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Takunda Maodza  Manicaland Bureau Chief

SOME companies awarded contracts for the reconstruction of Cyclone Idai-affected areas in Chipinge and Chimanimani have made headway, while others are not yet on the ground, raising fears they will not be able to complete their work before onset of the rainy season.

Government awarded 21 contracts for the repair of roads and bridges in areas affected by the cyclone in Manicaland Province.

This does not translate to 21 companies, as some of them got more than one contract.

Cyclone Idai ravaged Chimanimani and Chipinge in March this year, killing hundreds and destroying infrastructure worth over a billion United States dollars.

The cyclone destroyed bridges and roads, making access, especially to Chimanimani, impossible. The first phase of reconstruction efforts, which saw construction of temporary structures, ended in July and a second phase which will see construction of permanent structures is underway.

Briefing Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda on Friday when he visited Kopa and other parts of Chimanimani affected by the cyclone, head of the Zimbabwe National Army Engineers Corp Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Edwards expressed fears that some of the companies will fail to deliver on their contracts with Government.

“These companies I believe they will have to speed up because we have two months left (before onset of rains),” said Lt-Col Edwards.

“We are running short of time and we have to move with speed. Once it starts raining, this place will not be accessible.”

Lt-Col Edwards said some of the companies were still mobilising resources and were not yet on the ground despite the risk of rains.

“Some of the companies are not yet on the ground,” he said.

“Others are still mobilising. We are running out of time. The type of soil here is more like clay. Hopefully the companies awarded the contracts will speed up.”

Of the companies that were awarded the contracts, only Bitumen World, J.R Goddard and Masimba are now on the ground.

Bitumen World has finished work on Nyahodi Number 2 Bridge.

Tendai Nheta Correspondent

Digital technology is rapidly transforming industries across all sectors; however, not all industries acknowledge the importance of technology adoption. The construction sector is by nature a slow adopter of new work practices and innovations which directly affect performance. The emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential of contributing to reducing the associated challenges.

Several architecture, engineering and construction companies in Africa need to begin embracing new technologies. The idea behind adopting BIM for Africa will allow for progression from the traditional approaches that were adopted decades ago and try to utilise processes that proven to be more effective at saving cost, reducing waste and improving quality of infrastructure across the continent.

The inconsistencies in the construction sector across Africa are shocking, information distribution is unstructured, health and safety are next to non-existent, communication is a mess and collaboration is virtually impossible due to many reasons, mainly because of network connectivity and lack of education on the importance of digital technology and processes.

The call for change behaviour on how Africa perceives and uses technology could not be emphasised enough. aAcomplete shift from traditional to more digitally informed approach within the AEC sector which could allow local and regional construction companies to grow is vital. With the right education and support from key Government and private institutions responsible for infrastructure development, the potential is enormous and could result in improving our visibility as a focused industry that embraces change and our expertise could also be outsourced by those beyond our borders.

Getting rid of some incumbent models of working is the starting point, construction expertise should not be the work for expats outsourced from China, Germany or elsewhere unless the work is specialised and outside local companies’ scope.

The construction sector needs to reform, sporadic development cropping up at every corner of the capital cities and towns could only grow and limit the expansion of the CBD as they should. Although some of these issues may sound trivial, they make a difference in controlling unscrupulous activities from taking place and protecting the environment from unnecessary disturbances. 

Master plans for town and cities need to be availed to the general public to inform and educate people about upcoming developments or simply to make people aware of the type of developments are allocated for certain portions of land to avoid the building of unauthorised structures. Restrictive measured should be put in place to prompt a change of mindset, allowing existing bylaws to be revised to suit a shift in technology in this Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Jumping on the bandwagon is not good enough, Africa needs to lead the pack, construction firms should be using data to make better decisions, thus increasing productivity, improve site safety and ultimately reduce risks.

The drive for digital construction should begin to take shape in our sectors as it has already begun on the European continent and other developed and developing countries, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems, the entire AEC sector should make use of data collected over the years to alter issues that have marred the industry, creating inefficiencies and rendering the sector unproductive and less competitive. Data collation and interpretation can be beneficial to predict future outcomes on projects, coupled with AI, the sector can improve worker productivity, saving project costs and improving quality of construction.

Implementing new ways of working within the construction sector particularly in Zimbabwe is long overdue, the industry is underperforming, buildings are completed to poor standards and over budget. The perception that construction does not improve the economy is false. Taking the UK, for example, where construction is sort after, in 2017, according to the UK Construction industry: statistics and policy report, the UK construction sector contributed £113 billion to its economy, 6 percent of total economic output. There were 2,4 million jobs in the sector, 7 percent of the UK total.

There were 1,0 million construction businesses in the UK, 17 percent of the total. These statistics should define a pathway for Africa, having knowledge and understanding of what works, and implement the processes and technology to realise results. Research has shown that embedding BIM processes across all stages of construction projects are key to achieving project success, several construction companies in Europe and America have been progressing well in the area of utilising digital technology on every aspect of construction.

Supported by the government, the United Kingdom is one of the leading early adopters of BIM, after the realising that the construction sector was in shambles, the government commissioned researchers to study the construction sector and present findings and recommendations to the government. The reports identified many issues that needed addressing, one of the solutions to projects going over budget, accumulating waste, inconsistent information and lack of collaboration gave birth to BIM which is now being used to across the construction sector. Results show that utilisation of BIM saves project construction cost, reduced or eradicate rework, informed decision in terms of feasibility of the project since cost simulation is run during the design stage and improves. 

  Time for Africa to embrace technology within the construction industry, others may argue that this is not conducive for Arica, one wonders why Africa should be on the tail of technology adoption, the drive should be across industries and not only to the Architectural Engineering and Construction sector (AEC).

Other countries have begun to make use of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor construction progress with real-time, actionable data to improve construction site productivity. Autonomous drones and rovers are equipped with high-definition cameras to snap photographs and scan the construction site each day with pinpoint accuracy that could be used to create time-lapse videos showing project progress reporting. Data collected would enhance the quality of the worksite, construction processes and health and safety improvements.  AI then uses those scans to compare against your BIM models, 3D drawings, construction schedule, and estimates to inspect the quality of the work performed and to determine how much progress has been made each day.

Currently, as Zimbabwe is going through some economic challenges, it is time for industries to re-evaluate their processes and incorporate digital technology, automation and mechanisation to improve efficiency. The implementation process could be cost-intensive but could achieve great results and in the long-term improving efficiency. Some recommendations for the Zimbabwe construction sector would be to utilise as much technology as possible, inasmuch as it is critical to do so, the starting point is for the industry to adopt BIM processes.

The need for continuous growth within the construction sector is crucial for the development of the country, the industry needs to develop interoperability with its relevant stakeholders to achieve the collaborative benefits of BIM, effective communication and use of the common data environment allow for a seamless data management across the whole project lifecycle. Changing work practices requires the preparation and conditioning of the mind. Change in itself possesses challenges, both known and unknown, highlighting these issues is requisite for any industry to adapt to working outside of the norm. Industries need to tackle these challenges through the utilisation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions.

AFTER being barred from next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe’s Chevrons today head to Bangladesh with their focus more on the future than simply winning a couple of matches. It’s the first tour for the Chevrons since the boardroom battles that saw the ICC suspend Zimbabwe from its family of nations.

It is an important tour, given it shows that, finally — after months of boardroom events dominating the narrative, the story has now shifted to what happens on the pitch.

There were fears, at the height of the boardroom impasse, that the Chevrons would miss the T20 international triangular series that also involves Afghanistan.

However, the Sports Commission and Zimbabwe Cricket leaders have found each other and focus has now turned to events on the pitch.

Indeed, while the next major senior global tournament that Zimbabwe can compete in — the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India — is still four years away, the rebuilding exercise has to start now, according to head coach Lalchand Rajput.

“We are now shifting our focus to rebuilding a new team and to do that we must gradually blood in younger players and create a new culture that encourages unity, hard work, professionalism and excellence,” Rajput said. “We will not make wholesale changes, as we definitely still need some of the experienced players to help the new generation find their feet in international cricket.

“It is important that we still field a competitive side — that is why we have a good mix of youth and experience in the team that has been selected for the Bangladesh tour.”

Captain Hamilton Masakadza, who will lead the side for the last time before he retires from all formats of international cricket at the end of this tour, also believes now is the time for Zimbabwe to start rebuilding.

“I was looking forward to the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in Dubai next month, but with Zimbabwe barred from taking part in the event, I feel that the time is right for the focus to shift to the next generation,” Masakadza said.

“We have some fantastic talent coming through and, with Zimbabwe’s focus now on the 2023 edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup, I believe now is the time for the younger players to rise to the challenge of taking us to the global showpiece.”

The 15-man squad picked for the Bangladesh triangular series includes young players such as Tony Munyonga, Ainsley Ndlovu, Ryan Burl, Tinotenda Mutombodzi and Neville Madziva.

Zimbabwe have also retained the experienced Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Christopher Mpofu for the triangular series.

However, the selectors have opted to leave out Sikandar Raza over pending disciplinary issues raised by the captain.

“It is important that we support our captain, whether it is Masakadza or anyone else, by creating an environment in which we can be confident he will have the full support of all players, with everyone pulling in the same direction and able to trust each other.

“It is for those reasons that we have decided to leave Raza out,” Zimbabwe convener of selectors, Walter Chawaguta, said.

Raza was the outstanding player for the Chevrons in their failed bid to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in Harare and Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe will face Bangladesh in the first T20I at Mirpur next Friday.

Rajput’s charges will be in action again the following day at the same venue, against Afghanistan.

Zimbabwe will then lock horns with the hosts again on September 18, before taking on Afghanistan for the second time two days later — both matches will be played in Chattogram.

The final is scheduled for Mirpur on September 24.

Zimbabwe will then head straight to Singapore for another T20 triangular series.

A younger side, which is more reflective of the new direction that Zimbabwe is taking, has been picked for the Singapore triangular series against the hosts and Nepal.

Sean Williams will captain the youthful side. — Sports Reporter-Zim Cricket.

Zimbabwe squad for Bangladesh triangular series:
Hamilton Masakadza (captain), Regis Chakabva, Richmond Mutumbami, Sean Williams, Neville Madziva, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Tony Munyonga, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Christopher Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Ainsley Ndlovu, Timycen Maruma, Ryan Burl.

Zimbabwe squad for Singapore triangular series:
Sean Williams (captain), Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Richmond Mutumbami, Neville Madziva, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Tony Munyonga, Daniel Jakiel, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, William Mashinge, Peter Moor, Timycen Maruma, Craig Ervine.

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe (95), who died in Singapore early yesterday morning, has been declared a national hero. President Mnangagwa — who cut short his trip to South Africa where he was attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) — announced the national hero status while addressing the media at State House in Harare yesterday evening.

Earlier, the ruling Zanu-PF had met at an extraordinary session at the party’s headquarters in Harare to deliberate on the former leader’s status.

“Zanu-PF, which the late departed helped found, has met and accorded him national hero status which he earned and richly deserves,” eulogised President Mnangagwa.

“Let me also register the gratitude of Government and the entire nation to the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore for the unmatched hospitality and medical care they extended to our leader up to the very end.

“In particular, we are most grateful to the team of medical experts and support staff which cared for him with such great diligence, dedication and compassion. They did all they could up to the very end.”

He also declared days of national mourning until the former President’s burial.

“As we await the arrival of the remains of our dear departed icon, we pray that the good Lord grant him mercies, putting his dear soul to eternal rest.

“We as Zimbabweans declare days of mourning of our leader until he is buried,” he said.

The President added that the death of former President Mugabe had left a void in the nation and a legacy of adherence to the rights of Africans.

“A veteran nationalist and a doughty pan-Africanist fighter, Cde Mugabe bequeaths rich and indelible legacy of tenacious adherence to principle on the collective rights of Africa and Africans in general, and in particular, the rights of the people of Zimbabwe for whom he gave his all to help free.

“In his life and political career met and melded key phases, moods and shifts in the story of our national struggle and quest for freedom and statehood including the tragedies, pains and rigours which underwrote that epic story.

“Incarcerated for 11 years in settler colonial prisons he, alongside fellow nationalists who include the late Father Zimbabwe Cde Joshua Nkomo, remained unbowed and resolute, eventually escaping from the then Rhodesia in 1974 in order to lead and guide the resumption and escalation of our war of liberation at a time of its tragic setbacks and paralysis,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said under former President Mugabe, the struggle regained momentum and consolidated the Patriotic Front into a formidable coordinated national liberation movement that waged a gruelling and protracted struggle in the Southern Africa region.

President Mnangagwa added that the freedom being enjoyed in the country since 1980, was because of sacrifices of a generation of nationalists and freedom fighters pre-dating the 1960s, who included the late Cde Mugabe.

“A great teacher and mentor, the bitterness of long spells in incarceration and anguish of a brutal and bitter war, never extinguished Cde Mugabe’s forgiving inner humanity,” said President Mnangagwa.

“That humanity shone and undiminished throughout that season of war and forcefully asserted itself by way of the signature policy of national reconciliation on which our whole Statehood was founded and built. Through that policy of forgiveness Southern African politics took a definitive shift towards a just, post-colonial multiracial harmony, which would be replicated elsewhere in our region and beyond.

“He thus wrote a lasting page on nation-building and statecraft for the world, making him stand out as such a remarkable statesman of our century.”

President Mnangagwa said the late former President would also be remembered for post-independence transformations in areas of rights, education and social services for the hitherto marginalised black Zimbabweans including the bold and historic land reform programme.

“Through this programme, indigenous Zimbabweans regained their long denied land rights, to complete their sovereignty. For that he was especially vilified, shunned and punished by those who stood to lose from an end to colonial ‘rights’ and from a just reassertion of African rights.

“With characteristic defiance, he stood firm and undaunted, resolutely pressing on with the land reform programme to completion, all against formidable odds which included punitive sanctions and other reprisals that followed and which still dog us to this day.

“Today Zimbabwe’s land question, itself a principal grievance of our struggle, stands fully and irrevocably addressed and resolved. History will remember him for this bold move,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Government remained committed to carry forward former President Mugabe’s aspirations.

“As we mourn the passing on of our commander, liberator, founder and leader, we remain determined to carry forward the transformation so fervently desired, including the transformation, including protecting and defending the gains of the struggle for which he made huge sacrifices.

“On the bedrock and solid foundation for the First Republic which he moulded as its leader, we today recover and grow our economy, brick by brick until his lifelong vision of an empowered people is realised,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President extended his “deepest, heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Grace Mugabe, the Mugabe family and the children “on this their saddest loss”.

“Amai Mugabe stood by her husband to the very end, thus imparting to our nation a lasting lesson on devout love and care. For that we deeply thank her, as we join her in the grief and loss and bereavement which is also ours to feel and bear,” he said.

Kudakwashe Mugari Deputy News Editor
World leaders mourned former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe who died in Singapore yesterday morning, describing him as a true pan-Africanist and liberation fighter.

He was 95.

Cde Mugabe attended the formation of the then Organisation of African Unity in 1963, now African Union (AU) as an invitee.

AU chairperson Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is also the President of Egypt, said: ‘‘It is with immense sadness that I learnt of the passing of Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe. My sincere condolences to his family and the Zimbabwean people as we mourn an iconic liberation fighter, pan-Africanist in the struggle for liberation and continental integration.’’

China, through its foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, said Cde Mugabe was an outstanding liberation movement leader and statesman who defended his country’s independence, opposed foreign interference and promoted good cooperation with China.

China is Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing and express sincere sympathies to the Zimbabwean people, Government and to Mr Mugabe’s family,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa mourned the passing on of Cde Mugabe and said he inspired South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and instilled hope that one day South Africa too would be free.

“South Africans join the people and Government of Zimbabwe in mourning the passing of a liberation fighter and champion of Africa’s cause against colonialism.

“Under President Mugabe’s leadership, Zimbabwe’s sustained and valiant struggle against colonialism inspired our own struggle against apartheid and built in us the hope that one day South Africa too would be free,’’ he said.

“During the decades of our own struggle, Zimbabwe’s liberation movement supported our own liberation movement to fight oppression on multiple fronts.

“After Zimbabwe achieved independence, the apartheid state brutalised and violated Zimbabwe as punishment for supporting our own struggle,’’ he added.

Namibian President Hage Geingob, who is the immediate past SADC Chair, weighed in and said Namibians owed Cde Mugabe a debt of gratitude.

“As Namibians, we owe President Mugabe a deep sense of gratitude for his immense and selfless contribution to the liberation of our country   …The loss of the people of Zimbabwe

Meanwhile, Kenyan President

Uhuru Kenyatta declared three days of mourning the death of former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (95) and ordered flags in that country to be flown at half-mast beginning today up to Monday.

In a statement, President Kenyatta said the honour was a sign of respect for a “shining beacon” of Africa’s liberation struggle and an African hero.

“In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his relatives and the people of Zimbabwe who, for many years, he served with commitment and dedication.

“Words cannot convey the magnitude of the loss as former President Mugabe was an elder statesman, a freedom fighter and a Pan-Africanist who played a major role in shaping the interests of the continent … a man of courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was not popular’’President Kenyatta said

“As a mark of respect for the memory of this African hero and friend of our country, by the authority vested in me as President of the Republic of Kenya, I hereby order and direct that the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at the State House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Republic of Kenya and throughout the Republic of, ’’ he said

“Yesterday, the 6th of September, 2019, Kenya has lost a close friend following the passing of H.E. Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe. I take this opportunity on my own behalf that of my family and the people of the Republic of Kenya to offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to Mrs Grace Mugabe, the entire family and the people of the great Republic of Zimbabwe,’’President Kenyatta said

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson,spokesperson also sent a condolence message,adding that; “His resignation in 2017 marked a turning point and we hope that today marks another which allows Zimbabwe to move on from the legacy of its past and become a democratic, prosperous nation that respects the human rights of its citizens.”

Tanzanian President John Magufuli

“Africa has lost one of its bravest and Pan-Africanist leaders, who led by example in opposing colonialism.”

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement said the late Mugabe will be remembered for the sacrifice he made for the struggle of political and economic emancipation of his people

“The President commiserates with family members, friends and political associates of the political activist who fought for the independence of the country from colonial rule, and lived most of his life in public service.’’

“President Buhari believes Mugabe’s sacrifices, especially in struggling for the political and economic emancipation of his people, will always be remembered by posterity,’’reads the statement

Ugandan president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said the continent had lost a great son of Africa

‘‘I learnt this morning about the passing of an African liberation icon & great Pan-Africanist, His Excellency Robert Mugabe. I join President Mnangagwa the people of Zimbabwe and the entire African continent in mourning the demise of this great son of Africa. May his soul rest in peace,’’he said

China through its foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Mugabe was an outstanding liberation movement leader and statesm a for Zimbabwe who had defended his country’s independence, opposed foreign interference and promoted good cooperation with China.

Former Mozambique President Samora Machel widow Graca Machel said Mugabe was a brother to her

“He was like a brother to me, I knew him very well. When Samora was killed, I came running and I stayed in this country, he gave me and my children some shelter to stay.

“I also came here to mourn Sally Mugabe with him, he is my brother.”she said

Prosper Dembedza Court Correspondent
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) board chairman Callisto Mazorodze Jokonya yesterday appeared in court on allegations of renewing an employee’s contract without following due process.

He was facing two counts of abuse of duty as a public officer when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

He was granted $5 000 bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Jokonya was ordered not to attend any Zimra board meetings or visit Zimra premises.

Jokonya was also ordered to surrender his passport with the clerk of court, report once every Friday at Norton Police Station, to reside at his given address and not to interfere with State witnesses.

The matter was deferred to September 18 for routine remand.

Prosecutor Mrs Francesca Mukumbiri told the court that during the period from May 24 to June 27 this year, at the Zimra offices in Harare, Jokonya allegedly abused his duty by showing favour to Happier Kuzvinzwa when he caused the renewal of his contract of employment as commissioner customs and excise which was expiring on May 31.

It is the State’s case that pursuant to his corrupt act and taking advantage of his position as board chairman of Zimra, Jokonya wrote a letter dated May 24 to Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube — who is the appointing authority — claiming he had made due consultations with all Zimra board members and they had agreed that Kuzvinzwa’s contract be renewed for another four year-term.

It is the State’s case that on May 28 and acting on the misrepresentation, Minister Ncube approved the contract renewal.

Armed with the approval from the minister, Jokonya instructed the Commissioner-General of Zimra, Ms Faith Mazani, to prepare a contract of employment for Kuzvinzwa.

Ms Mazani allegedly refused to comply since there was no board resolution to that effect.

The court heard that having failed to convince Mazani, Jokonya got a contract of employment which he countersigned and was witnessed by external lawyers.

Ordinarily, such contracts are signed by the Commissioner-General and witnessed by human resources director or chairperson of human resources committee.

On the second count, the court heard that on June 12, Jokonya allegedly convened a board meeting in an effort to ratify his actions of recommending the renewal of Kuzvinzwa’s contract of employment without a board resolution.

During the board meeting, some members allegedly suggested that legal opinion be sought to clarify on how to proceed since the minister had already approved basing on the accused’s sole recommendation.

Jokonya then allegedly abused or took advantage of his office as Zimra board chairperson by personally procuring consultancy service from Caleb Mucheche Partners                                                                           Law Chambers without going through the standard procedure of using the procurement management unit.

His actions, the State alleges, were meant to further his personal interest and to cover up his sole recommendation of renewing Kuzvinzwa ’employment contract without obtaining a board resolution.

Meanwhile, Chitungwiza Town Council director of works David Duma appeared in the same court on allegations of allocating a stand to Metalhil Investments (Pvt) Ltd without following due procedure as required at law.

Duma was facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer when he appeared before Mrs Mugwagwa.

He was granted $500 bail. As part of his bail conditions, Duma was ordered to report once every Friday at ZRP Norton and to surrender his passport with the Clerk of Court.

The matter was deferred to September 18 for routine remand.

Duma was represented by Mr Abisha Muzvaba of Hamunakwadi and Muzvaba Law Chambers.

Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
South Africa Under-23 .  (3) 5
Zimbabwe Under-23 . . .. 0
IF you are a Zimbabwean football fan, this is probably as close to what hell feels like as possible. What a week it has been, humiliation on all fronts as if football — the world’s most beautiful game — is on an agenda to remind us of its other ugly side which rears its head when you take this game for granted.

Never before in the history of Zimbabwean football has a week been as bad as what the last six days have delivered for this country — embarrassment, indignity, shame, disgrace, ignominy, comeuppance and torture for the game’s long-suffering fans.

First, it was that Mighty Warriors’ no-show at the National Sports Stadium, the first team to fail to fulfil a home international fixture in the history of this game.

Then, it was followed by the Warriors’ shock and embarrassing loss to the weakest nation in the world — Somalia — a homeless team that had never won a World Cup qualifier in their history before and never tasted a win in an international game since the turn of the millennium.

Last night, as if this script is being written by the Devil himself, it fittingly ended in humiliating fashion at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg when the Young Warriors crashed to a 0-5 defeat at the hands of their South African counterparts in the AFCON Under-23 third round, first leg qualifier.

With a ticket to the AFCON Under-23 finals in Egypt at stake, the South Africans brought some of their heavy hitters, led by their Europe-based forwards Luther Singh, who plays for Portuguese side Braga, Lyle Foster, who plays for French side Monaco and Kobamelo Kodisang, who is on the books of Portuguese side Sanjoanense.

And, with the trio well-supported by the highly-rated SuperSport United duo of Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule, from midfield, the Young Warriors were no match and were already down by three goals at the interval.

Foster teed up Kodisang for the first goal after 17 minutes, Singh doubled their lead in the 35th minute and Mokoena added the third just before the break with a powerful shot.

After the break, Singh made it four and Foster completed the rout.

It could, or should have been six, with 10 minutes remaining when Foster was presented with a golden chance for his brace after being picked out by Kamohelo Mahlatsi, but his header went wide.

In just six days, Zimbabwe has seen their hopes for a place at the 2020 Olympic Games, in both the men and women football tournaments, evaporate at the hands of their regional rivals to the north and south of the country.

Somehow, as if the football gods are reminding us that there is something we are doing wrong in this game, last night’s five-goal thrashing was exactly the same scoreline in the Mighty Warriors defeat in the first leg of their Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia in Lusaka.

Then, having come home for the reverse fixture, the Mighty Warriors boycotted that encounter because of sharp differences between the players and the football leaders over payment of their dues.

And, since then, it has been getting worse for the country’s football representatives, with the Warriors somehow conspiring to become the first team in the history of the World Cup qualifiers to lose to Somalia in Djibouti on Thursday.

Football can occasionally throw a shock result — Brazil being thrashed 1-7 at home by Germany in their World Cup in the semi-final five years ago.

England thrashing Germany 5-1 in Munich, courtesy of a superb hattrick by Michael Owen on September 1, 2001 in a 2002 World Cup qualifier.

Or the Danish footballers being summoned from their summer holidays to come and replace Yugoslavia at Euro 1992, and somehow, ending up as the champions at a tournament they had failed to qualify in the first place.

But no one loses to Somalia, not in football, and everyone in this game knew that for decades because, no matter whoever was the opposition, the Ocean Stars always lost.

Why?

Because Somalia are not meant to win football matches, as simple as all that.

“A country which has suffered many years of turmoil, unrest, separation, devastation and (division) within its people and has been littered with violence, deaths, wars and now a horrific drought which has affected the nation,’’ journalist Omar Almasri wrote for the Bleacher Report.

“Somalia is a place where unrest and devastation is not a surprising sight and what its people, unfortunately, have been used to for many years.

“This nation has been affected by clan fundamentalism, the rule of warlords and government collapse from the late 1980s.

“The most recognised and infamous clan today is the Al Shabab, who have been involved in many brutal crimes and killings of innocent Somalis ever since its establishment in 2004.

“The group’s main goal is to topple the government and is known to have close ties with Al Qaeda.

“The group or clan has killed thousands of innocent lives, trying to gain power and strike fear in order to gain a foothold on the country.

“The turmoil and chaos began in the late 1980s, around 1988, in the final years of the Cold War. The government began to experience a state of collapse, which led to the rise of various clans and groups to seek control of the country.

“Millions of lives have been taken during this long conflict and many others have fled the country over the years.

“The chaos and turmoil has affected the sport in the country, with young, potential footballers being either recruited by these militant groups or being too frightened for their lives to play football.

“Al Shabab has dominated the headlines not only for their crimes, but also for their stance on football in the country.

“The group banned Somalis from playing and watching their most popular sport on TV and has threatened to kill anyone who gets caught doing either.’’

And, as Almasri notes, they mean it.

“They’re not messing around. During the (2010) World Cup in South Africa, two young Somalis were killed after being caught watching a World Cup match on television,’’ he writes.

“Another sad example of the group forcing their ban was the tragic killing of a rising star by the name of Abdi Salaan Mohamed Ali in a car bombing which killed 10 others a few months ago.

“The group has also detained a 19-year-old Somali international player Sa’ad Saleh Hussain in Afgoye, 30km south of the capital.

“Local football club owners have also been detained and tortured on charges of misguiding the youth.

“Even journalists have been targeted; a Somali journalist was killed . . .after covering a football match and the President of the Somali Football Federation narrowly escaped an assassination attempt as well.

“Somalia’s history of violence, fights and crimes against innocent lives for the past 20 years has had a huge effect on the nation’s progress on the football stage.’’

But, somehow, on Thursday in Djibouti, they found a way to beat the Warriors.

Yes, this really feels like hell if you are a Zimbabwean football fan.

The weekly Sharuko on Saturday column has taken a break this week as the writer is mourning the death of domestic football following the events which happened at the National Sports Stadium, in Djibouti and at the Orlando Stadium in the past week.