent.

@ZililoR