RUGARE Magarira posted his List A best bowling figures when he took a remarkable seven wickets for only 19 runs to lead the Rising Stars Academy to a resounding eight-wicket victory over Bulawayo Metropolitan Tuskers at Harare Sports Club yesterday.

Rising Stars eased to 115 for the loss of two wickets after the bowlers led by Magarira had skittled the visitors out for 114 runs. They needed 20 overs to overturn

Both teams began this match with 14 points from five matches, one point behind Manicaland Mountaineers who had a match in hand, so it was a crucial game for both.

Tuskers won the toss for the third time in a week, and this time decided to bat first after their failure to chase down a reasonable target against Harare Metropolitan Eagles on Wednesday.

Brian Chari played some brilliant strokes against the seamers, although fraught with risk, and their fifty came up in the sixth over, of which he had 29 off 15 balls.

Ncube tried to join the party, but when he had scored 15 he lunged at a wide ball from Patrick Mambo and edged in to the keeper; 53 for two.

With only a single added, from a wide, Chari lashed out at the first ball bowled by 21-year old Magarira, and was given out caught at the wicket for 29 off 17 balls, putting his team in some trouble at 54 for three.

Richmond Mutumbami was the only experienced batsman left, as he was joined at the crease by Allan Chigoma.

Mutumbami hit two rousing fours, but then tried unsuccessfully to withdraw his bat from a rising ball from Mambo and was caught at the wicket for eight, making the score 65 for four with all the top batsmen out.

Dalu Mboyi (2) was next to go, adjudged lbw to Magarira at 68 for five, a remarkable score after 10 overs of a Pro50 Championship innings, more like what might be expected from a T20 match.

Chris Mpofu now came in at number seven, a position that flatters him as he is no all-rounder, despite his fighting innings of 41 in the previous match.

This time he scored only a single before being bowled by Magarira, making the score 73 for six.

Scoring almost dried up, but when Chigoma (5) tried to break the shackles with a big hit, he skyed a catch to the fielder running in from the midwicket boundary; 81 for seven.

This worsened further when, the batsmen having crossed, Stephen Chimhamhiwa was bowled by Magarira’s next ball, the bowler at this stage having figures of five wickets for four runs.

Thabo Mboyi just survived the hat-trick ball, and then with John Nyumbu put up a belated stand against the bowlers, bringing up the hundred with a six over long-on off Magarira, badly damaging his figures.

Nyumbu (21) was caught off a miscued sweep off Magarira, making the score 114 for nine.

Magarira finished off the innings with his next delivery, as he trapped the last man Ainsley Ndlovu lbw and finished with the remarkable figures of seven for 19 off 6.5 overs.

Tinashe Kanukamwe (58) and Tafadzwa Tsiga’s unbeaten 42 runs helped the Stars coast to a comfortable win. — Zimcricket/Sports Reporter

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrić, Isco; Ronaldo, Bale

Out: none

Doubtful: none

Liverpool: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum; Mané, Firmino, Salah

Out: Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee ligaments), Gomez (ankle), Matip (thigh)

Doubtful: Emre Can (back)

Well, once again Madrid are here. The Uefa Champions League final seems to be a date they have circled in the diary every year and once more they may believe it is their destiny to lift the trophy for an unprecedented 13th time. Zinédine Zidane has a selection dilemma up top – Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema? – but whoever isn’t given the nod isn’t a bad option to bring on, either

Jürgen Klopp’s troops have no reason to fear Real Madrid. The Merengues may have big-game experience on their side, but Liverpool’s irrepressible front three are capable of inflicting serious damage on the holders. If the Reds can show the defensive steel that served them so well over two legs against Manchester City in the quarters, they might just crown this remarkable campaign with a sixth European Cup.

Zinédine Zidane, Real Madrid coach
This will probably be the hardest final we’ve ever had to play. We will have to be at our very best – we know that – and on all levels, not just physical. They’re an English team, so they will never give up, but they don’t just rely on their physical attributes. Liverpool are also good technically, with a lot of speed and great individual players.

Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager
We had an agreement when we started working together that I’m responsible for any defeats, the boys are responsible for when we win. So they have nothing to lose. Experience is very important and I’m pretty sure a second before the game Madrid will be more confident than us. But it doesn’t matter because the game doesn’t stop there, it only starts. They’ve not played us and we are Liverpool – not only a good football team, but we have in our DNA to go for big things. — Uefa

Xolisani Gwesela

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela flew out of the country on Tuesday headed for Egypt where he will attend a three day course for General Coordinators at the invitation of Caf.

Gwesela becomes the first Zimbabwean to be appointed by Caf to such a position.
“I am very humbled to be invited by CAF to attend such a prestigious workshop that will go a long way in improving our skills in the general management and organisation of matches at both local and continental level. Football has undergone a revolution and there is need for continuous learning and sharing of ideas. Proper match organisation is the hallmark of professionalism in our beautiful game,” said Gwesela in a brief interview from Egypt yesterday.

Watched on television or from the terraces of a stadium, a football match looks pretty straightforward but this outward simplicity masks an extraordinarily complicated organisation, at the crux of which is the General Coordinator.

A coordinator’s working life consists of painstaking attention to detail, combined with to-the-second timing of the different stages before a match.

The General Coordinator’s duties involves answering such questions as; at what time should the team coaches leave the hotel to arrive at the stadium to give enough time for the players to warm up? And how should the security staff be positioned and control the different access zones? If there is a medical emergency, what should the ambulance’s route be? For the pitch to be in perfect condition for the match, should the ground staff water it?

“For a tournament to run smoothly, someone must have the answers to all of these questions and many more — besides the authority to make decisions based on that knowledge. This person is the General Coordinator, the person ultimately responsible at a venue for everything that happens before, during and after a football game,” says Fifa.

Tonderai Ndiraya

Mukudzei Chingwere and Tadious Manyepo
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS captain Liberty Chakoroma has said it will be difficult for any team in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League to stop the high-riding Mhondoro side.

The log leaders will host Harare City at Baobab this afternoon.

“We are working hard as a team, pushing each other to go an extra mile and if anyone makes a mistake we rectify it as a team. Those who are saying we will win the title this year are not wrong.

“It is the first half of the season I know but we are going to maintain the way we are playing until the end of the season and it will be difficult for anyone to stop us,” said Chakoroma.

Winger Michael Charamba who has been one of the miners’ best players this season and thanked God and attributed their success and the leadership of coach Tonderai Ndiraya.

“First of all I want to thank God for the way we have been playing this season and we hope to keep up that momentum. The coach has helped us to play at the top of our game and we just want to thank him for his advice and encouragement that has helped to be unbeaten at this stage of the season,” said Charamba.

Ndiraya said it will be a tough assignment.

“We are marching on, we have a next challenge, which is Harare City, it is quite a tough match but I hope that we will be up to the task,” said Ndiraya.

Harare City coach Mark Harrison believes the game will be their biggest test.

“We have played a host of big teams and fared quite. And on Saturday (today) we have a date against Ngezi Platinum Stars, a team which is yet to lose a Premiership match this season.  They are simply the best team in the league so far this season and they are on top of the standings not by coincidence.

“They have a good coach in Tonderai Ndiraya and a lot of good players within their ranks. But we are also a team, playing good football just like them. The game will be a big test for my charges. But then it is by passing these kind of tests that you start counting yourselves among the best performers.

“The game will be massive test for my boys. But we are ready for them. We will prevail if we play our normal football. But I acknowledge that Baobab is not an easy hunting ground for three-point seekers,” said Harrison.

Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sport Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors have raised a red alert regarding their preparations for the final qualifier to the Total Women African Nations Cup encounter against Zambia as there are no clear indications on their preparations for the match.

The first leg encounter is set for June 6 in Zambia and it will come when the Shipolopolo have been in camp for the last three weeks.

“To be honest we are supposed to get into camp and prepare for our match against Zambia but as it stands we don’t even know when we will go for our preps. The coach has advised us that she still needs us to be part and parcel of the final qualifier but sadly we don’t even know when we will eventually go to camp,” said one player who has been very influential in the Mighty Warriors camp.

Contacted for a comment on when they will troop into camp, Mighty Warriors coach and a legend in her own right Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda said she has submitted names of her preferred players to the leadership but remains unaware of when she will receive the signal to eventually start the training.

“Naturally I would have wanted to have been in camp by now but we are not. Our opponents, Zambia have been in camp and preparing for us but alas, we are not in motion in terms of our preparation,” said Sibanda.

To get to the semifinal stage, Zimbabwe beat first round opponents Namibia 4-0 on aggregate while Shipolopolo got  4-0  aggregate win having beaten Namibia 2-0 away and by the same scoreline at home.

Joey Antipas

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas has described their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against champions FC Platinum as a “titanic clash” which they need to win to keep their title hopes alive.

The Gamecocks play host to second on the table FC Platinum at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

FC Platinum trail high-flying Ngezi Platinum Stars who have 35 points after 13 outings by three points.

The two platinum sides have virtually turned the championship race into a two-man event.

Antipas yesterday said the two teams need to be stopped and his charges will give their best shot against FC Platinum at Luveve.
Chicken Inn are fourth on the table with 24 points.

“We are ready for the titanic clash against FC Platinum. They have been playing well and are enjoying good form. From the look of things the two platinum sides are trying to run away with the title but we have to try and throw in some spanners and hope other teams also do the same. If we just let them run away with the tile and turn the race to a two-team contest that won’t be good for football,” said Antipas.

The Chicken Inn gaffer who saw his charges beat Bulawayo Chiefs 2-0 on Wednesday also demanded consistency from his players.

“They’ve (players) got to be up for it. We’ve been blowing hot and cold. We need to be consistent and show that we are also serious,” said Antipas.

Chicken Inn, 2015 champions have won six games, played to six draws and lost once.

On a good day, Chicken Inn can match FC Platinum pound for pound.

The battle is likely to be won and lost in the midfield.

Both sets of teams have exciting midfielders, capable of creating and scoring goals.

Chicken Inn’s midfield will likely have Simon Munawa, Clemence Matawu, Innocent Mucheneka and Xolani Ndlovu. They also have winger George Majika who didn’t play against Chiefs.

Chicken Inn will bank on the striking pair of Obriel Chirinda and Obidiah Tarumbwa to lead them to victory.

The backline for Chicken Inn will be made up of Guide Goddard, Moses Jackson, Passmore Bernard and Divine Lunga, while Elvis Chipezeze will guard the goal.

FC Platinum who lost 2-0 to Bulawayo Chiefs on their last visit to Bulawayo on Match Day Seven, will have their midfield inspired by Rahman Kutsanzira who seems to have struck form, Edwin Madanhanga, seasoned Winston Mhango, reigning Soccer Star of the Year Rodwell Chinyengetere and Ali Sadiki.
Mkhokheli Dube is likely to lead their attack.

Goalkeeper Petros Mhari who is back into the starting line-up after some spells on the sidelines, Kevin Moyo, Raphael Muduviwa, Lawrence Moyo and Elvis Moyo should form their defence.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo Chiefs are away to Shabanie Mine with Bulawayo City hoping to pull a shocker away at ZPC Kariba.

Fixtures
Today: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Harare City (Baobab)

Tomorrow: Mutare City Rovers v Triangle United (Vengere), Dynamos v Herentals (Rufaro), Nichrut v Black Rhinos (Ascot), Shabanie Mine v Bulawayo Chiefs (Maglas), Highlanders v Chapungu (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo City (Nyamhunga), Yadah v Caps United (National Sports Stadium), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve)
— @ZililoR

Mkhuphali Masuku

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
TALEN Vision have appointed Mkhuphali Masuku as their coach, taking over from Slovak coach Miroslav Nemec who failed to reach his target.

The club also reassigned Nemec, his assistant coach Saul Ndlovu and goalkeepers’ trainer Johannes Tshuma to the juniors, while elevating Xolani Nkundlande and Simon Njeleza to assist Masuku in the side that is seeking to get their title hopes back on track.

According to Talen Vision president Khumbulani Nkomo, the technical changes were effected after seeing the team managing to pick 10 points from seven games.

Nemec and his technical team had been given a target of 20 points from 10 games and with just three games left before reaching 10 matches, Talen Vision can only reach the mark with 19 points should they win their next three.

“At Talen Vision we are fair and we’ve since decided to give the other guys a chance to show their worth. Mkhuphali Masuku is now our head coach. Please note that we didn’t fire Nemec, Tshuma and Ndlovu, we’ve reassigned them to the juniors. They had their chance and it’s unfortunate that they didn’t reach their target. It is our hope that Masuku and his technical team will be able to reach the target,” said Nkomo.

The Talen Vision boss said Masuku will continue to consult Nemec should there be a need.

“When Nemec joined us, we wanted him to impart his knowledge to local coaches but then he decided to coach the team which is good. He will continue to give advice as well as exchange notes with the local coaches. We hope his experience will help the coaches,” said Nkomo.

Nemec joined the Zifa Southern region Division One Soccer League campaigners last year in August from a coaching stint with Czech Republic second tier league side Frydek-Mistek.

The 46-year-old who also had coaching stints with OFK Teplicka nad Vahom, Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala and MSK Zilina who are in the Czech Republic’s second tier league took over from countryman Julius Simon.

Meanwhile, Masuku begins his stint with Talen Vision this afternoon when they take on former Premiership side Hwange at the Colliery Stadium this afternoon.

Masuku who has a wealth of experience having had coaching stints with Highlanders, Caps United and Harare City, has been with Talen Vision since March as the head of development. He also assisted Nemec upon the Slovak request. — @ZililoR

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
LACK of mental strength by Highlanders players is worrying coach Madinda Ndlovu who is working on a “back to Highlanders culture” project.
While their venture is progressing in a positive manner, it is lack of mental strength by his charges which Ndlovu says he has to address.

Highlanders have been playing beautiful football, which has attracted fans in droves but lack of potency at goal has at times seen them dropping valuable points.

Bosso are third on the table with 25 points after 13 games and trail leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars by 10 points. Speaking after his side edged Bulawayo City with a beautiful goal by Brian Banda on Thursday, Ndlovu opened up and said he needs to work on his players’ mental strength.

“This is the first time I’ve come out openly that the first thing that the mental strength of our boys is something that we have to look at. The boys seem to have challenges in terms of their mental strength. This is what I’m discovering right now that mental strength for our boys is slightly lower than what I thought, so we have a lot to do in that regard. But otherwise that’s why we get these jobs to try and identify where the boys need help and I think we have a lot of work to do as a club, as an organisation with the vision we are embarking on,” said Ndlovu.

Madinda Ndlovu

Highlanders have scored 14 goals and conceded seven.

“We’re not pressed for scoring 20 goals, we’re not a team that is looking at that. The results will come as we go with our project. We are not putting any pressure on the boys in terms of them scoring as many goals or winning all the games. We’re going with the project and want to properly analyse player by player.

“So I wouldn’t say they are bad results that we are having, if we are having bad results what about those below us? I think there are fair results for these boys and with what we are trying to do I think it’s a fair result, I won’t say it’s a bad result,” said Ndlovu.

The Highlanders coach’s sentiments, genuine as they may be, could also be a ploy by Ndlovu to challenge his players so that they prove him wrong and at the same time take away the pressure from his charges.

Tomorrow Highlanders take on tricky opponents Chapungu who are hovering above the relegation zone.

Bosso will bank on evergreen rightback McClive Phiri, seasoned central defender Peter Muduhwa, goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, defensive midfielder Ben Musaka and Banda to lead them in their search for victory.

Another player who has shown much improvement is winger Gabriel Nyoni.

Fixtures

Today: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Harare City (Baobab)

Tomorrow: Mutare City Rovers v Triangle United (Vengere), Dynamos v Herentals (Rufaro), Nichrut v Black Rhinos (Ascot), Shabanie Mine v Bulawayo Chiefs (Maglas), Highlanders v Chapungu (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo City (Nyamhunga), Yadah v Caps United (National Sports Stadium), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve)
Results
Wednesday: Caps United 3-0 ZPC Kariba, Chapungu 0-1 Ngezi Platinum Stars, Harare City 2-1 Shabanie Mine, Bulawayo Chiefs 0-2 Chicken Inn
Yesterday: Herentals 1-0 Triangle United, Yadah 1-0 Mutare City, Bulawayo City 0-1 Highlanders, Black Rhinos 1-1 Dynamos, FC Platinum 1-0 Nichrut

— @ZililoR

Lionel Messi would like to play for Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before he retires, having only played for Barcelona in his career so far.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 30, would one day like to feature for the team he trained with as a boy in his native Rosario before moving to Barcelona at 13, where he has a contract until 2021.

“I’m increasingly sure that in Europe, Barcelona will be my only club,” Messi told Argentine television station El Trece.

“I always said I wanted to play in Argentine football one day, I don’t know if it will happen but I have it in my mind.

“It would be at Newell’s, nowhere else. I would like to do that for at least six months, but you never know what will happen.”

Messi is preparing for the World Cup in Russia with Argentina and says winning it with his country would be a unique experience, and he does not wish he chose to play for Spain, who lifted the trophy in 2010.

“The other day I was talking to a friend and he told me ‘if you had chosen Spain, you’d be a World Cup winner already’, but it wouldn’t have been the same,” added Messi.

“Obviously in no moment did I think about doing that. To win it with Argentina would be something unique.” — Reuters

Joseph Rego

Sports Reporter
THE chief executive of the Heath Streak Cricket Institutions Joseph Rego believes former senior national cricket coach Heath Streak is among the best coaches in the game after guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to a win in the multi-billion dollar Indian Premier League play-offs.

Rego said sacking Streak as national team coach was a loss to the nation and this would cause irreparable damage to the game considering his accomplishments in the IPL.

“Firing Streak has not only demoralised the national side, but undermined morale and instilled fear in the minds of our talented crop of youngsters that are our nation’s future stars. There could be a gradual exodus of youngsters seeking opportunities elsewhere fearing for their careers when they realise how badly cricketers are treated in their own country,” said Rego.

He said there was a pool of great talent and there had been resurgence in fan interest during Streak’s stint, as his specialised coaching and selection team helped players to try and reach their maximum potential.

The performance of the national side, he said, steadily grew after Streak’s appointment as head coach, with Zimbabwe doing well in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers.

“I was devastated by the (Zimbabwe) failure to qualify for the World Cup, but in sport, one team wins and the other has to lose,” he said.

Rego said the stints Streak had with Bangladesh and in the IPL had come in handy in improving Zimbabwe’s performances.

His experience as a former Test cricketer had inspired the Zimbabwe team to become consistent performers by successfully fusing upcoming talent with experienced players to draw the best out of those at his disposal.

“The last time Zimbabwe had won a bilateral ODI series away from home against a Full Member was in 2001 in Bangladesh. Earlier that year, they had beaten new Zealand 2-1. Their historic 3-2 win in Sri Lanka is only their third bilateral away series win against a Full Member out of a total of 29 series and full credit should go to Streak for the sensational role he has played as a coach for that series wins,” Rego said.

He said Streak’s feat with the Kolkata Knight Riders followed his 2016 guidance of Gujarat Lions’ defeat of defending IPL champions Mumbai to become the first team to seal a berth in the play-off.

Streak had made a significant contribution in developing a pool of talented bowlers in the world’s most prestigious cricket league that have gone on to perform well for their countries.

Sam Dzvimbu

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
SPORTS and Recreation Commission (SRC) Bulawayo provincial coordinator Sam Dzvimbu says 70 people took part in the Level 1 Sports Administration course held at Eveline High School at the weekend.

The course was the first of many aimed at ensuring that all sports administrators hold SRC certificates to lead any sport organisation.

“We are very happy with the turnout for this programme. We had people coming from around the country and two participants from Botswana. We are already making plans to have a Level 2 course for this class before the end of the year,” said Dzvimbu.

“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.”

Deputy director in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation Isaiah Mpofu, Bhekuzulu Khumalo from the Nust Sports Science department and Dzvimbu facilitated the course.

The course covered changing trends affecting the sporting industry; the history of Zimbabwean 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 were 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.

The SRC will also be conducting courses on sports medicine and event management in the coming months.

@innocentskizoe

Cape Town — Siya Kolisi will lead the Springboks against England in the forthcoming three-Test series, while Pieter Steph-du Toit has been entrusted with the captaincy for Saturday’s historic Test in Washington against Wales.

Rassie Erasmus, the SA Rugby director of rugby, confirmed the two appointments yesterday morning at a media conference at the team hotel in Johannesburg.

Erasmus, who took over the coaching reins of the Springboks after his appointment in April, also confirmed the Springboks’ 26-man travelling squad for the Welsh encounter in Washington.

The squad members not involved in the Welsh match will stay behind in Johannesburg to continue with their preparations for the coming international season. Erasmus congratulated Kolisi and Du Toit on their respective appointments. Both men will captain the Springboks for the first time.

“It’s a huge honour to captain the Springboks and Siya and Pieter-Steph are two honest, hardworking men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players,” said Erasmus. “I believe both of them will do a good job as captains. My philosophy is that each player must take responsibility for his position and must therefore work extremely hard with that one goal in mind — to make the Springboks successful again,” added Erasmus. — Sport24

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
VUMBACHIKWE registered their second win of the season by beating Sheasham 1–0 in a Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Fund Central Soccer League match in Gwanda at the weekend.

Munyaradzi Takaendesa struck the winning goal in the fifth minute to secure maximum points for the home side and end Sheasham’s five-match unbeaten run. This leaves army side Tongogara as the only unbeaten side in the CSL.

Vumbachikwe coach Angirai Chapo said the win was a morale booster for his side and hopes to finish in the top four at the end of the season.

“We are improving as a team and we hope to keep the momentum. We want to move away from the relegation zone and hope for a top four finish at the end of the season,” said Chapo.

Sheasham coach Jeremiah Neganda was disappointed with the loss and said they would have to pick up the pieces ahead of their next assignment.

“It is disappointing that we lost this game, which I felt we could have won, as we controlled the match for the better part.

“However, it is water under the bridge now and we look forward to the next assignment at home.

“We have to believe in ourselves and be positive in our next assignment,” Neganda said.

Elsewhere, ZPC Munyati and Whawha played to a goalless draw in Munyati; a result which left the prisons and correctional services outfit still perched at the top of the log.

Another intriguing fixture pitting Ivan Hoe and Telone also ended 0–0 stalemate, while students MSU returned their campaign on track with a 2–1 win over Blanket Mine at Ascot Stadium.

Results
Black Eagles 0-1 Tongogara, Ivan Hoe 0-0 TelOne, ZPC Munyati 0-0 Whawha, Vumbachikwe 1-0 Sheasham, FC Lesaffre 0-2 FC Platinum U19.

@lavuzigara1

Stephen Muzhingi

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
THREE-TIME Comrades marathon winner Stephen Muzhingi is eyeing to make a strong comeback when he takes part in this year’s edition next month.

Muzhingi made a name for himself when he won the ultra-marathon for three consecutive years, from 2009 to 2011.

He has continued to compete in the ultra-marathon over the years but, however, could not manage the top spot as he did from 2009 to 2011.

But, as he prepares for this year’s race, which will be a down run on June 10, Muzhingi says he is looking to making a huge impression.

He blamed the dip in his performance to injuries in the last couple of years.

“I am going to Comrades, I am actually leaving on the 4th. I want to win the race and then retire because I am tired of losing my money trying to get treatment for the injuries I sustained over the years.

“I thought these were minor injuries and would get better not knowing that after winning Comrades for three consecutive years it was going to come back to haunt me.

“But I think I have been recovering well in the past few months, I am now able to work on my usual training programme.

“I want to retire with a win . . . maybe if I get a sponsor I will return next year but if I don’t get a sponsor I am retiring,” said Muzhingi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the JM Busha 54 races marathon last Friday in Harare, Muzhingi said he had to slow down after a persisting calf injury.

“What affected me mostly were injuries. I had a persistent calf injury from 2014 and I could not perform to my best.

“I started treatment in 2017 and came eighth in Two Oceans because I had not fully recovered.

“And when I thought I had recovered I pulled a muscle on my left leg but I have been going through some treatments and I am now feeling much better.

“So I am positive by the time we go for Comrades I would be okay. I am also banking on my experience. If you are not physically fit you have to be mentally strong,” said Muzhingi.

Despite the setbacks he has encountered, the former Comrades champion has no regrets about his career.

“I am happy with my achievements and what I invested for myself and family,” he said.

“If I had not gotten this opportunity, to be an ultra-marathon runner, I would not have been where I am today.

“So I am satisfied with what I have managed to achieve over the years.

“I believe when you get an opportunity in life, you have to use it wisely. If you are a brand there should come a time when you also help others, it cannot always be about you.

“I am now assisting some upcoming athletes as well.”

Evans Rusike

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
WARRIORS forward Evans Rusike is cherishing a return to the Cosafa tournament, three years after making the debut in the regional tournament, which eventually opened the doors for his big move to South Africa.

Rusike, who is one of the several foreign-based players that have been called for duty in a strong Zimbabwe squad, arrived in the country last week and was among the early birds when the squad resumed preparations yesterday at the Yadah Sports Complex.

The Supersport United striker said the Cosafa tournament held in Rustenburg in 2015 gave him his breakthrough to South Africa.

“I cherish Cosafa a lot because it’s the tournament that opened the doors for me to go and play in South Africa. So every time when I play at Cosafa, I play my heart out because everyone is looking.

“I always focus on helping my country first but then you never know what’s happening behind the scenes. You might be surprised who is watching,” said Rusike.

The Warriors resumed camp yesterday after the players had been given a break at the weekend to allow the home-based players to attend league matches.

National team coach Sunday Chidzambwa and his assistants Rahman Gumbo, Lloyd Mutasa and Brenna Msiska led the players as they went through their workout at the Yadah Sports Complex.

Rusike was joined by a cast of South Africa-based players who included last year’s Cosafa-winning captain Ovidy Karuru, newboy Marshall Munetsi of Orlando Pirates, Talent Chawapihwa and goalkeepers Edmore Sibanda and George Chigova.

Zimbabwe are also using the tournament to prepare for the forthcoming Afcon qualifiers which resume in September.

“It’s always nice representing your country and it’s important to do well at the tournament because the coach also wants to prepare the team for the next Afcon qualifiers.

“So it’s going to be a serious tournament for us since we don’t usually get the opportunities to play friendlies.

“But then if you come with your strongest team to the tournament you also activate your opponents.

“They will also pull up their socks knowing they are playing a good side. So they will not make the games easy for us.

“But we will do our best to get the championship.

“If you are champions, everyone wants to beat you and that will make all the games a bit tough for us. But, like I said, we will fight. We are going there to get the championship,” said Rusike.

The technical team are expecting captain Knowledge Musona from Belgium today and Khama Billiat and Czech-Republic based defender Costa Nhamoinesu to join camp ahead of Thursday’s departure.

The technical team also made some late adjustments yesterday when they called in Chicken Inn leftback Divine Lunga to replace Highlanders skipper Honest Moyo who has been ruled out through injury.

Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Ronald Pfumbidzayi and Teenage Hadebe have also been sidelined by knocks.

Chidzambwa was still happy with the progress they had made yesterday.

“We started very well but we are still waiting for some players who are coming from Europe. We only expect them tomorrow (today).

“We just hope by evening we will have a full squad and then Wednesday will be the day for the whole team to train and then we leave on Thursday.

“I think we have enough ammunition to participate in the tournament and personally I feel the team is stronger than it was last year.

“Just like anybody else we would like to bring the trophy back home but in football anything can happen.

“Since we have won the tournament so many times, obviously, we will be the team to beat. However, we are prepared for anything. We need to fight hard from the first game.

“Hopefully we will get to the final and maybe bring the trophy back home,” said Chidzambwa.

Madinda Ndlovu

Dingilizwe Ntuli, Sports Editor
HIGHLANDERS secured a point, but were uninspiring when they drew 1-1 against Chapungu United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Bosso mounted a late siege on the Chapungu goal area, but their frontline’s bluntness was again laid bare before thousands of the club’s increasingly frustrated fans.

It turned out to be another gritty performance and far from the pretty football Bosso had been dishing out at the beginning of the season. Highlanders enjoyed the majority of possession and much of it well inside Chapungu’s half, but the attackers’ failure to convert frustrated all their efforts.

We appreciate that Bosso are in a rebuilding mode and results shouldn’t matter that much, but questions begin to arise when weekly performances no longer match promises made to fans ahead of the 2018 campaign.

Coach Madinda Ndlovu promised to restore the Bosso legacy by promoting players from the club’s junior set up, in whom he said it was easy to instill the club’s culture and values compared to players acquired from other teams.

He also promised supporters beautiful football in the process, and while he managed to assemble a home-bred squad that showed glimpses of pretty performances at the beginning of the season, something has crept in that seems to suggest the rebuilding plan has been shelved.

Just what is the problem? Fans were treated to a feast of energetic, free-flowing football at the beginning and things were looking great. The boys showed loads of promise and even dismissed fiercest rivals Dynamos in Harare, making their fans believe that the rebuilding project was on course to bear fruits.

They gave Ngezi Platinum Stars a tough matchup by going toe-to-toe with the runaway log leaders at Baobab Stadium before succumbing to a defensive error in the closing minutes of the match to suffer their first loss of the season.

Following that loss, things have not been looking good for Bosso and their brave few committed supporters have continued to watch in mounting disbelief weekly as their side seems to contrive to throw away games.

So desperate to win games are Bosso that they now resort to long balls, despite their players’ aerial weaknesses.

There is no doubt that Bosso have been hamstrung by injuries, especially of star midfielder Nigel Makumbe, who engineered the team’s early pretty football. Since his sidelining, the midfield has found life difficult against generally organised opponents and the team has almost become complete toast.

To make matters worse, the technical team succumbed to pressures and demands of the fans even before we reach mid-season?

Coach Ndlovu’s demands some weeks back that his players must graduate from “ECD” seemed to suggest that the rebuilding path has been abandoned and all incumbent first team players should go toe-to-toe with their Premiership counterparts.

Under the “ECD” rebuilding project, there was little pressure on the players to win at all costs, but the lifting of that veil has exposed them to the cruel demands of fans, who expect to celebrate a win after every match.

Although there seems to be nothing wrong with Ndlovu’s demands from his players, the public platform he used exerted unnecessary pressure on his boys.

Surely Ndlovu could have made his demands at practice far away from the media glare instead of announcing it at a press conference.

Most of the players, including those that showed promise in the beginning, have been reduced to a bundle of nerves in home games; even against sides fans expect them not to raise a sweat.

Even senior players that have been in the team for more than two seasons seem lost and are central to blunders that have cost the team most matches.

Such has been the slide, so poor the decision-making and basics of the game that there is likely to be a lot more pain to come before this season ends.

Players are somehow unable to control the ball or pass properly and there’s no doubt that the team needs to strengthen in several areas.

Reinforcements are definitely needed and priority should be in attack, midfield and the left wingback. Skipper Honest Moyo does well, but his game is just too erratic to justify keeping him as a starter.

Marvelous Nakamba

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BELGIUM-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is doubtful for the 18th edition of the Cosafa Cup underway in South Africa due to injury.

The tournament started on Sunday and will end on June 9.

The Warriors will leave for South Africa on Thursday, as they will join the tournament in the quarter-finals on June 3 by virtue of being defending champions and their seeding.

Zimbabwe won their fifth and record breaking Cosafa Cup title last year and received a bye into the last eight for this year’s edition.

They will face the winners from Group B, which has former champions Angola, Botswana, Malawi and Mauritius.

Nakamba, who helped Club Brugge to the Belgian topflight title, missed his team’s last game of the season against Gent through injury.

The left-footed midfielder is in the country for his off-season break after his performances attracted interest from English Premiership sides, which include Liverpool as well as Italy’s Fiorentina.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Chicken Inn and FC Platinum game at Luveve Stadium on Sunday, Nakamba said he had been advised to rest and recuperate by his club’s doctors.

The midfielder said he will report for national team camp for assessment.

“I love my country and every time I get a call-up, I feel honoured. I had a hectic but lovely season where we won the title. Unfortunately, I had to miss the last game of the season where we lost 0-1 at home to Genk because of injury. I don’t think I’ll be travelling for the Cosafa tournament, but I’ll go into camp so that the national team doctors and coaches can see for themselves,” said Nakamba.

Besides Nakamba, another international who has been ruled out of the Cosafa Cup because of injury is Kaizer Chiefs central defender Teenage Hadebe.

Orlando Pirates-bound Kudakwashe Mahachi was not considered for the regional competition, which falls outside the Fifa calendar dates, as he is also recovering from injury.

Warriors’ manager Wellington Mpandare said they will be assessing all injured players in camp, which resumed yesterday.

He also revealed that Swedish-based striker Tinotenda Kadewere, who scored four goals on Sunday when his team Djurgardens IF clobbered Sirius 5-1, picked up an injury.

Highlanders’ left-back Honest Moyo is also doubtful for the trip after being stretchered off during his team’s 1-1 stalemate against Chapungu on Sunday.

“There are a number of players that we will assess once they turn-up for camp. Honest Moyo and Tinotenda Kadewere picked up injuries at the weekend. We also have Nakamba and skipper Knowledge Musona, who are under treatment, but coming to camp where they will be assessed. Byron Madzokere of Yadah is also injured,” said Mpandare.

“We will not be making any additions to the squad. The only person we called-up last week is Terrence Dzukamanja of Ngezi Platinum Stars.”

Musona, Khama Billiat and Czech Republic-based defender Costa Nhamoinesu are expected to join camp today.

South Africa-based goalkeeper George Chigova, Ovidy Karuru, Talent Chawapiwa, Evans Rusike, Marshal Munetsi and Edmore Sibanda joined camp last week.

Wales-based centre-back Alec Mudimu and former Caps United striker Abbas Amidu, whose stint with Egyptian side Entag El-Harby ended early this month, are also among the foreign-based players already in the country.

Cosafa provisional squad

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

Defenders: Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids), 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), Macaulley Bonne (Leyton Orient), Tinotenda Kadewere (Djurgardens IF), Kelly Lunga (Bonner SC), Admiral Muskwe (Leicester City), Terrence Dzukamanja (Ngezi Platinum Stars).

@ZililoR

Joey Antipas

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas reckons the 16 other Castle Lager Premier Soccer League teams are “bridesmaids” accompanying log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum to the league championship.

Antipas was dejected after watching Chicken Inn losing 0-2 to champions FC Platinum and said the chasing pack will need divine intervention to stop runaway leaders Ngezi and second-placed FC Platinum.

Ngezi are unbeaten so far this season after 14 rounds of matches and took their points’ tally to 38 following a 3-1 win over Harare City on Saturday.

Harare City were considered as one of the sides that could stop Ngezi’s juggernaut, but the Sunshine Boys were added to the list of the platinum miners’ casualties.

Playing a day after Ngezi had collected maximum points and opened a six-point lead, FC Platinum opened the scoring in the fourth minute and early in the second half to reduce the gap to three.

Chicken Inn are fourth on the table with 24 points, 14 behind Ngezi.

Antipas’ sentiments came after third-placed Highlanders came from a goal down to force a draw against Chapungu.

Bosso, who have publicly said they are not in the championship race but are on a rebuilding exercise, went into the weekend trailing Ngezi by 10 points and ended it 12 points adrift.

“The two Platinum sides are running away. They’re challenging each other in the championship and the rest of us are bridesmaids. It’s a fact; we just have to keep on working and fighting, probably fight for a better finish on the table. It’s good to chase and be in the equation, but this season it’s like things are not working well for all other teams, except the two (FC Platinum and Ngezi),” said Antipas.

“The two platinum sides are well organised, well-funded and for them to lose four games it’s difficult. I’m not throwing in the towel, but what I’m saying is it needs a miracle to stop them, let’s be honest about it. Although we haven’t reached the halfway stage, the teams chasing the platinum sides have to be winning their games, so it’s all about playing catch-up,” he said.

Antipas, who won the 2015 title with the Gamecocks, felt his side would have been in the championship matrix had it won at least three out of the six draws that it has had in 14 outings.

The way Ngezi and FC Platinum are cruising, their clash on Match Day 16 will have a bearing on how the season progresses.

Unlike Ngezi, who are unbeaten, FC Platinum’s only defeat was against Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium where they lost the Match Day Seven game 2-0 to the newly promoted side.

Ngezi visit Chiefs in their next league encounter and they should be wary of the Premiership debutants, who are fourth from the bottom.

FC Platinum’s next game is a tricky Zvishavane derby against Shabanie Mine.

FC Platinum want to finish the first half of the season strongly to give themselves a fair chance of defending the title.

“We need to keep working and see what happens as we approach the first half of the season. If we are to maintain our position and keep the points difference lower, we need to keep winning. So any game we play will be very important for the club,” said Norman Mapeza, the FC Platinum coach.

On his team’s prospects for the next game, Mapeza said:

“It’s the same mentality; everybody now has this culture of wanting to win every game we play. But you know in football three things happen, you win, you might lose you might draw, but if those things happen we’ve to accept.”

Mapeza is happy with the progress made by his team compared to last season.

After 14 games in 2017, FC Platinum were fourth on the table with 26 points, but this time they have amassed an impressive 35 points.

Leaders Ngezi were on 27 points after 14 games last season compared to 38 this season.

@ZililoR

Highlanders welfare manager Vezigama Dlodlo receives part of the Deep Freez Cold Sprays from the Bosso Tshilamoya Chapter representative Fisnoliah Nolie Dube at the club offices on Monday

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
A HIGHLANDERS social media supporters group has donated nine Deep Freez Cold sprays to the club for treatment of players.

The sprays were presented to the team’s welfare manager Vezigama Dlodlo by Bosso Tshilamoya Chapter representative Fisnoliah Nolie Dube at the club offices on Monday.

“We love our club and know that it has a lot of obligations and therefore cannot meet everything that players might want, so we thought of assisting in our small way as a WhatsApp supporters group,” said  Dube.

She said they had resolved to continuously supply the club with the sprays, particularly at a time Madinda Ndlovu’s boys are being hit by multiple injuries in every match.

“It’s our wish as Bosso Tshilamoya Chapter that the club stops worrying about buying these cold sprays anymore,” said Dube.

A Deep Freeze Cold Spray delivers an instant burst of cooling pain relief and helps relieve painful sprains, strains, muscle pain and pain associated with arthritis and backache. They promote cooling therapy for muscles and joints.

Highlanders’ chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube thanked the supporters’ chapter for their gesture.

“We appreciate what they have done and wish to extend our warm thank you to them.

“There is no donation too big or too small at Highlanders and if fans go out of their way and give to the club, such a donation is really appreciated,” he said.

Joseph Muchechetere

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has said it will start levying all sportspersons in the country in line with its objectives and mandate as enshrined in the SRC Act.

The country’s supreme sports body said it was mandatory for all sportspersons in a club or sport and recreation organisation to pay an annual levy of $4 to the SRC. The money is supposed to be collected by all national sports associations.

“This is a requirement in line with the SRC regulations and this will enable us to offer them the services they want from us. The money we collect from athletes is ploughed back to them,” said SRC acting director-general Joseph Muchechetere.

He said in pursuit of the SRC objectives and mandate, all sporting and recreational facilities, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be registered and issued with a registration certificate and operator’s licence.

“This includes stadia, small or big, halls, gymnasiums, national and local parks, dams and man-made lakes, golf courses, motor racing courses and any other facility used for sports and recreation purposes.

“Of late there has been an upsurge of sport organisations offering various sports education, and there’s need to ensure that the quality of the product being offered is up to standard and contributes to the development of sport and recreation in the country.

“It is our role to register and regulate such organisations. We are obligated to ensure that the sporting and general public is not fleeced of their hard earned money through bogus organisations,” said Muchechetere.

He said all sporting and recreation events must be cleared by the SRC, irrespective of who would have organised them.

“Non-sport and recreation organisations, which include, corporates, State enterprises and parastatals, churches, schools, tertiary institutions, civic group, voluntary and charity organisations as well as trusts organising sport and recreation programmes, events, championship for whatever reason shall register and obtain a licence to organise such events. This is to ensure that the general public has the assurance that the event has the blessings of the regulator of the sector.”