Three-time Mr Zimbabwe Champion Chienderamwano

Although the Botswana-based but KweKwe born bodybuilder said he was going on a one-year break, he indirectly hinted that he may be retiring. “I want to quit when I am on top. I don’t want to leave when I will be losing. I want to leave a legacy,” said Chienderamwano, who has won the Mr Zimbabwe title for the past three years in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

In September, he won the Mr Ironman contest, having also won the Zimbabwean version of the Mr Musclemania in 2014. “I no longer have anything to prove,” said Chenderamwano.

The non-availability of Chienderamwano would be a big blow to Zimbabwean bodybuilding, as he had become a colourful figure with many followers in the country’s bodybuilding circles.

He had also become a strong competitor to the likes of Isaac ‘Sugar’ Chimuchenga, Vincent Kandiero, Partson Chatedzuka, Zumailer Eusen Meman, Givemore Marume and Eddie Marondera. He had also helped improve the standards of the sport in the country.
After winning the 2016 title ahead of crowd favourite Chimuchenga, Chienderamwano dismissed accusations made at the judges – that they were biased towards him.

“I don’t listen to people who say that the judges were biased. I am just used to winning and the moment you do that, people become jealous,” he said.

South African-based Regina Jonga won the 2016 Miss Zimbabwe title but unlike Chienderamwano, she said she would be returning to Zimbabwe next year to defend her title.

“I am the happiest person on earth today,” she said, “I will be coming back to defend my title next year and will participate for many more years to come.”

Bodybuilding is one of the fastest growing sporting disciplines in Zimbabwe and commands not only a large spectator value, but also enjoys a commendable corporate support.

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Brendon De Jonge

The Zimbabwean finished joint 13th with Patrick Rodgers and Jamie
Lovemark both of the USA on 11 under-273, five strokes behind overall winner rookie Smylie Kaufman who finished on 16 under 268.

De Jonge was the highest placed African in the event after caddying
67, 66, 73, and 67 with South Africa’s Rory Sabatini the next African
in line after finishing in 25th place on nine under 275.

Sabatini, a top hardened campaigner on the USA PGA Tour got off to a good start with a 66 but faltered as the tournament went on with
scores of 72, 71 before closing with another superb 66.

De Jonge, however, was pushed way down the ladder as there were six players in second place, another two in eighth position and two as
well in 11th place.

For his effort at the Shrines Hospital for Children Open fde Jonge
received $123 733, 33.

De Jone who missed at the cup at the last US PGA Tour event, the
Frys.Com is now ranked 136 in the world but has  FedEx Cup ranking of 34.

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They won the division one chess league which boasts of teams like Prince Edward school, Goromonzi the defending champions, St. GEORGES College, Mufakose 2 High school and Mazowe are the teams which were the main threats to Mabvuku’s title hopes.

On their way to winning the title Mabvuku won 12 games drawing one and losing only one game to Mufakose 2 High school. The only draw was against Goromonzi high school the winners of last year’s league.Prince Edward school lost both fixtures to Mabvuku 5-1 and 4,5-1,5 in the two fixtures which they played.

Munyaradzi Thom lead his team to very important wins against Prince Edward as well as Mazowe and St.Georges not forgetting the narrow but important win against Goromonzi. The Goromonzi school chess team lost 2,5-3,5 at home to Mabvuku before forcing a draw in the second leg fixture. Mazowe High school came a close second only losing to Mabvuku in both fixtures.

Wallace Chigwada lost one game and drew another one against Phillip Jekera in their fixtures, home and away. In the first fixture Mabvuku won 4,5-1,5 while in the return fixture Mazowe narrowly lost 2,5-3,5. St. Georges College lost 1-5 in the first fixture when they hosted Mabvuku before losing 2,5-3,5 when they were hosted by Mabvuku in one of the toughest games of the season.

Takunda Mudzingwa emerged as the best player in the fixture after successfully making a correct series of sacrifices which led to Phillip Jekera to resign inevitably. Mazowe High school played very well winning 8, drawing 3 and losing two games, Mufakose 2 high school won 8, drew one and lost 4 games.

Goromonzi High school came fourth winning 4, drawing2 and losing 6. The team gained some momentum towards the end of the season getting some very good results against Mufakose 2 and Mazowe High school. Prince Edward school came 5th winning 4 games,drawing one and losing 7.St. Georges college came 6th winning 4,drawing one and losing the other fixtures.

Visitation High school came 7th while Dominican Convent came 8th. The two teams were relegated to division two while ZRP Boarding High school and St. Ignatius College were promoted to Division one to join the province’s best chess playing schools.

Highfield High 2 and Oriel boys high were promoted to division two after winning the division. The league has potential to even grow bigger and better.

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Zimbabwe Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa

This followed the Warriors one-all draw against the Crocodiles of
Lesotho which has seen the Warriors sail through to the CHAN finals on a 4-2 aggregate win.

This adds another chapter to Pasuwa’s success story as a coach after
he qualified the Young Warriors to the 2015 Africa Games in the Congo Brazzaville in addition of having won four consecutive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League titles with Dynamos.

Against Lesotho, the Warriors even had the luxury of missing a penalty after a Blessing Moyo effort sailed over the bar when the two teams were deadlocked at one-all after Roderick Mutuma had given Zimbabwe the lead.

The Dynamos striker was the hero of the two game final qualifying tie after he also scored a double in the first leg when the Warriors won 3-1 in a hugely attended game at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday.

This is the fourth time in a row that the Warriors have qualified for
the continental football festival having made the trip in 2009, 2011,
and 2014.

Zimbabwe, however, are hoping to improve on their performance the last time around when they finished fourth in South Africa.

Pasuwa and his team are also in the run for qualification for the 2016
Africa Cup of Nations finals where they are in the same group with
Guinea, Swaziland, and Malawi.

The post Pasuwa adds another chapter appeared first on The Zimbabwean.

Zimbabwe Warriors utility player, Oscar Machapa.

Speaking to The Zimbabwean this week, Machapa, who has previously played for Moroka Swallows in South Africa before his brief return home to join Dynamos, showed he had been swept away with the standards of the DRC game, describing it as “the best league in Africa”.

Machapa joined the Kinshasa-based outfit on a three-year deal three months ago. “In the three months I have been here, I can conclude that this country has the best run soccer league in Africa,” he said.

“I have been exposed to a high level of professionalism in every aspect of the game and that’s what a player needs to deliver. The administration of players, supporters and sponsors actually made me realise that other African countries are still lagging behind in professionalism. I have been to South Africa, which is also one of the best-run leagues but without taking anything away from them, they are still behind the level of the DRC, despite being better-sponsored.”

He was also happy with the support from the terraces. “I have also admired the way supporters conduct themselves. This is one of the best-supported leagues in Africa and the turn-out of fans at matches is better than what I had gotten used to in Zimbabwe and SA. On top of that, fans from opposing teams tolerate each other and understand that football is just a game to keep everyone happy. I am having the best time of my professional football career.”

With his new outfit, Machapa is set to participate in the CAF Champions league, as are once again one of the clubs representing DRC. “I am happy that I will play in the biggest club tournament in Africa and with the way things are going, I am confident that I will contribute positively. They showed me appreciation by giving me a chance to be part of them by signing me. I have to repay their trust on me by delivering.”

With five games played thus far, AS Vita are currently placed fifth in the 10-team Super League Zone West division of the 30-team DRC league that is split into three divisions – East, West and South Central.
The DRC league is also the home to another Zimbabwean star, Ali Sadiki, who is with Caf Champions League finalists, TP Mazembe.

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Warriors hopeful, Tanaka Chinyahara.

The 20-year-old former Bidvest Wits youth player came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute as Hobro went down 3-1 to Kobehavn last week. It was Chinyahara’s first taste of competitive football at Hobro, a side he joined in July on a one year contract after being scouted while turning out for Wits in a youth tournament.

And while Chinyahara, who also played for Kaiser Chiefs juniors, can hope to have done enough to secure a contract extension come the end of the season , the same cannot be said of compatriot Ronald Pfumbidzai who is also on the books of Hobro.
The former CAPS United left-back has made the match day line-up just once and has had to get used to  spending much of his time on the terraces.

Hobro are also home to Zimbabwe international Quincy Antipas, who is yet to play a single match this season after sustaining an injury in May.
The struggling outfit look headed for relegation as they anchor the standings with just eight points from 13 matches.

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The Jacaranda Free Handicap, a sprint event for three-year-olds, has attracted 10 entries and will be run over 1,200 metres with Demagogue – who has been racing in South Africa – being the star attraction.

The horse, trained by Ghokan Terzi, was in South Africa racing at Turfontein during the Zimbabwe racing season break, but did not win any major competition there. However, that stint in South Africa, where horse racing is the most-competitive in Africa and one of the most competitive in the world, should be enough to give the gelding an advantage over the rest of the pack in this race.

Demagogue is one of the four geldings nominated for the $8,000 event, the others being Al Salaam, Super Good, and Rocky Road from the Bridget Stidolph yard. The race has also invited three colt nominations, Call Me Earl, and two Zimbabwean colts – Slick and Tandava from the Amy Bronkhorst and Terzi stables respectively.
There are three fillies in the form of Fashion World, Duffi’s Call, and Betula Uber, who complete the list of the 10 horses nominated for the event with the chances being that the final field could even have fewer horses.

Principled Man – also under the Terzi yard and also travelled to South Africa during the off-season, has also been nominated for the Merit Rated 85 Handicap, where he faces stiff challenge from the on-fire Pegwell Bay and the seasoned Thriller-in-Manila, who have also been suggested for the 1,100-metre sprint.

Pegwell Bay is in top form, but there is also the threat of Newton Power who, after an impressive year as a three-year-old, has gone through a period of gradual decline. Power, coincidentally under Terzi, will be hoping to recapture the form of 2013, which made him the young horse to beat during the season.

All in all, there is $50,000 in stake money set aside for the seven races lined up for the day by the Mashonaland Turf Club.

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Willard Katsande

Soccer fans who follow the Absa Premiership are set for two bumper weekends as some of Zimbabwe’s senior national soccer team players come head-to-head beginning this and next weekend.

The Soweto Derby between reigning Absa Premiership champions Kaizer Chiefs and bitter rivals Orlando Pirates, which ranks 20th in the world, gets the action rolling with a league clash at the giant FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Telling in that game will be the participation of Zimbabwe’s best holding midfielder at the moment – Willard Katsande, who has become the mainstay for every Chiefs coach since he joined from Ajax Cape Town about three seasons ago.

Katsande, suspended as the Amakhosi beat Mpumalanga Black Aces 2-1 away in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals last weekend, is undoubtedly Chiefs’ knight in shining armour – sending bone-crushing tackles that intimidate the opponent and swing the game in his side’s favour, while also able to play it clean and provide passing options for the likes of Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala and George Lebese to finish the job going forward.

Another Zimbabwean in that Amakhosi side, who is unlikely to start the league game, is Ovidy Karuru, influential in the reserve league but yet to crack it in the national team.

This weekend will be the beginning of a two-week stay of the action, as the two sides meet again in a Telkom Knockout semi-final tie in the same venue, which is again set to match – if not surpass, the league game in terms of hype, tempo and competitiveness.

Chiefs are seeking to win their first piece of silverware this season, following their 0-1 loss to Ajax Cape Town in the R8million MTN8 final earlier in the season. Pirates, the Caf Confederations Cup finalists, will also be seeking to win their first domestic cup in more than two seasons, making the semi-final tie one of the most ambition-filled encounter.

But that semi-final match will just be one tie in a Gauteng province that will host two matches of such magnitude. In the capital Pretoria, Kingstone Nkhatha, who led holders SuperSport United in their 3-1 rout of visiting Golden Arrows with a goal in the quarter-finals last weekend, will be out to make it to the final as his side host cross-town rivals Mamelodi Sundowns – again in the Telkom Knockout semis.

Sundowns, who thrashed Free State Stars 6-1 to reach the semi-finals, boast the services of Zimbabwe Warriors stars Khama Billiat and Cuthbert Malajila, who are both key members of Pitso Mosimane’s side.

United are holders of the cup, while Sundowns will be out a second successive win in the competition with a win in the semis, where they will hopefully meet one of the Soweto giants in what is set to be the two Battle of the Cities.

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Sikandar Raza

Three Zimbabwean batsmen recently moved up the ladder in the latest world rankings released by the International Cricket Council, despite their 2-3 ODI defeat to lowly Afghanistan.

Sikandar Raza moved a staggering 14 places up the pecking order to 40th in the world, while Sean Williams is now placed 44th, after moving seven places up. Craig Ervine was not left behind – now placed 61st in the world after moving 19 places.

Williams, who did not bat in the first ODI, was Zimbabwe’s highest run scorer in the Series with a total of 153 runs including 102 in the fifth game. Raza also did not bat in the first match, but ended up with a total of 119 runs – with highest score coming in the fourth game, where he scored 86 runs with Ervine on his part managing 75 runs with a highest score of 43 runs.

Afghanistan batsmen were enviously the biggest beneficiaries, with Ali Zadran managing to break into the top 100 after vaulting 26 places up to 93rd in the world. However, their highest-placed batsman is Mohammad Nabi, now on a career high of 47th having moved 26 places up the ladder.

The rankings were updated following the conclusion of the five ODI Series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and South Africa and India. Chevron Tendai Chatara, who missed the Afghani Series through injury, dropped seven places down the bowlers’ pecking order, and is now placed 41st in the world, down from 34th position.
Zimbabwe stayed in 10th place on the ODI rankings, a fraction ahead of Ireland, with Afghanistan one point behind following their historic Series win over a Test playing country.

The Zimbabwean team hopes to make things better when they tour Bangladesh in three One-Day International matches on November 9, 11, and 12  and two Twenty20 International matches on November 13 and 15.

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Former Zifa chairman Leo Mugabe

Former Zifa chairman Leo Mugabe, his then deputy and the man who eventually ousted him from office, Vincent Pamire, Zifa lawyer Ralph Maganga and two government lawyers reportedly travelled to Switzerland last week, but were embarrassingly turned away at the reception of the Fifa headquarters in Zurich.

Sources said the delegation’s airfares, accommodation and allowances gobbled $30, 000 and it could have been more had the prime mover of the doomed appeal, minister of sports Makhosini Hlongwane made the trip.

The new minister instead opted to watch the Zimbabwe-Cameroon women’s Olympic qualifier and then travelled to Lesotho for the Warriors’ Chan match on Sunday.

“Leo and Vincent were the advance party and Ralph and the other two lawyers followed later. They managed to get their visas via the Zimbabwe Embassy in Geneva as they purported they were paying a courtesy call on them.

“When they arrived there, they then went to the Fifa headquarters and asked to see Acting Fifa President Issa Hayatou, but were embarrassed to be turned away right at the reception area.

“They were told in no uncertain terms that Fifa does not entertain third parties and only deals with general secretaries and national association presidents and on appointments not ambushes.

“They had even been told by Mamelodi before they travelled (Ashford, Fifa Southern and Central Region Development Officer) that Zimbabwe will not participate in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers but they chose to go and spend the money while the Warriors were refusing to train due to unpaid allowances for their match against Lesotho,” a source NewZimbabwe this week.

Hlongwane was not available for comment but it is understood
government is still pursuing the matter via the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), based in Switzerland and have already paid $1 500 for the appeal.

Maganga, Mugabe and Pamire were also not available for comment Monday and Tuesday.

But early Wednesday morning, one member of the delegation briefly confided to NewZimbabwe.com: “Yes we went there.” Pressed on the outcome of the trip, the member was straight to the point: “Zero.”

Another source added: “It was wrong to assume that one can just walk in and demand to see the president of Fifa without prior arrangements and worse still none of the five are either the Zifa general secretary or president.

“Remember sometime in 2008, Tendai Madzorera went to Zurich without an appointment and was not granted an audience and yet, he (Madzorera) was the association vice chairman at that time.”

Zimbabwe were banned in March for failing to settle a $61, 000 debt owed to former coach Valinhos after he was fired after a doomed 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup campaign.

The figure rose to $81, 000 due to legal costs and interests.

Government eventually paid the $83, 500 debt last week before the doomed trip, after the qualifiers had already begun.

The 2018 World Cup qualifiers started last weekend and Zimbabwe, out of the 54 African nations, is the only country on the continent not participating because of the ban.

Valinhos was brought in by the Wellington Nyatanga–led administration, which had taken office in 2006 and given a specific mandate of leading the Warriors to the Afcon and World Cup finals, but failed dismally after registering only two wins in the joint qualifiers.

After he was shown the door he took up his matter with the Fifa Disciplinary Committee which proclaimed that his contract had been illegally terminated.

Between 2010 and 2014, Zifa failed to agree to a settlement deal and eventually the Fifa DC was left with no choice but to ban Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe faces another lawsuit with another former coach Tom Saintfiet claiming $150 000 after a short stint with the Warriors.

The lawsuit also threatens the country’s participation in the 2022 World Cup set for Qatar.

Saintfiet was deported for working without a work permit in contravention of Zimbabwe’s Immigration laws and Hlongwane feels that he violated the country’s laws and thus they cannot be forced to pay off someone who was at fault.

Hlongwane, after the failed bid, has reportedly turned his focus on ensuring there is enough money for the Mighty Warriors and Warriors’ preparations for the Rio Olympic Games and Chan finals in 2016 respectively.

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BY DANIEL NHAKANISO

Bekker, who was named Zimbabwe’s Female Junior Golfer of the Year for 2015, carded rounds of 80 and 79 at the PGA National Resort and Spa to cap off a solid perfomance in her debut appearance at the prestigious tournament.

The 12-year-old rising star finished 14 shots behind second-placed world number two, American Alexa Pano, who shot rounds of 69 and 76.

Yae Eun Kim, from Dominican Republic, who is ranked number one in the world in the girls’ 11-13 age group category, successfully defended her title after shooting identical rounds of 71 over the two rounds.

Playing a three-ball against the two best players in the world in the final round, Bekker started well as she managed to birdies against three bogeys on the front nine before she was slightly derailed by four bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine.

Bekker has been enjoying a successful year, which saw her representing the senior national ladies golf team in the Regional All Africa Challenge Golf Trophy held in Namibia five months ago and the Gilberson and Page Trophy Tournament which Zimbabwe hosted in August.

The Chapman Golf Club-based junior was also the country’s best performer at the Africa Junior Girls Golf Championships held in Kenya two months ago, finishing a creditable sixth position.

She returned a month later to win the Lion of Africa Junior Africa Challenge played at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa in Polokwane, South Africa, from September 1 to 3.

The opportunity to play at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship should help develop her game, as she had the opportunity to compete against the world’s top players in her age group.

The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship is one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the world, attracting over 600 junior golfers from ages of 11 to 18.

Former winners of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship include current world number one player Jason Day from Australia and top female American professional golfer Lexi Thompson.

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There was a Prestigious A Section,  B Section as well as the Girls Section. The Chief Arbiter  of the tournament was FA Farirai Gumbe and the Tournament Director was FA elect and NI Mawire. Two section Arbiters were FA elect Charumbira and FA Elect Sithole. The tournament was a five round tournament and the Prestigious section had the following Teams. Willenita A, Willenita B, Glen Norah Knights A, Avondale A, Alfred Beit A, Tomlinson A, Twin Rivers A, Darwin Primary A, Four Kings, Sinoia Primary , Eastridge A and Reinham Primary School.

After hours of bruising battles Willenita School of Chess from Kwekwe emerged Winners, Alfred Beit School Second, Avondale 3rd and Glen Norah Knights fourth. The best Player of the Prestigious A section was Collins Mabodongwa of Knights Chess academy with 4.5/5 on the hot Board 1. He only drew with the Avondale Captain Billard Paratema in the last round. The most exciting player was young 8 year Tadiwa Madaka the Prodigy from Alfred Beit School who caused havoc to older boys on Board 3.

Rumbidzai Mawire the 9 year old Avondale girl was anchoring Board 4 for the school finished with 4/5 also being the best female player in the hot section. The TD s most steady player was Takunda Mutyasira from Alfred Beit. The best match of the tournament surprisingly was in the first round where Collins Of GNKCA, met Rufaro Chikaka of Willenita. Although Collins prevailed it shows that we have talent in Zimbabwe. Other notable players in this section were Bollard Paratema of Avondale, Panashe Edwards of Knights Academy, Tinashe Philemon Alfred Beit.

The notorious pair of Clive Kofi and Leeroy Mpala from Willenita not forgetting Clever Gambe and Exciting Takunda Maxen from Willenita. Other tough girls were Zoey Mlotshwa from Twin Rivers and Tafadzwa Chikwanda from Reinham. The girls section was dominated by Alfred Beit led by National Junior player Tadiwa Shania Mundayi as they took 1st position and Tomlison came second and Willenita A 3rd. Bishops Lee and Darwin Primary also played good chess.

Schools from as far as Gokwe took part in this tournament and one can say that it was a very good training ground for those travelling to Zambia next month for the Africa Youth chess championships to be held from the 5th-13th of December. Glen Norah Knights will host a tourney at Braeside this coming Saturday on 28 November those interested to take part can get in touch with John Chibvuri the Director of Glen Norah Knights chess academy. Camping for the teams travelling to Zambia will be held at Prince Edward and Alfred Beit respectively before departure on 4 December, 2015.

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Newly-crowned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions, Chicken Inn have been drawn against Harare giants, Caps United in what promises to be an intriguing clash. Dynamos team manager, Richard Chihoro welcomed the draw.

“It’s a good draw. We will be ready for them. It will be an interesting match against Highlanders. We have a good history against them in the league, but this, being a cup game, it will not be easy, more so playing at Barbourfields Stadium,” he said.

The semi-finals have been scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium on December 5 and 6. It is the first time in the history of the competition that Bulawayo will be hosting the matches.

There was no seeding at the draw and the teams picked first — Highlanders and Caps United — will be technically the home teams.

Highlanders have not beaten Dynamos in the league since 2006, but they overcame their opponents in the Zimbabwe National Army Charity Shield early this year with veteran forward, Obadiah Tarumbwa scoring the solitary goal.

Bosso last beat Dynamos in 2011 in the Independence trophy, but only on penalties, following a goalless draw in regulation time.

In league meetings this term, Dynamos – triumphed 3-2 in a controversial tie in Harare and then followed that up with a 1-0 victory in Bulawayo.

Bosso vice-chairman, Mgcini Mpofu, who attended the draw, said: “This is an opportunity, not only to redeem ourselves, but it also gives us a chance to boost our coffers ahead of the festive season. It’s what we had wished for- to get rid of Dynamos to be done and dusted.”

Highlanders, who had a miserable campaign this season, have picked form – winning their last two matches against Hwange and Buffaloes – lifting them to sixth position on the league table, with one match left, and they are likely to face Dynamos with their confidence high.

Caps United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe said the draw was tough.

“It’s a difficult draw in the sense that Chicken Inn are on a high. They have been crowned champions, that in itself makes it a very difficult pairing. We will try to do our best. Obviously, we are an ambitious club and the last couple of games have been special moments for us and this is one game we believe is very important for us and we have to try and win,” he said.

“Dynamos, Caps United and Highlanders have massive history. Chicken Inn are also coming up and I think it will be a very exciting tournament.”

Caps United enjoyed superiority over Chicken Inn in their meetings this season, winning 2-0 in Harare before edging them 2-1 in Bulawayo. Winners of the Easycall Cup are set to pocket $80 000, runners-up $50 000, while losing finalists get $30 000.

Losing quarter-finalists will get $20 000 each.

The post DeMbare draw Bosso appeared first on The Zimbabwean.

An initiative organized by John Chibvuri Knights Chess Academy Zimbabwe Director and Soul Trust Chairperson Ms Moira Adler meant to fundraise for the less privileged but talented kids who are in the Zim Youth National Chess Team but are facing financial constraints. The youths are to take part in the Africa Youth Chess Championships slated for the 5th-13th of December 2015 in Lusaka Zambia. Venue was the Braeside Catholic Church Hall, Braeside Shops Harare. F.A Masimba Farirai was the Chief Arbiter.

St Johns Emerald Hill, Queen Elizabeth, Girls High, Vainona, Zengeza 3 High, Highfield 2 High, Budiriro1 High, ZRP Boarding School, Kwayedza High, Rakodzi High Marondera, Barnies Jnr Marondera, Willenita School of Chess Kwekwe (they had Camelot Group of Schools students and other Kwekwe Schools pupils), Knights Chess Academy Zimbabwe (had players from Shiriyedenga Pri, Kundayi Pri, and other Harare Schools students), Other schools that took part were; Eastridge Pri, Westridge Pri, Queensdale Pri, Twin Rivers Pri,Blakiston Pri, Waterfalls Gardens Primary.

90 players took part and the tournament had 4 main sections: Under 9 Junior section PRIMARY SCHOOLS, U13 Senior section PRIMARY SCHOOLS, Boys section HIGH SCHOOLS, Girls section HIGH SCHOOLS.

And the winners in the respective sections:
Under 9 Junior Section PRIMARY SCHOOLS: 1. Takunda Maxen of Willenita School of Chess Kwekwe 2. Tafadzwa Chaparamhosva of Twin Rivers Primary 3. Hazel Kachikwa of Willenita School of Chess Kwekwe 4. Rufaro Mangwende of Twin Rivers Primary 5. Tawanda Nhapata of Willenita School of Chess Kwekwe

For Under13 Senior section PRIMARY SCHOOLS:
1. Lee-Roy Mpala of Willenita School of Chess Kwekwe, 2. Panashe Edward of Knights Chess Academy Zimbabwe but Shiriyedenga Pri. pupil 3. Herbert Mhlanga of Knights Chess Academy Zimbabwe 4. Sunganai Kariwo of Eastridge Primary 5. Rufaro Chikaka of Willenita School of Chess Kwekwe.

Boys Section HIGH SCHOOLS:
1. Brandon Jobe of Zengeza 3 High, 2. Lindon Zvinyenye of Highfield 2 High 3. Tafadzwa Zvidzai of ZRP Boarding School 4. Yeukai Mhlanga of Budiriro 1 High 5. Panashe Chimbwanda of Highfield 2 High

Girls section HIGH SCHOOLS:
1st is a ladies Chess Master i.e CANDIDATE MASTER Kundai Murinda of St Johns Emerald Hill (got a perfect 5/5! won all 5 games) 2. Rumbidzai Chimanja of Queen Elizabeth 3. Purity Makazhu of Girls High 4. Rejoice Risinamhodzi of Queen Elizabeth 5. Tinodaishe Chivhunga of Queen Elizabeth
There were the following prizes in the 2015 End Grand Individual Tournament (High School, Primary School Sections):
# 4 Floating Trophies for the winners’ respective Schools plus 4 shields for the individuals and Chess Sets for Winners in each Section;
1. Best Player Boys Section (High School)
2. Best Player Girls Section (High School)
3. Best Player U9 Junior Section (Primary Section)
4. Best Player U13 Senior Section (Primary Section)
# All players who attained positions 1-3, in each of the 4 Sections, received a medal (Gold, Silver, Bronze) respectively…)

# Other prizes : Certificates,Chess Books for all top 5 players each section.
Meanwhile Tinarwo of Shingirayi Primary school was the winner of the Haig Park chess festival which coincided with the Knights chess academy chess festival. The game of chess is becoming very popular in the high density schools and a lot of talent is being identified. Newton, Morrison and Veronica were some outstanding playing in this tourney.

The turnout was very encouraging. More than fifty participants took part in such a pulsating tourney.Ben is the coach for the winners in the Haig Park chess festival,he has spread the popularity of the game in Mbare and hope that by next year more pupils will be able to even challenge the winners.Shingirayi was the first primary school to play chess in Mbare with a donation from one of Mbare’s best players Eric Takawira.More is coming as the junior teams prepare for the Africa Youth chess championships to be staged in Lusaka from 5-13 December, 2015.

The post Brandon Jobe and Murinda win chess tourney appeared first on The Zimbabwean.

The Gamecorks changed their heart at the 11th hour and forwarded their name to the Zimbabwe Football for registration with the Confederation of African Football before last night’s deadline.

Club chairman Lifa Ncube confirmed they will now represent Zimbabwe after being given the go ahead by their sponsors adding that they have since been registered with Caf.

Initially, Ncube had announced last Friday that the club would not be participating in Africa due to shortage of funds.

However, the club supremo said everything has now been sorted out and Chicken Inn will play in Africa. “We have been given the go ahead by our sponsors and we will play with the big boys of Africa next year,” said Ncube.

Caf had given all national football associations up to midnight yesterday to register clubs who will represent their countries in both the Caf Champions League and the Caf Confederation Cup.

Chibuku Super Cup winners, Harare City had already been registered in the Confederation Cup having confirmed their participation way back.

This year, Zimbabwe was not represented in the Caf Champions League after Dynamos withdrew on the same reasons of non availability of funds. FC Platinum played in the Confederation Cup and were eliminated in the first round.

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Stansly Maponga, a Zimbabwe-born defensive end, was signed by the New York Giants ahead of their Monday night NFL contest at Miami (AFP Photo/Todd Kirkland)

Maponga grew up playing rugby until coming to the United States at age nine, where he was a standout in high school and college.

Maponga was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft and signed by the Giants off Atlanta’s practice squad.

The Giants had a roster vacancy after releasing Damontre Moore after a series of altercations with teammates, the latest over headphones.

Maponga has eight tackles, including a quarterback sack, and two fumble recoveries over 24 games with the Falcons over the past two seasons.

At 5-7, the Giants are level with Washington and Philadelphia for the NFC East division lead and a playoff spot.

After Miami, the Giants finish the season with games against undefeated Carolina, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

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After performing well at the African schools chess individuals in Botswana, Sifiso continued with his fine performance which saw him winnning some very crucial games agaibnst the tournaments favorites in the mould of Elias Musonda and Fide Master Quaret Abdelouhab of Algeria who had a rating of 1870, FM Crismann Alessandro Claudio 1926 of South Africa.

He met his countryman Solomon Chimuzura in round three and he got the better of his opponent who missed a tactical move which would have equalised the game. This was after a set back in round two when he failed to contain the attack from the only International Master Wagdy Andro of Egypt who had a rating of 2241. He went on to beat Shadrick Zulu in round 4 before faltering to FM Zayan Mahommad with a rating 2042 of Egypt in round 7 when he led the field of play.

After the defeat he then faced Elias Musonda of Zambia with a rating of 1915 and he won a very interesting game before drawing his final round against Chanda Simon of Zambia. IM Wagdy Andro suffered defeat from his compatriot FM Zayan Mahommad in a pulsating game before the later lost to Musonda. The competition was very stiff and interesting. Sekelani Tembo beat FM Zayan Mahommad in the final round to finish with 6/9 points getting a fourth position slot in the under 18 open boys. Solomon Chimuzura finished with 3,5 points, he got the better of his compatriot Munyaradzi Thom in their own encounter.

Thom finished with 4/9 points so was Mark Jarachrara another Zimbabwean in the under 18 boys category.In the under 8 category MADAKA Tadiwanashe finished with 5/9 points he however upset the winner of the division when he won convincingly. Tinaye Madamombe, Mawire Tawananyasha and Chitakatira Jaeden all finished with 4/9 points.In the under 8/10 girls category there was a fierce battle between Refiloe Mudodo and Rumbidzai Mawire which resulted in a shocker as the two are always at each other’s throat when they play.

Rumbidzai Mawire beat Refiloe Mudodo’s French defence. Refiloe never got some breathing space and she eventually lost after the pressure was just immense for her to recover as hse was to lose all the rooks in the end. Mawire went on to draw  the final round resulting in a 6,5 points for her. Refiloe was beaten in her final round maybe it was the pressure from the round before which strained her. Eventually Rumbidzai came fourth on butcholtz but she was tied on third position but lost it on a head -to head basis as she lost and missed a medal on these basis.

Chiwara Makanaka was 5th with 5,5 points while Refiloe who was the favorite finished with 5 points out of 9 games.She failed to maintain the momentum in the final stages of the game. In the under 10 boys Maxen Takunda finished with 5,5 points and eventually coming out a credible fifth position in  his age group. Chigova Tinashe finished with 5/9 points which was an improvement from his performance in Botswana sometime in April. Zimbili Panashe came a credible 4th position with 6/9 points, failing to get a medal by the head-to- head rules.

In the under 12 boys category Panashe Edwards finished with 5/9 points while Calixto Hernandez, Rufaro Chikaka, Philimon Tinasheand Oliver Mazorodze finished with 4,5 /9. This was an average performance by the boys in this category. Calixto Hernandez played well considering that it was his first time to play in an international tourney. In the under 14 girls category WCM Kundai Murinda performed well finishing with 6 points out of 9 games. She was tied on third position coming out 4th after considering head-to -head clashes. Her performance was very good considering the level of competition in her age group.

Kudzai Mhandu missed a clear silver medal after falling in the last round. He only needed a draw which he failed to get.After losing the game, he also lost the medal when he came fourth on head-to head basis. He played a wonderful tourney downing some Algerians and other strong players in his way. His performance will surely get him a better rating. The young boy was very steady on the board and he deserves to be a champion who is very composed.

In the under 16 boys category Bonde Cornelius gave a good account of himself when he finished with 5,5/9 and was the best Zimbabwean in his age group finishing 9/23 participants. Takunda Mudzingwa, Kudakwashe Zimbowa, and Tapiwanashe Munhupedzi finished with 4,5 points out of 9 games they played. In the under 16 girls category Moyo Pumuzile and Banda Shantel finished with 4,5/9. This was a fair performance from the girls. In the under 18 girls category Mukai Mahachi of Convent girls High Harare finished with 4,5 points finishing 6th in her age group out of 16 players. Linda Shaba had 4/9 in the same age group. Zimbabwe had the highest number of participants (54 players) followed by Zambia the hosts. The tourney had 226 players and 12 federations took part the highest number of federations so far since the inception of the African Youth Chess Championships. Algeria,Botswana, Burundi,Egypt,Ghana,Kenya,Malawi,Namibia,Nigeria,South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Nigeria, Burundi and Ghana taking part for the first time.

The Chief Arbiter for the tournament was IA Gunther Van Berg of South Africa. He was assisted by IA Banda,IA Mpambela and yours truly was also part of the team earning an IA norm so was FA elect and NI Admire Mawire. The tournament was a success though it had a slow start in the beginning it was a tournament to remember as well as a breaking ground for some players and coaches from the 12 federations which took part. Algeria eclipsed Egypt from the top spot getting 8 gold medals followed by South Africa and Egypt came third in a start-studded field.

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FIFA’s former President came out fighting during a press conference at the football body’s headquarters in Zurich after the decision by its Independent Ethics Committee.

He said that the ethics committee had no right to go against the President and he could only be removed by the congress which is due to take place next year.

Without apologising for what he had done, he said he was sorry about what his suspension meant for FIFA and for its workers.

“I will fight. I am suspended for what?” he said.

“I’ve met with my lawyer. He is putting into question what is right and what is wrong and justice. We will go once again to the appeal committee.

“I’m a Swiss citizen. For a Swiss citizen to be suspended for eight years they must have to do something very very wrong.”

“They said you should have put it in your books. I agree with that. But it has nothing to do with ethics.”

The committee said in a statement that Blatter’s assertion that there had been an oral agreement between him and Platini over a £1.35m payment was not convincing.

As a result, it was determined that he had breached the rules on offering and accepting gifts and other benefits.

But the committee said there was not sufficient evidence to establish that he had been guilty of corruption under the terms of FIFA’s code of ethics.
Blatter was also fined 50,000 Swiss francs (£33,700) and Platini was fined 80,000 Swiss francs (£53,900).

Barring a successful appeal, the verdict effectively ends Platini’s chances of standing in the FIFA Presidential election in February.

It also ensures that Blatter’s 40 year career at FIFA ends in disgrace. He had hoped to be reinstated in order to preside over the electoral congress that will select his successor.

Both men claim the payment, which is also the subject of a Swiss criminal investigation, was for consultancy work carried out by Platini for Blatter between 1998 and 2002.

It was not made until February 2011 however, nine years after the work ended, and just three months before a FIFA Presidential election in which Mr Platini, then UEFA President, supported Blatter.

Platini claims that he agreed a CHF1m a-year contract with Blatter but was paid only half of that amount at the time, because FIFA was in financial trouble.

He says he then forgot to invoice for the balance until nine years later.

Blatter says he agreed the deal in a verbal contract and that the payment was legitimate.

The deal came to light as part of a criminal investigation by the Swiss attorney general into the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.

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In round one he faced Jeremiah Jekera who misplayed after he lost his queen and became difficult to defend the game.On table two Roy Mwadzura surprised Van Madanhi, while Ephraim Kawadza won his first game easily against Brian Muringisi, Hamilton Mandeya got the better of Phillip Jekera before Munyaradzi Soko beat the youngest player of the tourney Simbarashe Mutsikwi.Van Madanhi lost again to Hamilton Mandeya who was the tourney favourite in round two.

Round three saw the clash of Hamilton Mandeya and FA Gumbe and the game was a draw after Hamilton Mandeya misplayed his ending. Phillip Jekera beat Ephraim Kawadza in a tight game which seemed to be a draw but Phillip played a very good rook ending. This was the turning point of the game.Ephraim Kawadza played against FA Gumbe in round four and he lost in another rook ending.Phillip Jekera missed a win against Roy Mwadzura who frced a perpetual check in a pulsating game. There was fire on board two where Mandeya had the white pieces against Jeremiah Jekera.

Jeremiah seized the opportunity and won the game in a very interesting fashion which saw Hamilton surrendering the joint lead which he was sharing with FA Gumbe.Van Madanhi beat Soko Munyaradzi in round 4 while Brian beat Simba. In round five FA Gumbe was paired against Jekera Phillip whom he defeated in the end game which was seemingly drawn.Roy Mwadzura lost by default against Jeremiah in the final round after his cell phone rang. Mandeya beat Simbawhile Van beat Ephraim and Brian Muringisi defeated Munyaradzi Soko in one of his best games of the day.FA Gumbe finished with 4,5 /5, jeremiah 4/5,Hamilton Mandeya 3,5/5, Van Madanhi 3/5 Phillip Jekera and Roy Mwadzura had 2,5/5.

The tourney was run by FA Chimbamu. It was an interesting tourney and the club wishes to continue playing some more of these tournies. Meanwhile Zimbabwe Open prestige IM Norm section starts on 28 December ending on the 1 January 2016 at Ambassadors Hotel. The open section will start on January 1-3, 2016. There is a ladies section which will be held at Causeway in Harare.

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IM Providence had the white pieces and did not stop from the word go to attack the Zambian IM. had drawn against IM Stanley Chumfwa of Zambia and was yet to taste any defeat.He led the 20 players who took part and made it very impossible for them by defeating former National Champion Emerald Mushore in the last round to finish with 7,5 points out of 9 rounds.He also revenged the previous defeat he suffered against Elisha Chimbamu who lost in a very interesting game. Spencer Masango also lost to IM Gillian Bwalya in a seemingly drawn end game.

IM Gillian Bwalya beat his compatriots Richmond Phiri and Andrew Kayonde in some very tricky positions which he easily converted.FM Andrew Kayonde came second after amassing 6,5 points a full point behind the winner IM Gillian Bwalya.IM Richmond Phiri and IM Providence Oatlhotse were tied on third position with 6 points they were separated by butcholtz and the positions are shown on the final ranking tables respectively. IM Stanley Chumfwa lost to Elisha Chimbamu in a very complex end game which was seemingly drawn, but the later prevailed in a blitz ending in which Elisha played accurately. Elisha Chimbamu was the best placed Zimbabwean player also on 5 points. He lost 2 games drew 4 and won 3 games in the tightly contested IM Norm prestige section. The Chief Arbiter was Clive Mpambela. Below is a table showing the final rankings of the prestige section.

Final Ranking after 9 Rounds

Final Ranking after 9 Rounds

Meanwhile there was also a ladies open tournament which was held from January 1-3, 2016 as well as the Men’s Open section which was held at Causeway Canteen. In the ladies section Lorita Mwango WIM of Zambia won the first place with 7,5 points out of 8 games. She walloped all the Zimbabwean ladies only to draw her last round game against her Zambian counterpart.Colleta Wakuruwarehwa of Zimbabwe was the best Zimbabwean lady with 6,5 points coming second followed by Rhodha Masiyazi and Tatenda Zengeni all on 6 points. Termaine Chizikani came 5th with 5,5 points while WCM Constance Mbatha of Zambia came 6th out of 38 players. The competition was very stiff but very interesting with som pulsating games on the show displayed by the ladies and gentlemen. In the men’s open section Godwin Phiri of Zambia walked away with the first prize with 6,5 points.

He shared the first position with Elisha Thabo and Mugove Muririma. The later were separated on butcholtz.So it was a three way tie-break for the first position. Elisha Thabo dismissed Spencer Masango in round 5 in an interesting ending before playing another tough game against IM kelvin Chumfwa whom he defeated in an interesting fashion.In the final round he drew against Godwin Phiri who enjoys his game when he is here in Zimbabwe. Albert Maketo surprised IM Providence of Botswana in round 5 in a very pulsating game which left some onlookers amased by the level and depth of the game.

It was not yet enough for the Botswana based IM who lost his final round to Nigel Mabiza of Zimbabwe who lost to Elisha Thabo in a drawn position which he wanted to forcibly win, the rook ending was never going to be a win for the best defender of the game after tiring throughout the game. Former National Champion Emerald Mushore was held to a draw by Solomon Chimuzura a scholar at Mabvuku High school in round 5 before being forced to another draw by another student at the same school Phillip Jekera in round 6.Solomon Chimuzura was the best scholar with 5,5 points out of 7 rounds of play. He did not lose any game drawing three games and winning four games.

There was a 7 way tie break on 6 points. These were: IM Kelvin Chumfwa, Munenga Douglas both of Zambia, Mabiza Nigel, Muzhingi Shingai, Masimba Anesu and Zvidzai Tafadzwa a former student at ZRP Boarding school. Mandeya Hamilton,CM Abrantess Persson of Mozambique, Siame Kela(Zambia),Banda Aaron (Zam), Murandu Elisha,Sibanda Castro, Chimuzura Solomon, Chimbamu Elisha and Ncube Sifiso were all on 5,5 points.The tournament attracted a total of 206 players which was a record turnout. The Chief Arbiter was IA Clive Mpambela was assisted by FA Murimi Simbarashe,FA Chimbamu, FA Gumbe, NA Mawire, NA Sithole and NA Charumbira helped in the running of the tournament. Compliments of the New year!!

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