Cristiano Ronaldo

A source close to Cristiano Ronaldo has told ESPN FC that all options are on the table regarding his future at Real Madrid.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner talked about his time at Madrid in the past tense following Saturday’s 3-1 Champions League final win against Liverpool, prompting speculation about his future, while alluding to being frustrated regarding new contract talks.

A major announcement over Ronaldo’s future is now unlikely in the coming days, with the Portugal captain taking some well earned rest ahead of joining up with his country for the World Cup, and Madrid’s hierarchy set to met to discuss their transfer strategy for the summer.

Florentino Perez said that Ronaldo remains under contract at the club for three more years still after the final.

Ronaldo said on Saturday that money was not the important issue for him, although sources close to the player told ESPN FC last January that the fact that Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar both earned more from their clubs was a factor in their thinking.

Ongoing tax issues for Ronaldo and other La Liga based clients of his agent Jorge Mendes have also complicated the situation.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now won the Champions League five times. VI Images via Getty Images

Speaking at a debate hosted by the Club del Siglo XXI in Madrid on Monday evening, La Liga president Javier Tebas said he believed Ronaldo would not move this summer, but added that La Liga was now better prepared structurally to deal with the loss of one of its biggest stars.

“It is another chapter in a nice story, but he will keep playing for Madrid,” Tebas said.

“If you asked me five years ago, I would be more worried about his future. Now I am less concerned as we have worked on the brand [of La Liga], above the clubs and the big players. Nobody has said to me they will pay less [for rights] if this player or that player leaves. Neymar left and the revenues were maintained.”

The possibility of Neymar and Ronaldo swapping clubs has been specualated, and asked if Neymar replacing Ronaldo at Madrid would be a financial boost for La Liga, Tebas said the best would be for both to play together.

“It would also boost La Liga’s value to have Neymar with Cristiano,” he said. “Cristiano is a symbol of La Liga, and irreplaceable.”— ESPNFC.

Benjamin Lock

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
TOP seed Benjamin Lock advanced to the second round of the ongoing International Tennis Federation Old Mutual Futures Series when he beat William Bushamuka yesterday at Harare Sports Club.

Benjamin joins Takanyi Garanganga and Mehluli Sibanda, who booked their places in the second round on Monday when they won their opening matches.

The number one seed reached the second round with a 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-4 victory over Bushamuka of United States in a tightly-contested match.

Benjamin conceded it was a tough first round match but noted that it was a good start for him to have defeated Bushamuka as he showed plenty of resilience to stretch the match to the third set.

“These (first round) matches are great if you can win them because I expect to see this guy (Bushamuka) do very well in the next two tournaments,’’ he said.

“So to play a match like this and get through, really just brushes your game up. I am feeling super sharp now and it’s the best way to prepare for a tournament.

“Obviously, you would like an easier first round to get some momentum and some confidence but if you can win these kind of matches, that’s the best way to start a tournament.”

He later on teamed up with his younger brother Courtney for the doubles and they triumphed 6-0, 3-6, 10-7 against Christian Paul and Joseph Imeh Ubon from Nigeria. The pair of Mehluli Sibanda and Muzi Sibanda also remained on course when they beat Vasilios Caripi and Joshua Howard-Tripp 6-4, 3-6, 10-5.

However, it was a bad day for Mark Chigaazira, who had to retire from his match against eighth seed Sean Hodkin, after his arm gave him some problems.
Hodkin was leading 7-6(4), 5-7, 4-1.

“My arm got to a point where it gave in. I think I have really been trying quite hard to improve, so when I was training a few weeks before the tournament I started feeling a wrist injury.

“I think it has led to this although when I felt it I gave it time to recover,” said Chigaazira.

With two more tournaments yet to start, Chigaazira remains optimistic he will bounce back.

In today’s matches Benjamin has a date against Lance-Pierre Du Toit of South Africa while Mehluli is up against Milen Lanakiev from Germany.

Garanganga takes on Ubon of Nigeria. In the doubles, it’s a siblings affair for Zimbabwe’s players with the Lock brothers facing Mehluli and Muzingaye Sibanda.

Liverpool have agreed to sign Monaco midfielder Fabinho in a deal that could be worth more than £40m.

The Brazil international (24) will join the Champions League finalists on July 1 for around £39m (45m euros).

A further £4m (5m euros) could be added in performance-related bonus payments and Fabinho’s arrival is likely to be followed by the departure of Emre Can.

“This is something that I always wanted — this is a giant of a team,” said Fabinho. “I am really excited.”

Fabinho has spent spells playing as a right-back but has excelled in defensive midfield and is viewed as a replacement for Can, who is out of contract this summer and has repeatedly been linked with Juventus.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said:

“He has ability and mentality to play at the highest level in a number of positions. He can play ‘six’, ‘eight’ and ‘two’. This is cool.”

The Brazilian, whose deal will begin on July 1, said the club’s infrastructure looked “exceptional”.

“A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn’t have to think that much about coming over,” added Fabinho.

“I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club.”

Fabinho, who joined Monaco on loan from Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2013, won the French league title in 2016-17.

He has featured heavily for the club since making his loan move permanent in 2015, playing 47 times in all competitions last season and scoring eight goals.

In all, he made 225 appearances and scored 29 goals in five seasons with the French club.

“We have signed a fantastic player, but someone who is an equally fantastic person I think,” added Klopp.

“His reputation as a character in the dressing room and his attitude in training has come through from everyone we speak to.

“He has a lovely family also — adding a person like this to our dressing room only makes us even stronger. What we have — in terms of our environment at Melwood and in the team — means anyone coming in must be of that build. They must be the highest quality person and player.”

Despite helping Monaco to second in Ligue 1 behind champions Paris St-Germain last season, Fabinho did not make Brazil’s 23-man World Cup squad.

He will join another new face in Liverpool’s midfield next term, with Guinea international Naby Keita moving to Merseyside from RB Leipzig on 1 July.

Liverpool have wasted no time after the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.

The arrival of the coveted Fabinho is not simply a required replacement for Emre Can, who will join Juventus, but provides a quality, solid midfield base to complement the arrival of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig.

Liverpool have ended the season empty-handed but the feeling progress will be enhanced by such a swift statement of intent in the transfer market.

It lifts at least some of the gloom from Saturday’s loss in Kiev.

And it will not stop with Fabinho. Klopp is determined to add to a squad whose limitations were exposed by injuries and lack of strength beyond the first-choice 11 against Real.

Fabinho’s arrival is the first sign that Klopp will not allow the grass to grow under Liverpool’s feet as he tries to claim his first trophy with them when he starts his third full season at Anfield in August.—BBC.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
LEGENDARY former Zimbabwe Saints and national team skipper Ephraim Chawanda has defended Spaniard Sergio Ramos’ tackle on Mohamed Salah in the Uefa Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool in Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday.

The seemingly crude tackle on the Egyptian in the first half resulted in the Liverpool star leaving the pitch in tears with a shoulder injury. There were also fears that he could miss the World Cup in Russia that starts next month.

A number of Liverpool fans and even some neutrals felt Ramos, a known hardman at the heart of the Real Madrid defence, had deliberately played the man and should have been punished with a sending off by Serbian referee Milorad Mazic.

However, Chawanda said he doubted Ramos deliberately injured Salah, arguing that the battle was on techniques and tactics.

He said no one would be moaning had it been Ramos who had fallen and dislocated his shoulder.

“The much anticipated final has come to pass, packed with drama and incident. I will not talk about Karius’ costly blunders, or Bale’s (Gareth) victorious heroics, but the most debated tangle between Mo Salah and Ramos. The end result to the incident is regrettable in football, an injury to a player,” Chawanda wrote on his Facebook timeline.

“My opinion and observation brings me to this conclusion; it was a battle of techniques and tactics, the attackers and the defenders. Ramos had two options, go down and let him go ahead of him and gain advantage (poor defending), or let him go down with him. It was not a foul, as the referee clearly saw that Mo Salah was the instigator of the tangle. I doubt that Ramos wanted it to end in injury. No one would be moaning had it been the defender falling down and breaking a shoulder. In football, you win it, lose it or it kills you. Let’s now move to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.”

After the game Ramos sent a get well soon message to the Egyptian.

“Sometimes football shows you its good side and other times the bad,” Ramos tweeted. “Above all, we are fellow pros. Get well soon Salah. The future awaits you.”

Meanwhile, Salah himself has expressed confidence that he will make it to Russia despite earlier fears.

“It was a very tough night, but I’m a fighter. Despite the odds, I’m confident that I’ll be in Russia to make you all proud. Your love and support will give me the strength I need,” Salah wrote on Twitter.

Sukoluhle Ndlovu in Gweru
ZANU-PF Youth League will tomorrow hold the #EDhasMyVote 5km fun run at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru as a precursor to the youth convention a few hours later at the open space behind Mkoba Teachers’ College.

More than 30 000 youths are expected to converge in Gweru for the Zanu-PF National Youth Convention to be addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The convention brings together youths from the country’s 10 provinces to a dialogue with President Mnangagwa.

The fun run will start at 6am and end at 7am, while the convention is set to start at 9am.

Zanu-PF national youth secretary for education Wellington Tagarira, who is also the race director, said the fun run is open to everybody, particularly the youths.

“The aim of the fun run is to garner support for our President, and all the youths from all over the country are encouraged to come in their numbers to participate as there will be various prizes to be won. Even those from opposition parties are welcome to participate because Cde Mnangagwa is not only the President of Zanu-PF youths, but President of Zimbabwe. We have no limit for the number of people that want to participate, so all those that want to participate can register at the provincial Zanu-PF office in Gweru,” Tagarira said.

He said the fun run will be in four categories, the Under-19, 20-30 and 31-40 age groups as well as the wheelchair race.

“First and second positions in the Under-19 category will walk away with $150 and $100 respectively, while positions three to 10 will receive $75. In the 20-30 age group, the top three will get $300, $200, $100 and from fourth to 10th they’ll get $50 each. In the 31-40 age group, the winner and the first runner-up will receive $150 and $100 respectively, while those who will take position three to 10 will walk away with $75. The same will apply for the wheelchair category,” he said.

Tagarira said the fun run will be held in every province whenever the President meets the youths.

“EDhasMyVote 5km fun run will be held in every province when the President holds rallies. This is an initiative meant to bring youths together through sport,” Tagarira said.

Rutendo Makore (Left)

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
SPAIN-based striker Rutendo Makore headlines a 26-member Mighty Warriors squad called into camp for the African Women’s first-leg final round qualifier against Zambia.

Coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda announced the squad yesterday and it’s expected to go into camp today ahead of the first-leg encounter in Zambia on June 6. The return leg is set for Rufaro Stadium on June 10.

Makore, the Cosafa Women’s Championship golden boot winner, has recovered from an ankle injury that kept her out of the Mighty Warriors’ 4-0 aggregate win over Namibia. Marjory Nyaumwe and Mavis Chirandu scored in the first-leg, while Emmaculate Msipha and Chirandu were on target in the return fixture.

The winner of the qualifier will proceed to the finals in Ghana from November 17 to December 1. The top three teams will automatically qualify for the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup set for France.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Correctional), Manyara Mandara (Mwenezana), Shebba Rauli (Auckaland)

Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Edeline Mutumbami (Blue Swallows), Patience Masitara (Correctional), Sithembile Nyoni (Weerams), Nobukhosi Ncube (New Orleans), Tabeth Mutinhiri (Herentals), Sarudzai Chikowore (Harare City)

Midfielders: Talent Mandaza (Black Rhinos), Emmaculate Msipa (Black Rhinos), Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos), Felistas Muzongondi (Black Rhinos), Mavis Chirandu (Black Rhinos), Vimbai Mharadzi (Blue Swallows), Kudzai Chiparausha (Blue swallows)

Strikers: Rutendo Makore (Sporting de Huelva), Erina Jeke (Correctional), Berita Kabwe (Correctional), Susan Nyama (Herentals), Maudy Mafuruse (Faith Drive), Tafadzwa Tsunguro (ZRP)

Thulani Sibanda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League debutants Bulawayo Chiefs are hamstrung by injuries as they prepare to take on log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars in their next game on Sunday.

Chiefs made a promising start to the season and even went on a four-match unbeaten run, collecting six points from three draws and a win, but the rigours of Premiership football seem to have blown the steam out of them.

The new boys occupy 15th position, the last relegation slot on the league table, with 12 points from 14 games.

Since beating FC Platinum 2-0 on Match Day Seven played on April 21, Chiefs’ form has been plunging and they have gone for seven games without a win.

So worrying is their form that they have only managed to pick up three points from a possible 21.

Chiefs have been forced to use defender Moses Majika as their main striker in recent games following injuries to forwards, skipper Kundishora Chakanyuka, Mgcini Mpofu, Dylan Chivandire and Farawo Matare.

This Sunday, Chiefs face high-flying Ngezi, who have not lost a game this season and only dropped points in their 1-1 away draw against Shabanie Mine on April 15 and the goalless tie against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium on May 1.

Since then, Ngezi have won five consecutive games, averaging three goals per match and banging in 15 goals in total. Their defence has also been watertight, conceding twice in their last five matches. They conceded in their 2-1 win over Caps United and in last weekend’s 3-1 win again Harare City.

During the same period, Chiefs have conceded eight goals and scored just twice, a statistic that worries their technical analyst and fitness trainer Thulani Sibanda.

“Our biggest undoing has been lack of consistency, which was obviously caused by the injuries of our strikers. We’ve been forced to use a defender as a striker. What we need to do is try to contain teams while our strikers recover. You’ll also realise that we play well, but if you don’t score from the chances you create, you can only hold on for a while at the back. Despite going through this rough patch, we remain hopeful of getting out of the relegation zone,” said Sibanda.

Chiefs’ preparations for the Ngezi game have also been dealt a blow by the suspension of central defender Last Sithole, who has been inspirational in their back line.

Polite Moyo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Marvin Mkolo and Andrew Tandi will be thrown in to contain Ngezi’s attackers, who include James Nguluve, Donald Teguru, Clive Augusto and Marlon Mushonga.

Chiefs should also find a strategy to stop Ngezi from playing the ball in midfield where Tichaona Chipunza, Walter Mukanga, Xolisani Moyo, Godknows Murwira and Tichaona Mabvura have taken turns to stamp the platinum miners’ authority.

Brighton Manhire, Perfect Chikwende, Gracious Muleya and Arthur Musiyiwa have to up their game to cut supplies to the Ngezi forwards.

Match Day 15 fixtures

Friday, June 1: Black Rhinos v Chicken Inn (National Sports Stadium)

Saturday, June 2: FC Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Mandava), Herentals v Nichrut (National Sports Stadium), Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Bulawayo City v Yadah (Barbourfields)

Sunday, June 3: Caps United v Mutare City Rovers (National Sports Stadium), Chapungu v ZPC Kariba (Ascot), Bulawayo Chiefs v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Luveve), Triangle United v Dynamos (Gibbo)

Table

P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
Ngezi Platinum     14    12    2    0    26    4    22    38
FC Platinum     14    11    2    1    20    4    16    35
Highlanders    14    7    5    2    15    8    7    26
Chicken Inn    14    6    6    2    16    10    6    24
Harare City    14    6    6    2    14    11    3    24
Caps United    14    6    5    3    19    12    7    23
Triangle United    14    7    2    5    13    10    3    23
Black Rhinos    14    4    6    4    9    10    -1    18
Herentals    14    3    6    5    6    11    -5    15
ZPC Kariba    14    3    6    5    8    15    -7    15
Dynamos    14    3    5    6    11    15    -4    14
Yadah FC    14    3    5    6    11    19    -8    14
Nichrut     14    3    4    7    11    16    -5    13
Chapungu    14    3    4    7    9    16    -7    13
Bulawayo Chiefs    14    2    6    6    10    16    -6    12
Shabanie Mine    14    2    6    6    14    22    -8    12
Bulawayo City    14    3    1    10    12    18    -6    10
Mutare City    14    1    5    8    11    17    -6    8

@ZililoR

Zenzo Moyo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
YESTERYEAR greats believe Ngezi Platinum Stars winger Terrence Dzukamanja can surpass the 20-goal mark at the end of the season if he maintains his form.

Dzukamanja leads the scorers’ chart with eight goals from 14 games.

Former Warriors’ frontmen Alois Bunjira, Agent Sawu and Zenzo Moyo are impressed with Dzukamanja’s conversion rate which averages a goal in every two games.

His goal scoring form has also been rewarded with a late call-up to the national team for the Cosafa Cup in South Africa.

Bunjira, who won the 1996 Top Goal Scorer award with 23 goals, challenged Dzukamanja to set himself a personal target of at least 10 goals from the remaining 20 games.

“To be honest, this season has been exciting compared to previous ones. We still have the same problems of strikers not being sharp, but I’m excited with Dzukamanja’s scoring ratio of at least a goal in two games. Remember he is not an outright striker and coming from the wing to score crucial goals and lead the chart is impressive,” said Bunjira.

“It is my wish to see more strikers scoring. It’s also good to see Caps United’s John Zhuwawu finding his feet and now he has scored about three goals in the last four games. I hope he maintains that.

“What I’m not happy with is to set a target of 15 goals for Dzukamanja. I believe players should challenge themselves and set personal targets higher than what their coaches have for personal growth. With 20 games to go, not only Dzukamanja, but all the strikers should aim higher and try to score at least 10 goals,” said Bunjira.

The former national team striker feels strikers should do extra work and perfect their skills.

“It’s not easy to score; one needs to put more work. I was impressed with Tinotenda Kadewere’s comment after scoring four goals at the weekend. He said it was a reflection of the amount of work he was putting in. Strikers need to do individual training and refine their techniques to be perfect,” Bunjira said.

Former national team hitman Agent Sawu also praised Dzukamanja, but feels the country is still lagging behind in terms of striker development.

“There are still challenges in terms of finding goal poachers. However, there is some light and I think players like Dzukamanja, who has a good conversion rate, deserve encouragement,” he said.

“Personally, I feel tactics have changed, teams are approaching games with caution and opt to be defensive, making it difficult for strikers. What strikers need to do is to invest in working on their finishing.”

Sawu noted that these days strikers played with their backs to the goal and were being outnumbered by defenders.

“If the transition from defence to attack is slow, strikers will find it difficult to play and score. They (strikers) are always outnumbered,” he said.

Former Soccer Star of the Year, Zenzo Moyo, who also won the top scorer’s gong in 2002 after banging in 21 goals, said administrators are also to blame for lack of potent strikers by putting coaches under pressure.

“We don’t have strikers. I always say strikers are not made, but they are born. Strikers’ problems can be traced back to our juniors. Coaches at junior level have gone more technical and are under pressure for results such that the juniors are now more tactical. It’s rare to see a juniors’ coach encouraging a youngster to dribble and express himself; they want one touch football,” said Moyo.

“There’s a need to revisit the development system and I think it is us administrators who are to blame because we put so much pressure on junior coaches. The job of a juniors’ coach is to develop talent and not stifle it by being more tactical. To get top notch strikers that can dribble starts with us encouraging the juniors to freely express themselves,” said Moyo.

PSL Top scorers
Eight: Terrence Dzukamanja (Ngezi Platinum)
Seven: David Temwanjira (Shabanie Mine)
Six: John Zhuwawo (Caps United), Lameck Nhamo (Triangle United)
Five: Simba Nhivi (Caps United), Rodwell Chinyengetere (FC Platinum)
Four: Obidiah Tarumbwa (Chicken Inn), Ozias Zibande (Highlanders), Quality Kangadzi (Dynamos), Lot Chiunga (Black Rhinos).

@ZililoR

Kevin Marley

Sports Reporter
THEMBALETHU Foundation has approached the Southern Region Women’s Soccer League offering to incentivise teams for the 2018 season.

The foundation, which sponsored the 2016 and 2017 editions of the region’s end of year eight-team tournament, is close to sealing a deal with the Southern Region to make them title sponsors of the league.

Kevin Marley of Thembalethu Foundation said the partnership is meant to create excitement.

“What we realised is that in as much as we celebrate the girl child through football at the end of the year, that’s a once off event for the year. To be effective in helping develop as well as create excitement among the girls, it is better to channel resources we gather for the tournament to the league. We have sent the region a proposal and once they agree to it we will let you know,” said Marley.

A former Highlanders’ junior player, who is now a Scottish FA qualified scout, Marley said the top three teams at the end of the season will all get playing kits.

The foundation has also proposed to give all teams that will compete in the league warm-up kits as part of the deal.

Thembalethu Foundation will also continue sponsoring individual accolades at the end of the season.

Takundwa Chimundiya, Southern Region Women’s Soccer League chairperson, hopes the partnership with Thembalethu Foundation will open more opportunities for the teams.

“We’re still negotiating and I think it’s good to have such an organisation choosing to partner us. Once we agree on anything we will let you know,” said Chimundiya.

Chimundiya said Bulawayo-based teams formed the bulk of teams in the league, with clubs from Victoria Falls, Hwange, Umguza and Sigola having folded due to economic constraints.

Teams expected to be part of the 2018 league include New Orleans and Inline Academy, Street Sets, Magwegwe, Ubuntu, Sobukhazi, ZRP Bulawayo, Black Boots and Highlanders Royals.

“Registration is still on. Once we’re done with this proposed deal, we will start our programme,” Chumundiya said.

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Athletics Board chairperson Manuel Mpofu says they are wrapping up preparations for the inaugural Old Mutual Nkulumane Half Marathon set for this Sunday.

The Nkulumane event was previously a fun run incorporating only the 5km and 10km, but inclusion of the half marathon was aimed at attracting more professional runners.

When Old Mutual revived the race in 2014, the event attracted just above 300 participants and the figure has been growing with each edition.

The 2017 run attracted a record 1 300 turnout, inspiring Old Mutual to add the half marathon.

“We expect a big event this year. We hope to have some of the country’s top athletes taking part,” said Mpofu.

Registration fee is $5 for the three events and it closes on Saturday. Entry forms are available at CABS Centre and Old Mutual offices in the city centre as well as at Nkulumane Complex.

Independent runner Canicious Nyamutsa won the men’s Old Mutual Nkulumane 10km Fun Run last year to take the $500 prize money. He beat a host of experienced runners, who included Kadoma-based Jacob Mugomeri of Zimpost, who came second and won himself $400, while Misheck Sithole was third.

In the women’s category, Bertha Chikanga romped to victory, with Rudo Mhondero finishing second and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) runner Patience Garauzive beating defending champion Olivia Chitate of ZRP for third place.

Old Mutual, who also support big races in South Africa such as the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades, also sponsor the Harare marathon, Vumba half marathon, Chitungwiza 10km fun run and Westgate half marathon in Zimbabwe.

@innocentskizoe

Peter Ndlovu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING their emotional promotion to the English third tier league this week, Coventry City’s longest serving African player and legendary former Zimbabwe international Peter Ndlovu has expressed a wish for his former club to return to the Premiership.

Spotted at Highlanders as a dribbling wizard when he was an 18-year-old teenager, Ndlovu became only the second African player after another iconic former Highlanders’ player Bruce Grobbelaar to play in the English Premier League when he joined Coventry City in 1991.

He stayed there until 1997 and left The Sky Blues in the elite league before they were relegated to the second tier league in 2001.

They stayed there for 11 gruelling years and slipped further down to League One in 2012. In 2017, they dropped to the fourth tier League Two.

Ndlovu took to Twitter to express his wish.

“How will @Coventry_City do in the league above next season then? I hope one day they are back in the @premierleague!” wrote Ndlovu, now team manager at Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.

There were immediate responses from Coventry City fans, who also expressed optimism that their team should be in the Premier League soon.

“You never know. Might win it,” replied Paul Woods.

“Hi Peter. I really think we’ll do well next season. We have a good bunch of players and with a couple of additions, we should be up there,” wrote another blogger Adrian Jackson.

Stuart Johnson wished Ndlovu could return to the club.

“Peter, they have the nucleus of a good squad. Would love to see you at The Ricoh!!” he wrote.

“If age was something that could be rewound, our hero Peter Ndlovu would be dazzling Premier League defences like they don’t exist. Cheers to our longest serving African player in the Barclays Premier League,” was another response from one Carmy.

Kenneth Mhlophe

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS members will gather at the club house for a mid-year special general meeting on Sunday where an assessment, on and off the field, will be delivered.

In a notice published in the media, the club said the agenda of the meeting will be welcome remarks, constitutional review update as well as any other business where due notice has been given.

However, outside the itemised agenda, the meeting comes at a time when the club has been performing generally well and as per expectations of members, who resolved to revert to a home grown solution that saw the executive hiring legendary son Madinda Ndlovu to take charge of the technical team.

Ndlovu was given a three-year contract with his immediate mandate being to return the Highlanders culture of attractive football and to promote youngsters from their development sides.

Ndlovu responded to that call by promoting eight players; four from their Bosso 90 and the same number from other junior teams, while Thabo Lunga was brought from Bantu Rovers, who are owned by a Highlanders son Methembe Ndlovu.

Highlanders lie third on the Castle Lager Premiership table behind cash rich sides Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum.

Against all odds, the Bosso “ECD” have stood their own and while results of late have not been coming, fans have supported them in their numbers at Barbourfields Stadium, which has seen Bosso posting the largest attendances in the PSL this season.

The other utilities too, mainly the club house, have also been spruced up and are now presentable.

On the main agenda items members are expected to deliberate on is the constitutional amendment that requires members of the board of directors to serve a maximum of 10 years. Members will have to agree on whether to effect that amendment in retrospect or not.

Amini Soma-Phiri

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO City FC coach Amini Soma-Phiri is likely to wield the axe on five senior players during the mid-season transfer window, as he tries to save the municipal side from relegation.

Amakhosi survived the chop on the last day of the 2017 season and are presently languishing in the drop zone, second from the bottom with 10 points.

Mutare City Rovers anchor the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with eight points from 14 games.

Soma-Phiri took over from Darlington Dodo and has so far registered a single win against Shabanie Mine, who they beat 2-0. They went on to suffer a 0-4 hammering by title favourites Ngezi Platinum Stars before falling by identical 0-1 score lines to               Highlanders and ZPC Kariba respectively.

With a full complement of 25 players registered in the seniors’ slot, the former Highlanders’ player and coach will either have to bring in four juniors since they have just one player in that slot or wield the axe on some seniors that have failed to come to the party.

Speaking at a media briefing, Soma-Phiri said he does not believe some of the players at his disposal will carry the day for him and as such, new recruits are needed.

“We have to beef up our squad; we have to get about five guys that are going to fill the gap, there is a lot that needs to be done,” said Soma-Phiri.

“Not to say I am not entirely happy with the guys that are there now, but I don’t honestly think they will carry the day for me throughout the year, so all I’m              looking for is to add some value to the players that I have because we don’t have depth in certain departments.

“I am not looking for strikers, but I am looking for players that will carry the day for me and make us get goals, not necessarily strikers,” he said.

Although he didn’t mention the players he was likely to bring on board, sources said Highlanders’ defender Benson Phiri, who is on loan to Division One side Zim Leopards, was certain to bounce back into the Premiership as well as Bosso 90’s Denzel Khumalo. Former Zimbabwe skipper Method Mwanjali is also believed to be on the City radar.

City return to Barbourfields Stadium this weekend to take on Yadah on Saturday.

Fixtures

Friday: Black Rhinos v Chicken Inn (NSS)

Saturday: FC Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Mandava), Herentals v Nichrut (NSS), Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Bulawayo City v Yadah (Barbourfields)

Sunday: Caps United v Mutare City Rovers (NSS), Chapungu v ZPC Kariba (Ascot), Bulawayo Chiefs v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Luveve), Triangle United v Dynamos (Gibbo)

PSL TABLE

Ngezi Platinum     14    12    2    0    26    4    22    38
FC Platinum     14    11    2    1    20    4    16    35
Highlanders    14    7    5    2    15    8    7    26
Chicken Inn    14    6    6    2    16    10    6    24
Harare City    14    6    6    2    14    11    3    24
Caps United    14    6    5    3    19    12    7    23
Triangle United    14    7    2    5    13    10    3    23
Black Rhinos    14    4    6    4    9    10    -1    18
Herentals    14    3    6    5    6    11    -5    15
ZPC Kariba    14    3    6    5    8    15    -7    15
Dynamos    14    3    5    6    11    15    -4    14
Yadah FC    14    3    5    6    11    19    -8    14
Nichrut     14    3    4    7    11    16    -5    13
Chapungu    14    3    4    7    9    16    -7    13
Bulawayo Chiefs    14    2    6    6    10    16    -6    12
Shabanie Mine    14    2    6    6    14    22    -8    12
Bulawayo City    14    3    1    10    12    18    -6    10
Mutare City    14    1    5    8    11    17    -6    8

Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane sits beside president Florentino Perez, during a press conference to announce his resignation in Madrid yesterday

REAL MADRID coach Zinedine Zidane made the surprise announcement yesterday that he was leaving the European champions after winning an unprecedented third straight Champions League title.

“I think it’s the moment, both for me, the team and the club (to step down). It’s a strange moment to do so, I know, but an important one too. I had to do this for everyone,” he said.

The Frenchman clearly feels that after such a successful period at the Bernabeu the only way forward for the club to continue its success is via a change at the top.

“This side should carry on winning and needs a change for this. After three years it needs another voice, another method of work, for this I took this decision,” said Zidane.

“The players need a change. I want to thank them because it’s they who fight on the pitch. This club’s history is huge, we always ask a lot of players, but there comes a moment when you think ‘What more can I ask of them, after what they’ve done for me?’ For this I think they need another discourse.”

Zidane became the first coach to win a third straight European Cup when Real beat Liverpool 3-1 on Saturday, capping a remarkable period in his first job in senior club management.

“I love this club a lot, the president, who gave me everything – to play first at this great club. I’ll always be thankful. Today I need to change, for me, for everyone, for this I’ve taken the decision,” Zidane added.

“After three years, it’s my decision and perhaps I can get it wrong, but I think that after such time it is the moment. If I don’t see that I think we’re going to carry on winning, if I don’t see things as I want them to be, a moment arrives where you say it’s better to change.”

The Frenchman took over a divided dressing room after the sacking of Rafael Benitez in January, 2016 and immediately set about uniting the squad.

He claimed the first of his hat-trick of European triumphs two years ago when Real defeated local rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in the final. A year later he led Real to their first European Cup and La Liga double in 59 years.

Real finished three points ahead of Barcelona as they won their first league title since 2012 before crushing Juventus 4-1 in the Champions League final to become the first side to win the competition in its current format in back-to-back seasons.

Zidane won nine major honours as Real coach and the 45-year-old’s crowning glory came last Saturday as he joined an elite group of managers including Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti by lifting the European Cup for the third time as coach.

The club have not named a successor, however local media reports suggest Tottenham Hotspur’s Mauricio Pochettino, who signed a new five-year contract with the London club last week, is their first choice to replace the Frenchman. — SuperSport

Kenneth Mhlophe

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ chairman Kenneth Mhlophe will miss his club’s mid-year special general meeting on Sunday after being appointed the Warriors’ head of delegation for the Cosafa Cup tournament in South Africa.

The Warriors left the country yesterday for Polokwane in Limpopo province where they will get the defence of their title underway on Sunday against the winner of the Group B preliminary round which features Botswana, Mauritius, Malawi and Angola.

“Mhlophe will be the head of delegation for the Cosafa team,” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.

In the absence of Mhlophe, Bosso vice-chairman Modern Ngwenya will chair proceedings on Sunday.

Meanwhile, CEFN Druids defender Alec Mudimu made it from the British Brigade that coach Sunday Chidzambwa had called up for the Cosafa tournament.

Captain Knowledge Musona is expected to unite with his teammates in South Africa, but there are concerns about his fitness.

Musona has been on a recovery programme in recent weeks, but his new Belgian club Anderlecht believe he needs rest during this off season to fully recover.

The Warriors’ team management are likely to allow their talisman to use the break to fully recover as they need him more for the Afcon qualifiers that resume in September.

Team manager Wellington Mpandare said Musona will still travel to South Africa, but would need to be assessed by the doctors to determine if he is fit to play, following reports of injury.

“Unfortunately his flight was delayed so he can’t make it to Harare. So he will fly straight to South Africa tomorrow (today). At the same time he is nursing an injury. Remember he played only two games after that long injury lay-off. So, obviously, the doctors will look at him after arriving in South Africa. We can register up to 22 players. If he is certified fit by the doctors and if the coach wants him, obviously he will play,” said Mpandare.

The Ngezi Platinum duo of Donovan Bernard and Liberty Chakoroma missed out, while all foreign-based players in camp made the team.

Herentals midfielder Richard Hachiro, Chapungu goalkeeper and former Highlanders’ junior Talbert Shumba, Harare City’s Takudzwa Chimwemwe and Terrence Dzvukamanja, who was a late call up, also made the final 20.

There was also room for Chicken Inn’s Devine Lunga and new faces Marshal Munetsi of Orlando Pirates and Wales-based Alec Mudimu.
Chidzambwa was happy with his selection.

“All I can say is that we have 20 very good players, who will represent the country and I just hope we will manage to defend our trophy,” said Chidzambwa.

Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Edmore. Sibanda, Talbert Shumba, George. Chigova.
Defenders: Costa Nhamoinesu, Kevin Moyo, Devine Lunga, Alec Mudimu, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Jameson Mukombwe.
Midfielders: Talent Chawapihwa, Marshall Munetsi, Ovidy Karuru, Khama Billiat, Richard Hachiro, Leeroy Mavunga, Tafadzwa Kutinyu.
Strikers: Tinotenda Kadewere, Abbas Amidu, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Evans Rusike.

Technical Team: Wellington Mpandare (Team manager), Sunday Chidzambwa (Head coach), Rahman Gumbo (Assistant coach), Lloyd Mtasa (Assistant coach), Brenna Msiska (Assistant coach) ,Thompson Matenda (Fitness trainer), Soman Mudariki (Team doctor), Admire Nyamadzawo (Physiotherapist), Shingirayi Binoni (Kit manager)
Head of delegation: Kenneth Mhlophe

Benjamin Lock

Sports Reporter
IT’S looking good for Zimbabwe’s players in the International Tennis Federation Old Mutual Series currently underway at Harare Sports Club with Takanyi Ganganga, Benjamin Lock and Mehluli Sibanda making their way to the semi-finals.

The local players continued with their dominance at the tournament to prevail over their opponents in yesterday’s quarter-finals.

Second seed Garanganga, who has been enjoying a good run since the tournament started, beat Isaac Stoute 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to pull through to today’s semi-finals.

And, just like in the first round when he played fellow countryman Courtney Lock, it’s going to be another Zimbabwean affair when he faces Mehluli Sibanda today in the semi-finals.

Sibanda beat Jorge Blanco Guadalupe 6-4, 6-3 to reach the last four.

For Sibanda it’s an impressive performance having played his final junior year last year .

The 18-year-old said he has been working on his serve and there has been an improvement on his play.

“I had to work on my serve a lot more because these guys if I don’t have a big a serve they (are) just going to hammer me the whole time. So I had to work on my serve and I had to practice to play a little bit aggressive and I improved,” said Sibanda.

Top seed Benjamin also remained on course when he dismissed sixth seed Aaron Schmid 6-2, 6-1 on his way to the semi-final.

He is also through to the doubles finals with his brother Courtney after they defeated the pair of William Bushamuka and Tukhula Jacobs 6-1, 6-1 in straight sets.

Benjamin faces Joshua Howard-Tripp in the other semi-final match.

He will later join Courtney to take on India’s Anirudh Chandrasekar and Vignesh Peranamallur in the doubles final.

After taking one singles and two doubles titles last year, the top seed will be hoping for another success story.

Chandrasekar and Peranamallur dismissed Darko Bojanovic and Siphosothando Montsi 6-0, 6-1 to be in the finals.

Khama Billiat

KHAMA Billiat’s representative has revealed that his camp is in no rush to make a decision about the Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker’s immediate future.

Billiat has been heavily linked with a move away from Masandawana, with his contract set to come to an end on June 30.

While it is known that the Brazilians are eager to hold onto the Zimbabwean international’s services, the player’s camp is in no rush to make a decision about where the Sundowns’ star will be playing his football next season.

The Siya crew contacted the player’s representative Mike Ngobeni of M-Sport-Management, who confirmed that the player’s camp is taking its time in ensuring that it makes the best decision for both Billiat and his family.

“We are not rushing anything because his contract is only ending next month (end of June), so we are not rushing any deal because we have got time to make up our minds and see what’s next for the player. We have to make a bold decision and not an emotional decision you know. There is nothing to be emotional about, we need to make sure that we make a bold decision for Khama and his family and his future,” Ngobeni said.

The playmaker has been linked with a move to the likes of Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, while clubs abroad have also shown interest in his services.

Billiat recently helped Sundowns to lift their eighth Absa Premiership trophy, being instrumental in head coach Pitso Mosimane’s side during the 2017/18 campaign when fit.  The Zimbabwean also won the Caf Champions League and the Caf Super Cup with Sundowns. — Soccer Laduma

Raymond Kazembe

Mukudzei Chingwere, Harare Bureau
SPORT, Arts and Recreation Minister Raymond Kazembe has called on the strengthening of cooperation between Government and sports associations to avoid problems where athletes fail to represent the country due to unavailability of identity documents.

The Warriors, who are away in South Africa for the Cosafa Cup defence, were dealt a blow when coach Sunday Chidzambwa failed to include some members of the British Brigade due to the unavailability of passports.

Nottingham Forest defender Tendayi Darikwa, Bradford City defender Adam Chicksen, Leyton Orient’s Macauley Bonne, Bonner SC striker Kelvin Lunga, Reading midfielder Andy Rinomhota and Oldham Athletic’s Kundai Benyu did not get their passports processed in time.

“I told SRC to assist Zifa to get passports for the players after (Wellington) Mpandare told me they have a challenge of some players getting passports,’’ said Kazembe. “I do not know what transpired after that, if they managed to get in touch or not.

“At times the problem is that people call us when they are at the airport saying we do not have the passports, such things should be done earlier and I do not see any problem in getting a passport.

“If it comes through the channels we will assist without doubt, remember the passports are done by the Ministry of Home Affairs, not Sport, so if they come through the right channels the issue will be addressed and we will liaise to have them assisted.

“Zifa knows the players the coaches want to use so they must come up with that list through SRC and they get assistance for the players.”

There are several players across the globe who have indicated they want to represent the Warriors.

Elvis ‘Bulawayo Bomber’ Moyo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WORLD Boxing Federation (WBF) All-Africa heavyweight champion Elvis Moyo has been presented with a lifetime opportunity to fight Commonwealth champion Joe Joyce in London this month.

Moyo, who has been hoping to break into the competitive and lucrative European market, had his prayers answered when WBF president Howard Goldberg called his team notifying him of the proposed fight against Joyce.

Moyo has about 10 days to prepare for what could be a career-changing fight against Joyce at York Hall, one of the best known boxing venues in London, on June 15.

Despite limited time to prepare, the Zimbabwean pugilist is excited and has intensified his preparations for the fight.

“I’ve been offered a fight in England against Joe Joyce and I’m super excited. Right now I’m waiting for the finer details, but the person making this fight possible is Howard Goldberg (WBF president). Even if I have 10 days to prepare, it’s an opportunity which I can’t let go. I’ve upped my training,” said Moyo from his Johannesburg base yesterday.

Moyo’s last fight was in April when he knocked out Ukrainian Maksym Pedyura in Harare. The Bulawayo Bomber floored the Ukrainian boxer after two minutes 49 seconds in the first-round.

“How I wish I had gone beyond the first round against Pedyura. I’m not making any excuses; I’ll train hard and make sure I’m in the best shape. It’s a challenge which I have to take. For the next three days I’ll be doing cardio, then next week we will be doing sparring,” said Moyo.

He has a fair record of W7-KO4;L5;D2, while Joyce, who according to online reports is being promoted by David Haye, has had four career fights, with a W4-KO4 record.

Joyce’s last fight was on May 5 at the O2 Arena where he knocked out Jamaica’s Lenroy Thomas inside two rounds.  — @ZililoR

Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
WITH just a few days left before they face arch-rivals Zambia in the final qualifying round for the Africa Women Cup of Nations, the Mighty Warriors are not wasting any time as they got their preparations underway yesterday at the ZIFA Village.

A 26-member-squad composed mainly of the players who clashed with Namibia in the first round got into camp on Wednesday for their tie against Zambia.

The Mighty Warriors will get their ball rolling in this final qualification round to the continental football showpiece away in Lusaka on June 6.

The return leg will be played on June 10 at Rufaro and the winners will join seven other countries in Ghana later this year for the tournament.

The senior women’s side did not waste any time as they got down to serious business yesterday at the ZIFA Village, where they went through fitness drills with coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda pleased with the positive response from her charges.

Sibanda said her charges are motivated after making it to the second round.

“These players are raring to go and at the end of the day that’s a plus. We don’t mind that our opponents have been there or whatever. But as long as the mentality is right, it will transfer to the physical side of it and I think we will be ready. The response was quite overwhelming, first session everyone in, it shows how eager they are for the game.

“Obviously, the experience will come into play but also the fact that the better part of the squad played in the Namibian match, they know what to expect, they know what we did to take us through that Namibia tie. From there they were looking forward to the Zambia game, already the mentality was that we were able to beat Namibia, we qualified to play Zambia and obviously in the mind they are waiting for that game,” said Sibanda.

Zimbabwe and Zambia have previously clashed twice in the final qualifying round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations.

Sibanda reckons it’s not going to be an easy assignment but is convinced with most of the experienced players forming the backbone of the squad they can take whatever challenge Zambia throw at them.

“Teams are improving with each day and with each competition. But it doesn’t mean we are also stagnant, we are also improving. We have started camp our players’ response is quite overwhelming. They are raring to go, so we have got a positive mind, the attitude is positive, the attitude is good. So I would say we are expecting a good game against Zambia. At the end of the day our aim is to do well against Zambia and find ourselves in Ghana,” said Sibanda.

With chief striker Rutendo Makore back in the squad after missing the first round tie, it’s also a boost for the side.

But coach Sibanda made it clear she will have to fight for her place in the team just like any other player.

Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai, Manyara Mandara, Shebba Rauli.

Defenders: Nobuhle Majika, Lynette Mutokuto, Sheila Makoto, Edeline Mutumbami, Patience Masitara, Sithembile Nyoni, Nobukhosi Ncube, Tabeth Mutinhiri, Sarudzai Chikowore.

Midfielders: Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Daisy Kaitano, Felistas Muzongondi, Mavis Chirandu, Marjory Nyaumwe, Vimbai Mharadzi, Kudzai Chiparausha.

Strikers: Rutendo Makore, Erina Jeke, Berita Kabwe, Susan Nyama, Maudy Mafuruse, Tafadzwa Tsunguro.