Sport News

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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)

ZIMBABWE will bank on openers Ben Curran and Brian Bennett to bring back stability when they face New Zealand at Queens Sports Club, in Bulawayo for the Test series.

The 16-man squad announced by Zimbabwe Cricket Yesterday will see the Chevrons take on New Zealand from 30 July to 3 August and then August 7 to 11.

Curran makes a return after recovery from the fractured hand suffered during a practice game against South Africa in Arundel early June.

He was hit by a Kagiso Rabada delivery in the fifth over of Zimbabwe’s innings and retired hurt on 4, before an x-ray confirmed the fracture.

He has been out since then.

Bennett on the other hand suffered concussion and missed part of the South Africa series, and the New Zealand test series marks his return to the longer version of the game.

The two top order have already shown that together, they can give Zimbabwe a firm foundation regardless of format.

Curran is brother to England internationals Sam and Tom, and he made his debut for Zimbabwe in December 2024.

He has played six Tests, including one against England, six ODIs while he remains uncapped in T20.

As the New Zealand test series approaches, he will carry part of the burden at a time the Chevrons have been humiliated in the T20I tri-series, losing three matches in a row, against South Africa (twice) and New Zealand, crashing out of the tri-series in the process.

In the 7 wicket defeat to South Africa (T20I) on Sunday, the Chevrons performance raised a lot of dust, with some questioning selection.

For the test, four changes to the Zimbabwe side that featured in the recent Test series against South Africa have been made.

Curran is joined in the squad by Sikandar Raza, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni, with the quartet of Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere and Kundai Matigimu making way. Bennett replaced Dion Myers.

The team will be led by Craig Ervine, with experienced campaigners Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani providing key support in the batting and bowling departments respectively.

There was no place for Brendan Taylor, whose three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code ends on July 25 and was aiming to return for this series.

Richard Ngarava, who also had a back injury and only returned for the T20I is also not part of the squad.

The upcoming series will mark the first Test meeting between Zimbabwe and New Zealand since July-August 2016, when the visitors claimed a 2-0 series win at the same venue in Bulawayo.

 ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR TEST SERIES VERSUS NEW ZEALAND

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanun-urwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams. — Zimpapers Sports Hub/ ZimCricket / Cspncricinfo.com