Sport News

Tinashe Kusema

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE shadow of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers loomed over Sri Lanka’s white-ball series like a heavy blanket.

The One Day International series, which Sri Lanka won 2-0, seemed to be a distraction, while the Zimbabwe Chevrons skipper himself, Sikandar Raza, referred to the T20 series as a precursor or dress rehearsal to the actual continental tournament.

Now that Sri Lanka is done and dusted, all the attention shifts to the qualifiers which Zimbabwe will be hosting later this month.

The eight-team tournament forms the final part of the qualification process for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup and is slated for September 26 to October 4 in the capital.

In this cycle, a total of 18 teams participated in the African sub-regional phase of the qualification process, which was divided into three events with six teams competing in each.

Now, only eight teams remain and these are Namibia, Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and hosts Zimbabwe.

They will now tussle for the right to join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the World Cup.

South Africa automatically qualified through being in the top eight on the ICC T20 rankings.

Raza was the picture of calm but stern as Zimbabwe went down to Sri Lanka by eight wickets on Sunday, a result that saw the Asians take the T20 series 2-1.

In his post-match conference, the Zimbabwe Chevrons’ T20 skipper addressed a number of issues, chief amongst them the Tadiwanashe Marumani debate, an update on the fitness levels of Wellington Masakadza and Brendan Taylor and his thoughts on the upcoming qualifiers.

A selection headache awaits the Zimbabwe Cricket selectors as Masakadza, Taylor and even Graeme Cremer wait in the wings.

A centre of it all is Marumani.

The wicketkeeper/batter scored a composed half-century with his 51 runs off 44 balls, helping Zimbabwe to what should have been a match-winning 191 runs for eight after losing the toss and batting first.

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka hardly broke a sweat as they chased down the target on their way to an eight-wicket victory.

With the exception of Sunday’s innings, the 23-year-old Zimbabwe opener has long struggled for form as Sunday’s half-century was only his fourth from a total of 48 innings.

There have been at least 12 innings in between Marumani’s last two T20 half-centuries.

Also, three of his four half-centuries have come up against associate nations, namely Rwanda, Seychelles and Gambia.

Taylor’s return does offer Zimbabwe a batting and wicketkeeping option, but that is an issue for the selectors.

Marumani seems to have the backing of his skipper.

“I am really happy for Marumani,” said Raza.

“ . . . The kid works really hard and tries to put the team first as well.

“A lot of the time one can share their experience with him but a lot of the things he learns by himself on the park.

“Hopefully, that performance will give him that clear indication on how to construct an innings that could take the team forward because batting in the top three holds a very crucial role in T20 cricket.

“When people call for his head or call for someone’s selection, those things do not really get to me.

“They don’t bother me because this team is not made by one individual.

“It is for everybody who is playing cricket. So as a captain, be it a coach or a selector, the well-being of every player has to be at our heart equally rather than more for some and less for some,” he said.

Marumani is not the only player who will be in the line of fire due to the returns of Masakadza, Taylor and possibly Cremer.

Taylor and Masakadza made the squad for the Sri Lanka series but did not play and Raza offered an update on both.

“Wellington (Masakadza) has passed his fitness test, so he is good to go.

“As it pertains to BT (Taylor), we will only know in a few days’ time but, from what I heard as well, it is looking very promising and that he will be good to go as well,” he said.

The return of Masakadza and Cremer, who has only availed himself, should help strengthen Zimbabwe’s bowling unit which was exposed during Sunday’s T20.

They, Sri Lanka chased down 191 with relative ease, something which caught Raza by surprise.

He has opted to look at rather an anomaly but one that should act as a wake-up call to Zimbabwe’s bowling unit.

“I thought 191 was a very decent score at first,” said Raza.

“At Harare Sports Club, 191 has not been chased down too many times.

“I just think that when they started coming at us, we did not hold our plans and put trust in our plans.

“I think we were very reactive and thinking about what they are going to do rather than I’m going to stick with my plan and keep trusting it,” he said.

The Chevrons skipper went on to defend his charges but warned of tough talks ahead.

“I know we all look at the end results but, as a bowling unit, I know this is not where we want to see ourselves and this is not who we are.

“We will raise our hand as a bowling unit and say we got it wrong today (Sunday).

“The trick now is I got to remind them of the good they have done as well because the human brain is funny as it is always a negative thing that people talk about and remember.

“I have got to remind them how good they are and how much good they have done over the past few weeks as well and all the good things they have achieved as well.

“Here and there, a bad over mustn’t take away all the shine of all the good performances they have done.

“I will keep backing them but I will also be there for them to say, “listen this is what we need to do to get better,” he said.

Curtworth Masango in JOHANNESBURG

THE Warriors will face Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier today without key leaders and just playing for their pride.

Suspended captain Marvellous Nakamba will watch from the sidelines at Orlando Stadium, a significant blow for a team anchored at the bottom of their group.

The defensive core is further weakened with central defender Teenage Hadebe and full-back Devine Lunga also ruled out through suspension.

Tino Kadewere and defender Brendan Galloway did not take part in the full session due to knocks.

The match is a statistical formality.

With a meagre four points from seven matches, Zimbabwe anchor the Group C table.

The Warriors are fresh from a 1-0 defeat away to Benin.

However, there is national pride at stake and the need to utilise the match for preparations ahead of the AFCON finals.

Warriors coach Michael Nees will likely introduce Prosper Padera, Marshall Munetsi, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in the starting line-up as well with Elvis Chipezeze in goals.

“I think morale is high. Everyone is ready to go again,” said Nakamba.

“We have spoken as a team about the match in Benin and now it’s water under the bridge.

“In football, there’s always another second chance. Luckily enough, we have a match tomorrow, so everyone in the camp is ready to push and support each other.”

Latwell Nyangu

ZIMBABWE’S strongwoman, Chido Maenzanise, bagged her 27th medal at the just ended Zambia Strongman competitions over the weekend.

This marks her 22nd gold medal.

Maenzanise, who is also Africa’s strongest woman, has earned two bronze and three silver medals from various international competitions.

Trevor Chingosho was fifth placed in the men’s category.

In an interview from Zambia, she said: “I won gold, making it my 27th medal. I have now qualified for the African Strongest Man 2025, which will be held in South Africa in October.”

She is thankful to the Sports Ministry and other sponsors.

Langton Nyakwenda

THE Warriors have received backing from the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Benin tonight.

Benin are hosting this Group C qualifier in Cote d’Ivoire because they don’t have a CAF certified stadium.

The match kicks off at 6PM.

Minister of Sport, Sanyatwe, says this game is a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s national football game.

“As Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and on behalf of the government and the people of Zimbabwe, I would like to extend my heartfelt best wishes to our men’s senior national football team.

“Warriors, you carry with you the hopes, dreams and spirit of an entire nation. We are rallying behind you with pride and belief,” said Sanyatwe.

Zimbabwe anchor Group C with four points.

However, coach Michael Nees thinks Zimbabwe still has a mathematical chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

Group leaders automatically qualify while the best second placed nation will be involved in playoffs.

“To our players, step onto that pitch with courage, not fear. “Play with heart, with honor and with determination that defines Zimbabwean resilience.

“Lift our flag high, let every touch, pass and goal echo the strength and unity of our great nation.

“To Coach Michael Nees and the entire technical team, your leadership and vision are vital.

“Steer the ship with clarity and conviction. Know that the nation stands firmly behind your efforts.

“Let this be the moment Zimbabwe rises, together, in pursuit of the World Cup dream,” added Sanyatwe.

Blessing Malinganiza

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE women have qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal after beating Uganda by five wickets.

Chasing 120 for victory, Zimbabwe reached their target with 14 balls to spare after a clinical bowling performance had restricted Uganda to 119-7 from their 20 overs.

Apart from securing their place in Nepal, Zimbabwe advance to the tournament final where they face either hosts Namibia or Tanzania.

Nepal is set to host this 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier tournament from January 12 to February 2, 2026.

The matches will be held at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Stadium and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Mulpani, Kathmandu.

Ten teams will compete in the Global Qualifier, vying for four spots in the main event of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales.

Takudzwa Mukombami

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE has selected a  33-member squad for the 2025 FIH Junior Under 21  women’s Hockey World Cup, set for December in Santiago, Chile.

The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe confirmed the squad on Thursday with secretary Sarah Bennett and head coach Brad Heuer expressing confidence in the players’ ability to rise to the challenge.

“We are very confident of our ladies. They are going to bring glory home,” said Heuer.

The squad has been in camp at Chisipite, sharpening its preparations for the tournament that will run from December 1 to 13.

Zimbabwe has now qualified for four consecutive editions of the Junior World Cup, having also featured in 2016, 2022 and 2023. This year’s event is the biggest yet, with 24 teams competing for the first time, split into six groups following a recent draw.

Zimbabwe will line up in Group B alongside giants Argentina, Belgium and Wales.

Zimbabwe U’21 Hockey Squad:

Janelle Wightman, Anatswa Chigudu, Theodora Chingombe, Natalie Chimanda (goalkeepers), Hannah Godfrey, Mutsawashe Musiyiwa, Mufarowashe Matambo, Marilena Fernandes, Khanyisile Mzizi, Jodie Rachel Anderson, Emma Reilly, Ella Allardice, Chidochashe Munyonga, Chelsey Hares, Asante Ali, Amber Tozana, Alea Ashley Musakaruka, Nyasha Bvute, Nyasha Rachel Nyaguze, Panaka Kambadza, Rebeca Winsor, Romy Manditsera, Rumbidzaiishe N. Zimuto, Ruvarashe Mushavi, Shekinar Mushaka, Stephanie Bwerinofa, Tanatswa Mukotekwa, Tanya Changa, Tayla Ellerman, Tinodiwanashe Elijah, and Vimbai Chituku.

ZIMBABWE cricket star Sikandar Raza has reached the summit of world cricket. At 39, he has been confirmed as the No. 1 ODI all-rounder by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The veteran all-rounder climbed to the top after a superb series against Sri Lanka in Harare. Zimbabwe lost the two matches, but Raza stood tall with scores of 92 and an unbeaten 59, plus a wicket with the ball. Those efforts lifted his ICC all-rounder rating to 302 points, ahead of Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai (296) and Mohammad Nabi (292).

The ICC marked the milestone with a statement: “Sikandar Raza becomes No. 1 ODI all-rounder for the first time in his career.” The achievement was quickly picked up by major outlets, with the Times of India calling it proof that “age is just a number.”

Raza’s rise to the top is a rare feat in world cricket. Few players peak so late in their careers, but his consistency and hunger have kept him among the game’s elite. For Zimbabwe, his success is a bright spark even in defeat, showing the world that one of their own is still competing with the very best.

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

MIDFIELDER Denver Mukamba is likely to be at the centre of the plot as resurgent giants Dynamos seek revenge against the self-anointed “Harare’s new kings” of football, Scottland, in a Castle Lager Premiership match this Saturday.

Mukamba has played for both teams but he could have been left disappointed after he was discarded by the newboys despite leading the side into Premiership promotion.

But he has not let the rejection crash his spirits, as he has been working hard to regain his best form at Dynamos after rejoining the Glamour Boys mid-season.

Although he is no longer the 90-minute sensation he was years back when he led the Glamour Boys on a wave of glory and won the 2012 Soccer Star of the Year award, Mukamba’s arrival has coincided with a change in fortunes for the giants who, however, are still trapped in relegation despite winning three straight matches on their last outings. Mukamba has been credited for bringing the vibe that was missing and also rubbing off his confidence on his teammates, with some vintage performances that have reminded the DeMbare die-hard of his prime. Excited fans have showered him with cash almost after every appearance.

New Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu, a long-time admirer of the midfielder, believes the 32-year-old will be key in the remaining games of the season.

“He’s a very, very important player. He’s quite influential on the game,” said Kaindu.

“I think you can see even the way the fans respond when we introduce him (in the last game against GreenFuel). He had one good free-kick, which I think could have gone in.

“That is the impact that Denver can show. In every game that he has come through, he’s demonstrated that he’s still the old Denver.” Kaindu, however, remains practical on his expectations. “We still got work to do with him. “I think he hasn’t been that active, but we trust and we believe that with the number of games that are coming, maybe we’ll also increase the number of minutes that he’s going to be playing.

“I’m sure he’s still got something in his legs. You could see him even running into space to get the ball and this is what he’s been doing.

“We just hope that he keeps up the momentum and also the discipline that he has displayed is very vital for us to survive. We need a player like Denver in the team,” said Kaindu.

Although they have managed a winning run of three games, courtesy of victories over MWOS, Kwekwe United and GreenFuel, Dynamos face a steep task against Scottland. The Mabvuku side have assembled the most expensive squad in the league this season, after employing their financial muscle to woo the majority of the country’s top talents like Khama Billiat, Walter Musona and Tymon Machope.

They again opened the cheque book during the mid-season transfer window and beefed up with five more top signings that included former Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona, Warriors striker Terrence Dzvukamanja and Young Warriors sensation Mafious Chihweta, to underline their strong ambitions towards winning the league title in their maiden season.

The results on the pitch corroborate their determination as they are now on a seven-match winning spree that has put log leaders Simba Bhora under extreme pressure. With 52 points in the bag, Scottland are just one point below Simba Bhora in what looks to be a two-horse race. Ironically, DeMbare are second from the bottom.

Based on the Glamour Boys’ poor season, Scottland yesterday stocked a social media storm on their Facebook page when they declared themselves “Harare’s new kings” of football, as “power shifts from Mbare to Mabvuku”. DeMbare fans feel the Mabvuku side is trying to create a new order using its financial superiority. Mabviravira supporters have also personalised the Vietnam stand, which traditionally belongs to the DeMbare fans.

Under the tutelage of DeMbare son Tonderai Ndiraya, Scottland beat Dynamos 1-0 in the first leg at the Mbare venue.

But Dynamos may have picked up the tempo at the most opportune time to reignite fresh interest in the upcoming clash.

“It’s going to be a big game,” said Kaindu.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Bikita Minerals v TelOne (Gibbo), Ngezi Platinum Stars v FC Platinum (Baobab), Scottland v Dynamos (Rufaro), GreenFuel v Simba Bhora (GreenFuel Arena), MWOS v Chicken Inn (Ngoni).

Sunday: Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), CAPS Utd v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Triangle v Herentals (Gibbo), Kwekwe Utd v Manica Diamonds (Ascot)

Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS breathed new life into their survival campaign yesterday, edging Bikita Minerals 2-1 at Gibbo in Hendrikus Pieter de Jongh’s first game in charge.

The Dutchman, who led Bosso to the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup, watched his side deliver with the kind of discipline and character he promised would define their fight.

Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarothim announced himself with a coolly taken penalty on debut, be-fore Reason Sibanda added a second just before half-time.

Bikita’s Royn Nyamono struck late, but Highlanders held firm.

The victory pushed Bosso to ninth place on 32 points, just above the relegation logjam, where a single result can swing fortunes.

Bikita Minerals, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances. Without midfielder Spencer Mugariri to steady their play, they struggled to impose their usual possession game.

Forced into hurried long balls, they created openings through Tinaye Tsimba, Tadiwanashe Murasiranwa, and Fitzgerald Banda, but none could finish.

Coach Wilson Mutekede admitted his side had let themselves down.

“We conceded soft goals and missed clear chances. It’s back to the drawing board ahead of TelOne tie,” Mutekede said.

For Highlanders, the win felt like a turning point. “Every game is a final now, but this was a good response from the players,” said De Jongh.

It was also a day when Zimbabwe’s traditional giants finally moved in unison. Dynamos kept their revival alive with a 2-0 win over Green Fuel, closing to within three points of safety on 25. CAPS United stunned FC Platinum 1-0 to climb to 31, joining the cluster of sides desperately trying to hold ground.

With eight matches left, the minimum safety line remains at 40 points. The fight is congested: Triangle, CAPS, Yadah, and Chicken Inn hover on the same bracket, while GreenFuel, Manica Diamonds and Dynamos sit just beneath.

For the Premier Soccer League, the weekend results meant more than just three points. They kept alive the possibility of all three giants surviving the drop.

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

FORMER Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Chicken Inn have mourned the death of their former player Tendai “Fire” Ndoro.

According to his family, Ndoro, a nimble-footed player who was bred in Bulawayo’s Nketa suburb, died in South Africa on Monday evening after a long battle with diabetes.

“Our first import and export. We got him from Nico in Botswana. He came and added fire to our team.

Forever a gamecock. We are deeply saddened by his passing on as Chicken Inn Fc. His light will forever shine in our hearts. Liqhawe Lethu. Rest Easy Fire,” said Chicken Inn spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala.

Ndoro’s passing has left hordes of local football lovers and those in Mzansi disturbed.

His burial arrangements are to be announced.