Nkosilathi Sibanda Sports Reporter
A TEAM of entrepreneurs from Botswana investment group Smart Partnership will take part in a two-day soccer tournament involving two Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa) teams this weekend as part of their southern African tour to link football with business. The tournament, the first of its kind in the city, will feature Unity Village FC and Continental FC, in what would be more than just a soccer extravaganza.

The Botswana side is made up of businessmen with an interest in sport who use football as a vehicle to build business links in the southern African region.

According to Bafa chairman Chris Mtungwazi, the two-day tournament is aimed at equipping players and administrators in the lower league with business skills.

“This is an initiative to use our game as a platform to establish business links. Soccer is a business and there are some concepts that we have to grasp, which we hope to learn from this tournament,” said Mtungwazi.

“The team from Botswana is here to play and also network. They will play against Continental FC and Unity Village and the reason for choosing lower division teams is because they need such support. Most Bafa and social league teams are run and played for by businesspeople and this tournament will certainly be of benefit to them,” he said.

Mtungwazi said the Botswana businessmen will also watch some Southern Region Division One league matches to scout for talent.

He said with the Smart Partnership tournament, players from lower leagues could find themselves plying their trade for some top teams in other southern African countries.

THE Zimbabwe senior women’s cricket squad has assembled in Harare for a training camp ahead of their tour to South Africa. The squad will be training at the Old Hararians Sports Club from 0930 to 1600 hours daily, except Sunday. The squad of 18 will be in camp until next Thursday, when the group will be reduced to 14 players who will leave for South Africa on the following day.

They will be based in Pretoria for the tour that will run until the 2nd of October.

The Zimbabwe women will play five Twenty20 matches and a one-dayer against the South Africa Women’s Emerging Squad, which comprises the players who did not make the final 14 of the South Africa senior women’s squad.

The tour to South Africa is part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for their participation in the International Cricket Council Global qualifier, which will be in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 28th of November to the 5th of December.

Zimbabwe are in Group B of the ICC tournament, with China, Ireland and the Netherlands. The other group has Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and the hosts.

The two countries which finish top at the tournament will join reigning champions Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in the ICC Women’s World T20 2016 tournament which will take place at the same time as the men’s tournament, in India in March next year.

Tour Itinerary

Saturday 26 September — 1st and 2nd T20, Sunday 27 — 3rd T20, Tuesday 29 — One-Day match, Thursday 01 — 4th T20, Friday 02 — 5th T20.

Squad

Chipo Mugeri (Captain), Christabel Chatonzwa, Tasmeen Granger, Nyasha Gwanzura, Susan Kudzibatira, Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Esther Mbofana, Thandakwenkosi Mlilo, Pellagia Mujaji, Modester Mupachikwa, Anesu Mushangwe, Mary-Anne Musonda, Ashley Ndiraya, Nomvelo Nyathi, Nonhlanhla Nyathi, Josephine Nkomo, Loreen Tshuma — Zimcricket

Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
SPORT-STARVED Victoria Falls is set to host a rare boxing tournament at a local hotel this evening, courtesy of the resort town’s renowned fitness trainer Prosper Mazorodze. Mazorodze, who holds sports science qualifications obtained in Malaysia and Singapore, recently established Trojan Boxing Promotions to support the town’s amateur boxers.

Ten bouts have been lined up for the inaugural boxing tournament and Mazorodze said his vision was to develop the sport in Victoria Falls by identifying and nurturing young boxers.

“I realised that there was no activity in Victoria Falls in terms of sport and thought of opening a boxing stable. The whole idea is to try and get youths off the streets and nurture them into professional boxers,” said Mazorodze.

He said today’s event was largely aimed at fundraising to buy essential equipment for his new boxing stable.

“Most potential boxers have only gone as far as amateur level here because there was no place for them to train,” he said.

The tourney will start at 6PM and end at around midnight. The participating pugilists are largely from the resort town.

The Trojan stable, which is training 10 amateur boxers, have engaged former boxer Chivasa Magare as their trainer and Walter Ndlovu is the technical director assisted by Tobias Owen Muposiwa.

Mazorodze said his long term plan was to establish a boxing academy and would soon seek government support.

Sports Reporter
THE Nash Matabeleland North Under-20 boys’ provincial football finals will be staged at David Livingstone High School this morning following last week’s district qualifiers. The winner of today’s event will represent the province at the national finals set for Gloag High School in Bubi, Matabeleland North next week.

Hwange district will be represented by Mosi oa Tunya High School; Lupane (Zwangendaba High); Tsholotsho (Mavela Secondary); Nkayi (Tohwe High and provincial defending champions Hlangabeza High); Bubi (Majiji High); Mguza (hosts Nhlambabaloyi High and Sojini High) and Binga (Muchesu Secondary).

Nash Matabeleland North provincial head in charge for football Lunguza Ndlovu said although they had lost their sponsor Population Services International, they would soldier on with the little resources at their disposal.

“Nash will fund this event but we hope to get a new sponsor soon. We’re awash with talent in sports generally and want clubs to scout for talent (in our province) so that they develop our players as well,” said Ndlovu.

The teams were all expected at David Livingstone yesterday to complete the vetting process to ensure today’s concentration is on the actual games.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HWANGE will be the focal point in this weekend’s Zifa Southern Region Division One League when three of the top four teams invade the coal mining town tomorrow afternoon in search of maximum points. League leaders Bulawayo City, second-placed Bulawayo Chiefs and fourth-placed Bantu Rovers will be in Hwange for what promises to be a bumper afternoon of football.

The Philani “Beefy” Ncube-coached City, who were given a reality check by Technosphere two weeks ago, take on Brian Njobvu’s Hwange Under-20 knowing that a slip-up would be received with cheers across town in Ingagula suburb where Chiefs will be taking on ZPC Hwange at Chakona Stadium.

ZPC Hwange looked like championship contenders at the beginning of the season, but their generation capacity faded along the way, even though they still pick up points here and there.

Johannes Ngodzo’s youthful Bantu Rovers face Makomo having seemingly resigned to another dance in the second tier league, if general manager Wilbert Sibanda’s sentiments during the week are anything to go by.

He said they were starting their 2016 preparations by roping in former Highlanders’ chairman Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda as manager.

That, however, doesn’t in any way suggest they will be easy prey for Makomo, who dismissed Amagagasi 1-0 last weekend.

Bantu Rovers themselves beat Victoria Falls outfit Trumus 2-1 with goals from Emmanuel Dube and Talent Twala, while the visitors got their consolation from Munyaradzi Muchenje.

However, the two games to watch will be at Chakona and Colliery stadiums. Chiefs are breathing hard on City’s neck and need to win their duel to keep pace, as a loss would leave the Bulawayo municipal side needing just 10 points from six games to seal promotion into the elite Premier Soccer League, if they beat the Young Chipangano.

A Chiefs win and a City loss would reduce the gap to three points, setting the stage for an exciting, nail-biting finish to the season.

City are likely to parade their latest acquisition, veteran Mkhokheli Dube, who was released by Premier Soccer League leaders Chicken Inn during the second transfer window.

Arshford Mamelodi

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
WORLD football governing body Fifa have denied reports that they are working with the government to set up a football normalisation committee to run the affairs of Zifa until the March 2016 Zifa annual general meeting. There had been reports that the government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) had recommended to Fifa that a normalisation committee be set up due to the dysfunctional structures of the Zifa board led by Cuthbert Dube.

A normalisation committee is set up in terms of Article 7, paragraph 2 of the Fifa Statutes. Fifa’s Article 7, paragraph 2 reads: “Executive bodies of Member Associations may under exceptional circumstances be removed from office by the executive committee in consultation with the relevant confederation and replaced by a normalisation committee for a specific period of time.”

African powerhouse Cameroon’s football has been run by a normalisation committee since 2013 after the country’s Football Association president was jailed for fraud. “The committee’s mandate will be to revise the Zifa statutes and to organise elections for new office bearers, at the same time manage the daily business.

“It will act as an electoral body, whose decisions will be final and binding. Its members will not be eligible for any of the open positions,” said a source close to the matter.

Retired referee and respected captain of industry Anthony Mandiwanza had been touted as a possible leader of that committee with educationist and Highlanders’ board member Elkannah Dube deputising him.

“Consultations are still ongoing for the other members of the committee but Mandiwanza and Dube’s names have already been put forward,” the source said. However, Fifa development officer for Central and Southern Africa Arshford Mamelodi yesterday refuted the reports saying they were only preparing for the Zifa October 3 meeting.

“I’m not aware of such a plan. All I know is that we are still on course for next month’s meeting, unless Zifa has changed that,” said the Botswana national. The Zifa assembly will meet on October 3 when the Dube-led board’s fate is likely to be decided. Should Dube’s board be recalled, an interim committee would be set up to run Zifa’s affairs until the annual general meeting next year.

The October 3 meeting will also deliberate on the suspensions of Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda and his fellow board members Ben Gwarada and women’s football boss Miriam Sibanda.

Luke Masomere

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
UNDER-FIRE How Mine coach Luke Masomere yesterday threw in the towel following a string of poor results that saw the expensively assembled gold miners failing to register a single win in seven outings. It was not immediately clear last night who would replace him, with Botswana-based Rahman Gumbo and Harare City assistant coach Mkhuphali Masuku among the favourites.

The last straw for Masomere could have been the consecutive defeats to debutants Tsholotsho (1-2) and on-fire FC Platinum (0-3). The game against the platinum miners was played at Luveve Stadium on Wednesday. “I have resigned as How Mine coach because of poor results,” said Masomere yesterday.

Club chairman Alpha Matumbura last night said the disengagement with Masomere was amicable. “We’ve accepted his resignation. Results have been eluding us in the second half of the season and some action just had to be taken, otherwise two more losses would have found us in the relegation zone. As a club, we really appreciate the good work that Masomere did and wish him well wherever he goes,” said Matumbura.

Masomere blamed Wednesday’s heavy loss to what he termed the club’s terrible recruitment strategy of roping in players past their sell by date. “Age is catching up with most of our guys. We erred as a club in our recruitment exercise by bringing players, who had passed their peak,” he said.

The gold miners were touted as strong title contenders after they made a number of big name signings during the offseason. However, eyebrows were raised when they signed an injured Tawanda Muparati who had not been registered by his own club Dynamos as a result of his injuries.

He has so far played less than 30 minutes of football at the gold miners, coming on as a substitute in the last two matches.

Cuthbert Dube

Geophrey Sifani Sports Reporter
ZIFA boss Cuthbert Dube’s Bulawayo provincial meeting which was supposed to be at Eveline High School this afternoon has been postponed. Zifa Bulawayo chairman Washington Sithole said the postponement was due to pressing commitments Dube had to attend to in Harare. “We’re very sorry for the cancellation of the meeting but we assure you that all is under control. We’re yet to finalise a new date for the meeting. The president will be coming soon and we’re going to notify the football public of the new date,” said Sithole.

“We’d invited all affiliates, area zones and former players to share their experiences and give input. The meeting was open to anyone who wished to have a say in the way football should be run in this country,” he said. Dube’s lieutenants had indicated that the tour was aimed at strengthening the association’s bond with its affiliates as well as to assess the state of football and provide solutions to various problems these key football organs are facing.

However, critics dismissed the national tour as a defensive attempt ahead of the explosive Emergency General Meeting on October 3 where Dube is likely to be kicked out. Football fans, officials, players and the government have persistently accused Dube of putting the country’s game into disrepute through his indifferent administrative approach.

Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA have joined the rest of the nation in mourning the passing away of national hero and former Cabinet Minister, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, in Bulawayo on Tuesday morning. Ndlovu, 78, died at Mater Dei Hospital where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after an asthma attack and subsequent stroke last week.

Zifa spokesman Xolisani Gwesela said the association had learnt of the passing away of Ndlovu with shock and grief as he was a staunch football fan with a soft spot for Highlanders.

“We are mourning with the rest of the nation as Ndlovu was a gallant Warriors’ supporter and unquestionable football fan,” said Gwesela. “Ndlovu played a crucial role in empowering the girl child and he once sponsored women’s football in the Southern Region. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ndlovu family at this time of grief and we encourage them to seek comfort and solace in the Almighty. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Ndlovu will be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare tomorrow.

Highlanders’ second half substitute
Obert Tafira rides a tackle from Flame Lily’s Tendai Huwa at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday – Pic by Fortune Muzarabani

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter—
Highlanders 1-0 Flame Lily
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League debutants Flame Lily coach Backlyfield Chivenga yesterday expressed shock and dismay at losing to ailing Bulawayo giants in yesterday’s tie at Barbourfields Stadium. Flame Lily are languishing third from the bottom on the league table on 19 points from 23 games, nine points behind Bosso, but Chivenga just could not fathom the defeat to a side that had easily become the whipping boys of the league.

“I’m shocked that we lost to Highlanders. We could have easily beaten them,” said the youthful looking Chivenga in his post match interview. There was probably some grain of truth in his statement as Highlanders technical director Cosmos “Tsano” Zulu said it was a huge relief to collect maximum points after a barren run of 360 minutes.

“It’s a huge relief coming after four losses on the trot,” said Zulu, who delayed coming for the post match interview while celebrating with fans at the Soweto stand. Flame Lily were the first to ask questions when Macmillion Chigora broke free on the right flank, got into the box, but his final execution was well dealt with by Highlanders’ goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

Two minutes before the quarter-hour mark, striker Obidiah Tarumbwa failed to use his experience when he let a Gabriel Nyoni cross fly past him instead of connecting with a diving header.

The ball then fell to King Nadolo, who quickly laid it to Valentine Ndaba, but he too skied his effort. Highlanders continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession and at one time exchanged 18 straight passes, which nevertheless yielded no goal as the passes were deep in their own half. Flame Lily seemed content with employing a wait and see game, hoping to catch Bosso on the counter.

Their approach almost punished Highlanders in added time of the first half after catching the home team’s defenders stranded. Had Chigora been more composed, the first 45 minutes would have ended with the Bulawayo giants trailing. Highlanders started the second half playing more purposeful football as they searched for the elusive goal and it came in the 53rd minute in emphatic style.

Simon Munawa received a pass right on the penalty spot and he nicely controlled the ball with his back to goal, and in a flash unleashed a spectacular overhead kick into the roof of the net, leaving Lloyd Majarira in goal for Flame Lily clutching thin air. The goal somehow stung the visitors, who poured forward in numbers, but the Highlanders defence was, for once, uncompromising.

Bosso almost doubled their lead in the 76th minute after skipper Tarumbwa intelligently lobbed the ball over the Flame Lily defence and fell to Nyoni who charged towards goal and went for the kill after seeing Majarira advancing, but the keeper was equal to the task.

That was the last major action in the match besides the injury time sending off of Flame Lily’s James Mkondiwa by Gweru-based referee Thomas Masaa for a second bookable offence.

“We played well with more possession than the opposition. Like I’ve always said, the road to success is under construction. I’m also happy with my goalkeeper (Sibanda); he has conceded just a single goal in two matches, which is not that bad,” said Zulu.

After expressing his shock at losing to Highlanders, Chivenga said his side was punished for a silly mistake. “The relegation fight is still on,” he said. Bosso remain rooted on 10th position on the table with 28 points, 10 points above league anchors Dongo Sawmill with seven games left. Teams

Highlanders: A Sibanda, S Munawa (O Tafira 86th min), K Nadolo (E Muzanenhamo 60th min), M Maphosa, O Tarumbwa, B Kangwa, F Chindungwe, E Mudzingwa, V Ndaba ( H Moyo (68THmin), P Muduhwa, G Nyoni

Unused Subs: J Daudi, G Makaruse, T Mtunzi, P Matutu

Flame Lily: L Majarira, G Phiri, B Chayambuka, B Chandisaita, J Mkandiwa, T Huwa, E Chidawaya, M Muponda (P Chinyama 73th min), V Mukudo, M Chigora (M Demera 78th min), J Chivasa (P Ngwenya 67th min)

Unused Subs: S Harrison, N Maroto, S Jimu, T Chiku

Results
Wednesday: Dynamos 5-1 Whawha, How Mine 0-3 FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba FC 2-0 Harare City, Hwange 0-1 Caps United, Chapungu 2-1 Tsholotsho, Triangle United 1-2 Chicken Inn

Thursday: Highlanders 1-0 Flame Lily, Buffaloes 1-0 Dongo Sawmill

Geophrey Sifani Sports Reporter
THE national women’s rugby team has failed to go into final camp in preparation for their Olympic qualifiers set for Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 26-27 due to lack of funds. The Lady Cheetahs’ camp was set for tomorrow up to Wednesday with the team training three times a day. Departure was set for Thursday. It’s the second time the national team has had its training schedule disrupted after a four day training camp in Hwange was cancelled. The team is also facing a misty road as no kit has been given to the team for the competition.

“At the moment we can’t afford to feed everyone so we’re organizing to have the players come in from their homes and back for each camp day. Our travel and accommodation expenses are taken care of by Rugby Afrique,” said Abigail Kawonza, the Lady Cheetahs’ head coach.

She said the initial squad will be composed of 15 players that will be further reduced to 12. “We hope the girls are going to perform well. We’ve managed to identify what was lacking last year and plugged those holes with the inclusion of certain players whom we hope will make a difference,” she said confidently.

Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
SHABANIE Mine still has hopes of snatching the sole promotion ticket in the Zifa Central Soccer League from runaway leaders, Border Strikers, to make a quick return into the Premiership. The asbestos miners who have so far collected 35 points are 13 points behind the log leaders who sit comfortably on 48 points. With eight games to go before the season ends which translates to 24 points still to play for, the Chinda Boys coach, Tendai Chikuni, believes his charges can spring a surprise and return to the top-flight league.

“It’s difficult for us now because the gap between us and Border Strikers is a big one. We just need to start winning our games now and who knows we might get promoted if anything happens because this is football,” he said. Shabanie Mine welcome party spoilers Gweru United who have developed a knack of stopping big teams in the league.

Fixtures
Today: ZPC Munyati vs ZRP Beitbridge (Munyati), MSU vs Mvuma Stars (MSU), ZETDC Southern Region vs Sable Chemicals (Mkoba), FC Platinum

U19 vs Ivan Hoe (Mandava), Vumbachikwe vs Border Strikers (Collen Bawn)

Tomorrow: Shabanie Mine vs Gweru United (Maglas), Chrome Stars vs Silo United (Chrome), Blanket Mine vs Tongogara (Blanket)

CONGRATULATIONS are in order to Honourable Makhosini Hlongwane on his appointment as Minister of Sports and Recreation, taking over from Andrew Langa. Langa left the Sports Ministry after serving for two years and seven days, having been appointed on July 10 by President Robert Mugabe. Borrowing the much fancied four words that most love – HIT THE GROUND RUNNING — Minister Hlongwane is expected to clean the image of the sports industry, formulate and implement programmes that are in line with the economic blueprint Zim-Asset.

Sport is a major component of Zim-Asset which was crafted to achieve sustainable development and social equity anchored on indigenisation, empowerment and employment creation which will be largely propelled by the judicious exploitation of the country’s abundant human and natural resources.

Reported cases of maladministration at sporting organisations, particularly at Zifa have scared away potential sponsors.

Minister Hlongwane’s predecessor was accused of treating Zifa with child’s gloves, after failing to decisively deal with the football mother body’s head Cuthbert Dube who made history by getting the country banned from participating at the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers because of his bungling.

Zimbabwe will be spectators when the entire universe starts Fifa World Cup qualifiers after being left out because of the $81,000 debt owed to former national team coach José Claudinei Georgini, popularly known as Valinhos.

Initially the debt owed to the coach stood at $67,000, but has ballooned to $81,000 due to legal costs.

Dube and his PA (Jonathan Mashingaidze), lied to the nation, took for granted the football-loving nation by making public declarations that that Zifa had the Valinhos matter covered and that the Warriors were going to participate at the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Oops, that wasn’t the case and we were left in the cold. Former Zifa chairman Vincent Pamire accused the FA and the Sports Ministry of taking the nation for a ride, promising to sort out the mess knowing fully that they had no clue as to how they were going to address the matter.

The former Zifa chairman who led Zimbabwe to their maiden Afcon finals held in Tunisia in 2004 said the national football mother body has shamed the nation with the Sports Ministry under Langa silent.

“It’s a pity and very painful to be expelled from participating at the ultimate competition. Zifa has shamed the nation together with these people from the Sports and Recreation Commission who did nothing when things were getting worse over the years. Zifa and SRC have destroyed everything,” Pamire was quoted.

“Actually what Zifa and SRC bosses, the Sports Ministry have done is to work against the economic blueprint Zim-Asset that spells out about the people’s need which includes sport. Zim-Asset seeks to create empowerment and eradicate poverty. Look, most of these boys have chosen soccer as a profession so that they earn a living through it but where will they showcase their talent if the country is banned from the Fifa World Cup?

Where will they earn the much needed national team caps so that they move to better remunerating European leagues?”

True, many footballers dream of playing in better remunerating leagues.

Did Dube and Mashingaidze ever think of the careers that they’ve ruined?

Besides getting us banned, Zifa have gone for years without publishing audited financials, even though they claim their books are in order.

The embattled organisation was at pains last week, trying to explain “cooked-up” income and expenditure statement for the 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea.

Zifa board member Fungai Chihuri is alleged to have “handsomely” paid himself and fellow board members $1,000 each.Things took a twist during the week when Bulawayo based lawyer Tavengwa Hara, a member of the board refuted claims that he was paid $1,000 instead saying he got $400.

Surely, with such scandals, who can invest in Zifa?

Minister Hlongwane should deal with the Zifa madness once and for all. Only when there is a Zifa leadership that adheres to corporate governance values will we see sponsors coming in to partner football.

It will be refreshing to see the minister taking to task the SRC for their failure to reign in on other underperforming associations.

Minister Hlongwane is in China on official government business but when he comes back this weekend and starts work on Monday, he must and he should HIT THE GROUND RUNNING!

Arsene Wenger

London — Jose Mourinho has warned Arsene Wenger that Chelsea are back in the groove as the Premier League champions look to extend their revival in today’s showdown with London rivals Arsenal. Mourinho’s side are languishing just above the relegation zone following a miserable run of one win from their first five matches, but the Blues boss is confident his players are beginning to rediscover their swagger after a 4-0 demolition of Maccabi Tel Aviv in midweek.

That vibrant opening to their Champions League campaign was a stark contrast to the doom and gloom that surrounded the club after their worst start to a season since 1988. Already trailing leaders Manchester City by 11 points and fourth placed Arsenal by six, a third successive league defeat this weekend could leave Chelsea’s title defence in tatters.

Yet Mourinho expects the challenge of taking on a title rival will draw a powerful performance from his team against an Arsenal side reeling from their surprise Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb. “We come with a different feeling. We can wake up with a different state of mind,” Mourinho told Chelsea TV.

“Saturday is a big match, it’s a great rival. This result can put us in a better situation. “We had too many bad results. We couldn’t have this one on top of it.” Mourinho has been quick to dismiss claims of a rift with captain John Terry, one of several players dropped for the Maccabi clash.

But Mourinho looks an agitated figure at present and locking horns with old rival Wenger is likely to keep him in a waspish mood, especially since he is still smarting from losing to the Arsenal chief for the first time in 14 meetings in the Community Shield last month. Facing Chelsea on the back of a European setback is hardly ideal preparation for Arsenal, who haven’t scored in their last four league meetings with the Blues.

However, Gunners forward Theo Walcott is adamant his team will shrug off that setback in time to add to Mourinho’s problems at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners have been solid if unspectacular in the league so far and Walcott, who came off the bench to score against Zagreb, said: “Everyone will be very disappointed but we need to move on now.

“We’ve had setbacks before and have managed to bounce back from them. We’ve got a big, important game at the weekend. “The manager will make sure that it’s put to bed in the changing room and that it will stay there. We need to reflect on this game and move on quickly.” The match kicks off at 13:45. —AFP.

Sikhanyiso Ndlovu

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League has delayed the kickoff of today’s double header Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals at National Sports Stadium to allow football fans an opportunity to bid national hero Sikhanyiso Ndlovu farewell. Ndlovu died on Tuesday and will be buried today at the National Heroes’ Acre, which is across the National Sports Stadium.

PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele released a statement yesterday saying: “The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League would like to advise the public that due to the burial of national hero Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu at the National Heroes’ Acre on Saturday, September 19, 2015, the kick off time for the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final matches scheduled for Saturday have been rearranged.”

The development means that the match between league leaders Chicken Inn and Chapungu which had earlier been scheduled for 1PM will now kick off at 2:30PM, with the second quarter-final involving Triangle United and Harare City being played at 4:45PM. The Triangle United-Harare City match will be played under floodlights.

Football fans have been given a rare treat by the PSL through the double headers, bringing three championship chasing sides — Chicken Inn, FC Platinum, and Dynamos — into one stadium over two days. Not only are the three sides aiming for the league title, they are also in the running for cup glory.

Chicken Inn are wary of their opponents Chapungu who are the tournament’s underdogs. “Cup games are always tricky and I’m sure Chapungu will be more comfortable riding on the underdogs tag. They’re a good side, who pose lots of threats for any opponent and we’re not taking them lightly. We’ve brought the limelight to ourselves because of the position that we’re at in the championship race, which could psychologically boost Chapungu because not much focus is on them.

However, we’re going to Harare to fight for a victory and progress to the next stage,” said Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas. The Gamecocks gaffer is also worried about the recovery of his players after their long midweek trip to Triangle United. Chicken Inn were made to fight hard for the three points, coming from a goal down to win the Triangle battle 2-1.

George Majika who missed the south-eastern Lowveld trip due to suspension has been included for the trip to Harare. Other players expected to guide Chicken Inn to the next round are skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri, Moses Jackson, Clemence Matawu, deadly striking duo of Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchell Katsvairo.

Antipas is likely to rest goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and give game time to Pride “Cool Cat” Zendera who played in the first round against Hwange. Chapungu who knocked out Flame Lily in the first round, recording a 2-1 victory, will bank on veteran striker Philip Marufu, goalkeeper Roy Mazingi, Blessing Zabula, Maxwell Mavhuto and Marvelous Dikinya to lead them to glory.

In the other semi-final, both Triangle United and Harare City will be hoping to bounce back from midweek respective defeats against Chicken Inn and ZPC Kariba by progressing to the next stage. What makes the encounter even more exciting is that having lost ground in the league title race, the two teams’ desire to land a piece of silverware could push them to fight harder.

Progressing to the last four will give hope for glory to either side as well as make up for missing out in the championship after earning the pre-season favourites tags. Tomorrow, defending champions FC Platinum meet Dynamos for the second time in as many weeks hoping to get the better of the latter.

Last weekend FC Platinum clobbered DeMbare 3-1 at Mandava in a league encounter and it will be a revenge mission for Dynamos. Norman Mapeza, FC Platinum’s coach, knows the pressure of being in the running for both the league and cup titles.

The Zvishavane side has been enjoying a good run in the championship, going for a 14-match unbeaten run. “What’s important is to take each game as it comes. It’s difficult to chase two rabbits with one dog, meaning you have to be strategic to get them both. “Every game presents a new challenge and we can’t be talking about last week’s victory against Dynamos. This is a cup game and the approach is different,” said Mapeza.

Pace and skill is what FC Platinum has been thriving on. They are quick to release the ball and their breaks have proved difficult for most teams. Obrey Chirwa and Brian Muzondiwa will lead the platinum miners from the front with Gerald Takwara and Winston Mhango deployed in central midfield while veteran defender Gift Bello will marshal the defence.

DeMbare will bank on their seasoned attacking duo of Rodrick Mutuma and Takesure Chinyama. Besides the duo, the Glamour Boys also have Ronald Chitiyo, Sydney Linyama, Ocean Mushure and captain Augustine Mbara to stir their ship. The last semi-final will feature How Mine against ZPC Kariba. The gold miners will begin life without Luke Masomere who stepped down on Thursday.

Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v Chapungu (2:30PM), Triangle United v Harare City (4:45PM)

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

All matches at National Sports Stadium and will be screened live on SuperSport

Joey Antipas

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
LEAGUE and cup double candidates Chicken Inn have declared that they will be participating in the demanding but lucrative Caf Champions League next year if they win their inaugural top-flight title. Club chairman Lifa Nucbe confirmed yesterday that his executive will be meeting soon to consider invading the African jungles in the event they lift the coveted Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.

“We will be meeting soon to consider the African safari but indications are that we will play,” said Ncube. The Joe Antipas coached outfit have always remained modest about their championship aspirations despite leading the league table for most of the season now. With seven matches to go, the GameCocks enjoy a five point lead over second placed FC Platinum. Chicken Inn also have the added advantage of meeting their two closest rivals FC Platinum and Dynamos at home, in what is clearly becoming a dog eat dog campaign.

They made a very clear statement of intent on Wednesday when they came from a goal down to tricky Triangle at Gibbo Stadium to emerge 2-1 winners and stay top of the table, despite FC Platinum winning 3-0 over a disjointed How Mine at Luveve Stadium while reigning champions Dynamos clobbered Whawha 5-1 at Rufaro Stadium on the same day.

It is the Gibbo Stadium result that perhaps might have changed the administration’s mindset about their championship aspirations.

Ncube said their aim at the start of the season was to finish inside the top-four bracket, saying they still remain confident of achieving their target. He attributed their fairytale run to the element of surprise as no one seemed to believe in them following low key preseason preparations.

“When the season started we were aiming for a top four finish. Last year we finished on position six and our major let down in the prior year was the lack of goals as we were playing well. This season you will notice we signed more attack minded players than other departments, such as Edmore Chirambadare, David Temwanjira, Michelle Katsvairo and Tafadzwa Kutinyu. The other recruitments were from the juniors. With the recruitment we did we were confident that we could achieve this. The other thing that worked for us is the surprise element. At the beginning of the season no one believed in us and that removed pressure from us,” said Ncube.

The GameCocks take on Dynamos in their next game at Luveve Stadium while FC Platinum will be away to Tsholotsho on the same weekend. From the remaining seven matches Chicken Inn will play five games in Bulawayo with the other two being away to Whawha and Flame Lily.

With seasoned campaigners like Clemence Matawu, Moses Jackson, Guide Goddard, Bhekimpilo Ncube, Soccer Star of the Year favourite and skipper Danny Phiri, Goalkeeper of the Year front runner Elvis Chipezeze, Antipas has the players that can take all the pressure that is exerted at this time of the year. The 2010 championship winning coach with Motor Action is also in the running for the Coach of the Year award.

Their find of the season, a favourite for the prestigious stars’ calendar, Chirambadare finally remembered how to score when he took his tally level with Bosso’s Knox Mutizwa on Wednesday. Chicken Inn’s destiny is in their own hands heading into the blockbuster matches against Dynamos and FC Platinum, the two matches likely to determine whether they realise their dream or not.

Ncube though does not want to put pressure on his camp. “I don’t think beating Dynamos and FC Platinum will make us champions. We will still have away games to Flame Lily and Whawha to play and I believe those are very tough games,” said Ncube.

Chicken Inn’s last seven matches
Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields), How Mine v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve), Whawha v Chicken Inn (Ascot), Chicken Inn v Tsholotsho (Luveve), Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve), Flame Lily v Chicken Inn (Lafarge)

FC Platinum’s last seven matches
Tsholotsho v FC Platinum (White City), FC Platinum v Whawha (Mandava), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve), FC Platinum v Harare City (Mandava), Flame Lily v FC Platinum (Lafarge), FC Platinum v Caps United (Mandava), Dongo Sawmill v FC Platinum (Vengere)

Dynamos’ last seven matches
Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields Stadium), Dynamos v Harare City (Rufaro), Flame Lily v Dynamos (Lafarge), Dynamos v Caps United (Rufaro), Dongo Sawmill v Dynamos (Vengere), Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Dynamos (Sakubva)

Cuthbert Dube

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA will punish officials within its executive committee and secretariat if a government audit team reveals financial irregularities in the handling of revenue generated in the recent Warriors’ African Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea. The audit process is expected to be finalised tomorrow or Monday morning, according to Zifa president Cuthbert Dube.

Early this week, former Minister of Sport, Andrew Langa, ordered the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to seize Zifa books and carry out a forensic audit which they will then present to the ministry on Monday. Speaking in a rare interview with Chronicle Sport last night, Dube said the association has an image to protect and if the audit report reveals untoward financial behaviour by any member of his body and the secretariat, he will not hesitate to boot them out of 53 Livingstone Avenue, the Zifa headquarters.

“If indeed the audit process will reveal any financial misconduct as is being reported in the media, then certainly heads will roll. We can’t protect bad apples in the association. I wasn’t at Rufaro Stadium myself so it’ll be difficult to give a first hand account but no one will be spared. The audit process, as you correctly reported has already started and since it’s just for a single match, it shouldn’t take long at all,” said Dube.

Board member Tawengwa Hara has already spilled the beans after he publicly admitted that he was paid $400 which was brought to his hotel room by another board member John Phiri in the middle of the night. The money however is not reflecting on the association’s income and expenditure statement from the match.

The Bulawayo based lawyer, who is also the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table toppers, Chicken Inn’s secretary general, said the money was for his travel costs from Bulawayo to Harare and back. However, sources said Hara and acting women football boss Elizabeth Langa’s air travel tickets were paid for by a Harare- based travel agent (name supplied) with close links to Zifa. The agent has since been reimbursed its money, which also is not reflecting on the discredited income and expenditure statement.

Fungai Chihuri, who is the acting board member finance, is alleged to have signed for $2,800 as board expenses and $1,200 as travel and subsistence. Asked why he was not reining in his all-powerful chief executive officer, Jonathan Mashingaidze, despite a number of complaints against him, Dube said his head of secretariat was not immune to persecution.

“I hear stories that I’m protecting Mashingaidze, what for? He’s not indispensable because if I do that I’ll be soiling my own name and public standing, something which is certainly not good for me. If we get any bit of evidence that he’s and has been astray then believe me, I’ll show him the door, make no mistake about that,” said Dube.

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter—
AT least six coaches made enquiries about the How Mine FC job, less than 24 hours after Luke “Vahombe” Masomere quit the hot seat on Wednesday due to a string of poor results. The last nine games have been a nightmare for the goldminers’ followers who haplessly watched their team pick a paltry six points out of a possible 27.

With statistics showing that How Mine were nose-diving into the relegation zone, Masomere decided to quit after a review meeting which came after his side were beaten 0-3 by FC Platinum on Wednesday. How Mine were also porous in the last nine games. They conceded 15 goals and scored only five during the period.

How Mine’s chairman Alpha Matumbura yesterday said the vacant coaching job had even attracted gaffers plying their trade outside the country. “By 12 midday yesterday we had received about six CVs. I’m not at liberty to disclose the names but there are a number of well-known coaches in the list.

“We’re in no rush to appoint the coach as it’s a process that really needs time. At the moment Jeremiah Makota and Usheunesu Chaka who got us promoted from Division One will be in charge of the team until a substantive person is found,” said Matumbura.

Former national team coach Rahman Gumbo is favourite to land the post. Ex-Chicken Inn and Bantu Rovers coach Mandla Mpofu is believed to be among the coaches whose names have been thrown around. There are also rumours that the goldminers are interested in national team coach Callisto Pasuwa as well as Harare City’s assistant coach Mkhuphali Masuku.

Canada based former Zimbabwe Saints player Eddie Mukahanana fuelled speculation that he could be among the said overseas gaffers interested in the How Mine job through a post he made on Facebook.

“A club like How Mine would be an ideal club for me to coach in the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. I have watched a few games on SuperSport tv and as much as I love Zim football we still have a lot to do to produce players that can play in the world’s top leagues,” wrote Mukahanana.

PAKISTAN cricket coach Waqar Younis has said their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe will provide his side with the much needed experience so they can perform better as a unit in the series against England, which starts from October 13 in the United Arab Emirates. Reacting to the exclusion of Anwar Ali from the T20 squad, the 43-year-old said the all-rounder had suffered from injury and, therefore, could not be risked, the Express Tribune reported.

Waqar revealed that Pakistan had brought in some new faces for Zimbabwe that would feature in England as well, adding that the top performers of domestic cricket might also be called to play against England.

Meanwhile, Waqar also lauded new appointment Imran Khan saying he looked really impressive with his variations making him different. Pakistan will play two T20 Internationals and three one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in Harare from September 27 before the England series. Waqar was confident Pakistan can beat England in the upcoming three-match Test series. The former captain also indicated that Pakistan would rely heavily on their spinners to test the English batsmen.

“More than the limited over series in Zimbabwe, we’re totally focused on the Test matches against England. It’s a very important series for us and I just want the team to repeat the form they showed against Australia and New Zealand last year,” Waqar said. — Cricket Country

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE heavyweight boxing champion Thamsanqa Dube and five other boxers will fight in supporting title bouts that would be screened live on pay-per-view television channel SuperSport in Lilongwe, Malawi, on October 31. Harare-based trainer-cum-promoter Clyde Musonda said Dube would be joined by Bulawayo-based Trevor Mpofu, Nicola Mutonora, Tinashe Madzivana, Diana Makumbe and Kudakwashe Chivandire for the Malawi trip.

Dube and Mpofu are set to fight in the heavyweight division while the other four will know their categories in due course.

Musonda said the bouts were organised by Craig Rousseau through his Malawi No Pain No-Gain Boxing stable and will see Malawian Wilson Masamba trading leather for the World Professional Boxing Federation Africa featherweight title against an unnamed Brazilian opponent.

Another Malawian Charles Misanju will fight for the super welterweight title.

The two Malawian pugilists are presently training at the Delta Force Boxing Academy run by Musonda in Harare.

“Three boxing stables from Zimbabwe (Delta Force), Tanzania’s Wall of Fame and the hosts’ No Pain-No Gain have collaborated to ensure these bouts are staged,” said Musonda.

“Rousseau is already in South Africa negotiating with SuperSport to cover the tournament that will be held at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe.

“Hopefully our Zimbabwean boxers will grab the opportunity and fight well there. It’s been a while since most of our pugilists set foot in the ring for a competitive boxing match,” he said.

The major fight that most Zimbabweans would be keen on is the Dube and Mpofu clash.

At the beginning of this year, Mpofu, 22, challenged Dube, 32, the former Pan-African World Boxing Association heavyweight champion, who happens to be the country’s most feared boxer.

Repeated efforts by Musonda to secure a sponsor to stage the fight in Zimbabwe proved futile, hence the decision to have their fight in Malawi.

“Obviously it would have been nice for Dube and Mpofu to fight here in Zimbabwe but due to resource issues, local fans have to watch it on TV. Hopefully, some day we will be able to get partners who will make it possible for us to stage tournaments locally,” Musonda said.

Dube last fought in 2011 when he was floored by Flo Simba in a non-title contest. He has been unable to get a challenger since then, with most pulling out at the last minute.

The “Baby Elephant” or “The Tanker”, as Dube is affectionately referred to, said he had shed off 15KG and now weighs 135KG.

“I’ve waited for a while to get back into the ring and I promise I’ll crush the boy (Mpofu), although I commend him for showing some guts,” said Dube.

Mpofu, who stands at 1.98M tall and weighs just above 90KG, is adamant that he will spring a shocker against Dube.

“Dube has passed his sell by date and this is my time to shine. I’m not afraid of him and I’m going to beat him. Right now I have intensified my preparations so that I’m in good shape for the fight,” Mpofu said.

He sees the fight against Dube as a springboard for his boxing career.

The confident, towering Mpofu believes that he will be the biblical David who used a sling to knock down Goliath when he faces Dube.