Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA board elections will be held in December following a proclamation by the association’s electoral committee that also announced that nominations for its four affiliates, including the Premier Soccer League, opens today.

Zifa electoral committee chairperson Vusilizwe Vuma indicated in a notice that the dates may be changed due to the country’s impending general elections that will be held on July 30.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association electoral committee would like to advise Zifa affiliates, stakeholders, and the public at large, that it has finalised the Zifa electoral road map, in accordance with the Zifa constitution and electoral code. Please kindly note that the committee is mindful of the impending national election and may change the published dates accordingly, where and when justified,” said Vuma.

According to the road map, national beach, futsal, PSL and the national women nomination papers will open today and are expected to close on June 15, with members of the affiliates going for elections on July 14. The four are expected to hold their meetings on June 19 as part of the preparatory process.
Area Zones’ nomination process opens on June 4 and will close on June 18, with elections expected on the weekend of July 21-22.

Provincial nominations for men’s and women’s elections will open on July 23 and close on August 6, with elections set for September 1.

Regional nominations for men and women will open on September 3 and close on September 17, while elections have tentatively been set for October 14.

The Zifa executive committee nominations will open on October 16 and close on October 30, while elections will be held on December 1.

Mark Harrison

Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
HARARE City coach Mark Harrison wants his players to forget about their loss to leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars and focus their attention on Highlanders whom they face in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League duel at Rufaro tomorrow.

The capital club suffered their second defeat in 14 matches when they crashed to a 1-3 defeat at the hands of unbeaten pacesetters in Mhondoro last week.

And Harrison has demanded a response from his charges as he seeks redemption.

City are fifth on the table with 24 points in 14 games and will leapfrog Bosso if they find a way past Madinda Ndlovu’s men who are third on the standings with 26 points.

Harrison said his team’s failure to outwit Ngezi was as a result of some blunders.

“Yes, we lost our previous match against Ngezi Platinum Stars but what is important is our ability to lift ourselves up and rectify the mistakes that we made in that game and try to bounce back,” said Harrison.

“I have told the players that you make mistakes but what you do next after making mistakes is what is important. So Saturday’s encounter against Highlanders is very important. We will try to win the game. I think it will be quiet an entertaining game because Highlanders like entertaining football like we do.

“But I think we will win at the end of the day not Highlanders, because we are looking to bounce back. I have challenged the boys to lift their game and I am sure they will do that and we will get a positive result.”

The Sunshine City Boys will welcome back centreback Munyaradzi Diro-Nyenye who missed last week’s match at Baobab due to suspension.

Learnmore Muyambo twinned with Raymond Uchena at the heart of defence in Diro-Nyenye’s absence last Sunday.

“Raymond (Uchena) and Munyaradzi (Diro-Nyenye) have had a good partnership in the back so far this season and I am happy Diro-Nyenye is now back in the team after he missed the match against Ngezi Platinum Stars through suspension,” said Harrison.

The English gaffer will also be forced, just like last weekend, to hand one of his fringe players Gareth Madhake a starting berth in the absence of Takudzwa Chimwemwe who is in South Africa for the Cosafa Cup with the Warriors.

“Takudzwa (Chimwemwe) is out with the national team but look we have no choice but to try and bring young Gareth (Madhake) who will fill that position.
‘’He is a talented boy and has been waiting for his opportunity so I think he will be eager to shine and I am sure he will,” said Harrison.

The Englishman said his squad has impressed him and will not be very active in the mid-season transfer window but hinted he could sign one player if his executive agree.

“Look, we have one more slot in our squad. There is one player I want to bring here but I will have to talk to my executive first. We have had an impressive first half of the season so I am not under any pressure to beef up the squad. If you try to make too many changes, you can upset the balance so it’s not something that I am stressed about. Just one player could come in but if that doesn’t happen there is no problem because I have a balanced squad,” he said.

Amini Soma-Phiri

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WITH three match days left before the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season reaches the halfway stage, two Southern Region teams Bulawayo Chiefs and Bulawayo City are precariously dabbling in the relegation zone.

City are second from the bottom of the league table with 10 points from 14 games, two points above bottom side Mutare City Rovers, while Chiefs occupy 15th position, the last relegation slot, with 12 points.

The Southern Region is in danger of losing two teams at the end of the season, adding to five clubs lost from topflight football in two seasons. Tsholotsho, Bantu Rovers and Hwange were axed from the topflight at the end of the 2017 season.

Tsholotsho, Bantu Rovers and Hwange found themselves failing to climb out of the drop zone for long period until they finally got the chop alongside Harare City.

Luckily for Harare City, they returned to the PSL without kicking a ball in the First Division after How Mine folded.

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.

They have now gone for seven games without a win, only managing three points from three draws.

Chiefs are left with tricky games, starting with Sunday’s encounter with log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars at Luveve Stadium, followed by a local derby against Highlanders and a game against ZPC Kariba before the mid-season break.

These three games will be key in their survival fight heading into the final lap. The mid-season break starts after Match Day 17 on the weekend of June 16-17 up to July 7. The mid-season transfer window opens on July 1 and Chiefs will get a chance to beef up its squad to fight for survival.

One key area that Chiefs have to strengthen is the strike force, as they have been forced to play most matches without outright strikers, following injuries to their front men. Captain Kundishora Chakanyuka, Dylan Chivandire, Mgcini Mpofu and Farawu Matare have all been sidelined by injuries.

Chiefs’ executive will also have to find means to motivate their players, who are surviving on “keep goings”, as financial challenges have struck the club.

On the other end, City, who fired coach Darlington Dodo and replaced him with Amini-Soma Phiri, have what looks like two relatively easy games from their remaining three matches before the halfway mark.

City are expected to pick maximum points tomorrow at home against Yadah and Match Day 17 fixture in Bulawayo against table anchors Mutare City Rovers. After Yadah, City heads to Harare for a tough encounter with Caps United.

Phiri is confident of saving City and has won one out of the four games that he has been in charge of. He has also spoken about the desire to offload five players to make way for the same number to bolster his squad.

While City and Chiefs struggle, Highlanders and Chicken Inn occupy third and fourth positions respectively on the log.

Fixtures

Today: Black Rhinos v Chicken Inn (National Sports Stadium)

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

Sunday: 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)
— @ZililoR

NIGERIA may not be favourites for the World Cup, but they seem to have won fans over with their new kit for Russia.

Three million people pre-ordered replica shirts, according to the Nigeria Football Federation, and shoppers queued outside Nike’s flagship store in London yesterday to try to get their hands on the clothing.

The home and away shirts, priced at £64.95, were sold out on the sportswear giant’s website soon after they were released.

Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi is among the players who modelled the kit, which was first revealed back in February, along with Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi, who wore a branded bucket hat and jacket for the promotional photos.

The makers describe the home kit as a “subtle homage to Nigeria’s ‘94 shirt, with its eagle wing-inspired black-and-white sleeve and green torso”.

The away kit, meanwhile, is a “cool, refined vision” of a classic full-green strip.

Nigeria are set to wear their new shirt when they face England in their World Cup warm-up game at Wembley on Saturday. — BBC Sport

Joey Antipas

Tadious Manyepo, Harare Bureau
Black Rhinos 2-1 Chicken Inn
IN-FORM Black Rhinos striker Vincent Mhandu scored one and engineered the other as he inspired the army side to a deserved victory over inconsistent Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premiership contest at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

Wellington Taderera scored the other goal for the hosts after a blunder by goalkeeper Pride Zendera while Moses Jackson grabbed a consolation for the visitors.

Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa was a happy man but warned his charges against getting carried away.

“It’s a good sign that we are getting there. We are having a good run but we should keep working hard. We are in the league not to make numbers but to challenge any opponent. It’s good that we have managed to beat one of the serious title contenders and actually one of the favourites,’’ he said.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas, whose team suffered a second defeat on the trot, slammed his charges.

“We are blowing hot and cold,” said Antipas.

“The players need to step up their act. We did not fight. Football is all about fighting but there was no fighting in the team today. That happens in football but I need to read the riot act because players should play the game. Our attitude to the game was not up to scratch and we also applied ourselves badly.’’

Teams
Black Rhinos: A Rayners, M Mambare (A Mbara 86th min) F Banda, B Homora, S Jimu, D Mudadi, W Kapinda, T Jaravani, V Mhandu (E Chigiji 83rd min), W Taderera (N Padzarondora 83rd min) L Chiunga

Chicken Inn: P Zendera, P Bernard, C Samakweri (O Tarumbwa 46th min) G Goddard, M Jackson, I Mucheneka (K Nasama 86th min), S Munawa, C Matawu, X Ndlovu,G Majika (D Nyandoro 65th min), O Chirinda

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO provincial baseball team vice captain Eldon Mudzingwa is convinced his side can beat Harare province when the two clash in a three-match series that begins at Hamilton High School tomorrow.

The series is set to produce explosive baseball action and fans are therefore guaranteed a treat. It will be the fourth series this year with Bulawayo leading 2-1.

“We are certainly looking forward to the series. Morale in camp is very high. I believe the boys are ready for the challenge ahead. It is going to be tough but we have to rise up to the challenge if we are to win the series. We are going to be playing at home so we hope to use that to our advantage. We want fans to come in their numbers and support the team,” said Mudzingwa.

Japanese coach Naoki Taniyama is working with the Bulawayo team in what should be a lift for the home squad.

The hosts will pin their hopes of a series victory on the likes of national team players Shepherd Sibanda, Hloniphani Ngulube and Brandon Majobo.

Entry into the venue will be free with fans guaranteed lots of fun in the form of jumping castles for children and a braai.

Bulawayo squad
Brandon Majobo, Hloniphani Ngulube, Kelvin Makombe, Eldon Mudzingwa, Shepherd Sibanda, Shingirayi Chiwayula, Given Chimba, Cuthbert Nyamangara, Bukhosibenkosi Ncube, Learnmore Takaedza, Tapiwa Mutare, Emmanuel Moyo, Advance Sesedza, Mduduzi Ndlovu, Erick Dube, Misheck Zaranyika, Romeo Pirikisi, Takudzwa Mondo, Langton Zhuwawo, Dalubuhle Ndlovu.
— @innocentskizoe

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ALL is set for the inaugural Old Mutual Nkulumane Half Marathon which is on tomorrow.

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

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

“Preparations have gone well and as we have said before, the event this year will be big. We have had athletes from across the country enquiring about the event so we expect top athletes from all over said the Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Manuel Mpofu.

He said the meet has remained a favourite of the athletes due to the hilly nature of the route that has several steep rises making it a good terrain for athletes.

Sponsors, Old Mutual have set aside $10 300 for this year’s rebranded Nkulumane Half Marathon.

Winners of the 21km race for both men and women will walk away $700 richer while runners-up and third-placed athletes will get $500 and $300 respectively.

The winner in the wheelchair category will get $500, while second and third-placed athletes will get $300 and $200.

In the 10km race, the winners will get $200 for the seniors and $100 for juniors.

Independent runner Canicious Nyamutsa won the men’s 10km run last year, beating a host of experienced runners that included Kadoma-based Jacob Mugomeri of Zimpost, who came second and Misheck Sithole who 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 support big races in South Africa such as the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades, also bankroll the Vumba Half Marathon, Harare Marathon, Chitungwiza 10km Fun Run and the Westgate Half Marathon.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
IN a bid to promote participation and playing of netball by men in the country, a new Zimbabwe Male Netball Association national executive has been formed.

The six member committee is headed by  Ramssey Kasawaya and Daniel Arthur Dauya is his vice.

Emmanuel  Kazomba is the secretary general while Billy Mabvadya will take care of the association’s finances with the fixtures secretary post going to Sanele Ndlovu.

“It’s for the first time in Zimbabwe, we want to promote and develop men’s netball in Zimbabwe. We want it to be recognised even in schools. At the moment we have eight clubs nationally,” said the association’s secretary general Simplicio Rolihlahla Moyo.

The eight inaugural teams of the new league are Goldreef, Panthers (Bulawayo), Sparrows, Predators (Harare), Platinum Kings (Zvishavane), Blues Stars (Shamva),  Kwekwe and Maphisa.

“We are going to have our league launch in August,” said Moyo.

The new league is expected to be an affiliate of the Glow Petroleum funded Rainbow Amateur Netball League.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ONLY three teams in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Darts League are yet to drop points after four rounds of matches with Value Gas sponsored Archers topping the table by virtue of more singles won.

On Second position is Highlanders who have registered 99 singles wins compared to Archers’ 102 while Queens have 90 singles wins.

Archers have lost 42 individual battles compared to  Highlanders’ 47 and Queens’ 54 losses respectively to see the three teams on four points each.

This week, Archers were ruthless, getting past Parkview Lions 23-6 while Highlanders beat Bellevue 27-12 to keep track of the leaders but it was not a good outing for Queens who lost to seasoned campaigners Railstars 28-11.

Bellevue and Khami are the only two sides yet to post a win in this campaign and need to up their game.

Meanwhile, the province will this weekend hold trials to select their provincial teams for the upcoming National Darts Association of Zimbabwe (Ndaz) run Heroes tournament set for Bindura in August.

“Our trials will be held at Raylton Sports Club starting at 2pm today. We will be selecting our men and women’s provincial teams for the upcoming nationals that will be held in Bindura over the Heroes holidays,” said the Bulawayo Metropolitan Darts Association organizing secretary general Lethukuthula Nkomo who also plays for Highlanders.
Results: Mass 23-16 Been There, Bosso 27-12 Bellevue , Railstars 28-11 Queens , Parkview Lions 6-23 Archers, How Mine 19-20 Zimbabwe School of Mines, Khami 14-25 Parkview Khanka

Ovidy Karuru

Petros Kausiyo in POLOKWANE, South Africa
OVIDY Karuru set the Cosafa Cup alight last year and he returns to the tournament again tomorrow with a rallying call for his Warriors to be ruthless and professional in their approach.

The Warriors are favourites to defend their crown.

“We travelled well and did not face any challenges with the luxury bus that took us from Harare to the South African side of the border after which we then shifted onto the bus that had been sent by Cosafa,’’ said Karuru.

“In terms of team building and understanding each other we are fine now, what made the road trip shorter was that we cracked jokes along the way and we had smooth passage on both ends of the border.

“After spending some time together I think we know each other better now and the fitness levels are very high and we are ready to go. We are ready for anyone we will face.’’

The Warriors skipper felt they were better prepared for the Cosafa tournament than they were for the Four-Nation invitational tournament in Ndola, which included Angola, South Africa and the hosts.

“When we played Angola in Zambia, we didn’t have enough time to gel but still dominated them but just didn’t utilise our chances and we then lost on penalties.

“Against Botswana on Independence Day I did not play but I heard that we also created some good chances which we didn’t utilise and we got punished. At the moment it is not about personal records but the country. The country comes first and then the rest will follow. In fact, the records are for the statisticians to take care of. If the team wins the record is for Zimbabwe and my focus is on helping my teammates to achieve that. I am not even under pressure to score because my main job is to create the opportunities for the strikers.’’

With many teams in the region using this year’s tournament to prepare for the resumption of their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns in September, Karuru said the Warriors were bracing for stiffer competition in Polokwane.

“We have to be ready to play the best teams that are here because everyone is preparing for the Afcon and that is why our coach also called up some Afcon players. We need to make sure that we get it right from here. Of course, some of the players like Knowledge, Costa and Marvelous didn’t make it but it is an opportunity for the new guys to also prove themselves.

“We might have had a lot of changes from last year’s squad but we are not short of experience. We have guys like Tino Kadewere who is doing well in Europe, Khama who has played bigger stages than the Cosafa and Evans Rusike. We just have to be professional about it and make sure we make Zimbabwe proud again,’’ Karuru said.

The Warriors had their first major workout late afternoon while a group of Zimbabweans based in Polokwane, and led by businessman Laston Murerwa, organised a welcome dinner for them.

Vitalis Takawira

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ANOTHER Dynamos legend has called on the club leadership to take a serious introspection of itself instead of always blaming the coaches for the team’s shambolic performance.

The US- based former hitman, Vitalis ‘Digital’ Takawira said it was worrying that a team with a rich history as Dynamos could be in such financial dire straits to an extent of failing to have pre-season match balls.

In April, Takawira’s former teammates Chamu Musanhu and Memory Mucherahowa, now based in the United Kingdom raised the red flag and said the once glamorous Harare side risked relegation if serious measures are not taken as a matter of urgency.

“Things are falling apart, we need operation restore legacy,” said Musanhu.

Mucherahowa, one of the finest midfielders to emerge from the Glamour Boys, said greed and hunger for power was the main reason why their boyhood club is in this mess.

“There is a big problem at Dynamos right now. Things are not looking good and people shouldn’t just fold hands. Dynamos  needs to be run like a professional team. What should be done now is to change the whole structure at the top. Dynamos is moving backwards just because of a few individuals who either think they can turn things around or they are greed using this institute as their private business. Things need to change right away like yesterday,” said the player nicknamed Mwendamberi.

He said it was becoming increasingly clear that unless some action is done, relegation was a matter of time adding that the technical team might just be caught in an unfortunate scenario when the real culprits are hiding in their offices.

“Its not like hakuna some other people who can run that club. We know some people are interested but they are always being blocked by these people at the top. I do receive a lot of calls from people who want to help Dynamos right now but I know it’s a waste of time,  it has got more to do with the board and executive. I dont now how good Mutasa (Lloyd) is but he is the same man who nearly got it last season. But look, the season starts when dynamos do not have even a single ball. Where did the money from NetOne go? That team has got potential let other people run it,” said Mucherahowa.

Speaking from his base in the US, Takawira conceded that their boyhood club was in shambles, describing the situation as the worst in the history of the club.

“On my beloved Dynamos it’s not a secret that the team is in shambles, this is the worst situation the team has ever been. How can a club as big as Dynamos fail to have training soccer balls? The club owes players money  and they can’t feed players on game days. When the team loses guess whose fault is it,- the poor coach. So l think we need to start looking at the top, the administrators should be held accountable instead of blaming the coaches every time there is a problem,” said Takawira.

He said it was high time the team invested heavily on the juniors.

“l am a great believer in juniors, l came from the club juniors, look at the players who graduated from the juniors and made an impact at the club. The club needs to start investing in juniors,” said Takawira who is also an Under-10 and 11 juniors coach at SC Waukesha Soccer Academy in US.

Bosso’s Nigel Makumbe tussles for possession with Black Rhinos’ seasoned winger Masimba Mambare at Barbourfields Stadium in this file photo.

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS are set to be boosted by the return of exciting midfielder Nigel Makumbe when they clash with Harare City at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.

The midfielder, who is on loan from FC Platinum, had a blistering start to the season providing assists for Bosso’s first four goals. He was largely influential in the creation of opportunities with his dribbling wizardry, ability to penetrate opposition defence, good corner kicks and intelligent passes thereby making him a vital cog in Bosso’s play.

Makumbe, who has recovered from an ankle injury he suffered against Shabanie Mine in April, is expected to have an instant impact in today’s game.

Harare City are fifth on the table with 24 points in 14 games and will leapfrog Bosso if they find a way past the Bulawayo giants who are third on the standings with 26 points.

“We are boosted by the return of Nigel. He has been doing well at training and not showing any sign of pain anymore. His come back will give us a different direction in our play, he is our playmaker, an intelligent player and can carry the team on his shoulders. He is our trump card for the weekend game,” said Highlanders coach Madinda Ndlovu.

The trio of speedy winger, Gabriel Nyoni, who sustained injuries to his ribs during the 1-0 derby win against Bulawayo City, striker Thabo Lunga and centre back Tendai Ndlovu are still out.

Ndlovu said they would have to look for a makeshift left back as the two players who play in that position, captain Honest Moyo and Mbongeni Ndlovu have also been sidelined by injury.

The coach though he heaped praise on young defender, Andrew Mbeba and striker, Ray Lunga, admitted his strikeforce has been blunt.

“While we are building this team in order to make a strong entity, we are at the sametime looking at where we are not coming to the party. Certainly nobody can deny that we are slightly blunt upfront because we are missing a number of chances that we are creating. The players showed that they have improved in terms of mental strength when we played against Chapungu but I still feel they can be stronger than that. We could have lost to Chapungu but they fought until they got that equaliser and even wanted to get a winner. That is the kind of spirit that we want in our team,” said Ndlovu.

Harare City coach Mark Harrison told our sister paper the Herald that his side will be gunning for three points against Bosso.

“Yes, we lost our previous match against Ngezi Platinum Stars but what is important is our ability to lift ourselves up and rectify the mistakes that we made in that game and try to bounce back,” said Harrison.

“I have told the players that you make mistakes but what you do next after making mistakes is what is important. So the encounter against Highlanders is very important. We will try to win the game. I think it will be quiet an entertaining game because Highlanders like entertaining football like we do.

“But I think we will win at the end of the day not Highlanders because we are looking to bounce back. I have challenged the boys to lift their game and I am sure they will do that and we will get a positive result.”
— @innocentskizoe

Norman Mapeza

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ALL eyes will be on the two Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title favourites Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum who face tricky opponents this weekend.

FC Platinum, second on the table with 35 points after 14 games have an opportunity to close in on Ngezi and go level on 38 points should they beat Shabanie Mine in a potentially exciting Zvishavane derby.

Defending champions FC Platinum need a win against Shabanie Mine to keep within touching distance of Ngezi who they face in their next assignment.
The bragging rights are at stake when FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine faceoff because the platinum miners besides wanting to keep their title defence hopes alive, will also be out to maintain their dominance over their noisy neighbours. FC Platinum have won five of their 10 league games against Shabanie Mine, losing once and drawing four.

The precarious position that Shabanie Mine finds themselves in makes them dangerous to FC Platinum as they are playing for survival. Shabanie Mine are third from the bottom of the table with 12 points.

The players that Shabanie Mine have to keep a close eye on to avoid joining FC Platinum’s casualty list are overlapping wingbacks Raphael Muduviwa and Elvis Moyo, winger Rahman Kutsanzira who has been enjoying a new lease of life, reigning Soccer Star of the Year Rodwell Chinyengetere and Edwin Madanhanga.

Shabanie Mine will pin hopes on goalkeeper Petros Moyo, defenders Lloyd Manyande, Nyasha Mpofu and Benjamin Makundu as well as the midfield trio of Ali Maliselo, Joe Nyabinde and Trevor Ajana.

Striker David temwanjira who has banged seven goals in 14 games as well as Romeo Pakamisa will lead Shabanie’s attack.

Meanwhile, a near full-house is expected at Luveve Stadium tomorrow when Ngezi make their first visit to the City of Kings.

Ngezi are on a 14-match unbeaten run and questions are being asked as to which teams will be able to stop the leaders?

Ngezi just look unstoppable and the odds don’t favour Chiefs in tomorrow’s encounter.

Last year Ngezi won four out of their six visits to Bulawayo, losing once to Highlanders and drawing 0-0 with Chicken Inn. Ngezi beat Tsholotsho 4-1, defunct How Mine 2-1, Bulawayo City and Bantu Rovers by identical 1-0 scorelines.

Bulawayo soccer enthusiasts who are yet to see Ngezi in action are likely to come in their numbers at Luveve Stadium and might rally behind Chiefs with the hope that the relegation threatened side pulls a great act similar to the one they did when they handed FC Platinum their only defeat of the season on Match Day Seven played on 21 April. Chiefs won the game 2-0.

Since then, Chiefs’ form has been plunging and they have gone for seven games without a win, only picking three points from draws during the process.

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

Polite Moyo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Marvin Mkolo and Andrew Tandi will be trusted 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 the midfield. Tichaona Chipunza, Walter Mukanga, Xolisani Moyo, Godknows Murwira and Tichaona Mabvura have taken turns to hold Ngezi’s midfield, ensuring that their defenders are protected and their forwards get clean supply.

Brighton Manhire, Perfect Chikwende, Gracious Muleya and Arthur Musiyiwa will be trusted to stand up to Ngezi’s midfielders.

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

Tomorrow: 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)
— @ZililoR

Massimiliano Allegri

Real Madrid stepped up attempts to fill their vacant manager position as club president Florentino Perez “rang Massimiliano Allegri to offer him the job”.

The Juventus manager has been admired by officials in Madrid for a number of years and he sits high up a shortlist drawn up to replace Zinedine Zidane.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport revealed that Allegri was contacted by Perez on Friday with suggestions that Zidane could head to Turin if Allegri opts to leave for Spain.

Allegri has been in charge of the Old Lady since 2014 and has enjoyed success both domestically and in Europe — leading the club to two Champions League finals.

Those ended in defeat to Barcelona and then Real Madrid but he has carved out a reputation as one of the game’s finest managers.

The Italian remains under contract in Turin until 2020 and with Madrid’s pressing need to have a new manager in place, Los Blancos would need to pay upwards of £12 million to secure him from his contract.

Tuttosport suggest that Juventus are more likely to push for a move at the end of next season — allowing Zidane to take 12 months as a sabbatical.

Zidane would be a popular appointment should Allegri depart having represented the Italian side during his illustrious playing career.

With the World Cup to commence in nine days, Madrid want a new manager in place as soon as possible and have been cited as holding interest in Mauricio Pochettino, Joachim Low and 30-year-old Hoffenheim manager, Julian Nagelsmann. — SportsMail

Serena Williams during a press conference.

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the French Open shortly before she was due on Philippe Chatrier Court to face Maria Sharapova in a much-anticipated fourth round showdown.

The 36-year-old 23-time grand slam champion, playing in her first slam since the 2017 Australian Open after maternity leave, told a news conference in Paris she had a pectoral muscle injury.

“Unfortunately I’m having some issues with my pec muscle. Right now I can’t actually serve so it’s kind of hard to play,” she said.

Williams also revealed that she will have an MRI scan today and was non-committal on her Wimbledon prospects.

“It’s very difficult,” Williams added. “I love playing Maria. I’ve made every sacrifice I could. I made a commitment to myself and my team that if I wasn’t at least 60 percent I wouldn’t play. I’ve never felt this in my life. It’s so painful.

“I’m beyond disappointed. I gave up so much from time with my daughter and time with my family all for this moment. So it’s really difficult to be in this situation.”

Williams played in the women’s doubles with sister Venus yesterday.

“I thought [doubles] was a perfect opportunity to see how I was going. I tried a lot of different tapings and support. It didn’t get a lot better.”

Sharapova will now play either Garbiñe Muguruza or Lesia Tsurenko in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal continued his birthday celebrations by moving into the French Open quarterfinals yesterday, beating a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4).

Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson.

After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest.

Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer’s backhand went long. — The Guardian/ Reuters

KAIZER Chiefs legend, Mark Williams, believes Khama Billiat would be an ideal acquisition for his former club.

The Zimbabwe international is set to leave Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the month after opting against renewing his contract with the Tshwane giants.

This has led to much speculation surrounding his future with some of the biggest Absa Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs, including Amakhosi, having been linked with the 27-year-old’s services.

Meanwhile, the Soweto giants have already made their intentions known that they intend on bolstering their squad in order to avoid going a fourth consecutive season without silverware, and Williams is adamant that Chiefs should look to Billiat in order to turn their fortunes around.

The former Ajax Cape Town star has also been linked with moves to Europe, with Azerbaijan side Qarabag having previously tabled an offer.

“It is very interesting, I would like to see where he is going to go because I mean Chiefs need to get some silverware and a player like Khama can add value to their team,” Williams told Vodacom Soccer.

Williams though believes that if Chiefs do sign Billiat, he should be utilised behind the striker as a playmaker.

“Maybe if he goes to Chiefs they will put him behind the strikers and not as a striker like at Sundowns, where they play with a lot of pace,” he added.

“There is a need for Chiefs to buy quality players going into the new season and Khama has that experience having played a big part in the success of Sundowns in recent years,” he continued.

“He has been one of the great players in our league and for me it would be nice because what Chiefs needs is youth and top quality players,” he concluded.

Nonetheless, with Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane still eager to keep hold of his talisman it remains to be seen just where Billiat will end up. — Goal.com

Manuel Mpofu

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) has apologised for the gaffe that saw athletes running 19km instead of the intended 21.1km of the inaugural Old Mutual Nkulumane Half Marathon on Sunday.

Bab chairman Manuel Mpofu said they will address problems that led to Sunday’s blunder and are already working on ensuring it doesn’t happen again.

“As a board, we would like to apologise to the athletes and our sponsors for the error in judgment regarding the route distance for the event last Sunday,” said Mpofu.

He said they had taken note of the bungling in distance through athletes’ feedback and have decided to change the route to a circular one for the 2019 Old Mutual Nkulumane Half Marathon following the embarrassment of Sunday’s inaugural edition.

Bab, Mpofu said, will engage athletes and sponsors in identifying and measuring the distance for next year’s race. He said they would also use GPS technology in addition to the perambulator (measuring wheel) to ensure that the 2019 half marathon is 21.1km.

“A circular route will allow us to have a suitable route for our athletes. We are eager to see this event grow, so we will work hard to ensure that it grows with each passing year. It is our hope that one day the race will develop and expand into a full marathon event recognised by the IAAF(International Association of Athletics Federations),” said Mpofu.

Bab has been administering the Old Mutual Nkulumane races, which were previously 5km and 10km fun runs.

The half marathon was introduced this year to attract the country’s top runners, but it was soiled by the incompetence of Bab officials to measure the proper 21.1km distance, despite prior warning that the verified official route fell short.

Sponsors, Old Mutual, set aside $10 300 for this year’s rebranded half marathon with prizes being doled out in 14 categories.

Minister Paul Mavima

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
SOME provinces are yet to receive teaching and learning material made available by the Government in February, a development that severely disadvantages affected learners under the new education curriculum.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Professor Paul Mavima said he was shocked to learn that simple distribution of available material was holding up delivery. In February, Prof Mavima launched the teaching and learning materials distribution programme targeting nearly 5 000 vulnerable rural schools.

In an interview on Friday, Prof Mavima cited Matabeleland North and Manicaland as some of the provinces that have not received the textbooks, four months after they were availed. “I went to Mashonaland West and I found out that all the districts had received. I went to Manicaland province I found that the schools have not received the books. I came here and I found out that Matabeleland North has not received them,” he said.

Prof Mavima said he was moving across the country to ensure that all the schools have received the books.

He said a delay in distribution of the books has a detrimental impact to the country’s education sector.

“The damage has already been done. It’s not a good thing not to have teaching and learning materials. It’s detrimental to the quality of education in the country. But it’s something that we have resolved. It’s not a good thing that we had not distributed these teaching and learning materials and we have to correct it as fast as possible,” he said.

“Now it’s an operational issue, to make sure that those trucks have gone to the districts, and the districts will make sure that there is distribution to every school.”

Prof Mavima said the Government is moving towards the second phase of the distribution exercise to ensure schools have enough teaching and learning material going into 2019. He said the Government was impressed that some schools have grasped what is expected of them in the implementation of the new curriculum.

He said some of the schools are now involved in profit-making projects generating up to $100 000 annually. “We have very excellent schools that we are identifying as champion schools. Schools that are taking their own initiative to implement our new curriculum to the fullest, coming up with practical projects that serve as arenas for instruction for the education of our learners under the new curriculum and the same projects generate resources for schools,” he said.

“We have schools that are earning up to $100 000 per annum from their own projects. And these projects are also facilitating effective learning and we are getting more and more schools doing that.”

Prof Mavima said Founders High School in Bulawayo is one of the schools that is successfully implementing the new curriculum.

He said some schools are, however, failing to implement it and should learn from successful schools.

@nqotshili

Rutendo Makore

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
MIGHTY Warriors’ chief striker, Rutendo Makore, says it’s all about teamwork going into their first leg of the final qualifying round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia tomorrow in Lusaka.

The senior women side left for Zambia yesterday ahead of their first leg match tomorrow at Nkoloma Stadium.

They will then host their neighbours at Rufaro in the second leg on June 10.

Makore, who missed the first round of the qualifiers due to an injury, says teamwork is what they need going into tomorrow’s game.

“I can say I am just happy to be back in the Mighty Warriors set-up. The last time I was injured and I was frustrated because I was not there for the Namibia game.

‘’But right now I am back and everyone is happy, we are working as a team.

“We are looking at just working as a team, it’s all about teamwork from the technical team and to the players,” said Makore.

With coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda retaining most of the regular faces for the Zambia encounter, Makore believes it also counts since they know their strengths and weaknesses.

“We have been together for a long time, we know each other’s strength and weaknesses. So we need to utilise our strength to beat Zambia,” said Makore.

After spending almost six months at Sporting Club de Heuleva in Spain, Makore is also banking on a few lessons learnt during her stay in Europe.

“I had a great experience playing with people who have got the resources and football is just big there. There are no small teams in Spain and the players are technically good.

“So, in what I did and saw, there are some things I learnt and will showcase during the Zambia game. And I know my teammates will help me,” Makore said.

The 25-year-old striker has become a key player for the Mighty Warriors and last year she claimed the golden boot at the Cosafa Women’s championships in Bulawayo.

“We are not underrating them because they are a strong team…but we are going there as a team and try to qualify,” said Makore.

Team

Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai, Shebba Rauli.

Defenders: Nobuhle Majika, Lynett Mutukuto, Sheila Makoto, Sithembile Nyoni, Nobukhosi Ncube.

Midfielders: Talent Mandaza (captain), Emmaculate Msipa, Daisy Kaitano, Felistas Muzongondi, Mavis Chirandu, Marjory Nyaumwe.

Strikers: Rutendo Makore, Erina Jeke, Berita Kabwe, Maud Mafuruse, Tafadzwa Tsunguro.

Peter de Villiers

CAPE TOWN — Zimbabwe, under the guidance of former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, are preparing to continue their 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Rugby Africa Gold Cup will take place in two weekends’ time where six teams will take part in 15 matches.

Whoever finishes top of that log will advance to next year’s showpiece in Japan, while the second-placed side will advance to a repechage round with three other international teams in another round robin format where one side will secure the last World Cup qualification slot.

Zimbabwe begin their Gold Cup campaign by hosting Morocco on June 16, and De Villiers is happy with the preparation of the squad following a recently-completed training camp in Pretoria.

“85% of our players play in Zimbabwe and we have worked a lot on self-confidence,” De Villiers said.

The tournament ends on August 18.

Kenya, Namibia, Tunisia and Uganda are the other competing nations.

Zimbabwe last appeared at a Rugby World Cup in England. — Sport24