Author name: admin

Van As shifts focus to Junior Champs

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ANJE Van As will shift her focus to the next assignment after completing her participation at the ongoing World Aquatics Swimming Championships this morning in the women’s 200m butterfly in Singapore.

Van As finished seventh in 2 minutes 19.43 seconds, in heat two of three heats that were lined up.

Overall, she was placed 23 out of 27 swimmers.

Van As will be hoping to build on the experience as she shifts her focus to the upcoming World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships scheduled for August 19 to 24 in Romania.

Also in competition this morning was Cory Werrett, and swimming in heat one of 12 heats, he was the first to touch the wall in 51.93seconds. His previous time was 52.40seconds.

The Zimbabwean swimmer was ranked 63 overall out of 110 participants in the heats.

The top 16 proceeded to the semi-finals.

Relegation scramble grips PSL

Blessing Malinganiza

Zimpapers Sports Hub 

WITH just 11 games left in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the fight for survival has reached fever pitch.

While the title race simmers, the real drama unfolds at the bottom, where nearly the entire league remains locked in a desperate scramble to avoid the drop.

Historically, 41 points has been the magic number for safety after TelOne and Hwange were relegated in 2019 on 40 points.

Yet after Matchday 23, only three teams, Simba Bhora (44), Scottland (43), and MWOS (42), have crossed that threshold.

Shockingly, even fourth-placed FC Platinum (40 points) linger just below the safety line, proving no one is truly secure.

For some, the equation is simple.

Ngezi Platinum (38), TelOne (37), Herentals (35), and ZPC Kariba (31) need at least 10 more points, a manageable task.

But for the rest, the battle is brutal.

From 9th to 18th, the relegation dogfight is intense.

Highlanders and CAPS United, tied on 28 points, hover precariously above the abyss.

At the very bottom, Kwekwe United (9 points) stare at near-certain doom, requiring a miraculous 11-game winning streak just to reach 42 points.

Sandwiched in between, a cluster of clubs, Dynamos (16), Manica Diamonds (23), Yadah (24), GreenFuel (24), Triangle United (24), Bikita Minerals (25), and Chicken Inn (26), are entrenched in the survival scrap.

Among them, Manica Diamonds remain defiant, insisting they can claw their way out.

Their season has been a rollercoaster of grit and frustration.

Their Achilles’ heel is their toothless attack, netting a meager 12 goals, pale in comparison to Simba Bhora and Ngezi Platinum’s explosive 28 each.

Yet, there’s a silver lining, they have doubled Dynamos’ tally and can take pride in their rock-solid defense.

Conceding just 17 goals, on par with Highlanders and TelOne, they have been a tough nut to crack.

Between the sticks, Tedious Baye has been a revelation, racking up nine clean sheets, a stat that could spark a late-season resurgence.

Baye believes mindset shift is key to revival.

“We’ve got to sharpen up, mentality and unity. That’s the only way back to winning ways.”

“Staying up isn’t just about the team, it’s about keeping football alive in Mutare. If we go down, even our CVs take a hit. Nobody wants to be part of a sinking ship.”

He added: “Eight clean sheets in the last 11 games, that’s my target. If we hit that, we survive. Simple as that.

“Results? Tough. But my form? Sharp. I have conceded, but I’ve also kept us in games. Last season was my worst in the Premier League, now it’s about bouncing back stronger.”

Police officer and accomplice arrested for extortion and impersonation in Harare

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

Two men, including a police officer, appeared in court on Tuesday facing charges of abuse of office as a public officer and impersonation of a police officer, respectively.

Elisha Magwaza (38) and Collen Muzuva (33) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo.

The complainant in the case is the State, represented by Terence Chinyamunjiko, a police officer stationed at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) General Headquarters’ Internal Investigations Department.

Magwaza is a police constable stationed at ZRP Mbare while Muzuva is unemployed. On July 28, around 11:30 am, Chinyamunjiko and a team of officers from ZRP PGHQ Internal Investigations, including Chief Inspector Gunhe, Chief Inspector Mupangai, Assistant Inspector Mutemaringa, and Assistant Inspector Demba, were conducting surveillance along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.

At Thuli Service Station, the team noticed four men and three women waiting for transport.  They observed a Toyota Hilux with registration number AFN 5372, branded Econet on its door panels, stopping to pick up passengers.

A female passenger boarded the car and sat on the front seat while two of the men also jumped into the vehicle.

The vehicle drove off and later dropped off the female passenger. The officers, suspecting foul play, pursued the vehicle but failed to catch up with it.

The team’s suspicion grew when the remaining two men, including Constable Magwaza, appeared busy on their cellphones, seemingly coordinating with their counterparts.

Moments later, the same Toyota Hilux reappeared from Bishop Gaul Avenue and turned into Bulawayo Road, dropping off Magwaza and Muzuva.

The officers intercepted the Toyota Hilux at Marimba Shopping Centre and interviewed the driver, Amos Siyani, who revealed that the two accused persons had extorted US$150 from him after accusing him of committing a traffic offence.

Siyani explained that the accused initially demanded US$230 but later settled for US$150, which he had withdrawn from his Ecocash account.

The informant and the surveillance team returned to Thuli Service Station and found the suspects at their alleged “hunting ground”.

The officers parked their vehicle, approached the suspects and managed to apprehend Magwaza and Muzuva.

Zimpapers to host key tobacco indaba

Business Reporter

Zimbabwe’s largest media group, Zimpapers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, is set to host a 2025 Tobacco Conference this Friday, aimed at fostering discussions on enhanced beneficiation and value addition of the crop.

The initiative follows the country’s milestone achievement of producing approximately 350 million kilogrammes of tobacco, significantly surpassing the 300 million kg target set under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (2021-2025).

With this success, focus is now firmly shifting towards beneficiation and value addition to maximise revenue retention within the country.

The one-day event, to be held at Cresta Lodge in Harare, brings together key stakeholders to chart a new course for Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.

The conference will feature prominent keynote addresses from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka and his Industry and Commerce counterpart, Mangaliso Ndlovu.

Structured to foster in-depth discussions, the conference will include presentations from stakeholder experts and dynamic panel discussions.

Some discussions will centre on enhancing beneficiation and value addition, particularly through cut rag and cigarette manufacturing, alongside exploring innovative financing mechanisms to overcome investment barriers.

The agenda also includes sessions on global market shifts, empowering farmers through value-added products, leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), maximising yields and strengthening risk mitigation strategies for farmers.

The conference is expected to lay the groundwork for strategic investments and policy reforms designed to bolster the competitiveness and long-term viability of Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector.

Currently, Zimbabwe exports the bulk of its tobacco unprocessed, meaning it loses significant potential value.

Beneficiation and value addition, a core theme of the conference, are crucial to realising greater value, creating jobs and empowering farmers through potentially better prices for their green leaf once it is processed domestically.

“Having achieved a remarkable milestone in tobacco production, the focus must now decisively shift to beneficiation,” Zimpapers Business Hub and Events editor Hebert Zharare said.

“This conference is a critical step in Zimbabwe’s national strategy to unlock the full economic potential of our tobacco.

“By moving beyond raw exports into value-added products, we are not just increasing revenue; we are building local industries, creating sustainable jobs and empowering our farmers to secure a more prosperous future for themselves and the nation.”

The conference is part of a broader initiative by Zimpapers, the country’s leading integrated media group, which has expanded its role beyond traditional news dissemination to actively convene platforms for discussions on critical national development issues.

Beitbridge Border Post closure latest: Traffic movement resumes

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

The movement of travellers and cargo into South Africa and Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE) resumed on Monday night after border officials managed to contain a potential danger posed by a gas tank that fell off and got stuck at a service station nearly some 800 metres near South Africa’s side of the border.

Authorities had temporarily halted the movement of traffic into either country through the Beitbridge port of entry as a precautionary measure, after an LP gas tanker was left at the Shell service station, thereby posing an explosion hazard.

The incident occurred around midday and traffic had to be blocked on both side of the border.

Emergency teams have been deployed to the scene and are working on transferring the gas to another tanker.

Work on moving the tanker is expected to continue this morning and technical workers have ruled out any potential danger after securing the area.

In a notice to inter-border agencies and stakeholders, South Africa Revenue Services lead person at Beitbridge, Ms Memory Ndou said as a precautionary measure, all operations at the border post have been temporarily suspended.

The team is clearing trucks from the gate, and officials have been evacuated to ensure their safety.

Truck drivers have been advised to return to designated truck parking areas.

“There is currently a stranded LP Gas tanker at the Shell garage, thereby posing a potential explosion hazard. Emergency teams have been deployed and are preparing to transfer the gas safely to another tanker,” said the official.

“Please be advised that the gas transfer process has been temporarily halted due to a mechanical breakdown of the tanker truck. Operations are scheduled to resume Tuesday morning once the issue of the truck has been resolved. Time will be confirmed. In the meantime, cargo operations will recommence at 17:30 today (yesterday). We will keep you informed of further developments”.

The temporary closure of the PoE caused delays for travellers and truck drivers, and these were advised to plan accordingly and consider alternative routes or wait for further updates.

This is the second time operations at the border have to be suspended due to gas-related incidents.

In May last year a gas leak at the Beitbridge Border Post (Zimbabwe side) light vehicles and pedestrians’ terminal forced authorities to evacuate the building and re-route traffic to the bus terminal.

However, this was swiftly resolved.

At least 1000 cargo trucks, 200 buses, 2000 light vehicles and 15 000 travellers use the border post daily during off-peak periods and the number increases three fold at peak.

Chicken Inn goalkeeper South Africa move collapses

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

DONOVAN Bernard’s return to Chicken Inn has closed a short lived chapter in South Africa, one that promised much, but ultimately fizzled out.

The former Warriors goalkeeper was set for a move to South Africa’s National First Division side Kruger United, with whispers that DStv Premiership giants Orlando Pirates were circling for a possible loan deal. But that transfer is now off, and Bernard is back between the sticks at Chicken Inn.

Club president Lifa Ncube confirmed the goalkeeper’s return.
“All I can say is that Donovan is back. He was not happy, and we’ve accepted him back,” said Ncube.

“He is our son, and we will always cherish what he has done for us.”
Bernard made an immediate impact on his return, keeping goal on Sunday as Chicken Inn dismantled Dynamos 3-0 in a clinical performance at Luveve. Ironically, what may have been his final match in Gamecocks colours before his SA move was the goalless Bulawayo Derby draw against Highlanders at Barbourfields over a month ago.

Described by many as a safe pair of hands, the stocky Simbisa Brands sponsored shot stopper has served the Gamecocks with distinction over the years, earning respect and rumoured interest from across the Limpopo.

According to impeccable sources, Bernard’s move to Kruger United was all but done. The NFD outfit, known for its ambitions, had reportedly laid the groundwork for the deal, before complications emerged.

Even more tantalising were suggestions that Orlando Pirates were keeping tabs on Bernard, viewing him as a possible short term reinforcement via a loan from Kruger.

“We will stand informed by the player. It is his career, and we’ll be guided by his agent, Gibson Mahachi,” added Ncube.

This isn’t Bernard’s first dance with South African football disappointment. Back in 2020, the former TTM (Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila), who had previously bought out Milano United’s franchise and later acquired Bidvest Wits’ topflight status, tried to lure Bernard, but that deal also soured.

Now 29, Bernard faces a fresh challenge: reclaiming his spot as Chicken Inn’s No.1, with Pride Zendera offering strong competition.

A veteran of stints at How Mine and Ngezi Platinum Stars, Bernard remains one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the domestic league and his story with the Gamecocks, it seems, isn’t over just yet.

Liberation Movements must remain resolute: President

Nduduzo Tshuma in Johannesburg, South Africa

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called on Southern Africa’s Liberation Movements to remain resolute in defending the gains of independence and to boldly chart new paths of people-centred development in the face of growing threats from counter-revolutionary forces.

Addressing the Summit of Heads of State and Leaders of Liberation Movements here yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who is also the Zanu PF First Secretary, urged former liberation movements to stand united, defend their shared legacy and ensure their continued relevance as champions of the people.

The high level meeting of leaders of the liberation movements marked the final and most crucial phase of the three-day indaba which started last Friday bringing together six Southern African liberation movements, the ANC of South Africa (host and outgoing chair), Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe), MPLA (Angola), SWAPO (Namibia), Frelimo (Mozambique) and CCM of Tanzania.

The summit ran under the theme “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.”

President Mnangagwa rallied liberation parties to remain true to their founding principles, emphasising that the future of African prosperity rests with revolutionary movements that are rooted in the will of the people.

“Counter-revolutionary forces have doubled-up antics to divide and fragment our movements. They are unrelenting in their nefarious quest to obliterate Liberation Movements from the political radar of our region,” he said

“Our democracy, freedom and independence did not come on a silver platter. The infrastructure that denied us democracy and independence has mutated and expresses itself in numerous forms. These include through interference in the internal affairs of our parties and governments; sabotage of our economies; and at worst, covert support of conflict and war, in our jurisdictions.”

However, the President emphasised the need for liberation movements to draw strength from their rich history of struggle, describing it as their greatest teacher.

He noted that the millions of people across the region, who continue to look to liberation movements with hope for a better future, should serve as a constant source of inspiration and resolve.

“The responsibility and duty to build brighter and more prosperous countries for the next generation lies with us, Liberation Movements. Let us, therefore, bravely and unapologetically re-assert and re-commit ourselves to defending our founding values, independence, sovereignty, freedom, democracy and equality.

“We are the only tried, trusted and dependable drivers of socio-economic justice, development and regional stability. The people’s power shall always remain firmly secure, under the governments of Liberation Movements,” said the President.

He stressed the need for unity and solidarity among liberation movements, which remain the bedrock of democracy, sovereignty and socio-economic transformation in the region.

President Mnangagwa warned against internal divisions and manipulation by foreign interests.

“Unity, cooperation and solidarity amongst ourselves as liberation parties, must realise maximum benefits.  To achieve this, it is critically important that we address contradictions within our respective parties and overall body politik. Divergent views and strategies need not cause fractures detrimental to the revolution. Our colossal movements must remain bigger than individuals.

“While the ‘invisible hands’ are apparent, we should, as independent Pan-Africanists, close ranks in pursuit of common goals to develop our countries. Let us set aside all forms of differences and confront our challenges head-on, while maintaining the integrity and correct line of our revolutionary parties,” he said.

“We are one, sharing common values and ideas. Those who seek to foist their nefarious and foreign agendas in our region must be exposed and denounced.”

The President emphasised the role of liberation movements in steering inclusive economic development, particularly through investment in rural communities, industrialisation and youth empowerment.

In Zimbabwe, he said, the Zanu-PF Government is implementing a village-based economic transformation strategy, which includes drilling boreholes in all 35,000 villages and setting up agro-based business units to ensure food security, enhance horticultural exports and improve rural incomes.

 “These are mitigating the impact of climate change, guaranteeing household food security, providing throughput for horticulture exports and ultimately improving rural incomes. The fruits of our independence and freedom translate to affordable education, healthcare, transport, water and sanitation, among other basic social services,” said the President.

He highlighted the importance of education, innovation, and youth participation in key sectors as cornerstones of modern development.

“In our case, ZANU PF has adopted strategies to empower the youth not only through the issuance of mining claims but also with equipment, so that they participate in the mining value chains.  In the agriculture sector, mechanisation programmes targeted at the youth, have proved a transformational empowerment tool towards increased agriculture productivity among young farmers,” said the President.

Women and youth-led consortia are also being integrated into infrastructure development projects, both in urban and rural areas, while veterans of the liberation struggle are being supported through targeted welfare programmes.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory, supported by policy reforms, has resulted in macro-economic stability and is expected to deliver around 6 percent GDP growth in 2025.

He called for deeper intra-African trade and collaboration among liberation movements to support regional integration, adding that the heritage of the liberation struggle must be preserved and passed on to future generations.

“The correct line of the revolution remains our guiding beacon. Our rich liberation heritage should be harnessed by today’s youthful and tech-savvy generation to grow our Party membership base.

“Leveraging on our political party schools and leadership institutes, deliberate efforts to nurture politically conscious young people and cadres, who have knowledge and understanding of our history, ideology and value systems, should be scaled up,” said President Mnangagwa.

“The legacy of luminaries and veterans of our movements, along with our rich liberation heritage, must be kept alive, immortalised and memorialised.”

President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia for supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to rehabilitate liberation war heritage sites in their countries.

He also commended ongoing efforts by South Africa to repatriate the remains of liberation heroes buried in Zimbabwe.President Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order.

He thanked fellow liberation movements for their continued support and advocacy for the unconditional lifting of Western-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.

CHINTULI DELIVERS FOR CAPS . . . De Jongh watches Bosso from terraces

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

CAPS Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

AFTER experiencing a frustrating four months upon returning home to revive his dying football career, striker Nyasha Chintuli delivered on the promise he made to his coach Ian Bakala yesterday when he scored the priceless goal that earned CAPS United victory over old foes Highlanders at Rufaro.

Chintuli ended his prolonged barren run in the 66th minute, just a few moments after the half-time pep talk with Bakala where he vowed to repay the Zambian coach’s faith in him.

Bakala had challenged him, as he has usually done, to pull himself together and win the game for the Green Machine, and the forward, who earlier on missed another gilt-edged chance, redeemed himself.

“At half-time I asked him, “my friend, when are you going to make the team win?” And he promised me that coach today I’m going to make the team win, and he did, which is good for the team and I’m very happy with the whole team,” said Bakala.

“As a coach, I think for me, when I came, I looked at him. It’s something that a coach has to work on a good player, to change his mentality and give him confidence that he can play and he’s doing that now.

“That’s why he’s performing like this.”

Chintuli struggled with his game and could not vindicate former coach Lloyd Chitembwe who lured him home from Eswatini in January.

“Sometimes it’s just the (change of) face. I think even in training, he’s pushing.

“You can tell. I think each game he’s having chances. Today, he had the chance in the first half, but he couldn’t score.

“I think it’s important for us to win this game. I just give credit to the players.

They fought despite the first five minutes, we looked a bit shaky.

“But afterwards, I think the game was ours, which is good for the team. We just have to forget and focus on the coming game,” said Bakala.

That strike was enough for the Harare giants to claim their revenge on Highlanders who beat them by the same margin at Barbourfields earlier in the year.

Former Highlanders coach Pieter De Jongh, who has been linked with a possible return to the Bulawayo giants yesterday watched as Bosso slumped to a defeat.

De Jongh was at Rufaro as a guest of the Bosso leadership who are believed to be preparing him to take over the reins from interim coach Try Ncube, who has struggled to lift the giants since stepping in to fill the void left by Kelvin Kaindu’s sacking last month.

The Dutchman led Highlanders on a decent run during his brief stint in 2019 which also saw him winning the Chibuku Super Cup.

But his heart could have sunk in dejection as Chintuli broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a rising shot inside the box after receiving a pass from Phineas Bamusi.

Highlanders were captained by Darlington Munkuli yesterday, in the absence of injured captain, Andrew Mbeba.

His absence was showing as the Bosso defence was looking a bit shaky and lacking in leadership.

With their wing sensation Mafious Chihweta kept under lock and key by defender Brian Kadamanja, Bosso struggled for fluency.

Both teams were not clinical upfront yesterday, as they could not make use of the few clear chances they created.

Bosso twice came close from crosses, with Brian Mlotshwa sending his header over the bar early in the match.

Then, CAPS United midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa, who had a brilliant game yesterday, dragged his low shot just wide of the target after 22 minutes with goalkeeper Reward Muza rooted to the line.

But Muza made a crucial save with his feet after 37 minutes, denying CAPS United’s Congolese forward Chris Mugalu’s header from a cross by Bamusi.

Bosso made two substitutions early in the second half with midfielder Melikhaya Ncube also coming in as coach Ncube searched for more fluidity.

Highlanders won a free-kick just outside the box after Never Rauzhi was brought down by Kelvin Mangiza. However, goalkeeper Stephen Odai Kwaku was well positioned to deal with the threat.

But Highlanders could have counted themselves fortunate after defender Arthur Ndlovu scooped the ball from the line from a melee that followed a corner kick situation with just over an hour played.

But they were not so lucky when Makepekepe returned with Bamusi making a fine run from the middle. The diminutive midfielder released Chintuli, who made no mistake from close range.

Both teams are now on 28 points, with Bosso sitting in ninth place while CAPS United are 10th.

Highlanders coach Ncube was naturally disappointed by the result as his team has now failed to win the last three games, further fuelling speculation about De Jongh’s return to help the club make a strong finish in the campaign.

“Disappointing result,” Ncube said.

“We started well. I think we had a better first half than the second half.

“We just made one error and then when they scored, it was always going to be difficult. The boys are at a low now in terms of confidence.

“When we started the game, I think we had one or two openings that we could easily have got something from but then we did not score. The longer it stayed at 0-0, one mistake and then we went down,” said Ncube.

DELTA CHALLENGES PSL CLUBS

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

DOMESTIC football’s all-weather friends Delta Beverages have challenged Premiership teams to rally their fans and fill up stadiums across the country for this year’s Chibuku Super Cup tournament.

Speaking at the draw yesterday, Delta Beverages Marketing Director Irimayi Muzorewa said clubs needed to be deliberate and come up with initiatives that prioritise fan engagement.

“It’s one thing to put an investment in the game, but it’s also another thing to invest in the fans, as well as the communities, and we certainly hope that every team that will be participating in this year’s competition is going to rally their fans to make sure that we fill up the stadium as much as possible,” said Muzorewa.

“We are excited to continue on this incredible journey in partnership with the PSL which has certainly grown stronger over the years. We are humbled by the trust, collaboration and shared vision that we have built together. This tournament transcends beyond football.

“It’s about community, pride and creating moments. The kind of moments that unite our fans while bringing families and friends together over a weekend or weekday to cheer on their teams . . .

“We certainly look forward to thrilling matches, fixtures, as well as the outstanding talent that will be on display, and of course, the strong spirit of sportsmanship.”

The tournament is returning with an unchanged purse of $375 000 with the winners set to walk away with $75 000 and a ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Muzorewa said they look forward to highly competitive matches following yesterday’s draw which saw defending champions Dynamos having to take the longer route this year as they start the title defence from the preliminary round owing to their poor performance in the league.

According, to the competition rules the bottom four teams — Yadah, Triangle, Dynamos and Kwekwe United — start from the preliminary round on August 6-7.

DeMbare, winners of the past two editions, will face the ignominy of beginning their quest for a third straight Chibuku Super Cup title with a date against fellow league strugglers Yadah at Ngoni while Triangle take on Kwekwe United at Mandava.

Glamour Boys chairman Moses Maunganidze said DeMbare will look to put behind them their current struggles in the league marathon, where they sit second from the bottom, and hope to retain the title.

“Typical of a draw, you may never be paired with who you want to play, but we are ready to play Yadah come August 6 in Norton. If we go past Yadah, obviously, as you are aware, we are going to play Simba Bhora.

“So, we are ready for the two draws in terms of the preliminary round game and then the first-round game. We are hopeful as the cup holders twice in a row.

“We look forward to doing very well. It’s a very well-structured tournament and playing from the preliminary round actually gives us better platform to prepare ourselves even as we move to play Simba Bhora in the first round.

“So, we are ready, we are ready for that,” said Maunganidze.

The winners from the preliminary round will join the top 14 teams in the first round.

The first-round draws were also conducted yesterday with the top eight seeded teams set to start at home.

Venues for Harare teams will be confirmed as Rufaro might not be available at the time of the first-round matches, set for August 9-10, because of the Heroes Day celebrations.

Former Cup Kings CAPS United will begin their campaign at MWOS while Highlanders will travel to Harare for a date against Herentals.

Scottland will be the home team when they begin their quest against GreenFuel while FC Platinum will receive Manica Diamonds in another interesting duel.

Premier Soccer League acting chief executive officer Rodwell Thabe said they are looking forward to improved competition.

“This tournament remains a platform where all our 18 PSL clubs have an equal opportunity to compete for cup glory and the honour of representing the nation at the Cup Confederation Cup.

“Last season was really captivating and this year we challenge our clubs to raise the bar even higher. Score more goals, fill the stadiums and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“We are confident that as usual, it has become the norm with this tournament. This year’s Chibuku Super Cup will deliver love, excitement and entertaining football that our supporters have come to expect from this Cup.

“As the Premier Soccer League, we are proud of the strides that we continue to make in elevating the profile and professionalism of our games,” said Thabe.

He also urged clubs to step up administrative structures.

“And we urge the clubs to endeavour to comply with the FIFA Club Licencing Regulations, which will remain a foundation for the success of our football.

“The Chibuku Super Cup, like I’ve said, is always full of surprises and has become a true showcase of unpredictability and we remain committed to fulfilling the basic requirements to make our football matches a pleasure to experience by focusing on three core aspects — the safety of our fans and stakeholders, the security and the service that we give to them,” said Thabe.

Chibuku Super Cup draw:

Preliminary Round:

Aug 6: Yadah v Dynamos (Ngoni)

Aug 7: Triangle v Kwekwe (Mandava)

First Round: Simba Bhora v Yadah/Dynamos (Wadzanayi), MWOS v CAPS Utd (Ngoni), Scottland v GreenFuel (TBA), TelOne v Bikita Minerals (Ascot), FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Triangle /Kwekwe Utd (Baobab), ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga), Herentals v Highlanders (TBA)

Let’s safeguard wetlands: President . . . Zim takes over as Ramsar Chair

Rutendo Nyeve in VICTORIA FALLS

ZIMBABWE yesterday officially assumed the Presidency of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), taking over from the People’s Republic of China, with President Mnangagwa urging the world to act boldly and decisively to safeguard wetlands and address drivers of wetlands loss.

The handover was witnessed by President Mnangagwa at the official opening of COP15 in Victoria Falls in a momentous ceremony marked by symbolism and global solidarity.

The event was graced by high-ranking dignitaries, including the Vice President of Malawi, Dr Michael Bizwick Usi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Russel Mmiso Dlamini.

Also present were representatives from the United Nations, conservation bodies and indigenous communities, underscoring the global significance of wetland preservation.

Outgoing COP president, Mr Xia Jun of China, formally handed over the Ramsar Convention flag to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, symbolising the transfer of leadership for the next three years.

President Mnangagwa hailed the occasion as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe and the global community.

“Today, we thus, gather as representatives of our nations and as stewards of a shared heritage and future. We are one-united people and citizens of our planet Earth, with a sacred duty to protect that which has been entrusted to us by Almighty God, for both present and future generations.

“It is in this spirit, therefore, that the theme of this Conference, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ is timely, in its emphasis on the role of wetlands in ecological health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience,” he said.

The President underscored the importance of wetlands to economies.

“Wetlands, which include swamps, marshes, fens, bogs, estuaries, mangroves, and peatlands, are crucial habitats for about 40 percent of the earth’s species. They provide livelihoods for more than a billion people. To neglect wetlands would be to abandon a critical portion of our existence,” he said.

He further outlined the multifaceted benefits of wetlands, including water purification, flood control, and carbon storage, which align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“All these benefits complement efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in addressing poverty (Goal 1) and hunger (Goal 2); water supply challenges (Goal 6); promoting sustainable human settlements (Goal 11); Climate Action (Goal 13) and Partnerships (Goal 17),” he said.

Despite their importance, President Mnangagwa warned that wetlands face unprecedented threats.

“Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats on Earth. They face challenges such as habitat loss and degradation due to urbanisation and development, agricultural expansion, and climate change, leading to shifts in wetland distribution, and altered hydrological cycles, among others,” he said.

He called for urgent, collaborative action to reverse the decline, stressing the need for innovative restoration techniques, robust policy frameworks, and community involvement.

“Now is the time for us to change our mind-sets and start implementing multi-faceted and collaborative approaches towards protecting our wetlands,” he said.

The President outlined Zimbabwe’s strides in wetland conservation since ratifying the Ramsar Convention on 3 May 2013.

“Zimbabwe embarked on its journey in wetland conservation with a notable commitment to environmental stewardship by ratifying the Ramsar Convention. Since then, we have designated seven (7) Ramsar sites, highlighting our dedication to wetland conservation and preservation, which resonates with our commitment to provide all Zimbabweans with a clean, safe, and healthy environment as enshrined in the National Constitution,” he said.

A key outcome of COP15 is the anticipated endorsement of the Victoria Falls Declaration, a landmark framework aimed at galvanising global efforts for wetland conservation.

President Mnangagwa elaborated on its significance:

“At the centre of this Declaration is the acknowledgement of the critical ecological, social, and economic importance of wetlands, and their global significance for sustainable livelihoods.

“The Declaration also serves as a guide and reminder for us to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage wetlands. Equally, we should remain seized with the enormous challenges facing wetland conservation, especially in the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”

He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to championing resource mobilisation and international collaboration. “

“My Government commits to champion resource mobilisation for sustainable wetland management, rehabilitation, and collaboration. This includes building strong linkages among partners such as other multilateral environmental agencies, countries, institutions, the private sector, and stakeholders

“The scale of wetland loss and its associated threats demands immediate and cooperative action from all stakeholders. Time has come to secure the guaranteed preservation of wetlands as a foundation for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future,” he said.

He urged delegates to move beyond rhetoric and embrace implementation.

“While the formulation of policies and adoption of resolutions are essential, their effective implementation is even more critical, along with our readiness to invest in wetland protection. Therefore, let this COP15 be recognised for taking concrete steps from discussion to implementation,” he said.

The President expressed gratitude to the outgoing COP President, China, and the Ramsar Secretariat for their support.

“I appreciate the sterling work done by the outgoing COP President, the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The guidance and support you provided to us in preparation for our Presidency are highly appreciated,” he said.

With the declaration of COP15 officially open, Zimbabwe now stands at the helm of global wetland conservation efforts, poised to lead with innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.

As the world watches, the Victoria Falls Declaration is set to be a cornerstone in the fight to preserve these vital ecosystems for generations to come.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top