Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE giant National Sports Stadium in Harare will host the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals this weekend with doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. According to the fixture list released by the Premier Soccer League yesterday, league and cup double chasing Chicken Inn and Chapungu will get the ball rolling at 1PM on Saturday before Triangle take on 2014 losing finalists Harare City at 3:30PM.

ZPC Kariba and How Mine will curtain raise the big match between defending champions FC Platinum and Dynamos. Chicken Inn booked their quarter-final berth by dismissing coal miners Hwange 2-0 at Luveve Stadium while Chapungu overcame Flame Lily 2-1. Harare City registered an emphatic 4-1 win over Buffaloes and ZPC Kariba progressed following a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Caps United after the match had ended 2-2 in regulation time.

How Mine also progressed through the penalty lottery, beating Highlanders 4-3 after a 1-1 stalemate in normal time. Defending champions FC Platinum chalked up a 2-0 win over Dongo Sawmill while DeMbare were 1-0 victors over Whawha. The Chibuku Super Cup is the most lucrative domestic knockout competition with the winners guaranteed $75,000. It also has the added benefit of representing Zimbabwe in the Caf Confederations Cup.

The losing finalists will pocket $50,000, losing semi-finalists $25,000 while losing quarter-finalists each pocket $15,000.

Fixtures
Saturday: Chicken Inn v Chapungu (1PM), Triangle v Harare City (3:30PM).

Sunday: ZPC Kariba v How Mine (1PM), FC Platinum v Dynamos (3:30PM)

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Region Soccer League championship favourites Bulawayo City stretched their lead to six points on Sunday following their 2-0 win over Nust while rivals Bulawayo Chiefs played to a 1-1 stalemate against Black Boots. Second half goals by Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda and Trevor Ndlovu ensured City returned to winning ways following last weekend’s shock 0-1 home defeat to Technosphere that ended their 12-match unbeaten run.

City did not take the defeat to Technosphere lightly as they lodged a complaint with Zifa alleging poor officiating by Mlindeli Ndebele for awarding the Hwange side a penalty. City chairman Jerry Sibanda said the complaint was meant to highlight their displeasure at poor officiating that spoiled competition.

“People say we’re favourites to win the title but we believe that a lot can change within the remaining seven games. It’s still a long way and the race is very much wide open,” said Sibanda. He said his club was happy that the players behaved well following the unfortunate defeat that came through as a result of some questionable officiating.

“The season is at a delicate stage and what’s required of match officials is to apply rules as they are and let football be the winner,” he said. City need only 16 points from a possible 21 to reach an unassailable 68 points to make history by earning a Premier Soccer League ticket in their first attempt.

Powered by players with PSL experience, who include ex-Bosso captain Innocent Mapuranga, Xolisani “Scara” Moyo, Sibanda, Ndlovu, Welcome Ndiweni, Bruce Tshuma, Eddie Nkulungo, Simba Sithole and goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda, the municipal side look difficult to stop.

They, however, remain cautious of closest rivals Chiefs, who despite declaring their championship season over, are mathematically still in the race. Chiefs went into the weekend trailing City by four points, but found themselves six points behind the table toppers after being held to a 1-1 draw by Black Boots.

Ramson Pavari scored for Chiefs and Tendai Zaza replied for Black Boots. Meanwhile, the battle for the top-four finish continued with ZPC Hwange whipping Mpumalanga 5-0 in the coal mining town derby to equal Bantu Rovers on 40 points.

Rovers narrowly edged Victoria Falls side Trumus 2-1 through goals by Emmanuel Dube and Talent Twala. Trumus scored through Munyaradzi Muchenje. Try Ncube’s Technosphere proved that their 1-0 win over City was no fluke by ending Indlovu Iyanyathela’s six-match unbeaten run with a 2-0 win courtesy of a Manyando Zulu brace.

Results
Saturday: Technosphere 2-0 Indlovu Iyanyathela, Amagagasi 0-1 Makomo, Ntabazinduna 1-1 Hwange Juniors, Bantu Rovers 2-1 Trumus, Old Nic Mine 3-0 Casmyn

Sunday: Bulawayo City 2-0 Nust, Bulawayo Chiefs 1-1 Black Boots, Mpumalanga 0-5 ZPC Hwange

P W D L F A GD Pts

Bulawayo City 23 16 4 3 30 5 25 52

Bulawayo Chiefs 23 13 7 3 35 10 25 46

Bantu Rovers** 23 12 4 7 28 14 14 40

ZPC Hwange 23 10 10 3 23 10 13 40

Casmyn 23 11 6 6 25 19 6 39

Technosphere 23 11 7 5 26 12 14 37

Makomo 23 10 6 7 20 17 3 36

Indlovu Iyanyathela 23 9 6 8 17 17 0 33

Black Boots 23 6 12 5 21 18 3 30

Amagagasi 23 7 8 8 18 20 -2 29

Ntabazinduna 22 7 7 8 20 18 2 28

Trumus Warriors 23 3 10 10 11 19 -8 19

Nust 23 3 10 10 13 24 -11 19

Hwange Juniors 23 4 7 12 14 27 -13 19

Old Nic Mine 23 1 6 16 7 46 -39 9

Mpumalanga 22 2 3 17 7 40 -33 9

**Points deducted for using a suspended player.

Rosemary Mugadza

Harare Bureau
ZIFA have insisted that the sacking of Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza last week was not because of boardroom politics but poor performance by the gaffer. Mugadza was relieved of her duties together with assistant coach Mebelo Njekwa, goalkeepers’ coach Ndega Matsika and kit manager Fungai Nyamutukwa in a move that has been shrouded with controversy.

There are allegations that Mugadza and some of her technical members were fired for considering players from clubs affiliated to the league under suspended Zimbabwe Women Football chairperson, Miriam Sibanda, into the national team. Team manager Charity Munemo and Johannes Chikaola, who was assistant coach under Mugadza, are the only two members from the Mugadza-led technical team who survived the axe last week.

Speaking to our Harare Bureau yesterday, Zifa chief executive, Jonathan Mashingaidze, insisted the developments at the Mighty Warriors were part of their review programme for all national teams. “First and foremost the High Performance Committee met last week and reviewed all technical structures, not only the Mighty Warriors but even the men’s,” said Mashingaidze.

“You find there has been some re-alignment in the structures. With the Mighty Warriors we also had input, which input was technical in terms of making sure we’ve teams that can stand the heat technically and tactically. The High Performance Committee is technically better placed than the board in terms of changes.

“The issue is to do with communication with the High Performance Committee, whatever position would take place after the High Performance Committee make some recommendations. We felt we needed to review our technical structures. The senior men have one person now taking charge, Callisto Pasuwa. Pasuwa is now in charge of one team. Nation Dube is now taking charge of the Under-23 and Jairos Tapera is with the Under-20. The under-age coaches then get drafted into the next level, like the Under-20 coach is assistant to the Under-23 and the Under-23 coach is assistant to the senior men. So those changes were basically to do with the current review programme.”

Mugadza was replaced by Shadreck Mlauzi from Inline Academy. He will be assisted by former Mighty Warriors player and Tsholotsho FC assistant coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda and Chikaola, who retained his position as assistant coach. Peter Masibero is the new goalkeeper’s coach while former captain Onai Chingawo is the new kit manager.

Former Highlanders coach, Barry Daka comes in as the technical advisor. Mashingaidze said they are now waiting for feedback from the Zifa technical director, Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, who was assigned to communicate with the new technical team concerning their appointments. “They’ve been advised to get in touch with the technical director to discuss the duties at hand and housekeeping issues. So those letters were passed to (their) clubs today (yesterday). We believe those coaches who were called up have the best credentials,” said Mashingaidze.

The Zifa chief executive said the women’s league was run by the women’s football board and, if there are any issues, they will be dealt with within that domain. “On that one I would like to categorically distance the board from that kind of insinuation. We’re not aware of any other league except the league running under the auspices of acting chairperson, Elizabeth Langa.

“If there’s a parallel league we don’t know about that and those issues lie under the chairperson Langa. Like Zifa don’t run PSL, we don’t deal with those issues. They fall under the domain of women football,” said Mashingaidze. The Mighty Warriors newly-appointed technical team’s immediate task is the Olympic Games qualifiers last round tie against Cameroon early next month.

The first leg is scheduled for October 3 at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde and the return leg will be played on the weekend of October 16 to 18 at Rufaro.

Kelvin Kaindu

Ricky Zililo and Lovemore Zigara Sports Reporters
CHICKEN Inn FC’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship pedigree comes under test tomorrow when they take on Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium. The Gamecocks are at the top of the league table with 46 points, nine ahead of fourth placed Triangle, who are running low on steam and have gone four matches without a win.

In their last four outings, Triangle have lost twice at home to title contenders FC Platinum and defending champions Dynamos, and drawn against How Mine and relegation threatened Whawha. After a promising start to the season, Triangle’s campaign faltered along the way and they will be targeting Chicken Inn’s scalp to revive their slim championship hopes.

In his post-match interview after seeing his charges pick a point in Gweru against Whawha, Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu said it was too early to ruled them out of the title race. Eight rounds of matches are left before the season ends and the Eastern Lowveld side sit on 37 points. They need nothing short of victory tomorrow to mathematically remain in the title race.

“There are 24 points to play for and that’s a lot of games to be played. It’s still quite open for any team and even if you look at how tight the competition among the teams at the bottom is, you’ll realise there is no team that has been confirmed relegated,” said Kaindu. “The race is still on, but unfortunately for us, we should have tried to narrow the gap between us and Chicken Inn. If we had won the match against Whawha, it could have been an advantage for us,” he said.

The Zambian believes his charges have done well so far despite Triangle taking their foot off the pedal after the halfway mark. A defeat by Chicken Inn will effectively crush their championship dreams, something that the Gamecocks intend to do.

“Triangle are a good ball playing side and we’re going there to try and steal something. It won’t be easy but what we want is to win,” said Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas.

“At this stage of the season, it doesn’t matter whether you play beautiful soccer or a boring game as long as you collect maximum points, especially if you’re where we are,” he said. Antipas said his charges would remain calm, focused and positive, and is also relieved that skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri, who missed the weekend’s game due to suspension, will be available.

However, Antipas is worried about the availability of left-back Brian Mbiriri and Guide Goddard, scorer of the winning goal against ZPC Kariba, who are nursing injuries. Chicken Inn might be forced to shuffle their defence for the Triangle trip. Dynamos fans and FC Platinum will be closely monitoring proceedings in Triangle hoping that the Gamecocks drop points for them to reduce the gap.

It remains to be seen whether under-fire How Mine will stop the FC Platinum juggernaut at Luveve Stadium tomorrow. FC Platinum have gone 13 games unbeaten as coach Norman Mapeza has turned them into a formidable side. The youthful platinum miners are quick on the ball and deadly going forward.

Some of the players How Mine should keep a close eye on include the Moyo twins Elvis and Kevin, Gerald Takwara, Obrey Chirwa, Allan Gahadzikwa, Winston Mhango and Marshal Mudhewe. They also have a good goalkeeper in Petros Mhari.

How Mine have only managed two points in their last six outings and need their seasoned players such as Kuda Musharu, Heritein Masuku, Wonder Sithole, Thembani Masuku, Timothy January and Devon Chafa to up their game if they have any hopes of stopping FC Platinum.

The gold miners also need to work on their leaky central defence of Nelson Tachi and Tapiwa Khumbuyani, and it will not be surprising if Gilbert Banda or Nyasha Mukumbi bounce back at central defence as coach Luke Masomere tries another combination to protect his goalkeeper. Following the 1-2 loss to Tsholotsho, Masomere said he had to work on his players’ mental abilities.

Fixtures
Tomorrow: ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Nyamhunga), How Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve), Chapungu v Tsholotsho FC (Ascot), Dynamos v Whawha (Rufaro), Triangle United v Chicken Inn (Gibbo), Hwange v Caps United (Colliery)

Thursday: Highlanders v Flame Lily (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Dongo Sawmill (Sakubva)

Michael Lauber

THE net appears to be closing on ZIFA leaders accused of looting funds generated from gate receipts from Zimbabwe’s 2017 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea as United States and Swiss officials announced yesterday there could be more arrests in their FIFA investigation, Prosecutors in the United States and Switzerland said there will be a fresh wave of arrests after new evidence emerged in their wide-ranging investigation into FIFA corruption.

It was also revealed that Swiss authorities have seized property in the Alps in relation to alleged money laundering as part of the investigations. The announcements came on the day police in Bulawayo yesterday transferred the fraud docket filed by the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association, over alleged embezzlement of funds generated from gate receipts during the 2017 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea, to Mbare Police Station in Harare.

The supporters’ body opened a fraud case against ZIFA at Bulawayo Central Police Station on Saturday after questioning how Board Members ended up sharing $4,000 from the money collected from the gates while questions have also been raised as to why that transaction was not reflected on the income and expenditure statement that was released by ZIFA.

ZIFA Board Member, Fungai Chihuri, signed for $2,800, in Board Expenses, while another $2,800 was allocated to travel and subsistence costs for the Association’s leadership. Four ZIFA Board members have been named in the scandal. ZNSSA are querying the ZIFA income and expenditure statement for the 2017 Nations Cup qualifier that showed a loss of $12,481 when, it has emerged, the figures were allegedly cooked up so as to dupe the nation that the Association suffered a deficit when, in fact, it could have realised a profit.

Already, Herentals College, who donated two buses for use by the Warriors and Guinea ahead of their showdown, have disputed that they received the $3,000 which is shown on the ZIFA income and expenditure statement as having gone towards the hiring of buses. Herentals College have revealed that they donated the buses, fuel and drivers to ZIFA as part of their service to the country.

ZNSSA president Eddie Chivero made the report under IR Number 7865/15. “We’ve been told the document has been sent to Mbare Police Station,” said Chivero last night. Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Precious Simango could neither confirm nor deny the developments last night and only promised to issue a comment today.

Police sources, however, confirmed that the docket had been transferred to Mbare Police Station. “The crime occurred at Rufaro Stadium. That’s where the money was taken from, hence the reason the case is being referred there,” said a police source. The income and expenditure statement makes no mention of the $20,000 donated by PHD Ministries leader Walter Magaya as players’ allowances, despite ZIFA claiming $22,000 from gate takings was paid to players.

Sources say the amount actually taken as players’ allowances was as high as $30,000. In Switzerland yesterday, Swiss attorney general, Michael Lauber, confirmed a 2005 contract bearing the signature of FIFA president Sepp Blatter that involved the sale of World Cup TV rights to the disgraced former FIFA official Jack Warner for a fraction of their true value was now part of the investigation.

The contract threatens to drag the FIFA president, who has refused to travel to the US since the scandal broke, closer to the epicentre of the investigation. Blatter has insisted he is “clean”, saying: “I’ve my conscience and I know I’m an honest man. I’m clean. I’m not a worried man.” As Swiss and US authorities gave a joint update on their parallel investigations into what has been called “a World Cup of fraud”, the US attorney general, Loretta Lynch, said a new wave of arrests was looming.

FIFA was thrown into crisis in May by dramatic arrests and indictments that alleged wide-ranging money laundering, racketeering and fraud. “Separate and apart from the pending indictment, our investigation remains active and ongoing. It has in fact expanded since May. The scope of our investigation isn’t limited and we’re following the evidence where it leads,” Lynch said at a press conference with Lauber in Zurich.

“We do anticipate pursuing additional charges against individuals and entities.” Asked whether those charged could include global federations such as FIFA and confederations such as the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) or the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), Lynch said they could if offences took place under US jurisdiction but refused to comment further.

“If they used the US financial system, we feel we would have the ability to charge them,” said Lynch, who in May outlined the scale of the US department of justice charges against 14 individuals, including nine current or former FIFA executives.

Lauber confirmed that among financial assets seized since May 27 were properties including apartments in the Swiss Alps and that 121 suspicious banking transactions are under investigation. It has seized 11 terabytes of data, equivalent to around 900m pages of information.

“House searches have been conducted in Switzerland and further evidence has been collected,” Lauber said. “Where proportional and needed, financial assets have been seized, including real estate, for example flats in the Swiss Alps. At this point I would like to emphasise that investments in real estate can be misused for the purpose of money laundering.”

Swiss authorities are focusing their efforts on allegations concerning the awards of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, while US investigators continue their investigations into allegations of corruption against Fifa officials. Of the 14 FIFA officials indicted in May, 13 have been arrested of whom three have been charged in US courtrooms and 10 await extradition. Lynch confirmed she ideally wants to prosecute all 14 at the same time but pointed out that defendants could be tried in their absence.

Lynch warned that the US investigation that detailed a web of corruption, money laundering and racketeering mainly involving kickbacks on the sale of TV rights but also allegations of vote buying and bribery was far from over. — Bulawayo Bureau/The Guardian/AFP

Professor Jonathan Moyo

Senior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Jonathan Moyo has added his voice to a growing list of football followers perplexed by the poor performance of ailing Bulawayo giants Highlanders. Bosso have become so ordinary lately that most Premier League teams wish they could face them every weekend for cheap points.

Writing on microblogging site Twitter after Bosso had surrendered three points to Harare City following a 0-1 loss to Harare City in the capital on Saturday, the minister said Highlanders were no longer high or landing. “What’s going on at Highlanders bakithi? It’s no longer High and it no longer Lands. Hayibo!” he posted.

The defeat by Harare City was Highlanders’ fourth in a row following losses to Chicken Inn, Whawha and FC Platinum. Bosso sit 10th on the table with a paltry 25 points from 22 games; a massive 21 points behind leaders Chicken Inn, but just four points above the drop zone. This could be reduced to just a point if they lose to Flame Lily on Thursday and Tsholotsho, ZPC Kariba and Buffaloes win.

Highlanders, Flame Lily, Tsholotsho and ZPC Kariba have all lost nine matches while Buffaloes have eight losses.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter—
HIGHLANDERS’ interim coach Amini Soma-Phiri has praised his charges for quickly adapting to his new playing system and philosophy despite going down 0-1 to Harare City on Saturday. Soma-Phiri also assured the impatient Bosso supporters that positive results would soon come judging by the players’ “good” showing in the loss to the Sunshine Boys.

“It’s unfortunate that football is all about goals and winning games. The guys played well and kept possession. We could exchange more than eight straight passes but we were just unlucky on the day,” said Soma-Phiri. He said they needed to work on their defence’s tactical alertness as well as create proper communication lines between the defence and the goalkeepers.

“We let in a simple goal just like in most matches this season, but it’s something that can be corrected. I also noted that when we lose possession, the player who would have been dispossessed doesn’t take the responsibility of being the first person to try and regain possession. “We need to work on that, otherwise the boys have adjusted well to my system. I believe in ball possession and on Saturday I saw that,” said Soma-Phiri.

He pleaded with the fans not to lose hope, saying the boys needed their support more than ever before. “The supporters are an important ingredient for a positive result and I urge them to come on board and give the team the needed morale support, and together we will definitely pull through.

“It’s an open secret that we’re in a very unfamiliar and embarrassing position on the table, very uncharacteristic of such a brand, hence the need to support each other,” Soma-Phiri said. Highlanders take on fellow strugglers Flame Lily at Barbourfields Stadium on Thursday needing nothing short of victory to win back the fans’ support and move away from the relegation zone.

Bosso are likely to be bolstered by the return of the national Under-23 trio of leading marksman Knox Mutizwa, midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku and lanky defender Teenage Hadebe, who were part of Team Zimbabwe at the ongoing African Games in Congo Brazzaville. The Young Warriors bowed out of the premier continental sporting event after losing their opening two Group A matches despite ending their campaign by beating hosts Congo 1-0 on Sunday.

Mutizwa missed the last two league matches but still sits at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League scorers’ chart with 10 goals, one ahead of Chicken Inn’s Edmore Chirambadare.

Top Goal Scorers after Week 22

10 – Knox Mutizwa (Highlanders)

9 – Edmore Chirambadare (Chicken Inn)

8 – Raphael Manuvire (ZPC Kariba)

7 – Brain Muzondiwa (FC Platinum)

Timothy January (How Mine)

6 – Limited Chikafa (ZPC Kariba) Mitchell Katsvairo (Chicken inn)

Walter Musona (FC Platinum)

Lameck Nhamo (Triangle)

Allen Tavarwisa (Chapungu)

5 – Obrey Chirwa (FC Platinum)

Ronald Chitiyo (Dynamos)

Tinei Chitora (Chapungu)

Richard Kawondera (Dynamos)

Rodrick Mutuma (Dynamos)

Donald Ngoma (FC Platinum)

Newman Sianchali (Hwange)

Obediah Tarumbwa (Highlanders)

Midlands Correspondent BEITBRIDGE outfit Border Strikers extended their lead at the top of the Zifa Central Soccer League after edging nearest rivals Tongogara 1-0 at Dulibadzimu Stadium on Saturday. William Nyoni scored the solitary goal that saw Border Strikers going nine points clear. The army side went to the border town needing nothing short of victory and thought they had a perfect start after finding the back of the net in the sixth minute, but the goal was disallowed for an infringement. Tongogara coach Ignatius Kapitapita had no kind words for the match officials accusing them of influencing the destiny of the Central League championship.

“We’ve no problems with losing, but it should happen in a fair manner. Football ceases to be competitive when match officials are clearly biased and influencing the final result,” said Kapitapita.

“There’s no point in competing if the promotion of teams is predetermined. Responsible authorities should rein in errant match officials because this is killing our football,” he said.

Border Strikers coach Never Malunga said although the destiny of the championship was firmly in their hands, the remaining nine games were crucial. “We still have 27 points to play for and all the top four teams are still in with a chance, so we need to guard against complacency and collect each and every point to assure ourselves of premiership football next season,” said Malunga.

Hopes of bringing premiership football to Kwekwe were further dashed after Sable Chemicals and ZPC Munyati both lost their ties. Sable Chemicals lost 2-3 to FC Platinum Under-19 while the power generators were edged 1-2 by MSU. Results ZRP Beitbridge 1-1 Shabanie Mine, ZPC Munyati 1-2 MSU, Ivan Hoe 1-0 Vumbachikwe, Mvuma Stars 0-3 Chrome Stars, Sable Chemicals 2-3 FC Platinum U-19, Silo United 0-2 Blanket Mine, Border Strikers 1- 0 Tongogara, Gweru United 1-2 ZETDC

Paul Mundandi
Zvishavane Correspondent
WHAWHA Football Club have filed a complaint with the Premier Soccer League alleging officials that handled their Castle Lager tie against Triangle in Gweru on Sunday were biased.The prison wardens felt hard done by assistant referee Stella Taruvinga for flagging Nelson Maziwisa’s effort offside in the 86th minute despite referee Nomore Musundire having signalled a goal.

“We scored a genuine goal but when we were celebrating, she (Taruvinga) lifted her flag for offside on Albert Matewu, although it was Maziwisa who had scored,” said Whawha chairman Musa Ntonga.
“We feel some match officials have personal  vendettas against our team and this comes after she had told us that we’ll never win a match that she’ll be officiating.

“Zimbabwe is talented with good players but I feel the referees are sabotaging teams by killing the number one sport as officiating is a major blow. There’s no Fair Play and we feel the better teams of the day must win.
“What pains me is that it’s a woman doing that to my team. Poor officiating incites emotions and I feel something must be done urgently,” fumed Ntonga.

A number of allegations have been levelled against some top officials with some being accused of favouring certain teams.
Whawha technical director Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa said he was contemplating quitting due to poor officiating.
“I’m thinking of quitting. I love football, but with what’s happening I might end up at the wrong place. I respect all the referees but I feel hard done by dubious decisions,” said Mutasa.

“I’m happy that justice prevailed when Triangle were given a dubious penalty and missed just like                                                                                                           what happened when Highlanders were given a soft penalty.
“At times I enjoy playing teams like Dynamos. We win fairly when we win and when we lose we do that in dignity and officiating will always be good.

“We’re a principled outfit and football is my life. We’ll never move away from our principles but other people just see it fit to kill us. One day fate will catch up with them,” Mutasa said.

Sports Reporter
MISS Zimbabwe Novice and Miss Bulawayo bodybuilder Shantel Bhatch left the country yesterday to compete in the Mr and Miss South Africa Fitness pageant at the Cape Town Intenational Convention Centre on Friday.Bhatch, who trains at Bodyworks Gym in Bulawayo, emerged as runner-up in the Miss Ironman Zimbabwe a week ago and has been invited to compete in the fitness figure category in Cape Town.

“I’ve never competed in such an event before, but I hope to win. I hope to put up a good fight in the competition even though I’m going there as a novice. I’ve faith in myself,” said Bhatch.

She said previous competitions she had taken part in had prepared her to face the best and most experienced fitness participants.
Bhatch becomes the first female Zimbabwe bodybuilder and fitness trainer to officially participate in an international competition. She only took up bodybuilding and fitness in January this year, but has already taken national competitions by storm.

Bhatch’s coach and veteran bodybuilder Simon Gama will accompany her to South Africa.
“We’re happy as the Bodyworks family to have a representative in such a prestigious event. We hope to make a good appearance and have a competitive showing as well by flying the national flag high,” said Gama.

“Shantel is a hardworking person who has shown a lot of energy with the way she has been participating in tournaments. She has also progressed in fitness competitions and has prepared well for this competition. We hope she’ll make us proud as a team. We’re grateful to our sponsors for funding our travels to various competitions, including the South African event this Friday,” he said.

Lazarus Shereni and Givemore Marufu, who were supposed to travel with Bhatch to compete in the Mr South Africa Fitness men’s event, will miss out. Shereni was injured in a car accident and Marufu is in hospital with an undisclosed ailment.
The top 10 in the Cape Town event will take part in the Miami pageant in the US later this year.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE government yesterday ordered the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to seize Zifa’s reconciliation books from the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea for a forensic audit.

The investigation and audit by the country’s supreme sports body, which kicked off last night, is expected to be finalised this weekend before their findings are presented to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation on Monday.

Sports and Recreation Minister Andrew Langa said last night: “We had a meeting this afternoon; both Zifa and the SRC were fully represented and I ordered that they (SRC) go through the income and expenditure statement and then do an audit of the books. We would want to find out how much exactly was raised from the match, who was paid what and proof of that payment. The SRC will also obviously consult those said to have been paid”.

Minister Langa said he never entertained any explanations from Zifa, but simply ordered them to hand over their books.

“I also took them to task for the way they treated acting Minister of Sports Walter Mzembi, who was made to wait outside Rufaro Stadium for more than an hour,” he said.

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and his entourage received VIP treatment upon arrival at the stadium.

Zifa’s income and expenditure statement has roundly been condemned as fraudulent and meant to deceive the nation that they realised a huge loss.

Despite the $4,000 allegedly paid to four board members and $3,000 said to have been paid to an unnamed transporter, it has since emerged that the $12,500 shown on the statement as money paid for airfares for foreign-based players and match officials was actually advanced to them by a Harare-based business executive, who has not been reimbursed.

The income and expenditure statement also showed that a total of $920 was paid for car hire services for referees ($300), match commissioner ($300) and head of delegation ($320 ), but a quick check with a reputable car hire company in Harare revealed that they charge $30 from the airport to a city hotel.

Another figure that raised eyebrows is the $2,291 reflected as accommodation for the five match officials, who jetted into the country on Saturday and departed on Monday morning.

An official at the hotel where the officials were accommodated said bed and breakfast costs $140 per person.

Tobias Mandoreba Hwange Sports Correspondent
Hwange 0-1 Caps United
HWANGE-born Dominic Chungwa came off the bench to inspire Caps United to a crucial victory as the visitors finally remembered how to win a game in an evenly balanced Castle Lager Premier League encounter at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.

Chungwa came on for defender Valentine Musarurwa in the 57th minute and needed 13 minutes of action to settle matters as he pounced onto a lovely cross from fellow substitute Crispen Machisi that eluded the entire Hwange rearguard to tap home.

The goal sent the vocal Caps United fans into a frenzy and their celebrations after the final whistle told a story of a team starved of success after a seven-match winless streak comprising six draws and one defeat.

Caps United started the match with purpose and had their first shot on target in the ninth minute when the outstanding Hardlife Zvirekwi unleashed a ferocious strike that drew the best out of Hwange goal minder London Zulu.

The coal miners only crawled out of their shell after the quarter-hour mark, stringing some lovely passes and taking the game to their opponents.

They could have drawn level in the 25th minute had left-back Munyaradzi Mungadze’s flashing header not sailed just over the bar after he had out-jumped the visitors’ defence to connect Tafara Chese’s curling corner kick.

Anchorman Collen Muleya followed that up moments later with a scorching effort from the edge of the box which was dealt with by Makepekepe goalie Joram Muchambo.

Caps United could have taken the lead in the 40th minute when Zvirekwi beat Mungadze on the right flank and unleashed a bullet which beat Zulu but not the right upright.

The introduction of Machisi for Phineas Bamusi in the 66th minute added sting into the Caps United attack as the substitutes combined well and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 70th minute as the Hwange defence finally buckled under incessant pressure from the visitors in the scorching heat.

Hwange charged back after the Caps United goal with substitute Newman Sianchali leading the coal- miners’ quest for an equaliser.

Sianchali fluffed a glorious opportunity to level matters in the 78th minute when he latched onto a sitter by Mucheneka inside the Caps United box only to blaze his shot way over the bar with Muchambo at his mercy.

Hwange stand in coach Mebelo Njekwa lamented lack of cohesion in his midfield for the loss.

“The match was evenly balanced but we could not play our normal game as the midfield did not click, hence there was no supply to the strikers,” said Njekwa.

His opposite number Loyd Chitembwe was elated with the result. “We are very happy with the result. The boys did well to get these precious three points,” he said.

Teams

Hwange: L Zulu, A Chuma, G Ndlovu, D Boriwondo, C Muleya, I Mucheneka, R Chinyengetere, M Mungadze, T Chese( F Vimisai 70th min), A Marime (N Sianchali 59th min), G Zulu

Caps United: J Muchambo, H Zvirekwi, J Jangano (M Mweya 42th min), C Muzambwa, S Makatuka, D Mukandi, M Muchenje, J Ngodzo, V Musarurwa (D Chungwa 57th min), P Bamusi (C Machisi 66th min), L Tsipa

Manchester City’s Champions League campaign got off to a disappointing start with a home defeat by last season’s runners-up Juventus. City, who have struggled to make a serious impact in the Champions League and have never won their opening home game in the group stage, looked to be on course for victory when Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini headed into his own net under pressure from Vincent Kompany.

The Italians protested furiously that Chiellini had been fouled but then produced an impressive response to come from behind and close out the win.

Paul Pogba’s superb ball allowed Mario Mandzukic to steal in behind Eliaquim Mangala for the equaliser, then Alvaro Morata pulled substitute Nicolas Otamendi – on for Kompany – out of position before curling a precise left-foot finish beyond City keeper Joe Hart for the 81st-minute winner.

Raheem Sterling had two big opportunities for City but wasted both as Manuel Pellegrini’s side find themselves on the back foot once more in the Champions League.

Once again this was a night where City, dominant domestically with five wins out of five in the Premier League, still looked like they are struggling to convince themselves they belong in the exalted company of the Champions League.

Juventus’ pedigree is clear – they reached last season’s final – but they had not won a game all season until beating City, whose cast-iron confidence in the league looks to be somewhat stripped away here and opponents like the experienced Italians are only too happy to expose those flaws in self-belief.

This even seems to extend to City’s fans, anxious throughout and streaming out in droves even before three minutes of stoppage time, clearly not convinced their team would rescue a point.

City missed striker Sergio Aguero, not fully fit after picking up an injury at Crystal Palace and restricted to a brief appearance as a substitute, and they have learned the hard way that chances do not come along as often in the Champions League as they do in the Premier League – and the price for not taking them is an expensive one.

There is still plenty of time to recover but City need to win games such as this if they are to finish top of the group and avoid the potentially hazardous last-16 draw.— BBC.

PSV Eindhoven defender Hector Moreno has apologised after making the tackle that broke Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw’s leg. Shaw, 20, had surgery on Tuesday after suffering a double fracture of his right leg during the Red Devils’ 2-1 Champions League defeat in Eindhoven.

The England international will stay in hospital to continue his recovery. Moreno, 27, said: “I just feel really bad because I was involved in the accident. I feel really sorry.”

Shaw was given oxygen while being treated on the pitch for 10 minutes after Moreno’s challenge in the 15th minute of the game and was in tears in the dressing room.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward visited Shaw at St Anna Ziekenhuis hospital ahead of the club flying back to England.

Shaw, who signed from Southampton in June last year in a £31m deal and made 20 appearances in an injury-interrupted first season, is said to be in a positive frame of mind.

Uefa has no plans to review the tackle, which was not penalised by the officials, and will not take any further action.

Moreno said he did not think his 15th-minute challenge was a foul, despite United boss Louis van Gaal describing it as “very bad”.

“I think I played the ball, but in this kind of situation I don’t care if it was a foul,” said Moreno, who broke his leg during last year’s World Cup. “I feel bad for him, for his family.”

Shaw has started all of United’s eight games this season, as well as playing in England’s European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland.

But with just nine months to go until Euro 2016, he has broken both his tibia and fibula. Less than an hour after suffering the injury, Shaw wrote on Twitter: “Thank you everyone for your messages, words can’t describe how gutted I am, my road to recovery starts now, I will come back stronger.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United had a luckless night in their Champions League opener unlike previous games this season where Louis van Gaal’s side have struggled to turn their superiority into chances, they chalked up 17 shots on goal to PSV’s six.

There were encouraging displays from Depay, who scored his third of the season, and Anthony Martial, who made his full debut following his wonder goal during the win over Liverpool last Saturday.

Poor finishing let the visitors down, although their biggest concern will be over Shaw who will now suffer a lengthy lay-off.

Memphis Depay may not have scored in the Premier League so far, but fresh from his £31m move from PSV to Manchester United in June, the 21-year-old looked at home on his return to the Philips Stadium.

The forward, who scored 22 league goals for PSV en route to the Eredivisie title last season, started down the left and linked up well with striker Martial, who showed no signs of nervousness despite his tender age of 19 and his £36m transfer fee.

Depay’s goal was not dissimilar to Martial’s effort at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Played through by Daley Blind, he cut inside, and beat Jeroen Zoet with some ease. When the scores were level, the Dutchman could have added to his tally after a smart one-two with Martial but struck straight at the PSV goalkeeper.—ESPN.

Geophrey Sifani Sports Reporter
SIX clubs will compete in the Matabeleland Swimming Board (MSB) senior swimming gala this evening at Hillside Teachers’ College. Barracudas, SOS, Crusaders, BG Dolphins, Falcons and Penguins participate in the gala that marks the beginning of the Bulawayo swimming season.

Events to be contested at the gala include the 50M butterfly, 100M breaststroke, 50M backstroke, 100M freestyle, 200M individual medley and 200M backstroke.

MSB spokesperson Joseph Gliwitzki said preparations for the gala had been completed and they were hoping to stage a successful event.

“We hope to have a good gala as the swimmers are raring to go,” said Gliwitzki

The event will be held at the college’s pool as the City Pool is undergoing some repairs.

The pool was due to have been opened to the public on August 15.

“This has inconvenienced us because that’s the only 50M pool (City Pool) in Bulawayo and we have now been forced to improvise by using the college pool that is only 25M,” said Gliwitzki.

Bulawayo City Council spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu said the municipality was doing all it could to expedite works at the City Pool.

“There are still outstanding works from the AUSC Region 5 Games that are still being attended to by the contractor, who was contracted to do the works by the Ministry of Public Works. It is hoped that the pool will be re-opened soon once snags relating to the matter of (the) circulation system have been attended to,” said Mpofu.

“Council is losing revenue and the (swimming) association is losing valuable service of the pool as a result of the delay.”

She said some problems developed soon after the pool was commissioned, leading to the delay, but the contractors were working at resolving the situation.

John Nyikadzino

Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
Chapungu 2-1 Tsholotsho
A 10-man Chapungu outfit flew past Tsholotsho with goals by Tinei Chitora and Patrick Khumbula either side of the break ensuring maximum points for the hosts in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Ascot Stadium yesterday.

Iziqholo ZeZhwane’s goal came from a 46th minute penalty converted by William Sithima after a crude lunge on Nixon Gama by Collen Kwaramba. The reckless challenge earned the Chapungu defender a straight red card.

Chapungu’s first goal came in the 22nd minute in their first real chance of the match when Hillary Mugoniwa’s long searching pass found Chitora, who controlled the ball inside the box before firing past stranded Tsholotsho goalkeeper Nickel Marichi.

Tsholotsho were unlucky not to restore parity 10 minutes later when Maclive Phiri’s cross was headed just inches wide by Gama.

The second half opened with Tsholotsho threatening and they were awarded a penalty a minute into the half following Kwaramba’s crude tackle. Sitima stepped up and sent Chapungu keeper Roy Mazingi the wrong way.

Despite the equaliser and one-man advantage, Tsholotsho never really pressured their opponents, and instead waited for the hosts to attack them.

With the Zhwane Boys sitting at the back, Chapungu introduced two strikers, Khumbula for Allen Tavarwisa in the 64th and Maxwell Mavuto for Xolani Ncube 10 minutes later to add impetus to their attack.

Khumbula’s introduction bore fruits in the 68th minute when he received a pass from the right flank and shrugged off a challenge before firing past a diving Marichi to restore the airmen’s lead.

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino paid tribute to his charges for their gallant fight despite being a man down.

“I’m happy with the performance of my boys considering that we played the entire second half with 10 men. This is a good result for us and it augurs well with our objective of finishing in the top eight,” said Nyikadzino.

His Tsholotsho counterpart Lizwe Sweswe lamented the loss saying his charges should have fought for at least a point.

“We wanted at least a point but unfortunately we failed. We’re in the relegation zone and we have to pick points in every game we play and not rely on what other teams are doing,” Sweswe said.

Edmore Chirambadare

Harare Bureau
Triangle 1-2 Chicken Inn
THE wheels seem to be coming off for Triangle as the Sugar Sugar Boys continued their poor form when they let slip a first half lead to fall to log leaders Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league match at Gibbo Stadium yesterday.

Second half goals from top goal scorer Edmore Chirambadare and substitute Ishmael Lawe were enough to cancel out Hillary Bakacheza’s first half strike to maintain a five point lead on the top of the log standings with seven games to go.

Harare based referee Ruzive Ruzive handled well one of the games of the season in an evenly contested match at Gibbo and the hosts can only blame themselves for poor defending and lack of concentration.

“Our defending was quite erratic but I’m not going to single out one or two players. We lost as a team,” said Triangle technical manager Kelvin Kaindu.

Triangle opened the scoring in the ninth minute with Bakacheza regaining his scoring touch having struggled for form in the past four games.

Bakacheza took advantage of Gamecocks goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze who failed to hold on to a Pasca Manhanga stinging shot and coolly put the ball into the back of the net to score Triangle’s first goal in five games.

Triangle looked solid in defence in the first half with the return of Jimmy Dzingai helping them to keep the dangerous Chirambadare under check.

Triangle were however dealt a blow from their unforced mistakes in the second half as the visitors capitalised.

The hosts goalkeeper Ashley Reyners came off his line when he should have stayed put with Chirambadare under the challenge of a defender.

Chirambadare lobbed to score an easy goal reaching double digits as he scored his 10th of the season in the 70th minute.

Substitute Ishmael Lawe was given another scoring opportunity to score the winner five minutes later as Charles Rukwanhi made a school-boy mistake as his back pass was intercepted by Lawe before he rounded off the keeper to score.

“We’re one of the three teams fighting for the championship. Dynamos, F.C Platinum are also in contention so we’ve to stay cool and take every game as it comes,” said Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas.

Eddie Chikamhi Harare Bureau
Dynamos 5-1 Whawha
DYNAMOS coach Tonderai Ndiraya got the perfect response he had demanded from his team yesterday when the champions recovered from last weekend’s humbling at FC Platinum by pumping a glut of goals against ill-starred newboys Whawha in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Rufaro.

The youthful coach looked relieved following a fiery first half performance which yielded five goals after Ocean Mushure, Ronald Chitiyo, Takesure Chinyama and Godknows Murwira were on target.

Whawha defender Gift Kwaramba unwittingly aided to Dynamos’ cause when he miscued the ball into his own nets but there was still time in those opening 45 minutes of the game for former PSL Golden Boot winner Nelson Maziwisa to get the consolation goal for the visitors.

Although the win was not enough for Dynamos to recover the lost ground following the 1-3 defeat at Mandava in their last assignment, Ndiraya was happy with the spirit and energy demonstrated by his boys ahead of the remainder of the season.

“Five-one it is but we only got three points. I wish we could get more points by scoring more goals. All the same it’s good for the boys, it’s good for the team to score goals,” said Ndiraya.

“I think this was our first game this season to score as many goals. The three points will keep us up there with the rest, we will maintain our position. We will keep working hard and then we will see where we will be at the end of the season.”

Ndiraya said DeMbare’s focus remains hinged on retaining the championship which they have won in the last four years. But the prospects look challenging after the leading teams Chicken Inn and FC Platinum were involved in crucial away wins to keep the log table unchanged at the top.

DeMbare are third with 42 points in the bag while Chicken Inn managed to keep their stranglehold on the race after winning at Triangle to take their tally to 49 points.

However, the Glamour Boys showed intent early in the game yesterday and were already four goals up in the first 21 minutes.

Roving left back Mushure, who missed the side’s last two assignments due to suspension, opened the scoring when he beat goalkeeper Stanley Chakwana with a free-kick from just outside the box 12 minutes into the game.

Dynamos’ midfield genius Chitiyo doubled the lead six minutes later when he pounced on a rebound after the goalkeeper Chakwana had denied out of sorts forward Roderick Mutuma from close range.

Chitiyo collected the ball in the crowded box and created enough space for himself with some skillful play before he unleashed a rising shot that gave the goalkeeper no chance this time.

And it was an incredible moment for DeMbare as they scored three goals inside three minutes. Just as Whawha were still trying to re-organise themselves, Chinyama caught them by surprise when he poked home the third on 20 minutes.

DeMbare then got their fourth goal a minute later when Kwaramba’s attempt to block Mushure’s cross turned disastrous. But the visitors did not immediately throw in the towel.

Maziwisa reduced the arrears when he beat Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva at the near post in the 34th minute. But Murwira piled more misery on the prison wardens by converting a free-kick taken from a distance three minutes later.

DeMbare however were left to rue a couple of chances which could have given them a netball scoreline in the first half had the main culprit Mutuma applied himself well. A serious player in Mutuma’s boots yesterday could have probably found himself bagging a hat-trick.

“I thought we created lots of chances especially in the first half. We could have gone to the break with, maybe 10. First five minutes, I think we created two good chances which we fluffed but at the end of the day I’m impressed by the result and by the goals we scored although I thought we could have done more,” said Ndiraya.

His opposite number Lloyd Mutasa, a former Dynamos player and coach, said his side did not turn up for the match. Mutasa said their defence was shaky and they lost the plot early in the match when they allowed DeMbare space to score goals.

“I think it was one of the worst games we have ever played in the Premier League. It’s a game probably the youngsters gave away in the first 20 minutes. When you concede four goals against the defending champions in the first 20 minutes then you’re out of it,” said Mutasa.

Whawha remained stuck in the relegation zone with 19 points. With seven matches remaining in the season, Mutasa said it was now difficult for them to move to a position of safety.

“We’ve put ourselves in a tight corner and probably we just have to try and make up for it by winning games. But like I said before the destiny is no longer in our hands. So we have to look at ourselves and then look at how other teams are performing,” said Mutasa.

Thembani Masuku races for the ball under challenge from FC Platinum striker Obrey Chirwa (L) at Luveve Stadium yesterday

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
How Mine 0-3 FC Platinum
HOW MINE coach Luke Masomere yesterday blamed his club’s terrible recruitment strategy that saw them acquiring players past their sell by date.

Speaking soon after the Bulawayo-based gold miners were given a thorough hiding by fellow miners FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium, Masomere said age was catching up with most of his players.

“We erred as a club in our recruitment exercise by bringing players who had passed their peak,” said a clearly dejected Masomere, whose team has now gone for seven matches without a win.

A number of How Mine players are over the age of 28 and Masomere also hinted that a third force could be the cause of their misery.

“There are other factors contributing to our poor performances that are beyond my control,” said Masomere without elaborating.

FC Platinum, however, had no age worries as they kicked off the match in blistering pace, eager for an early opener.

But it was How Mine striker Kuda Musharu who got the attention of Hwange-based referee Bonomali Bwanali, albeit for the wrong reason, after he was yellow-carded in the ninth minute for a deliberate handball outside the box.

From the set piece, FC Platinum gained possession with Obrey Chirwa pulling clear on the left side where he made light work of Morris Kadzola and laid the ball to Elvis Moyo.

Moyo exchanged quick passes with Chirwa, who cleverly crossed to the advancing Brian Muzondiwa to open the score sheet in the 10th minute.

The home team almost equalised immediately from a free-kick after Wonder Sithole was brought down in an off the ball incident.

The platinum miners doubled their lead in the 14th minute in another telling move involving Gerald Takwara and Tatenda Mudehwe, who released Chirwa to charge into the box and score.

Sensing defeat, Masomere pulled out Moses Gutu for Thembani Masuku in the 25th minute, but it was the visitors who almost added a third in the 30th minute but defender Tapiwa Khumbuyani saved the situation.

How Mine played better in the second half and could have pulled one back within five minutes of restarting, but Nefitary Ndale chose to fall theatrically inside the box instead of heading the ball or simply chesting it into the net.

He was hauled off and replaced by Godfrey Nguwodzawo three minutes later.

With How Mine enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the referee stopped play in the FC Platinum half after a second ball was thrown onto the field by a fan.

Play resumed after a drop ball and with How Mine probably expecting FC Platinum to exercise fair play by knocking the ball out, Mudehwe surged forward sending the hosts’ defenders into panic.

He charged inside the box and delivered a hard and low cross that beat a drawn out How Mine goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya and fell onto the path of a rushing Kumbuyani, who pushed the ball into his own net in attempt to cover the goal line.

“We came looking for a positive result and we got that; we’re taking each game as it comes,” said an elated FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza.

Teams

How Mine: M Diya, T Kumbuyani, M Gutu (T Masuku 25th min, N Ndale ( G Nguwodzawo 53rd min), N Tachi, M Mupera, T January, W Sithole, K Musharu (T Muparati 80th min), M Kadzola, B Marere

Unused Subs: F Tizayi, R Muduviwa, A Gahadzikwa, E Mandiranga

FC Platinum: P Mhari, I Nekati, G Bello, K Moyo, E Moyo, W Mhango, G Takwara ,T Dzumbunu (S Shoko 53rd min), T Mudehwe, B Muzondiwa (R Sibanda 69th min), O Chirwa

Unused Subs: H Masuku, D Chafa, G Banda, N Dube

Tapuwa Kapini

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Highlanders’ shot stopper and skipper Tapuwa Kapini has declared that Bosso will not be relegated now and in future, and has challenged the players to prove that they deserve to play for the Bulawayo giants.

Campos, as Kapini was fondly referred to during his days at Bosso, also challenged the executive to put aside personal egos and to be humble enough to consult previous executive members for the club to extricate itself from its present quagmire.

Highlanders take on relegation threatened Flame Lily at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon needing nothing short of victory to move away from the deep end.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport from his South African base yesterday afternoon, the former Bosso favourite said the players must keep their heads high and stick to the coaches’ instructions.

“No, Highlanders will not go down. It’s a giant that unfortunately seems to have been led into a thick jungle, but will retrace its steps (out of danger). The players just need to believe in themselves and set a target of a top eight finish. That’s possible because if they can’t believe in themselves, who then will believe in them?” said Kapini.

He said blaming each other now and again after a defeat will not help their cause “because at the end of the day, it won’t be Ariel (Sibanda) or Knox (Mutizwa), but it will be Highlanders who would have lost and not individuals”.

“During our time, we never lost hope even if the opposition scored first in the first half. We knew that come second half, we would definitely score more than one goal and we did just that,” said Kapini.

The former AmaZulu and Platinum (of South Africa) goalminder attributed the team’s unfamilar position on the table to bad decisions by the executive.

“They might change coaches as they please, but at the end of the day, it’s them who must shoulder the blame. Their first mistake was letting go of Kelvin Kaindu and SamaNdloe (Bekithemba Ndlovu).

“The world over, big teams always keep their sons because they know the history and culture of the club, but these guys never did that. If they no longer wanted SamaNdloe, they should have brought in people like Dazzy (Kapenya), Gift (Lunga Jnr), among a number of former players, but it looks like they wanted to show who the boss is,” said Kapini.

He said former players know and understand what a loss means to the supporters.

“You know, some of us are now even afraid to comment about Highlanders on social media because we will become a laughing stock. Those in office must swallow their pride and consult previous executive members,” he said.

Fixtures

Today: Highlanders v Flame Lily (B/F), Buffaloes v Dongo Sawmill (Sakubva)