Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
TENNIS Zimbabwe president Martin Lock says the upcoming International Tennis Federation Futures tournaments set to run between this month and June are key in promoting local players take a step further in the sport.

Zimbabwe will host three ITF Futures events at Harare Sports Club, with the first one scheduled to run from May 28 to June 3.

The second event is set to run from June 4 to June 10.

The last tournament will be held from June 11 to June 17.

“It’s critical that we host events like these because it’s the only opportunity we have got to promote up-and-coming players.

“Those who qualify for the main draw will be in on merit and they have a chance obviously to go quite far in the tournament and improve their ranking.

“Those who don’t qualify for the tournament because they haven’t had the necessary exposure to get a ranking they can get a wild card, which is the prerogative of the host nation.

‘’And that way we can also elevate them to the main draw where they can compete on the world stage and they can also try get their ranking up.

“So, for us, it’s a wonderful opportunity to promote those players who need to be spring boarded up the world rankings,” said Lock.

The Futures events are now a permanent feature on TZ’s calendar and so far Benjamin Lock and Takanyi Garanganga are in the main draw for the upcoming events.

Benjamin had an interesting outing last year when he won two of the doubles titles when he partnered Nathaniel Lammons of United States and one singles title.

The likes of Muzi Sibanda, Courtney Lock, Mehluli Sibanda and Brandon Levendale will have to go through the qualifying round on Saturday.
And, hopefully, they can pull through to the main draw.

Old Mutual, who are the traditional sponsors of the events, are the main sponsors again this year for the three events, with a $15 000 prize money each.

Lock said they were grateful to the sponsors who have made it possible for them to stage the tournaments annually.

“Our major sponsor, who has always been with us traditionally, is Old Mutual. So once again, they are sponsoring us fantastically.

“We have got a few sort of additional sponsors. We have Zuva Petroleum, Tregers, Vic Falls Safari Club and then obviously we do get some assistance from the ITF in hosting these events.

“The Futures and the Davis Cup are the two biggest events for us on the calendar in terms of the high profile it gives the country.

“I mean sponsors have been fantastic in supporting Zimbabwe tennis and it’s really great that we can show them that it is a sport that is growing,” said Lock.

TZ administrator Cliff Nhokwara said all was set for the tournaments with the draw for the qualifying round set for Friday while the main draw will take place on Sunday.

Nhokwara said with Garanganga and Benjamin expected to take part, they were hoping they can   inspire some of the upcoming players on the local scene.

“The qualifying draw will be on Friday and the draw size is 48. The main draw is 32 and the draw will be on Sunday.

“We do these tournaments to benefit our players. Hopefully they do well and the youngsters can learn from these professionals.

“We are happier if the draws are dominated by Zimbabweans,” said Nhokwara.

Paul Pogba has refused to rule out a move away from Manchester United, hinting at strains in his relationship with Jose Mourinho after a difficult season at Old Trafford.

The £89 million ($119 million) France international has had a tricky second season back at United, being left out of the side or substituted early many times.

On other occasions manager Mourinho has publicly questioned his contributions, while transfer talk refuses to die down.

Asked by French television station Canal Plus if he would remain a United player, the 25-year-old declined to give a cast-iron commitment.

“You can never be sure of anything,” he said. “But contractually, it’s sure, yes.

“I can never look far into the future. It also depends how it goes with the club, how things work out.”

Pogba also discussed his relationship with Mourinho, saying the pair did not have to have the perfect bond to work together professionally.

“There were times where I wasn’t playing, I was on the bench,” he said. “There was a lot of talk, people thought it wasn’t working out, but a coach and a player don’t have to be best friends, we don’t have to go to restaurants together.

“I had a few little problems too . . . football is sometimes all about the mental side. He put me on the bench and I gave my response on the pitch. I always give everything I’ve got.”

And Pogba said being handed the captain’s armband in certain matches had helped him.

“I was made captain by Mourinho, it was the first time for me with a club and that is important for me,” he said. “It also made me grow as a leader in the France team.”

Pogba has been linked with a move to hometown club Paris Saint-Germain but said such a move did not hold special appeal.

“I grew up with a father and a mother who were Marseille supporters,” he said. “Paris (PSG) was never really part of my daily life. But later on, yes why not play at the Parc des Princes? It’s a great pitch and a nice stadium.” — AFP

Pupils take part in the Mzilikazi Chess Festival in this file picture

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the Africa Day Open Chess tournament have challenged schools to send teams to the event that will be held at Montrose High School in Bulawayo on Friday.

Registration for the tournament organised by the Bulawayo Chess Association (BCA) started yesterday and closes tomorrow.

Participants will compete in five categories, Open, Ladies, Junior A (Form 4 to 6), Junior B (Form 1 to 3) and development (Grade 7 going down).

Registration fee for the Open and Ladies events has been set at $5, with secondary school participants paying $3, while primary school learners will fork out $2 to compete in the competition.

“We are calling on schools to come as clubs so that we maintain the excitement of the development section. Introduction of the category at Bulawayo Chess Association organised competitions is part of the board’s initiatives to identify and nurture talent at grassroots levels and it is our hope that schools will respond positively,” said Elvis Shora, the BCA chairman.

BCA introduced the development section in September last year at the Milton Open, and the Africa Day competition will be the fifth competition to play host to primary school learners.

Friday’s competition will be BCA’s fourth event of the year after the Hillside Open, held on February 21 and won by Tapiwa Jele of Nkulumane, Nust Easter Open and the Independence Day Open. Castro Sibanda of Nust won both the Easter and the Independence titles.

Nkulumane’s Phakamani Sithole is the defending Africa Day Open champion.

Some of the top players expected to compete on Friday include the Nust duo of Kudakwashe Sibanda and Nigel Mabiza, Valentine Nkoma of Nkulumane, the ZRP Bulawayo pair of Sifiso Ncube and Shora, Tony Siyanyezu of Bulawayo Polytechnic as well as Bulawayo Chess Club’s Bruce Mhondiwa.

Best ranked women’s player Tessa Gumirenhete of ZRP Bulawayo is also among the favourites.

Meanwhile, 10 players that will accumulate most points at BCA organised competitions throughout the year will compete for the Bulawayo Championship to be held in December.

“The desire for players to be part of the Bulawayo Championship in December, certainly motivates top players. Throughout the year, players pick up points by participating in our competitions and the top 10 will compete at the end of year Bulawayo Championship,” said Shora.

Alvaro Morata

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata was left out of Spain’s World Cup squad, announced yesterday.

Morata paid the price for a disappointing debut season in the Premier League as Spain coach Julen Lopetegui picked Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno up front, along with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa.

“The decision is always difficult because of the talent of the players we have,” Lopetegui said.

“We have opted for three other players who had different assets and including four players up front was not something we wanted to do.”

Two more Chelsea players also missed out as Marcos Alonso and Cesc Fabregas were not included in the 23-man group.

Morata’s absence was the stand-out decision, however, even if it was not an entirely surprising one given the 25-year-old’s dramatic dip in form.

After scoring seven goals in his first seven games for Chelsea, a back injury seemed to affect his confidence. Morata has scored only three times in 22 games since the turn of the year.

“I’ve talked to the players I had to talk to,” Lopetegui said. “I’m not going to name anybody, but there are players who had to find out from me that they were not going to be on the list.”

In contrast, Aspas and Moreno have been in excellent form for Celta Vigo and Valencia respectively, with Aspas the top Spanish scorer in La Liga on 22 goals.

Costa is expected to start when Spain open up against Portugal in Group B on June 15 but Aspas, with his speed and direct running, remains an attractive option.

Alonso only made his debut in a friendly against Argentina in March and lost out to Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal. Fabregas fell behind Spain’s impressive wealth of options in midfield, which will include Sergio Busquets, Saul Niguez, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.

Manchester United’s David de Gea was included as expected, along with fellow goalkeepers Pepe Reina and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta did make it in, as did Monreal. Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nacho and Jordi Alba complete Spain’s group of defenders.

“I’ve had several doubts, making a list of 23 is very difficult,” Lopetegui said. “But we have decided this was the most balanced decision and the one we think will help us most at the World Cup.”

Squad

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid). — AFP

Jurgen Klopp has warned Real Madrid that Liverpool are playing for their dreams and their chances of winning the Champions League won’t be compromised by a lack of experience.

The build-up to Saturday’s Champions League final has started in earnest and Liverpool began the week by hosting their scheduled media day. They trained for an hour at Anfield yesterday and the group was bolstered by the presence of Emre Can.

It had been assumed that Can would not be available for the showdown in Kiev, due to a persistent back problem, but he was able to come through the session without issue.

Klopp revealed he could be included in the squad on Saturday but would not comment on reports the Germany international has agreed to join Juventus when his contract expires. The manager has no interest for the moment in potential comings and goings as he concentrates on toppling Madrid.

Liverpool will be underdogs against a team who have won three of the last four finals, including back-to-back victories against Atletico Madrid and Juventus, but there is no shortage of belief and nobody embodies the anticipation more than the manager.

‘I don’t want to play that game,’ said Klopp, when asked if Real are favourites. ‘They are more experienced. That is a fact. If there is an experienced market, they should sell it because then they would be even more rich. Experience is very important in life but not the only thing.

‘It is an important to be more experienced but you can level it with desire, attitude, work rate and that is what I love in football. We made our own experience. We are not as long together as Real Madrid because they play these finals pretty much with the same team so as a group they are very strong.

‘That is all fact but it is still football and we have a chance and let’s give it a try. Let’s go there and try to perform on a level which maybe people would say it is not possible for us but it is possible.

‘We did all the things we need plenty of times already in the Champions League campaign and now we need to do it again. I saw the game against Villarreal and it looks like they can do whatever they want against a good side like Villarreal. Still no one knows if (Karim) Benzema will start or (Lucas) Vazquez.

“It is a really good football team but we are a really good football team. We are full of desire and we really work for our dreams. We hope we can show that and if we can show that, that is all.”

On whether Can will be available on Saturday, Klopp said:

“I didn’t think it was possible that he could do what he did today and do what he did in Marbella. That is really positive but we have to wait again. It is really nice to have him back in the group. He is really desperate.’

Klopp is not doing anything different in preparation for the game. Liverpool will train at Melwood for the next few days before heading out to Ukraine on Friday, a routine they have followed all the way through their Champions League campaign.

There will also be no alteration in how Liverpool go about the game and that means Klopp is committed to attacking Madrid. He has urged his players to be free of expectation to make themselves heroes.

“We had a lot of pressure and a lot of expectations in the last few weeks,” said Klopp. “Each game we drew we wanted to win. West Brom? I said all that rubbish after only because I was really angry we didn’t win.

“I am not a psychologist but if somebody would tell me constantly that everything is different in the next game then I would get nervous.

“We have to handle it like an opportunity because it is an opportunity. You cannot go into a football game knowing you can lose it.

“I experienced that plenty of times but I am still a happy person. Life goes on. We will show the players why it makes so much sense to be brave.

“It was not easy to be brave against Manchester City and against Roma but we did it. The moment we tried to defend the result we were almost out.

“I am in a good mood. I am really looking forward to the game. Unlike the Brighton one, I would buy a 1-0. This game I really want to play.” — SportsMail

SHABANIE Mine coach, Takesure Chiragwi

Mukudzei Chingwere, Harare Bureau
SHABANIE Mine coach Takesure Chiragwi has been targeted by a section of the club’s supporters who want the youthful coach fired and be replaced by former coach Tendai Chikuni.

Chikuni left the asbestos miners before the start of the 2017 season after guiding them back into the Premiership to join Chapungu but was recently shown the exit by the Air Force of Zimbabwe side following a string of poor results.

But Shabanie have also been struggling this year despite making a promising start to the season.

And on Sunday some fans stormed the VIP parking area calling for the leadership to replace Chiragwi with Chikuni following the Chinda Boys’ home loss to Chapungu.

What made the defeat more painful was that Chapungu fielded seven former Shabanie Mine players and the result pushed Chiragwi’s men deeper in relegation zone.

But Chiragwi told those around him and the leadership at the Zvishavane-based side that the treatment he has received was tantamount to betrayal given the work he has done for the team.

“That is the job of supporters when they feel we are not working as per their expectations they tell us and it is our duty to address the shortcomings.

“I do not want to talk about any treatment but what I just want to say is for the supporters to bear with us and continue supporting the team.

“The team is playing well but unfortunately results are not coming so it is at this stage that we desperately need their support for us to be able to do well.

“We assembled a new team this season and it takes some time for the players to understand each other but I want to assure our supporters to be patient and very soon the team will find its touch,” said Chiragwi.

Shabanie Mine chairman, Tavaziva Mhloro, assured the coach that his job remained safe.

“The coach’s job is safe and we are not even planning of replacing him with anyone, you know people can say what they want but the official position is that his job is safe.

“But we want the players to give more to the team and fight for the coach, the team has many problems but the coach and the executive we are doing our best to address them,” said Mhloro.

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO coach Joseph Sibindi has blasted Southern Region Division One League new boys CIWU for verbally abusing him after his team came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Luveve Stadium on Sunday.

CIWU took an early lead through Enias Chaora before Tinashe Mthimkhulu, who is on loan at Tsholotsho from Chicken Inn, levelled matters.

While accepting that CIWU gave them a good run for their money, Sibindi was not amused with their “unsporting” behaviour.

“Our biggest undoing was conceding an early goal. It was a good game and our opponents gave us a good run. They (CIWU) played well and showed character. However, I realised that they have a big problem and need to revisit Law 12 (fouls and misconduct). If they are not conversant with it, they have to look for someone to interpret it for them because they were a nuisance, not only to the referee, but even to me,” said Sibindi.

“To be honest I was hurt with their verbal attack. They accused us of bribing the referee, which is a serious allegation. Honestly, why should we pay a referee when we can’t even pay the players bonuses? The powers that be should address this matter,” he said.

Referee Happy Mabhena flashed two red cards to Tsholotsho striker Stanley Ngala and CIWU defender Arthur Ndlovu.

CIWU coach Kudzai Mhandire was also ejected from the bench and was not on the touchline when his technical team verbally assaulted Sibindi.

The weekend result saw Tsholotsho stretching their unbeaten run to seven games, and in the process remain at the top of the table with 15 points, one ahead of Hwange.

For CIWU, it was a big result as the newcomers moved a place up the table into fourth.

“It’s unfortunate that there was a melee during the game, but I wasn’t part of it. We will look into it. But I’m happy with how we are progressing and being in the top four at this stage is quite encouraging for a small team like ours. We’ve been working hard and it’s showing on the field. The boys are giving their best,” said Mhandire.

Some of the players that have been driving CIWU’s cause include the trio of attacking linkman Muziwakhe Dlamini, left-sided midfielder Percy Maphosa and right-back Nqobizitha Nkomo, who were with Bosso 90 last season, former Casmyn striker Brian Muza and ex-Hwange development goalkeeper Nkosana Maseko.

Meanwhile, Hwange survived a scare as they had to fight from a goal down to beat NRZ Leopards 2-1 in Dete and in the process close in on Tsholotsho to keep their title hopes alive.

Makomo slipped into third place following a 1-1 draw against ZRP Bulawayo, while ZPC Hwange moved two places up the table to fifth following a 1-0 win over Casmyn.

Results
Saturday: ZRP Bulawayo Province 1-1 Makomo, Moto Moto 3-0 Zim Leopards, NRZ Leopards 1-2 Hwange, Talen Vision 0-0 Toronto, ZPC Hwange 1-0 Casmyn, Mosi Rovers 2-0 Indlovu Iyanyathela

Sunday: Bosso 90 2-1 Main Line, Tsholotsho 1-1 CIWU

Table

P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
Tsholotsho     7     4     3     0     8     3     5     15
Hwange     7     4     2     1     11     3     8     14
Makomo     7     3     4     0     9     5     4     13
CIWU     7     3     3     1     7     5     2     12
ZPC Hwange     7     3     3     1     6     4     2     12
Indlovu Iyanyathela     7     3     2     2     7     7     0     11
Talen Vision     7     2     4     1     11     7     4     10
Mosi Rovers     7     3     1     3     9     10     -1     10
Bosso 90     7     2     3     2     6     7     -1     9
Moto Moto     7     3     2     3     6     5     1     8
Main Line     7     2     1     4     7     9     -2     7
Casmyn     7     1     3     3     3     5     -2     6
NRZ Leopards     7     1     3     3     3     7     -4     6
ZRP Bulawayo     7     1     2     4     5     10     -5     5
Zim Leopards     7     1     2     4     7     13     -6     5
Toronto     7     0     4     3     2     8     -6     4

@ZililoR

Takudzwa Chitsiga and Prince Mukuna, Harare Bureau
FIFTEEN horses have confirmed their participation in the 30th edition of the OK Grand Challenge horse race after yesterday’s final acceptances with organisers saying they expect about 50 000 fans at Borrowdale.

The prestigious horse race will be staged at Borrowdale on June 2 and the nominations see three stables involved in the major race.

The winner of the race will walk home $24 000 richer while the runner-up will pocket $8 000 with the third-place getting $5 000 and the fourth placed horse receiving $3 000.

A total 15 runners will take to the starting stalls for the Grade 2 $40 000 purse race.

Bridget Stidolph will have the highest number of runners which include Comanche Brave, Live is Good, Super Good, Roman Discent, Simona, Ravern Girl and Peggson.

Kirk Swanson will have Amsterdam, Phantom Major, Heir Line and Cool Solution.

Penny Fisher will have Kilrain, Master Switch, Master N Commance and Kevin Barry.

Speaking on behalf of OK Zimbabwe chief executive, Alex Siyavora, Albert Katsande the retail giant commercial director, hailed the connection between the two parties.

“The connection between OK Grand Challenge and horse racing is founded and built upon horsemen’s tradition of racing horses and placing bets on the totaliser.

“As we unveil the final acceptances of the 2017 OK Grand Challenge, which is the 29th edition, we raise our glasses to this innovative promotional campaign,” said Katsande.

Mashonaland Turf Club representative Christopher Peech said he is happy to be part of the 30th edition of the OK Grand Challenge.

Sunday Chidzambwa

Grace Chingoma, Harare Bureau
ZIFA are racing against time to finalise their Cosafa Cup squad amid challenges in securing local passports for their British Brigade who have been drafted into the provisional squad.

It has emerged that the process, which is now being handled by the Sports Commission, is taking longer than anticipated.

The Warriors are expected to go into camp on Thursday.

Yesterday, the Sports Commission said they have since submitted the required letter for processing to the Registrar General Office following a request they got more than a week ago from Zifa.

A total of seven players, who include Nottingham Forest defender Tendayi Darikwa, Oldham Athletic Kundai Benyu and Bradford City’s Adam Chicksen, are among those seeking local passports.

The laws of the country now make it eligible for dual citizenship.

Apart from the delays in processing the travel documents, Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said all the other players who have been drafted into the squad have indicated they will report for duty when the training camp begins end of this week.

“All the players have indicated that they are coming. By Thursday we should have a clearer picture of who is coming or not, when the team goes into camp.

“So, far Ronald Pfumbidzai has been ruled out after he got injured. Teenage Hadebe is also out,” he said.

Belgium-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has been ruled of the Cosafa Cup, dealing the Warriors a blow as they seek to set another record at the competition by winning a sixth title.

The Club Brugge midfielder who helped his side win the Belgian Jupiler and a place in the Uefa Champiions League, will not be part of the Warriors because of a a knee injury incurred during his team’s assignment last week.

Zifa will submit their provisional squad to Cosafa ahead of the initial deadline today.

Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambwa is eager to defend the Cosafa Cup after he guided the team to an historic fifth regional title in North West province last year.

Chidzambwa has named a strong side for the tournament, including some of his key players led by Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, as he wants to use the tournament as part of his squad’s blending for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which resume in September.

Currently, the Warriors are on top of Group G following their resounding 3-0 victory over Liberia at the National Sports Stadium.

And skipper Musona, who has been drafted into the Cosafa squad, is also leading the Caf goal scoring charts with three goals.

Zimbabwe resume action with a tough date against plucky Congo Brazzaville early September followed by another cracking match against the DRC the following month.

Cosafa 2018 Provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Spurs), Donovan Bernard (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Chang Mariyoni (Triangle).

Defenders: Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs), Kelvin Moyo (FC Platinum), Byron Madzokere (Yadah Stars), Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest), Jameson Mukombwe (FC Platinum), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Harare City), Costa Nhamoinesu (AC Sparta Prague), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic), Honest Moyo (Highlanders), Adam Chicksen (Bradford city)

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Richard Hachiro (Herentals), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Kundai Benyu (Oldham Athletic), Abbas Amidu (Entag El Harby), Talent Chawapiwa (Baroka), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah Stars), Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Singida United), Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge).

Strikers: Knowledge Musona (KV Oostende), Evans Rusike (Supersport United), Macauley Bonne (Leyton Orient), Tinotenda Kadewere (Djurgardens IF), Kelly Lunga (Bonner SC), Admiral Muskwe (Leicester City).

Norman Mapeza

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars and FC Platinum have virtually turned the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League into a platinum race after further pulling away from the chasing pack with convincing wins at the weekend.

The financial muscle is evident on the field where they continue to post positive results and display beautiful football while their rivals have been enveloped by inconsistencies.

Ngezi and FC Platinum’s players are clearly well motivated and their main focus is solely on playing football, while players from other teams have to worry about recurring welfare issues.

Other teams’ players have to live on pledges, while the platinum sides’ personnel are paid their dues on time.

Ngezi took their unbeaten home run, which stretches back from 2016, to a massive 31 games as they clobbered Bulawayo City 4-0. Ngezi’s last defeat at home was against How Mine on August 13, 2016, when they fell 0-2.

Ngezi are the only side yet to lose and top the league table with 32 points from 12 games. FC Platinum are closely behind on 29 points.

So convincing have been Tonderai Ndiraya’s men that they didn’t even miss the absence of experienced central midfielders Xolisani Moyo and Walter Mukanga, who were serving suspension when they hammered Bulawayo City.

Ngezi have netted 22 times, the highest in the league so far, with their winger Terence Dzukamanja leading the league’s scorers chart with seven goals.

Ngezi have also been solid at the back, conceding just three goals in 12 matches.

It is their ability to defend and score that makes them prime favourites to land the title. Consistency can see Ngezi wresting the title away from champions FC Platinum.

Ngezi take on Chapungu in Gweru tomorrow, knowing that any slip-up could see FC Platinum closing the gap should they beat Nichrut on Thursday.

FC Platinum head into the Midlands derby with Nichrut bubbling with confidence after handing Dynamos their sixth defeat of the season in Sunday’s 2-0 win.

Tonderai Ndiraya

The gap between FC Platinum and third-placed Highlanders is seven points.

Bosso, who take solace in that they are building a team to challenge for honours next season, are in the same bracket with Chicken Inn, Harare City, Triangle United and Caps United, in terms of inconsistency.

Bosso moved one point up to 22 points following their goalless draw against seventh-placed Caps United, who still dream of winning the title, despite being 15 points behind leaders Ngezi.

“We still have a very good chance to finish the season in a sensational way. We believe we have the apparatus to achieve our goal,” said Lloyd Chitembwe, the Caps United coach.

Caps United need to convert chances they create and win games if their title dream is to be realised.

Caps United face ZPC Kariba, who recorded their second win of the season by beating Yadah 1-0 to move out of the relegation zone.

Chicken Inn drew 1-1 with Harare City in a game that the latter were in firm control of. Harare City displayed beautiful football, forcing Chicken Inn to chase for the better part of the game. With a bit of luck, Harare City could have returned to the capital with maximum points.

Chicken Inn face Bulawayo Chiefs, who bagged a point in a 1-1 score line against Nichrut, at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

On Thursday, Highlanders will be out to end a three-match winless streak and mount woes on Bulawayo City at Barbourfields Stadium.

Results
Saturday: Nichrut 1-1 Bulawayo Chiefs, Chicken Inn 1-1 Harare City, Ngezi Platinum Stars 4-0 Bulawayo City, ZPC Kariba 1-0 Yadah FC

Sunday: Highlanders 0-0 Caps United, Shabanie Mine 0-1 Chapungu, Dynamos 0-2 FC Platinum, Triangle United 0-1 Black Rhinos, Mutare City Rovers 1-1 Herentals

Match Day 13 Fixtures

Tomorrow: Caps United v ZPC Kariba (National Sports Stadium), Chapungu v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Ascot), Harare City v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), Bulawayo Chiefs v Chicken Inn (Luveve)

Thursday: Herentals v Triangle United (National Sports Stadium, 1PM), Yadah v Mutare City (National Sports Stadium), Bulawayo City v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Black Rhinos v Dynamos (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Nichrut (Mandava)

Table

P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
Ngezi Platinum     12     10     2     0     22     3     19     32
FC Platinum     12     9     2     1     17     4     13     29
Highlanders     12     6     4     2     13     7     6     22
Chicken Inn     12     5     6     1     14     8     6     21
Harare City     12     5     6     1     11     7     4     21
Triangle United     12     6     2     4     12     9     3     20
Caps United     12     4     5     3     14     11     3     17
Black Rhinos     12     3     5     4     7     9     -2     14
Nichrut     12     3     4     5     11     14     -3     13
Bulawayo Chiefs     12     2     6     4     9     12     -3     12
Dynamos     12     3     3     6     10     14     -4     12
ZPC Kariba     12     2     6     4     7     12     -5     12
Chapungu     12     3     3     6     8     14     -6     12
Herentals     12     2     5     5     5     11     -6     11
Yadah FC     12     2     5     5     9     17     -8     11
Bulawayo City     12     3     1     8     12     16     -4     10
Shabanie Mine     12     1     6     5     11     19     -8     9
Mutare City     12     1     5     6     10     14     -4     8

@ZililoR

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
MOUNTAINEERS made a huge statement yesterday in their quest for a double this season after making short work of Mashonaland Eagles in a Pro-50 Championship cricket match at Old Hararians.

The Mountain Goats, who were crowned Logan Cup champions last week, are looking to spread their dominance to the limited overs game and yesterday they trounced Eagles by eight wickets to assume control of the race midway through the campaign.

Mountaineers collected a bonus point yesterday after bowling out their opponents for 116 runs and then reaching the target in 26 overs, much to the delight of their coach Shepherd Makunura.

The win catapulted them to the top of the five-team log standings with 15 points, one ahead of Tuskers who also beat Rising Stars by six wickets yesterday.

The Mountaineers bowlers put Eagles under pressure earlier on after they had won the toss and elected to  field. National team opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza then finished off the game with an unbeaten 53 runs.

Victor Nyauchi claimed three wickets for Mountaineers while Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara and Wellington Masakadza had two each.

“I think our opening bowlers did quite well and they put Eagles under some form of pressure early on. Otherwise we are all happy with the performance,” said Makunura.

With the Logan Cup success still fresh in their minds, Makunura said they are now targeting the Pro50 Championships to crown a triumphant season.

Although there are still four more games to be played, Mountaineers have established themselves as strong contenders for one of the two slots for the limited overs final set for June 2 at Harare Sports Club.

“Of course there’s a good chance of finishing the season with a double. We just need to keep focused on our remaining games.

“I believe there is good competition from the other teams in the league. It’s never easy playing any one of the four so we have to take it game by game.

“But to be fair, I think what we have achieved so far this season is mainly due to the group of players that we have at Mountaineers.

“We have stayed together for the past two years and we have worked really hard as a unit during that same period. So the results are now showing.

“You can also never substitute experience for anything.

“Having the guys like Hamilton Masakadza and (captain) Tino Mawoyo in the squad has really made it easier for everyone.

“It’s really something special to win the Logan Cup. It is even sweeter winning it back to back.

“Mind you this is our third Logan Cup title and we want more,” said Makunura.

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
NATIONAL team baseball coach Washington Nyika has blamed lack of regular competitive action for the slow death of the game in the country.

Zimbabwe doesn’t have a functional national baseball league, leaving the few teams to form city leagues and play friendlies.

“The major let down for baseball in the country is the lack of serious competition. As soon as we have other provinces besides Bulawayo and Harare coming in as major players, we are certain to have the sport making strides.

“Recently we went to South Africa and played some provincial teams there and our assessment was that the performances improved with each game. If we are to play such competitive games more regularly, we will have quality baseball in the country,” said Nyika.

“Looking at the current crop of players we have, all I can say is that we have a capable team.

“Most of our players are still young, meaning they still have a lot of playing years ahead of them. We are appealing to the corporate world for financial help,” he said.

Nyika also said there was need for the country to invest in high performance centres.

“In South Africa they play elite baseball, which is what we as Zimbabwe should be moving towards. After being accorded a chance to play in South Africa, I have realised that we are still far behind in terms of developing the game. Our playing conditions as a national cannot even match those of their colleges; the clubs use international stuff from their bats, gloves, coaches and the pitch. What also makes South African baseball more special is the crowd turn out.”

@innocentskizoe

Arsenal want to secure the deal to bring Unai Emery to the Emirates Stadium in the next 72 hours.

The 46-year-old Spaniard has been in London to hold talks with the club hierarchy who were hugely impressed with his plans for the club if he were to succeed Arsene Wenger.

And while Mikel Arteta is believed to have hesitated about taking the job because of decision-making about transfers, Emery had no such misgivings.

He was comfortable with the salary offer of around £5 million a year in a deal which will keep him at Arsenal for three years.

And his track record proved that he can achieve success on limited funds.

He enjoyed success in Spain where he made Valencia competitive against the financial giants of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

He then transformed Sevilla — a club with restricted resources but he took them to three successive Europa League triumphs. That pedigree impressed the powers at Arsenal.

Talks are on-going but sources in France suggest it is a done deal and that Emery is likely to be unveiled as Arsenal manager by the end of this week,
The plan is for Emery to start making his own backroom staff appointments next week.

He will then decide about the roles to be played by Steve Bould and Jens Lehmann who survived the cull of coaches and medical staff last week.

Arteta will now resume his role as the right-hand man of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and will wait for a more suitable offer to kick-start his managerial career. — Mailonline

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has warned Liverpool that his side are as hungry as ever to win the Champions League, rejecting claims that the Spanish giants might have lost their edge ahead of Saturday’s final in Kiev.

There have been some suggestions that Real, having won the past two finals, might not be as motivated as Liverpool, with the English club not having tasted European glory since 2005.

“I can’t talk for the opponents, but we always have the same desire as we always do and nobody can say we don’t,” Zidane told a news conference.

“We’re in a third final and we have the chance to do something historic and win it three times in a row. You can’t say Liverpool have more hunger than us; it simply isn’t true.

“Nobody can take our hunger away from us. We’re Real Madrid . . . We always want more and will always give our all to get more.”

The Frenchman also said that his side’s experience of playing in and winning three finals in the past four years will have no bearing on the outcome. By comparison, no player in the Liverpool squad has reached this stage of the competition before.

“It’s a one-off game, in a neutral venue. We’re ready for it, but our experience doesn’t count,” Zidane said.

“Granted, we have more, but we need to show that we want to win it. Our experience doesn’t count for anything. It’s a final, they (Liverpool) haven’t played in a lot of them, but they’ll kill themselves for this and we know it.”

Inevitably, talk turned to star men Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah, but Zidane was unequivocal when asked if he would swap the Portuguese for Liverpool’s Egyptian star.

“Cristiano is the best, he shows it every year,” the coach said.

“Sometimes pressure gets to players and it spurs others on. He is certainly the latter. He’s of maximum importance to us.” — Reuters

Samson Muripo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
FOUR of Zimbabwe’s nominees for the Regional Sport Awards (Rasa) have made the top three finalists ahead of the awards night in South Africa on Saturday.

The winners in each category will be unveiled at the awards night, in Johannesburg, which Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Raymond Kazembe is expected to attend.

Zimbabwe’s reigning Sportsperson of the Year, karateka Samson Muripo, is among the finalists for the regional Sportsperson of the Year along with Tanyaradzwa Muzinda (Junior Sportswoman of the Year), Margret Bangajena (Sportswoman of the Year with a disability) and Elford Moyo (Sportsman of the Year with a disability).

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) believes the nomination is testament to the quality of Zimbabwe’s sportspersons.

“This is pleasing that our athletes have been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the region’s best athletes. This is testimony of the high standards of sportspersons that we have in the country. It is also evidence of the training regime that our coaches have deployed in order to reap such results,” SRC communications officer Tirivashe Nheweyembwa said.

Tirivashe Nheweyembwa

“In order to sustain high standards, there is need to ensure that the athletes are continuously exposed to high performance training and competitions and as the SRC, we will ensure they are supported in every way possible so that they reach the highest standards for the good of the nation.”

He said the awards are derived from the National Sports Awards, hence their importance cannot be underestimated.

“We wish to inform the nation that preparations for the Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) have started in earnest and we are appealing for everyone’s support. As we prepare for the 2018 ANSA, we are encouraging the National Sport Associations to submit to us the performance of the athletes, coaches and technical officials so that when the time comes for the awards no one will be left out.

“Above and beyond the submissions of the awards, we are now in the process of discussing with various sponsors and partners to agree on the package for the awards. Our view is that the more the merrier, the more sponsors that we have on board the better it will be for the athletes, coaches and technical officials. As the organisers of the local awards, we remain committed to delivering a high quality awards event,” Nheweyembwa said.

Nation Dube

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
COAL MINERS Hwange believe their prospects of an early Premiership return are on track, as they sit second on the Southern Region Division One League table after seven rounds of games.

Hwange were relegated from the topflight alongside Harare City, Tsholotsho FC and Bantu Rovers last season.

Harare City found themselves back in the Premiership following the collapse of How Mine, while Tsholotsho and Hwange went into the unfashionable Southern Region Division One League, and Bantu Rovers disbanded.

Tsholotsho lead the league table with 15 points, one ahead of Hwange.

After seeing his charges fight back from a goal down to win 2-1 away to NRZ Leopards in Dete, Hwange coach Nation Dube is convinced they are on track for a quick Premiership return.

Dube, a former national team assistant coach, is bullish and such a confident declaration by the coach is likely to give the players an element of self-belief.

“Our approach is simple; we take each game like a cup final.

“We are going out there to grind results and at the weekend we managed to come from a goal down, which shows that the mental attitude of the players is great. We keep on correcting mistakes from the past games and that is what is driving us,” said Dube.

“I think with such positive attitude and work rate, we are on course to reach our target of returning to the Premiership next season. What we simple have to do is learn to take control of our games, pick up as many points as possible and pay little attention to how other teams play,” he said.

Hwange have assembled a strong side made up of players with both Premiership and First Division experience. Defenders Felix Chindungwe and Munyaradzi Mungadze, midfielders Canaan Nkomo and Marlvin Longwe, winger Sheppard Gadzikwa as well as striker Gilbert Zulu are driving the coalminers’ quest for a return to the elite league.

The coalminers are in the championship favourites’ bracket with leaders Tsholotsho, Makomo, ZPC Hwange and Talen Vision.

The 2018 Division One league is proving to be more competitive, with just three points separating leaders Tsholotsho and fifth-placed ZPC Hwange, who are on 12 points.

Dube’s charges face Talen Vision in their next game.

“Eliminating teams we are competing with for the ultimate goal is key in the direction we are taking. I’m happy because the boys understand and share the vision we have,” Dube said.

Talen Vision have been plagued by inconsistency, resulting in their title aspirations being questioned. The bad spell they have gone through has seen them drifting away from the early pace setters.

However, Talen Vision manager Juma Phiri says they can’t be written off from the championship race just yet.

“Like any other team we are go through a bad patch and luck is eluding us. We just hope we take another corner this week as we go to Hwange. We are going there for a positive result.

“Those who want to rule us out of the race can do so at their own peril. We are just five points behind the leaders and if you look at it, even teams that are above us are dropping points and struggling as well,” said Phiri.

Week 8 Fixtures

Friday: Casmyn v Mosi Rovers (Turk Mine), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Tsholotsho (Mzilikazi Barracks), CIWU v Bosso 90 (Crescent,12PM), Main Line v ZRP Bulawayo (Plumtree), Toronto v ZPC Hwange (Luveve), Makomo v Moto Moto (Hwange), Zim Leopards v NRZ Leopards (Luveve, 12PM)

Saturday: Hwange v Talen Vision (Hwange, 12PM)

Results

Saturday: ZRP Bulawayo Province 1-1 Makomo, Moto Moto 3-0 Zim Leopards (Hwange), NRZ Leopards 1-2 Hwange, Talen Vision 0-0 Toronto, ZPC Hwange 1-0 Casmyn, Mosi Rovers 2-0 Indlovu Iyanyathela

Sunday: Bosso 90 2-1 Main Line, Tsholotsho 1-1 CIWU

Table

P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
Tsholotsho     7     4     3     0     8     3     5     15
Hwange     7     4     2     1     11     3     8     14
Makomo     7     3     4     0     9     5     4     13
CIWU     7     3     3     1     7     5     2     12
ZPC Hwange     7     3     3     1     6     4     2     12
Indlovu Iyanyathela     7     3     2     2     7     7     0     11
Talen Vision     7     2     4     1     11     7     4     10
Mosi Rovers     7     3     1     3     9     10     -1     10
Bosso 90     7     2     3     2     6     7     -1     9
Moto Moto     7     3     2     3     6     5     1     8
Main Line     7     2     1     4     7     9     -2     7
Casmyn     7     1     3     3     3     5     -2     6
NRZ Leopards     7     1     3     3     3     7     -4     6
ZRP Bulawayo     7     1     2     4     5     10     -5     5
Zim Leopards     7     1     2     4     7     13     -6     5
Toronto     7     0     4     3     2     8     -6     4

@ZililoR

Norman Matemera

Harare Bureau
ZIFA Referees Committee boss Gladmore Muzambi has commended the improved performance by local match officials this season.

Although some coaches have been crying foul, Muzambi said he was happy with how their members have been executing their duties.

“We haven’t received any official complaints from any of the clubs. But we are saying the teams should respect match officials’ decisions and where the officials make mistakes there are proper channels to be followed.

“In terms of performance of our referees so far, it is better than last year. There has been a marked improvement.

“Our review panel recently met and will be furnishing us with their report soon. They work with match commissioner’s reports.

“If all our matches were being shown on television we could also use these clips for incidents,” he said.

The former referee said the Zifa committee does not tolerate incompetent or corrupt referees contrary to the popular belief among supporters.

“We take action if one is found guilty. There is prescribed action ranging from suspension, which can be from two matches and up to six months, depending on the severity of the offence.

“More so we will publicise the matter because we pledge to be transparent in all our dealings with the officials.

“We just encourage clubs to write to PSL, who then forward to Zifa, who in turn forward to the committee and communication will be given to the clubs along the same channel.

‘’But we are glad no reports have come so far this season,” said Muzambi.

Top referee Norman Matemera has already officiated in five Caf matches while Nomore Musundire has handled three matches.

“Now that the competition is into the group stages we hope the referees will continue to get appointed.

“Currently, Musundire is going to officiate at the Cosafa Cup and is already in South Africa where they have just concluded the fitness tests,” said Muzambi.

Sam Dzvimbu

Sports Reporter
THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) is working on a framework that will require administrators to be holders of the commission’s certificates to lead any sport organisation.

SRC Bulawayo provincial coordinator Sam Dzvimbu said they had started the process of capacitating administrators and will hold a Level One Sports Administration course at Eveline High School in Bulawayo from May 26-27.

“Very soon the SRC will make it a prerequisite for any aspiring sports administrator to hold a basic certificate from the commission to be able to lead any sporting board or club.

“We know that sporting bodies do have their own courses, but it is equally important that those aspiring to be in administrative positions are trained by the SRC to ensure smooth governance,” said Dzvimbu.

The course the SRC will hold in Bulawayo will cover changing trends that affect the sporting industry; the history of Zimbabwe’s sport from the colonial era to post independence, developments that led to the establishment of the SRC, how to run a sports club and long term athletes’ development.

Participants are expected to understand how to identify and nurture talent, sports management, marketing, doping and safe sport, communication, risk management and understanding the SRC and its structures.

Deputy director in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation, Isaiah Mpofu, Bhekuzulu Khumalo from Nust’s Sports Science department and Dzvimbu will be the course facilitators.

Registration for the course is $30 and the SRC is looking at about 100 participants.

Biggie Zuze

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
STRUGGLING giants Dynamos faced fresh problems yesterday after their players threatened to plunge their preparations for the Castle Lager Premiership match against Black Rhinos into disarray.

The players, who are owed various sums from last season, are increasingly losing patience with the leadership over outstanding payments.

The Glamour Boys have had a miserable start to the 2018 season and pressure has been piling on all fronts as results have not been forthcoming on the field of play.

The players are demanding winning bonuses from the matches they won this year and a further commitment from the club to settle the remainder of the arrears from last season.

Dynamos players’ salaries are paid by NetOne while the winning bonuses are the club’s obligation.

The Glamour Boys management were not immediately available to comment on the latest developments.

However, team manager Richard Chihoro refuted that their players had threatened to strike.

“Our preparations for the game against Rhinos are going ahead as planned. The players are training and we don’t anticipate any problems.

“After that loss to FC Platinum we obviously have to find ways to bounce back. So these guys are putting in a lot of effort, they are working very hard,” said Chihoro.

DeMbare face Black Rhinos at Rufaro tomorrow.

However, their financial woes are well documented.

They are currently involved in a dispute with their skipper Ocean Mushure who has been boycotting duty in the last month to push for his dues.

The Glamour Boys have also lost one of their best players, Cameroonian forward Christian Epoupa, after the club failed to pay him his dues on time.

DeMbare’s misery continued to mount when they were outplayed by FC Platinum in their backyard last Sunday leading to protests by a section of their supporters.

Interim coach Biggie Zuze hinted in the post-match press conference that all was not well in their camp.

Zuze pointed out that DeMbare’s problems go beyond the poor results they are getting on the pitch.

He also revealed his charges were demoralised because of the non-payment of their dues and, ironically, the players suddenly found their voice.

“It’s not about the coach alone, it’s the whole family. You can even see the way the Platinums invest into their players.

“FC Platinum have quality players, very good players, well-motivated in every position because they know how to invest in the players.

“But we have got a very big problem which needs everyone in Dynamos to give their support. That’s where we are failing, we are not investing in the players. We need motivation to boost our youngsters – financially, physically, mentally and all.

“From last season the club still owes some players some money and it’s difficult to motivate the players under such circumstances.

“Last year, I think we were the team which won the most games but the players are still to be paid for that. That on its own makes the players feel disturbed. But we have to move on as a club,” said Zuze.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Saints board chairman Columbus Makumbe has warned Dynamos could be making the same mistakes that led to Chauya Chikwata’s fall.

“I am not a Dynamos person but I feel we should help one another. It’s sad to see a big club like Dynamos losing their way like this.

“Remember they are the flagship team in Zimbabwe and the football community wouldn’t want them to go down just like that. But with the direction they have taken, they will soon join us (Saints in oblivion) and it will be worse with them because we have a club house in Bulawayo, at least.

“I still believe, the firing of coach Lloyd Mutasa was not the solution. Even if they are to hire 50 coaches that will not solve their problems.

“It is clear Dynamos do not have quality and it is a fact they cannot attract some good players (any more) in their current state. Remember, in the 1970s up to the early or late 1990s, Dynamos used to monopolise the local market in terms of getting good players but that is no longer the case.

“There are a lot of good players around the country but most of them are now shunning Dynamos because of poor remuneration at the club. It’s now all about finding a club which can put something on your table and not to gain popularity. We are talking about personal financial gains here, which the players are no longer getting at Dynamos.’’

Joey Antipas

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Chicken Inn want to collect maximum points against Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium this afternoon to get their title ambitions back on track.

Inconsistency has left the Gamecocks 11 points adrift of log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, who are on 32 points from 12 games.

Joey Antipas, the Chicken Inn coach who has watched his side drawing six times, winning five games and losing once, feels they need to get their act right in front of goal and start converting chances they create.

“It’s very important to keep within the chasing pack. The two platinum sides are running away and we need to stick in there. Anything can happen in football, but as it stands, the two (Ngezi and FC Platinum) are the big favourites. We are not ruling ourselves out of the race and that is why I’m emphasising on the need to keep fighting and see how our season shapes,” said Antipas.

“I’ll say at the moment we are neither doing great nor bad. Our Achilles heel is our attack; we are creating chances, playing well, but just like all other teams, our conversion rate is poor,” he said.

Chicken Inn’s leading scorer is Obidiah Tarumbwa with four goals from 12 games. Besides Tarumbwa, Chicken Inn’s other strikers are Obriel Chirinda, who scored in the 1-1 home draw against Harare City last Saturday, as well as Daryl Nyandoro and Adrian Banana.

Today, the duo of Tarumbwa and Chirinda is likely to lead the attack.

Banana, who was on loan at Bulawayo Chiefs last season, is also in the running to face his former teammates, whom he won promotion into the Premiership with.

However, despite having a number of experienced players such as goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, defender Guide Goddard, midfielders Simon Munawa, Clemence Matawu and Maritzburg United bound Innocent Mucheneka, Antipas is still wary of Chiefs.

“Derbies are tricky; they’re always difficult games and can bring the best out of the players. At times if not disciplined or focused enough, they can bring the worst from the players leading to expulsion because there’s too much tension and players want to prove a point to each other. What I’m demanding from my players is to keep their cool, have their feet on the ground. Chiefs are a very good side on their day, hence we need to be cautious,” said Antipas.

Just like Chicken Inn, Chiefs are yet to lose a game at Luveve Stadium. Chiefs accounted for Chapungu and FC Platinum before registering draws against Caps United and Herentals.

The league debutants are 10th on the league table with 12 points, just a point above the drop zone, and go into today’s battle without injured strikers Kundishora Chakanyuka and Mgcini Mpofu.

Farawo Matare, who has just returned from injury, is unlikely to start, meaning the new boys will be forced to get someone to lead their attack.

Chiefs’ technical analyst and fitness trainer Thulani Sibanda hinted that they might give the Under-20 trio of attacking midfielder Clement Makamba, forward Lexington Mujokoro and Eddie Chidavaenzi game time this afternoon.

“The guys are set to go despite the injury setbacks we’re having. We are also going to be introducing our youngsters because we believe that it’s games like these that give the youngsters exposure,” said Sibanda.

Meanwhile, another Bulawayo derby is on the cards tomorrow, with Bulawayo City and Highlanders clashing at Barbourfields Stadium.

@ZililoR