Philip Chiyangwa

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
THE United States of America, Canada and Mexico have sent their football envoys to Zimbabwe to drum up support ahead of next week’s Fifa Congress in Russia when the battle for the 2026 Fifa World Cup will be put to a vote.

The three countries have launched a United Bid to fend off the challenge from Morocco who are vying to bring back the football jamboree to the African soil for the second time after South Africa in 2010.

But the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football countries have teamed up with an ambitious bid with the United States, Mexico and Canada at the forefront to host the first 48-team World Cup.

The four officials, led by Canada FA president Steven Reed, Mexico FA president Decio de Maria, Jim Brown, who is the managing director of the united bid and communications expert Max Gleischman, arrived in the country yesterday.

They are set to meet Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa and other senior Government officials who also include Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo.

They were welcomed by Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda, board member Philemon Machana and Zifa chief executive Joseph Mamutse.

“They have come to present their bid to Zimbabwe. They will meet Zifa president (Chiyangwa) and other Government officials tomorrow (today).

“As Zimbabwe, we haven’t made a decision about who to vote for yet. Probably after they had met the president a decision could be made by the Zifa executive committee,” said Sibanda.

The United Bid team has been on a whirlwind tour across the world to drum up support.

The campaign trail has seen them making stops in over 170 countries.

Canada FA president Reed said it was necessary to make a combined bid since the 2026 World Cup is expected to be a huge event following the decision by Fifa  to add 16 more teams from 32 to 48 nations.

The trio of the Concacaf countries have since submitted their bid and are confident of upstaging Morocco.

About 23 stadiums are under consideration to stage a record 80 games.

The United States will host 60 of the tournament’s matches, with Canada and Mexico hosting 10 games each.

The United States will host all  knockout games from the quarter-finals onwards.

The United Bid is expecting to generate $2.1 billion in ticket revenue, compared to $785 million in Morocco, plus an additional $300 million from TV.

“We are here to discuss the united bid for the Fifa World Cup 2026. So we want to tell them our story about this bid and the quality and merits of our bid and ask for their support.

“We started probably five years ago in considering our bid with the expansion (of the World Cup) from 32 countries to 48 countries.

‘’That’s when we came together as presidents of our respective federations because it’s difficult for one country to put on an event of that magnitude.

“Mr De Maria, myself and the president of the US federation and our predecessors decided that we will do this as a collaborative effort among the three federations.

“So we started maybe five years ago culminating in the submission of our bid to Fifa about 11 months ago,” said  Reed.

The United Bid is chaired by federation presidents of the three countries.

Mexico’s De Marcia said they are confident of securing the rights after covering all the continents, with the exception of the Oceania.

“We have been doing trips around the world. We have visited Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the only continent that we didn’t visit was Oceania.

“We are going to meet them in Russia at the Congress. So we have been explaining to all the countries, which are close to 170 countries, what our project is, the purpose of our project and I think we have a strong bid.

“We are looking to close it down in Moscow with a presentation to all the confederations on June 10-11.’’

Madinda Ndlovu

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ players responded to coach Madinda Ndlovu’s call to show mental strength with a gallant show away to Harare City on Saturday.

Bosso, who are third on the table with 29 points, nine behind joint leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum, had to play for the better part of the second half with 10 players after defender Andrew Mbeba was red carded in the 47th minute.

At the time of Mbeba’s sending off, the score line was 1-1. Godfrey Makaruse had given Bosso a ninth minute lead before Wilfred Muvirimi equalised three minutes later.

Harare City, whose movement on and off the ball is remarkable, were expected to run over a 10-man Bosso, but Ndlovu’s boys played as unit and thwarted all City’s raids.

Highlanders were inspired by the return of midfielder Nigel Makumbe, who grabbed the winner, as Bosso stole maximum points.

Makumbe scored when Bosso had nine players on the pitch, as defender Bukhosi Ncube was receiving treatment in the 61st minute.

It is the ability to protect the lead against a Harare City side that was firing from all angles that was a marvel to watch. Bosso keeper Ariel Sibanda also made numerous saves from City’s raids to deny them at least a point.

What became clear on Saturday is that Highlanders play good and entertaining football when away from Barbourfields Stadium.

Bosso have been blowing hot and cold at Barbourfields, yet they raise their game on the road.

So far, Highlanders have played five matches outside Bulawayo, winning three, 2-0 against Herentals, 1-0 against Dynamos and 2-1 over Harare City. They lost 1-0 away to Ngezi and drew 0-0 against Yadah to take 10 points on the road from a possible 15.

What Highlanders’ players need in Bulawayo games is to have the same attitude they exhibit when playing away.

In as much as Ndlovu and the club insist that they’re not gunning for the championship, trailing leaders by nine points, which is three games, makes them outside contenders.

Highlanders’ next game is against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields and they wrap up the first half of the season with an away trip to FC Platinum.

Chiefs stunned Ngezi with a 1-0 win, becoming the first side to beat the log leaders this season. Gracious Muleya scored from the penalty spot to hand Chiefs their third win of the season which took them out of the relegation hellhole.

Tonderai Ndiraya

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars will appeal against the red card wrongly given to midfielder Xolisani Moyo by referee Hardly Ndazi in their 1-0 loss to Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium on Sunday.

The central midfielder, a vital cog in Tonderai Ndiraya’s side, was sent off in a case of mistaken identity in the 82nd minute, nine minutes after replacing Nelson Ketala.

Moyo was shown a direct red card instead of Michael Charamba, who had stamped on a Chiefs’ player in an off-the-ball incident, which was noted by assistant referee Emmanuel Mugwagwa.

“Be rest assured we are going to appeal the red card; I think it was unwarranted, (as) it was a case of mistaken identity. I hope the authorities will take the issue up and have the red card rescinded,” Ndiraya said.

He said Ngezi will use video footage obtained from “a fan” that was filming the game from the terraces to appeal Moyo’s dismissal.

However, the PSL quashed Ngezi’s hopes for reversal of Moyo’s expulsion by saying there is no room for an appeal against cards in the league’s rules and regulations.

“We stand guided by the rules and regulations of the competition. There are no provisions for an appeal of a card. Once a player is expelled, they automatically serve a two-match suspension,” said PSL communications officer Kudzai Bare.

Moyo is likely to be charged for unsporting conduct, with allegations that the midfielder broke a door handle of the referees’ dressing room.

According to sources, Moyo’s post-match incident happened in full glare of match commissioner Dennis Tshuma.

Bare said they will act on Moyo once they are in possession of the referee and match commissioner’s reports.

Tshuma confirmed that Moyo damaged the door.

“I can’t discuss what is in my report, but I can confirm to you that the handle of a door leading to the referees’ dressing room was damaged. Police, who were at the stadium, and the owners of the stadium were informed about the incident,” said Tshuma.

Moyo’s sending off and that of striker Clive Augusto has crippled Ngezi ahead of their top of the table clash with fellow miners, FC Platinum.

Besides the duo, Ngezi, who top the table tied on 38 points with FC Platinum, will also be without goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, who has accumulated three yellow cards.

“I think we have great depth in our team. We have quite a good squad this year and we’re not worried about what happened. But look, these are three players that face the prospect of not playing in the next match, but what can we do, this has happened. These are all good players who have been good for us this season. What’s really painful is the way Donovan got the yellow card. Look, I thought it was a 50/50 situation, but the referee was close and thought otherwise,” moaned Ndiraya.

“Those available should be able to compete and give us what we want. It’s going to be difficult; you tend to lose a bit of rhythm if you miss three of your best players from the starting XI. Yes, we have a disadvantage, but really it’s not something that we should be getting worried about,” he said.

Ndiraya also commended his players for their 14-match unbeaten run.

“First defeat after 15 games, and, of course, putting this game aside, I think we have had a good run as a team and would want to commend the players for what they did. I think we must keep our heads up and look forward to the next match against FC Platinum at home,” Ndiraya said.

Results
Friday: Black Rhinos 2-1 Chicken Inn
Saturday: FC Platinum 4-0 Shabanie Mine, Herentals 1-0 Nichrut, Harare City 1-2 Highlanders, Bulawayo City 3-3 Yadah
Sunday: Caps United 1-2 Mutare City Rovers, Chapungu 2-3 ZPC Kariba, Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 Ngezi Platinum Stars, Triangle United 3-0 Dynamos

Table
P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
Ngezi Platinum     15     12     2     1     26     5     21     38
FC Platinum     15     12     2     1     24     4     20     38
Highlanders     15     8     5     2     17     9     8     29
Triangle United     15     8     2     5     16     10     6     26
Chicken Inn     15     6     6     3     17     12     5     24
Harare City     15     6     6     3     15     13     2     24
Caps United     15     6     5     4     20     14     6     23
Black Rhinos     15     5     6     4     11     11     0     21
Herentials     15     4     6     5     7     11     -4     18
ZPC Kariba     15     4     6     5     11     17     -6     18
Bulawayo Chiefs     15     3     6     6     11     16     -5     15
Yadah FC     15     3     6     6     14     22     -8     15
Dynamos     15     3     5     7     11     18     -7     14
Nichrut     15     3     4     8     11     17     -6     13
Chapungu     15     3     4     8     11     19     -8     13
Shabanie Mine     15     2     6     7     14     26     -12     12
Mutare City     15     2     5     8     13     18     -5     11
Bulawayo City     15     3     2     10     15     21     -6     11
-@ZililoR

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
STRIKERS in the Zifa Southern Region Division One League are seemingly suffering from the Premiership syndrome of lack of potency.

The leading scorer in the Castle Lager Premiership is Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Terence Dzukamanja with eight goals from 15 games.

As the Southern Region Division One League heads into Week 10, its leading scorers have five goals. Defensive midfielder Tinashe Mthimkhulu, who is on loan at Tsholotsho from Chicken Inn, is joint top scorer with Talen Vision forward Ossie Miniru.

Strikers on four goals are of Talen Vision’s Grey Kufandada, Tatenda Ushe of Moto Moto and Makomo’s Morgan Mungombe.

Sports analyst Bekithemba Sibanda said lack of lethal strikers is a “nationwide” problem.

“People come to the stadium not only to see good football, but goals. The game has become too technical and at the end of the day it gets boring such that even talented players don’t explode,” said Sibanda.

“I think Zenzo Moyo (former Warriors and Highlanders’ striker) summed it up well when he said the problem is with club administrators, who are putting pressure on coaches. Maybe if coaches could allow players to freely express themselves, we might start seeing goals,” Sibanda said.

He also noted that First Division football has also been turned to a “kick and go” contest.

“Very few teams in Division One play entertaining football that starts with building from the back or other variations that make watching the game exciting. There’s too much power play in Division One as well as some PSL teams. That’s why you find either too many draws or slim wins,” said Sibanda.

Five games in the Southern Region Division One produced 0-0 draws this past weekend. Only  three goals were scored in Bosso 90’s 2-1 win over Tsholotsho.

Six other goals recorded at the weekend were via the “boardroom” due to walkovers. ZRP Bulawayo were walked over by Victoria Falls side Mosi Rovers, while Indlovu Iyanyathela were also blessed with three points on a 3-0 score line after Casmyn failed to turn up for their encounter.

Meanwhile, joint winners of the Nokel Security Southern Region Division One Top Goal Scorer of the Month for May, Dube and Ushe, will be presented with their awards at their next home games. The duo struck three goals each.

@ZililoR

London — Manchester United announced yesterday they have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian international midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk as Jose Mourinho seeks to topple reigning Premier League Champions Manchester City.

The 25-year-old will cost the English giants a reported fee of about £52 million and give Mourinho a powerful-looking midfield, with the Brazilian set to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

A statement on the club’s website said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred).

“A further announcement will be made in due course.”

United finished second in the Premier League behind City but were a whopping 19 points behind their fierce rivals.

And beating City to the signature of Fred, who was a target for the English champions in January, could prove to be a significant first step.

Fred caught the eye in Shakhtar’s run to the last-16 of the Champions League, where the Ukrainians only lost out on away goals to Roma.

A stunning free-kick in the first leg of that tie was a glimpse of what Fred’s talented left foot can produce.

However, he is far more of a creator than goalscorer as his record of just 15 goals in five years at Shakhtar suggests.

United are in need of midfield reinforcements with Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini out of contract.

Mourinho’s task will now be to harness Fred’s passing ability, while also finally getting the best out of Pogba in his third season since an £89 million move from Juventus.

Fred will hope to make the same impact on the Premier League as Brazilian international team-mates Willian and Fernandinho, who also arrived in England via spells with Shakhtar.

United fans are unlikely to get much of a glimpse of Fred at the World Cup in Russia, though, as he is yet to start an international under current coach Tite.

Handed his debut by Dunga in 2014, Fred’s international career was disrupted after testing positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the 2015 Copa America.

He was banned from international football for a year by South America’s governing body CONEMBOL, but only missed four months for Shakhtar as Fifa did not extend the ban to cover all confederations until February 2016.

Fred did not return to the national team until a 3-0 friendly win over Russia in March and Tite was keen for his transfer to be completed before the World Cup starts on June 14.

“Players are always thinking of their careers. What you say is please resolve it as soon as possible so we can get them focused back on the task in hand with the national team,” he said after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield.

“If I was a club manager, I would be looking to sign him.” — AFP

Abdelaziz Bougja

RUGBY Africa President Abdelaziz Bougja has warned all six teams eyeing the Rugby Africa Gold Cup that there will be no simple matches ahead of the kick-off on June 16.

The six-team competition will be played on a round-robin, home and away basis, with the winner joining South Africa at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The second team will go through the reperchage tourney organised by World Rugby with rivals from Asia, America and Europe to pick the final slot available.

“Each match is of importance given the format of these competitions,” Bougja told Xinhua on Monday.

“The winner of the tournament will be declared after the last matches on August 18, once the number of points obtained by each team is calculated.

“That’s why there’s no big or small game in this timetable; it’s a race to the finish line to open the door to the World Cup.”

Kenya will launch its title campaign against Morocco on June 23. New Zealand’s Ian Snook assisted by Murray Roulston took charge of the Kenyan team in April and have witnessed the potential at their disposal when they guided the team to a 34-16 win against Uganda in the Elgon Cup on May 26.

“It is a good result and there is talent that needs to be polished and bolstered for endurance run. We will change the playing style, but in general Kenya is on the right track in advance of their first Gold Cup match against Morocco,” said coach Snook.

South African Jaco Stoumann, who coaches the Tunisian team, is also hopeful of a good performance in the Africa Gold Cup.

“We haven’t fallen behind in our training programme, but we are taking a break for Ramadan. Two weeks before the start of the competition, we will resume training to be sure to give our best against Namibia,” he said.

Namibia are the defending champions and will open the show in Windhoek on June 16 against the Ugandans. Coach Phil Davies is under no illusions of the challenge ahead.

“This competition will be Namibia’s toughest World Cup qualifier for the last 10 years. Despite the challenge, we are confident because we have a very strong team with the talent, mindset and attitude needed to compete in this type of event,” said Davies.

Uganda coach John Duncan has warned their rivals to underrate the Cranes at their own peril.

“We have a training camp in Bloemfontein, South Africa. This camp will give us access to the expertise of coaches from the Cheetahs club to put the finishing touches on our preparations. We are eager to get out there and compete against the best in Africa,” says Duncan.

Zimbabwe, who are coached by South African Peter de Villiers, will debut in the World Cup qualifiers since 1991 and face the Moroccans under French coach Pierre Chadebech. The North Africans are newcomers to the Africa Gold Cup. — Infosurhoy.com

Mr Fullard Gwasira

Pamela Shumba/Richard Muponde, Senior Reporters
RESIDENTS in some parts of Bulawayo have gone for four days without electricity as the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) struggles to restore power due to technical faults that have affected underground high voltage cables.

The technical faults have caused a blackout in residential areas and frequent power outages in the Central Business District (CBD).

In a statement yesterday, ZETDC spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira apologised for the interruption of power supply, saying their technical team is working flat out to restore electricity.

“ZETDC would like to apologise to its valued customers in Steeldale Industrial Area, Thorngrove, parts of North End, Makokoba, Mzilikazi, northern parts of the Bulawayo CBD and the surrounding areas for the loss of power supplies.

“The loss of power supplies has been caused by technical faults that have affected underground high voltage cables. The ZETDC technical team is working flat out to restore supplies to the affected consumers,” said Mr Gwasira.

He advised customers to treat all electrical installations as live, as power could be restored without notice.

Affected residents have, however, expressed disappointment in the power utility, saying despite their repeated calls, nothing has been done to restore power.

“We’ve been in darkness for the past four days now and this is a long period considering that we have food stored in fridges. Despite our repeated calls we remain in darkness and this is not fair.

“I hope Zesa is working on restoring power because this is a huge inconvenience to most people. Now that we’re paying for electricity in advance, we should get a good service,” said Thomas Dlamini from Makokoba.

Business people operating in the CBD said the unexpected frequent power outages were affecting their businesses.

“I hope this fault is receiving urgent attention from the technical team at Zesa because these power outages are not safe. We’ll end up losing our valuables.

“I’m a fashion designer and I rely on electricity in my business. I’m therefore losing business due to the power outages,” said Ms Angeline Ncube.

Meanwhile, Plumtree Border Post was plunged into darkness for two days following theft of copper cables in Figtree on Sunday.

The theft occurred at the Cyrene High School area causing a blackout for a radius of over 80 kilometres around the border post, on the Zimbabwean side.

The blackout rippled to businesses in and around Figtree and Plumtree town and also affected Plumtree District Hospital’s operations.

Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Joram Sithole yesterday confirmed the theft.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of theft of copper conductors which happened around Cyrene High School area in Figtree on Sunday evening. The theft caused a power black out at Figtree, its surrounding areas and Plumtree Town,” said Asst Insp Sithole.

A source at Zesa said the suspected copper thieves stole over one kilometre of the copper cables, plunging the whole farming community of Figtree into darkness, including the popular Redwood Leisure Centre.

“These stolen cables were about 1200m and that’s our main supply to Figtree area and Plumtree including all the Mission Schools along the way, Cyrene and Usher High Schools respectively. The effects went as far as Plumtree Border Post, causing a security risk to the country.

That area should not be plunged into darkness at any given time, but unfortunately, it’s the work of some selfish individuals who only think of making quick money,” said the source.

“Everything has normalised. We managed to restore power after the police had finished their investigations at the scene.”

Zesa has been losing cables worth millions of dollars to thieves with some targeting transformer oil for sale on the black market.

@richardmuponde

@pamelashumba1

KHAMA Billiat will only move to Europe if it is to a club that he feels fits his needs in having ambition‚ and that is in an acceptable league‚ Mamelodi Sundowns’ Zimbabwean forward star has said.

Breaking his silence on where his next move might be to‚ if at all‚ when his contract ends at the end of this month‚ Billiat hinted that he has not had concrete offers yet from overseas‚ and that if he stayed in South Africa‚ it seemed likely to be at Sundowns.

The player and Sundowns have indicated he will not renew his contract‚ but at 27, Billiat is running out of time for a move to Europe.

“Obviously for every player it’s a dream to play overseas. But maybe it’s different with me‚“ Billiat said in Polokwane‚ where he is part of Zimbabwe’s squad at the Cosafa Cup.

“I want to play overseas for the right reason. I don’t want to be there because I’m getting old. I want to be there because I deserve to be there. I want to be there because my talent allows me to be there. And I want to be there also to go to certain clubs and certain countries that‚ also‚ I believe I want to be in.

“Not just be there because it’s Europe‚ and not be happy and the next thing I’m back.”

Asked if he has had concrete offers‚ Billiat said: “My manager (Mike Ngobeni) says that there are a few‚ but he didn’t want to tell me about them. He wanted me to be here with the national team and focus.”

Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane five years ago converted Billiat from the young‚ inconsistent forward with potential, who signed from Ajax Cape Town, into a Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season and Caf Champions League winner.

Mosimane has made it clear he would like the Zimbabwean to stay at Chloorkop.

“I don’t want to lose my coach; he’s a great coach‚“ Billiat responded.

“He’s brought me to where I am today. I haven’t spoken to him for a while now‚ since I’ve been here (at Cosafa). But he’s my coach‚ man.”

Asked if his stance means that‚ should the right European offer not come‚ that would be his choice‚ Billiat said: “My coach always says that‚ and even my president; that if there’s a better team in Europe‚ they support that (move). They have got a few players who left them for Europe; my club always allowed that.”

Asked if it would make sense to go to another PSL club if he does end up staying in South Africa and move from the one where he has won everything?

“I don’t know man‚“ he grinned.

“I don’t know, you tell me. I’m a player at the end of the day. You know‚ anything can happen, all I want is to just play football. Any where they play football‚ I want to be there.”

Asked what kind of environment he wants to be in as he goes forward‚ Billiat said: “Mamelodi Sundowns. An environment like that which is hungry to win cups and play with purpose. I enjoy celebrating at the end. At Sundowns it’s actually that you don’t know how to take a loss. It doesn’t sit well with us. It’s just been great and that’s the great feeling that I always want to have.”

Does that mean he would like to remain at Sundowns beyond this month?

“Ah‚ I don’t know. I still have to go back to my manager and see what the best is for Khama.” — TimesLive

Sithethelelwe Sibanda

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
IT’S another epic battle between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the last qualifying round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers with the two countries clashing this afternoon in the first leg at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

This is the third time the two countries are meeting in a tie that will decide who proceeds to the African football extravaganza in Ghana from November 17 to December 1.

The return leg is scheduled for Rufaro on Sunday.

A win today will see the Mighty Warriors getting closer to qualification and coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is convinced her charges will deliver.

“When we go away, the first thing is we want to try not to concede. If we don’t concede away we will frustrate them since they will be playing in front of their supporters.

“The players are looking sharp, it’s a tight contest. We play as a team and we are not going to look at an individual.

Our approach is balanced we want to maintain a good shape in defence and also vary our attacks.

“The players really competed for their jerseys, it wasn’t easy to choose the final 18 but because of numbers it had to be done. We are just going to stick to our play and approach to the match so that we can come out with good results,” said Sibanda.

Captain Talent Mandaza is fancying their chances against their northern neighbours.

“We are looking forward to our game against Zambia, of course, they are a difficult team but with the kind of players we have, the love of the game they have, I think we are going to make it.

“We are not putting ourselves under pressure. We know Zambia are a physical side and they depend more on Barbara (Banda) but we work as a team.

“I believe we are also technically better.

“Our main goal is to get an away goal and avoid conceding,” said Mandaza.

Zambia’s coach Bruce Mwape named his final 20-member squad on Monday headlined by striker Banda and captain Misozi Zulu, who was racing against time to be fully fit after picking an injury during training.

Speaking to FAZfootball.com, Mwape expressed concern over Zulu but said they are ready for the match.

“We are ready for the Zimbabwe game although our captain Misozi is nursing an injury. We will wait for the doctors to tell us whether or not she will make it,” Mwape said.

Earlier on he had told local journalists that they will be cautious going into today’s match.

“This game we will actually play an open game since we are playing at home although somehow we should be cautious because of the experience of the Zimbabwean team.

“But we will try by all means to make sure that get the goals that we want,” said Mwape.

Zimbabwe
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai, Shebba Rauli.

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

Midfielders: Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Daisy Kaitano, Felistas Muzongondi, Mavis Chirandu, Majory Nyaumwe.

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

Zambia
Goalkeepers: Hazel Nali, Maleta Muwindwa, Anne Namonje.

Defenders: Lweendo Chisamu, Martha Tembo, Anita Mulenga, Mary Mambwe, Lushomo Mweemba, Margaret Bbelemu, Jacquline Nkole.

Midfielders: Helen Chanda, Prisca Chilufya, Rhodah Chileshe, Misozi Zulu, Penelope Mulubwa, Mary Mwakapila, Joana Benaia.

Strikers: Rachael Kundananji, Theresa Chewe, Barbara Banda.

AUSTRALIA’S upcoming Twenty20 International tri-series in Zimbabwe is under threat, with Zimbabwe players reportedly issuing an ultimatum to their governing body: pay us by June 25, or we’ll boycott the series.

A Zimbabwe-Pakistan T20I is slated for July 1 in Harare to kick-start the tournament also featuring a strong Australian outfit.

However, according to an ESPN report, players are still waiting on match fees from last July’s tour of Sri Lanka, as well as three months’ salary.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), which has battled financial stability for the vast majority of the century, is due to receive an injection of funds from the ICC next month, but with the deadline set for June 25, the situation could reach crisis point.

According to a ZC spokesperson, the matter is expected to be resolved this week.

“Due to a very difficult financial situation beyond its control, ZC has been unable to meet some of its obligations, including paying player and staff salaries in time,” the spokesperson told ESPN.

“However, because this is a matter of top priority, ZC has been working round the clock to address the challenge and, as promised to the players by our chairman, ZC expects to start processing payments this week.”

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said they were monitoring the situation in Zimbabwe.

ZC was struck another blow in its ill-fated history last month when managing director Faisal Hasnain resigned from his post less than a year after being appointed.

With Hasnain on board, Zimbabwe had been able to lure big-name players Kyle Jarvis and Brendan Taylor, both of whom had taken Kolpak deals to play in England, back into the fold, while also earning hosting rights for the World Cup qualifiers.

However, their failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup led to the board’s decision to fire the entire coaching staff, as well as convener of selectors Tatenda Taibu.

Since, Lalchand Rajput has been appointed as interim head coach, but players are, however, presently refusing to train.

The exit of Hasnain has also complicated potential negotiations between the players (who do not have a union but have hired a lawyer to represent them) and the board; without a managing director, they are unsure with whom they should be dealing.

On Monday night, ZC issued a press release saying South African Vincent van der Bijl, a former ICC umpires and referees’ manager, has been appointed a consultant to the organisation “with immediate effect”.

“He will assist ZC in all cricket matters, working closely with the board, the executive and national team management to map out a positive, constructive path forward,” the statement read.

“The move … is part of a major initiative by ZC to restructure its domestic and international cricket.”

Australia have not played cricket in any format in Zimbabwe since a tri-series with the hosts and South Africa in 2014. — Cricket.com.au

Ali ‘Baba’ Dube

Collin Matiza, Harare Bureau
IN another good gesture of brotherhood, former Zimbabwean football stars now based in the diaspora have pulled their resources together to help legendary ex-Highlanders junior teams’ coach Ali “Baba” Dube.

The coach is currently under the weather in Bulawayo.

Dube, who is credited for unearthing and grooming some of Bosso’s finest players such as Peter and Adam Ndlovu, Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda, Benjamin Nkonjera, Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo, Themba Lunga, Mckay Nyathi and Mpumelelo “Era Muna” Dzowa, was recently reported to have been admitted at Mater Dei Hospital due to “some health complications”.

And Dzowa, who is now based in the United States, heard of his former mentor’s plight and came up with a fund-raising drive for him, roping in a number of other overseas-based former Zimbabwean players who helped him raise $402 for Dube’s medical bills.

The money is expected to be handed over to Dube’s family this coming Friday by the ex-players’ representative in Zimbabwe, former Highlanders and Dynamos bustling striker, Makwinji Soma-Phiri.

Speaking from his base in Birmingham, England, yesterday, one of the overseas-based former Zimbabwean players, Charles “Star Black” Kaseke, told our Harare Bureau that his colleagues in the UK decided to be involved in the fund-raising campaign for Dube after hearing his plight from Dzowa.

“As soon as we received a message about the condition of one of the most celebrated coaches of our time — Ali “Baba” Dube — we gathered as usual to make donations as former players and special mention to our brothers Mike Mhene, Charles Mazhau, Nigel Chifokoyo, Thomas Thomik and journalist Albert Marufu, who always partner us each time we make these donations.

“We are also appealing to those well-wishers in every part of the world who want to partner us just to bring a little smile to those in need with a helping hand. As a group, we would like to extend our gratitude to Makwinji Soma-Phiri, our partner in Zimbabwe, who ensures that every donation we make reaches the recipient.

“We also want to thank one of Dube’s products Mpumelelo ‘Era Muna’ Dzowa for reaching out to us so that we get involved in this noble cause.

“And a very big thank you to the following former players and friends who always dig deeper in their pockets — Nigel Chifokoyo, Haddon Mutanda, David Ndunduma, Obey Murefu, Bekhi Mlotshwa, Thomas Thomik, Charles Mazhau, Mike Mhene, Albert Marufu, Anthony Sibanda, Charles Chikeya, Jabulani Nare, Timothy Chirozvani, Chamu Musanhu, Memory Mucherahowa and Lovejoy Mugadza — whenever we receive an SOS from home.

“The message from this group is ‘get well soon’ to Ali Baba Dube and we are praying for his healing,” said Kaseke, a former skilful defender of the now-defunct local Premiership side Black Aces.

Former radio personality and a staunch Highlanders supporter Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda also confirmed that Dube is currently not feeling well in Bulawayo and he needs some help in paying his medical bills.

Sibanda said the fund-raising target is $2 500 and the fund is being administered by Dube’s daughter Rachel “and we are appealing to all current and ex-players as well as coaches to help by donating to this worthy cause.”

This is not the first time that the overseas-based ex-Zimbabwean soccer players have come to the rescue of a sick colleague or coach in this country.

In February this year, they raised and donated $405  to former Zimbabwe Saints hitman Richard “Gwesela” Ndlovu who was diagnosed with bone tuberculosis and abandoned by his wife in South Africa.

Ndlovu is now back home in Bulawayo.

In November last year, some of these players also helped in raising $1 070 for the legendary David “Yogi” Mandigora, who had his leg amputated.

Evans Rusike

Petros Kausiyo in Polokwane, South Africa
ZIMBABWE will be banking on history to repeat itself today when they meet Lesotho in a Cosafa Cup semi-final for the third time in six years with the Warriors seeking to underline their dominance over Likuena.

The Cosafa champions will take on the mountain kingdom outfit at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in the second of the semi-final matches at 5:30pm with Sunday Chidzambwa’s men having a record of not losing a match in this tournament to their opponents.

Zimbabwe’s first Cosafa Cup title also came at the expense of Lesotho with Misheck Chidzambwa guiding his Warriors class of 2000 to a 6-0 aggregate victory in that year’s two-legged final.

Since then the meetings between the two sides have been at the semi-final level with Tendai Ndoro scoring a brace at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia in 2013.

Last year Golden Arrows striker Knox Mutizwa led the way with a hat-trick as Zimbabwe ground out a 4-3 semi-final win over Likuena.

Despite odds being staked heavily against his side, Lesotho coach Moses Maliehe believes this could be their year to break the jinx.

“It won’t be an easy game. There is huge interest from both camps to try and reach the final,’’ he said.

“Although the international friendly was competitive, this time there is the incentive of reaching the final so it will be a different ball game but I am  happy that we have grown in leaps and bounds.

“When we played Swaziland, we were 16 places behind them on the Fifa rankings but we beat team. What I know is that this will be a tough and very tactical game.’’

Warriors kingpin Khama Billiat is, however, bullish and insists he does not want to be a part of a team that would be remembered for spoiling Chidzambwa and the Warriors’ proud Cosafa history.

The veteran coach stretched his unbeaten Cosafa run to 16 straight games with the triumph over Botswana in Sunday’s quarter-final penalty shoot-out win.

“I think the toughest game was the match against Botswana because they had been playing a few games at this tournament and we were getting to play together with the other guys for the first time,’’ said Billiat.

“We don’t usually get to play together unlike teams like Botswana. I think we did well and I was impressed with our defensive structure although we need to improve a bit on defending set pieces.’’

The Warriors midfielder said they will respect Lesotho but would not let them stand in their way for a possible sixth Cosafa title.

“Football works differently and Lesotho are not in the semi-final by fluke, they have worked hard and deserve it.

“They are a good side and we need to take the chances that come away. Our coach has a great history with this tournament and the guys who were here last year did very well and we don’t want to come in and be the ones who spoil all that,’’ Billiat said.

With skipper Ovidy Karuru injured and out of the tournament, Chidzambwa is likely to make a few adjustments to the team that started against the Zebras with Tafadzwa Kutinyu, who joined camp on Sunday morning after arriving from Tanzania, likely to get the nod to replace the captain.

SuperSport United striker Evans Rusike has also recovered from the groin strain that had seemed to trouble him towards the end of that match and forced Chidzambwa into replacing him with Terrence Dzvukamanja in the 84th minute.

Rusike has declared that he wants to use this year’s competition, only his second Cosafa tournament, to banish memories of the 2015 tourney in South Africa’s North West province when they failed to get out of the group stage.

“It is always nice scoring at national level. In a tournament every goal counts and I am always happy to be scoring for the national team and knowing that millions of Zimbabweans are supporting you.

“I must say Botswana were tough and I am expecting a similar challenge from Lesotho and they are a stronger team but we have been talking about this game, especially the need for us to bury our chances, and we need to do that early in the game to avoid pressure,’’ Rusike said.

Amini Soma-Phiri

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BOTTOM placed Bulawayo City FC coach Amini Soma-Phiri has raised a red flag on his players’ fitness levels.

Soma-Phiri, who was brought in to save the local authority bankrolled club, has been in charge of four City games in which they got only four points.

In his first game in charge of City, Soma-Phiri won 2-0 and emerged from that game boasting that he was a winner. They faced a baptism of fire in a 0-4 mauling by Ngezi Platinum Stars in their next game before falling 0-1 to Highlanders.

On Saturday, City surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Yadah, a result that left Soma-Phiri with mixed feelings.

He said the only positives he’d witnessed in his team despite anchoring the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is that they managed to score three goals, but is worried by the rate at which they are conceding.

Since taking over, City have conceded eight goals in four games, an average of two goals per game, and scored five.

“As a coach when you are in a situation like this (bottom of the table) you should be worried. But time will come (where they get it right), the race is still on. We led 3-0 and let it go. We only need to work on our fitness,” said Soma-Phiri.

“The steam is lacking in our team; that’s the only thing I found from these guys when I took over. There were two things we identified as problems; one, we were not scoring and secondly we were conceding. I’m happy we scored three goals, but conceding three goals is a cause for concern for me.”

He also spoke about the need to work on his players’ fitness.

Word has it that he has introduced three workouts a day for his charges, as he seeks to improve their fitness levels.

“I’ve been here for about three weeks and I found a team without steam. I inherited a team lacking steam. Maybe the previous coach wasn’t working on fitness. At training we’ve to do workouts that will make sure that we defend the goals we score,” said Soma-Phiri.

City anchor the table with 11 points from 15 games. They are left with two games before reaching the halfway stage and need to start collecting maximum points to move out of the drop zone.

City face wounded Harare giants Caps United in their next game in the capital and wrap up the first half of the season with a home game against equally struggling Mutare City Rovers.

Fixtures
Saturday: Nichrut FC v Triangle (Ascot Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Nyamhunga Stadium) Chicken Inn v Herentals (Luveve Stadium) Caps United v Bulawayo City (National Sports Stadium) Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Baobab Stadium)

Sunday: Mutare City v Dynamos (Vengere Stadium) Shabanie Mine v Black Rhinos (Maglas Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields Stadium) Yadah v Chapungu (National Sports Stadium).

@ZililoR

Nation Dube

Ricky Zililo in Hwange
HWANGE FC skipped their morning training session yesterday to join thousands of people that attended the 46th commemorations of the June 6, 1972, Kamandama Number Two Mine disaster.

The incident which happened after a suspected methane gas explosion underground on the fateful Wednesday morning of June 6, 1972, killed 427 miners.

Nation Dube, the Hwange FC coach, said they decided to give the players the morning off to attend the commemorations as part of the coalmining company.

“This was not a wasted day for us because we have an obligation to support and join the rest of the Hwange community in remembering the departed miners. The club belongs to the community and we believe that showing support to the people who lost their loved ones doesn’t only comfort the widows and their families, but it also brings us closer to the community that supports us,” said Dube. He was joined at the commemorations by assistant coaches Brian Njobvu and Edmore “MaMkhwebu” Sibanda.

Hwange’s squad was led by veteran players Obert Moyo, Gerald Ndlovu and Gilbert Zulu. Former national team defender Felix Chindungwe and ex-Chicken Inn winger Canaan Nkomo, who joined the club at the beginning of the season, were also part of the memorial service.

Dube said his side is not being carried away by the two-point lead they enjoy at the top of the Southern Region Division One League table with just nine games played. Chipangano, as the club’s faithful call them, have amassed 18 points.

The coalminers’ coach said his charges are focused on the ultimate prize which is to win the championship and return to the PSL.

“We have a squad that is dominated by experienced players who understand the importance of being in the topflight league so that the community is entertained. I’m impressed by the amount of work the experienced players are doing in guiding the youngsters and seeing to it that we realise our goal of being in the PSL. We will stop at nothing to make sure that we achieve our goal and reach the halfway mark in a respectable position,” said Dube.

A former Hwange player himself, Dube said the league is competitive this season.

“To be honest this is one of the most competitive seasons that I’ve seen in Division One. We have so many derbies, which makes it even trickier because players at those clubs raise their game and give us a scare when we play them. The same goes for new clubs, they give you tight competition and hence I emphasise on the importance of winning our home games and try to grind results away,” said Dube.

The coalminers face new boys CIWU at home on Saturday.

Fixtures
Saturday: Toronto v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Gifford), talen Vision v Moto Moto (Gifford, 12PM), Hwange v CIWU (Hwange, 12PM), Casmyn v Makomo (Turk Mine), ZPC Hwange v ZRP Bulawayo (Hwange, 12PM)

Sunday: Zim Leopards v Main Line (Luveve, 11AM), Tsholotsho v NRZ Leopards (3PM), Mosi v Bosso 90 (Victoria Falls)

Philemon Machana

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA executive committee member Phillimon Machana yesterday became the first person to publicly declare his intention to run for another term in the December elections.

According to a proclamation by the Zifa electoral committee led by Vusisizwe Vuma, nomination papers for the Zifa executive committee position will officially open on October 16 and close on October 30, while the elections will be held on December 1.

Machana, whose tenure as Zifa executive committee member in charge of finances has seen the association releasing income and expenditure statements whenever the association stages a football match, said he believes he still has a lot to offer to Zimbabwean football.

“This is to inform you that after some consultations with family, friends and the football community in Zimbabwe, I Phillimon Machana, current Zifa executive committee member, have decided to put my name in the ring for the position of Zifa executive committee member. I believe I still have significant contributions to make to our football,” wrote Machana.

While Machana has become the first to officially declare his intention to run for office, his other colleagues Phillip Chiyangwa, the Zifa president, and his deputy Omega Sibanda are also expected to throw their names into the hat soon.

Also believed to be eyeing a national post is Bulawayo City FC chairman Jerry Sibanda, who is presently a Premier Soccer League governor.

Piraishe Mabhena and Felton Kamambo stepped down as executive committee members three months ago citing a breach of the association’s constitution after the present Zifa elected officials’ mandate expired on March 31.

The election road map was officially rolled out at the beginning of this month, with the opening of nominations for futsal, national beach, women as well as the Premier Soccer League.

Nominations close on June 15, with the elections for the four affiliates tentatively set for July 14.

Area zones’ nomination papers were the next to open on June 4 and are set to close on June 18, with elections set for 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 voting on September 1.

Regional men and women nominations will open on September 3 and close two weeks later, while elections are expected to be held on October 14.

Garthly Chipuka

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs are not getting carried away by their win over table toppers Ngezi Platinum Stars last Sunday, as they prepare for a tough encounter against city neighbours Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Chiefs stunned Ngezi 1-0 to become the first side to beat the log leaders this season. The new boys have developed a nice reputation for themselves as leagues giant killers after their previous great act saw them outfoxing joint log leaders FC Platinum 2-0.

Chiefs’ win over Ngezi took them out of the relegation matrix and they are now 11th with 15 points from 15 games.

Their opponents on Sunday, Bosso, are third on the table with 29 points.

Chiefs coach Garthly Chipuka believes they have to be psychologically up to the task if they are to upset Highlanders.

“We have a big game on Sunday and preparations have been going on well. Our biggest undoing has been lack of consistency, which was obviously caused by injuries to our strikers that forced us to use a defender as a striker. We had a good result last week and we have to build on that positive result.

Highlanders are a good side that plays beautiful passing football and we have to be at our best to beat them. We need to be very cautious on Sunday and tactical discipline will be very key,” said Chipuka.

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 and Dylan Chivandire.

Their preparations for the Bosso game have been boosted by the return of central defender Last Sithole from suspension.

If they are to beat Bosso, Brighton Manhire, Perfect Chikwende, Gracious Muleya and Arthur Musiyiwa have to be on top of their game, as Highlanders will want to retain the Bulawayo bragging rights.

Fixtures
Saturday: Nichrut FC v Triangle (Ascot Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Nyamhunga Stadium) Chicken Inn v Herentals (Luveve Stadium) Caps United v Bulawayo City (National Sports Stadium) Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Baobab Stadium)

Sunday: Mutare City v Dynamos (Vengere Stadium) Shabanie Mine v Black Rhinos (Maglas Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields Stadium) Yadah v Chapungu (National Sports Stadium).

@innocentskizoe

Rutendo Makore

Sports Reporter
Zambia 0  – 1 Zimbabwe
MIGHTY Warriors top striker Rutendo Makore scored an important away goal to get her side closer to qualification for the Africa Women Cup of Nations after they beat Zambia in the first leg of the final qualifying round at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka yesterday.

Yesterday’s victory over their bitter arch-rivals put them in a good position ahead of the second leg at Rufaro on Sunday.

Makore, who just bounced back into the national team after missing the tie against Namibia due to an injury, was on target in the 18th minute when she tapped Berita Kabwe’s cross home.

The winner from the two-legged tie earns the ticket to the continental tournament set for November 17 to December 1 in Ghana.

For the Mighty Warriors and Zambia’s Shepolopolo it’s been an interesting scenario as this is the third time they are clashing at the same stage.

They first met in 2014 and Zambia emerged winners to qualify for the continental showpiece before Zimbabwe returned a better side in 2016 to edge their rivals and booked their place at the tournament hosted by Cameroon.

With a favourable result from Zambia yesterday, it appears the Mighty Warriors are on track to repeat the same feat after snatching an away win yesterday in Lusaka.

Going into the match, coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda, made it clear they needed to avoid conceding and they did just that.

Speaking from Zambia, Sibanda said she was pleased with the results but pointed out that there are some areas they need to polish up before the reverse fixture.

“It’s good that we managed to get an away goal and avoided conceding. We did well in maintaining the tactical defensive shape, though we struggled in other areas like reaction to the second ball.

“We want to address the weaknesses we saw and try and play our game and let them react to our game plan,” said Sibanda.

She also hailed their opponents for giving them a good run.

“Zambia played very well. We survived many attacks from them owing to their good organisation defensively,” Snda said.

The Mighty Warriors are expected back home today where they will get down to business in preparation for Sunday’s game.

Teams
Zambia: H. Nali, M. Belemu, L. Chisamu, A. Mulenga, M. Tembo, P. Chilufya, M. Mwakapila, R. Chileshe, M. Zulu, B. Banda, R. Kundananji.

Zimbabwe: C. Dzingirai, N. Majika, L. Mutokuto, S. Makoto, N. Ncube, T. Mandaza, E. Msipa (E. Jeke 71mins), M. Nyaumwe, F. Muzongondi, R. Makore, B. Kabwe (M. Chirandu 61mins).

George Chigova

Petros Kausiyo in POLOKWANE, South Africa
Zimbabwe  0 – 0 Lesotho
(Zimbabwe win 3-1 won after penalties)

GIANT goalkeeper George Chigova is fast turning this year’s Cosafa Cup into his tournament as the Warriors’ goalminder once again emerged the hero when he inspired his side into the final with some penalty shootout heroics at the new Peter Mokaba stadium last night.

Just as he did in the quarter-final against Botswana, Chigova saved two successive penalties that set the tone for the Warriors party night with his on-field teammates – Khama Billiat, Jameson Mukombwe and Alec Mudimu – obliging by converting their penalties.

Mauritius referee Ahmad Heeralaal then declared the match over when he correctly ruled out Lesotho’s penalty and instead booked their taker Jane Thaba-Ntso for stuttering and then kicking the ball after Chigova had moved.

The Warriors will now face Zambia on Saturday in a repeat of last year’s final with Chipolopolo wasting a glut of chances before edge out a fighting Madagascar 1-0 in an earlier semi-final at the same venue.

But it was the Warriors, who never really got into the groove in their attacking third, who once again had rely on their Polokwane City goalkeeper to edge out a stubborn Lesotho side that gave a good account of themselves.

Lesotho also won the praise of Warriors’ coach Sunday Chidzambwa, especially for their organisation in defence, where they closed out the Warriors threats for long periods in the encounter.

“I must commend our opponents. Their back four was not moving and they put a man on Khama.

“But at the same time Rusike was playing a lone battle in the first half with Khama and Kutinyu playing so deep.

“We tried to correct that at half time but the final pass in the last third was not there…we were below in that aspect.

“We then brought on Talent and he had those guys on the back foot because we needed to go via the flanks but again we were a shade too slow with the crosses even when we he had Tino in the centre.

“In football you learn the hard way and I think today we played opponents who also tried hard. I was also happy with the way that we knocked the ball around in the first half because in our last few games we have had a problem of ball retention but today we got it right,’’ Chidzambwa said.

The veteran coach also believes that Chigova has matured with his game and deserves a bigger club than Polokwane City.

Chidzambwa made two changes to the team that faced Botswana in the quarter-final with Ngezi Platinum’s Terrence Dzvukamanja getting the nod ahead of Talent Chawapiwa while Tafadzwa Kutinyu came on for injured skipper Ovidy Karuru in the central midfield role.

“We definitely missed Karuru, especially when going forward, but I was impressed with Kutinyu and he combines well with Khama our central midfield problems could be resolved because he is skilful and marks the ball well.

“I also think that with Khama on his good day we will trouble so many defences and looking ahead to the African Cup of Nations Cup qualifiers, if we have Knowledge on Khama’s side then we will have a decent frontline,’’ Chidzambwa said.

But, unlike in their match against the Zebras in which they created a glut of chances and had taken the lead by the 38th minute, the Warriors lacked fluidity in the opening half last night and barely troubled Lesotho goalkeeper Likano Mphuthi.

It was not until the 44th minute that the best chance fell to a rather quiet Abbas Amidu who lacked the alertness to finish Jameson Mukombwe’s attempt from the right.

With their more illustrious opponents seemingly handing the initiative to them, Likuena seized the opportunity and took the game to the Warriors with George Chigova the busier of the two goalkeepers.

Questions were asked of the Warriors’ defending from set pieces in the third minute when Lesotho centre back Basia Makepe was left unmarked to connect with a cross from a free-kick deep inside their half.

An alert Chigova dived to his right to pluck the ball to safety. Nine minutes later Chigova was called into action again this time to thwart 32-year-old Lesotho striker Mabuti Potloane while in the 25th minute Tsepo Toloane dragged his low shot across goal with Zimbabwe defenders at sea.

There was some aggression and urgency in the Warriors game following the introductions of Chawapiwa and Tinotenda Kadewere for Amidu and Evans Rusike but the breakthrough remained elusive.

And, as was the case in their previous round, the Warriors were stretched to the shootout lottery.

Teams
Zimbabwe:
George Chigova, Jameson Mukombwe, Divine Lunga, Alec Mudimu, Kelvin Moyo, Marshal Munetsi, Khama Billiat, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Abbas Amidu (Talent Chawapiwa 52nd minute), Evans Rusike (Tinotenda Kadewere 62nd minute), Terrence Dzvukamanja, Tafadzwa Kutinyu

Lesotho:
Likano Mphuthi, Mafa Moremoholo, Basia Makepe, Kopano Tseka, Hlompho Kalake, Tsepo Toloane, Sera Motebang (Masoabi Nkoto 66th minute), Luciano Matsotso, Lesia Thetsane, Tumelo Khutlang, Mabuti Potloane (Jane Thaba-Ntso 59th minute)

George Chigova

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

WARRIORS goalkeeper George Chigova has received praises from President Emmerson Mnangagwa after his heroic saves saw the nation qualify for this year’s COSAFA cup final against Zambia on Saturday.

The giant goalkeeper wrote his own piece of history when he made five successive penalty saves as he inspired the Warriors into the final of the COSAFA Cup at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.

This was three days after stopping three straight penalties in the shoot-out in the quarter-final against Botswana.

His on-field teammates Khama Billiat, Jameson Mukombwe and Alec Mudimu  obliged by converting their penalties.

Writing on his Twitter account @edmnangagwa, the President said there was no doubt that Chigova is currently “the safest hands” the country has.

“As we currently debate which candidate has the safest hands for Zimbabwe, we can all agree the answer is without a doubt George Chigova, the Warriors heroic goalkeeper who has saved FIVE penalties this week to get the Warriors into the COSAFA Cup final!” reads the President’s tweet.

Zimbabwe will play old enemies Zambia on Saturday at the same venue, in a repeat of last year’s final.

The President also congratulated the Mighty Warriors who beat Zambia 1-0 in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the Africa Women Cup of Nations played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Rutendo Makore’s solitary strike gave the Mighty Warriors the important away goal going into the second leg encounter at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

“Congratulations also go to the Zimbabwean Women’s Team who beat Zambia in the first leg of the final qualifying round of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) yesterday. Best of luck to both teams facing our neighbours Zambia this weekend,” said the President.

Ricky Zililo in Hwange
FORMER national women’s rugby team winger Octavia Chikukura is happy with the tag rugby project she leads in Hwange as part of her drive to develop the game that gave her fame.

Chikukura started the tag rugby initiative in 2014 and says she’s happy with the popularity the sport is gaining, particularly among primary school learners.

She said nine out of 12 Hwange urban primary schools now play tag rugby almost on a weekly basis, which is the foundation for development of the sport.

“It is pleasing to note that kids are enjoying rugby. Our focus has been to have tag rugby played at primary schools, which is the first stage to introduce kids to the game. As it is, we have nine out of 12 Hwange urban schools playing the sport and our aim is to have all primary schools within the coal mining town playing rugby by next year,” said Chikukura.

The schools actively playing tag rugby are Thomas Coulter, Lwendulu, Megawatt, Coal Fields, Nechibondo, St Ignatius, St George’s, Mabinga and Ingagula.

Plans are underway to introduce the sport to the remaining three primary schools Makwika, Sir Humphrey and Lusumbani.

“When we started tag rugby, people, particularly parents, were cautious thinking that it will be more physical, with lots of contacts like the conventional game. However, after seeing that tag rugby averts injuries, they are opening up and kids enjoy playing the sport. The other challenge we have been facing is that some schools do not have facilities for rugby, but this will not deter our efforts to promote the sport. We will continue to have more tournaments, which are more like exhibition games to keep that excitement,” Chikukura said.

Tomorrow Mabinga of Cinderella Township will host a primary schools tag rugby tournament whose theme is “Female inspiration through rugby”.

Thomas Coulter, Lwendulu, Ingagula, St Ignatius and the hosts Mabinga will participate in the tournament.

“The idea is to inspire and try to keep these girls involved in sport so that even when they leave school they keep on playing rugby. What we’ve realised is that it’s easier for boys to graduate and play for clubs, but interest from girls dries up once they leave school. It’s our hope that through such competitions, girls will be inspired to keep playing rugby for as long as possible,” said Chikukura. — @ZililoR