Current Affairs Zimbabwe

Category: Sport

  • Zimbabwe clinch ODI Series with a game to spare

    Zimbabwe clinch ODI Series with a game to spare

    By Kudakwashe Matizanadzo

    HARARE — Zimbabwe senior cricket national team, th e Chevrons clinched the three match ODI series with a convincing 13-run victory over Bangladesh at Harare Sports club on Thursday.

    The Chevrons defeated The Tigers by 13 runs in the second One Day International at Harare Sports Club, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a game to spare.

    Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 247/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

    Ben Curran, opening with Brian Bennet, notched an unbeaten ghusty 111/135, registering his second ton in international ODIs.
    Brad Evans chipped in with an unbeaten half century as the Chevrons set a defendable total of 247.

    Needing at most 5 runs per over for victory, Bangladesh appeared in control for the better part of the match before their chase collapsed late, sliding from 169/3 to 234 all out in 48.1 overs.

    Towhid Hridoy (25) and Nurul Hasan (31) seemed to have steadied the Bangladesh ship with 49 for the fourth wicket, but once Hridoy fell, Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for a measly 50 runs.

    The win follows Monday’s opening ODI where Zimbabwe defended 141, bowling Bangladesh out for 116 to win by 25 runs and go 1-0 up.

    Zimbabwe’s attack relied entirely on pace with captain Richard Ngarava leading the Zim bowling attack, finishing with 3/31 to close out the match.

    Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Brian Bennet and Wessy Madhevere all chipped in with valuable wickets to ensure Zimbabwe’s series victory.

    The result gives Zimbabwe their second straight series win, after they beat Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in a Test match in Harare on June 30, Zimbabwe’s biggest-ever Test victory.

    The final match of the series is set for Saturday at Harare Sports Club before the two teams depart for Bulawayo for a 3-match T-20 series set for Queens Sports Club from the 11th of July.

  • Chevrons stun Bangladesh in thriller

    Chevrons stun Bangladesh in thriller

    By Kudakwashe Matizanadzo

    HARARE – Zimbabwe senior cricket national team, Chevrons followed up their impressive one off test victory over Bangladesh with a stunning 25-run victory over the Tigers at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
    The Chevrons stunned the Tigers in  a low-scoring thriller defending 141 to secure a 25-run victory in the first one day international of the three match series.

    Put in to bat after losing the toss, the hosts were routed for 141 in 36.4 overs as Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana ripped through the Chevrons top order with career best figures of 6-21. Zimbabwe slumped to 70-8 and seemed like they will not get to 100 before a crucial 63-run ninth wicket stand between Newman Nyamhuri (33) and captain Richard Ngarava (27) dragged the hosts to a defendable total.

    Bangladesh’s chase unraveled almost immediately. Ngarava led the bowling charge with 3-31, while Blessing Muzarabani (2-24) and Brad Evans (3-34) kept the pressure on. The tourists lost three early wickets and collapsed from 100-8 to 116 all out in 33.1 overs. Nurul Hasan top scored with 31, but Bangladesh’s last five wickets fell cheaply to hand Zimbabwe the win.

    Newman Nyamhuri was named Player of the Match for his innings saving 33 runs and 2-22 with the ball as well as two catches.The result gives the hosts 1-0 lead in the three match series with the second ODI set for Thursday this week at the same venue.

    Match summary:
    • Zimbabwe: 141 all out (36.4 overs) Nyamhuri 33, Ngarava 27; Rana 6-21 • Bangladesh: 116 all out (33.1 overs) Nurul 31; Ngarava 3-31, Evans 3-34, Muzarabani 2-24.

  • Divine Intervention: Footie star Lunga survives gunman attack in SA

    Divine Intervention: Footie star Lunga survives gunman attack in SA

    Sports Reporter

    JOHANNESBURG — Zimbabwe international football star Divine Lunga escaped death by a whisker on Sunday after gunmen opened fire on the vehicle he was driving in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
    ​The 30-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns defender was driving a blue BMW along Tudhope Street with friends when they were stopped by an unknown man. The man told them he believed they were undercover traffic police and claimed occupants of a vehicle ahead of them had just robbed him of R34,000, according to a police statement.
    ​Believing they were assisting the man, Lunga and his companions pursued the suspect vehicle. During the high-stakes chase, one of the occupants of the leading vehicle opened fire directly at Lunga’s car, narrowly missing the football star and his friends.
    ​“One of the bullets struck the BMW, leaving a bullet hole. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained,” police said.
    ​South African police have launched an investigation into the shooting, and a case of attempted murder has been registered at the Hillbrow police station. No arrests have been made, and investigations are continuing.

  • New coach Maruwa inspires winning start for Manica Diamonds

    By Sports Reporter

    Hope returned to Sakubva Stadium as Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa marked his first match as Manica Diamonds head coach with a crucial victory over ZPC Kariba, giving the Gem Boys a timely boost in their quest to climb away from the relegation zone.

    The result was about more than three points. It signalled a renewed sense of belief within a club that has struggled for consistency this season. There was visible energy in the team’s approach, with the players displaying greater urgency, discipline and commitment throughout the contest.

    Manica Diamonds controlled much of the proceedings and were rewarded before halftime with the goal from Manzunzu that separated the two sides. Although the margin remained slender, the hosts looked composed defensively and rarely allowed ZPC Kariba clear opportunities to threaten their lead.

    The performance bore the hallmarks of Maruwa’s philosophy, with the team pressing aggressively, maintaining its shape and showing a collective desire to fight for every ball. It was a display that left supporters optimistic that the club may have turned a corner.

    Despite the encouraging debut, Maruwa refused to be carried away by the result, stressing that the focus remains firmly on ensuring the club survives this season.

    “It’s game on and our focus now is the next game against Chicken Inn on Saturday in Bulawayo.

    “We are happy that we have collected maximum points at home. Everyone is happy—the players, the executive, the management and the technical team. It motivates everyone.

    “We will keep on fighting and we will keep on working hard. This is the beginning of good times for Manica Diamonds.

    “We thank the supporters for coming to cheer us up. We don’t take that for granted.”

    Another encouraging sign for the Mutare-based outfit was the impact of their new recruits. Among them, defender Philip Kaseke stole the spotlight with an accomplished display on his debut.

    Playing every minute of the match, Kaseke delivered a commanding defensive performance that earned him the Player of the Match accolade. Calm in possession and authoritative in defence, he quickly established himself as the leader of the backline and played a significant role in keeping ZPC Kariba at bay.

    His performance drew praise from the terraces, with supporters impressed by both his composure and leadership.

    “Kaseke is an asset. The boy is just good. The way he was commanding the defence was simply out of this world,” said supporter Munashe Chisango.

    The club recently strengthened its squad with the additions of Carlos Mavhurume, Kupakwashe Chitukutuku, Divine Zulu and Kaseke, and Sunday’s victory suggested the new signings could provide the quality required during the second half of the campaign.

    Another supporter, Anesu Hove of Dangamvura, described the victory as a welcome confidence booster.

    “It’s good that we have finally won a match. I wanted more goals, but this new team is promising and we are happy as supporters that we have finally collected three points.”

    While Manica Diamonds remain second from bottom on the Premier Soccer League standings with 16 points, the mood around the club has changed considerably. The victory has rekindled belief among supporters and provided fresh momentum ahead of a difficult away assignment against Chicken Inn this weekend.

    For Maruwa, it was the perfect way to begin his tenure. The challenge of avoiding relegation remains a demanding one, but Sunday’s performance demonstrated that with renewed confidence, tactical discipline and unwavering commitment, the Gem Boys are prepared to battle for their place in the top flight until the final whistle of the season.

  • Dembare engulfed in USD 7K contract debt scandal

    Dembare engulfed in USD 7K contract debt scandal

    By Nigel Pfunde

    Harare- FOOTBALL giants Dynamos Football Club has been thrust back into financial controversy following allegations of an unpaid US$7, 177 owed to Shasha/Futal Academy, raising fresh questions over the Harare giants’ contractual commitments and internal financial management, Express Mail Zim can report.

    The claims, which remain unaddressed by the club despite repeated enquiries by Express Mail Zim relate to player development and loan arrangements involving midfielder Kian Marware and come amid growing scrutiny over Dynamos’ ongoing financial stability.

    Express Mail Zim made an enquiry on June 30 to the club chairman Vincent Chawonza seeking clarification over the breakdown in the contractual relationship between the Harare giants and the academy concerning Marware.

    He politely referred this reporter to club chief executive Denzel Bvute who however remained mum.

    According to documents gleaned by this publication , the alleged outstanding amount comprises US$1 000 in signing-on fees for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, US$2 177 in monthly stipends covering the period from January to July 2026 and US$4 000 in loan agreement fees for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

    It is alleged that the amounts have remained unpaid despite efforts by coach Phillip Zulu to resolve the matter and align the loan agreement with the player’s contract since last year.

    ” The efforts made by for settlement were frustrated by lack of cooperation from both the previous and current club leadership,” said a source close to the goings-on.

    At law, the outstanding payments amount to a breach of contract (a copy of which is in our possession) and potential non-compliance with FIFA statutes governing the remuneration of professional players.

    The latest allegations come as Dynamos continue to grapple with financial challenges.

    In 2025, the club narrowly avoided a FIFA transfer ban after settling outstanding salaries amounting to US$18 500 owed to former Ghanaian players Emmanuel Paga and Frederick Ansah Botchway.

    To add piles to the woes, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Wednesday, ordered Dynamos FC and Hardrock FC to complete the remaining minutes of their abandoned match behind closed doors at a neutral venue, following a disciplinary ruling over crowd violence that halted the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Chahwanda Stadium on May 24 2026.

    The PSL Disciplinary Committee found both clubs guilty of pitch invasion, violence, improper conduct and disruption of proceedings handing down the ruling that the remaining quarter of an hour be played under strict league protocols, with both teams sharing the costs of the hearing and match completion.

    In its ruling, the committee imposed heavy sanctions on both clubs. Hardrock FC was fined US$10 000 (with US$2v000 suspended), ordered to play one home match behind closed doors, and required to overhaul its security systems including submitting a revised security plan and coordinating with police before matches.

    Dynamos FC was also fined US$10 000 and directed to implement stricter away supporter management measures.

    Hardrock CEO Kudzanai Hove who the public jury said acted a ‘hero to villain’ was suspended for the remainder of the 2026 season and fined US$5c000 for disorderly conduct, pitch invasion and violent behaviour.

    The club has also experienced administrative turbulence this year following the resignation of four executive committee members, leaving Chawonza, Bvute and Sena( secretary general)as the remaining senior officials.

    By the time of publication, Dynamos had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations.

  • Manica Diamonds bolster board with Matsatsira appointment as turnaround gains momentum

    Manica Diamonds bolster board with Matsatsira appointment as turnaround gains momentum

    By Nigel Pfunde

    MUTARE – Manica Diamonds Football Club have appointed youthful entrepreneur and technocrat Justice Matsatsira to the board with immediate effect, a move club benefactor Evans Kamombo says is aimed at strengthening executive structures ahead of a push for dominance in the Premier Soccer League.

    The club congratulated Matsatsira and gave him a warm welcome to the team.

    Matsatsira, from Mutasa District, joins at a critical juncture as the Gem Boys restructure off the field and arrest a dismal start to the 2026 season. His appointment comes alongside the recent installation of Tinashe Chipunza as chairman and Taurai Kandishaya as secretary general and Letmore Tapiwa Mbidzo as vice chair.

    Club officials say the changes are designed to “strengthen the club’s governance framework” and position Manica Diamonds for a sustained turnaround.

    It takes a diamond to cut another diamond: Gem Boys executive in the mode to transform the team and remain in top flight football shining bright like a diamond!

     

     

     

    Matsatsira’s elevation is being framed as a statement of intent. Sources at the club point to his track record in business leadership as key to tightening operations and attracting partnerships. While the club did not detail his portfolio, the appointment is expected to bring commercial and administrative rigour to the boardroom as Manica Diamonds seek financial stability after months of turmoil.
    The structural overhaul appears to be filtering onto the pitch.

    .
    After going 10 matches without a win amid financial challenges early in the season, the Mutare side have shown signs of stability under new management.

    Head coach Patrick Mandizha, is optimistic that the club’s familiarity with his methods would avoid disruption. The team avoided relegation on the final day of last season after a nail-biting fight alongside seven other clubs, and Mandizha has expressed confidence that “2026 will be a better season for the Gem Boys”.

    With new leadership in the boardroom and technical area, Manica Diamonds are now plotting a climb up the Castle Lager Premiership table. The club’s recent appointment of Zanu PF deputy political commissar Taurai Kandishaya as secretary-general was described as part of “leaving no stone unturned” in the rebuild.

    For supporters at Sakubva, the message is clear: the executive is stronger, the direction is clearer, and the Gem Boys are positioning themselves for a return to relevance in Zimbabwean football.

    Game recognise Game: Manica Diamonds executive meets Zimbabwe international Gem Marvelous Nakamba and his two colleagues in Harare on Friday

    Meanwhile, the executive on Friday had a private meeting with visiting foreign based stars Marvelous Nakamba ,Tawanda Charehwa and Teenage Hadebe with the agenda kept under closed lid .

  • Zanu PF central commitee member Mutandi champions girl child empowerment through sport, aligns with Vision 2030

    Zanu PF central commitee member Mutandi champions girl child empowerment through sport, aligns with Vision 2030

    By Nigel Pfunde

    MUTARE – Zanu PF Central Committee member and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Women Affairs, Community and SME Development, Getrude Mutandi, has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering the girl child through sport as a strategic vehicle for uplifting women’s livelihoods in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.

    Speaking on Sunday during a football match between her team, Getty Queens and Sheckons Queens FC at Zamba Primary School in Sakubva suburb, Mutandi used the platform to champion girls’ rights, anti-drug abuse campaigns, and economic empowerment.

    “Sport is not only a unifying factor but it also helps young girls and women to refrain from immoral activities,” Mutandi said. “I also urge you young women to stay away from drug and substance abuse and to report cases of domestic violence. Don’t be gagged and stay quiet in abusive relationships.”

    She received a rousing welcome from scores of residents at the match, as proof that sport serves as a critical tool for steering young women toward productive livelihoods, directly feeding into the national Vision 2030 agenda of achieving an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society.

    Mutandi’s initiative through Getty Queens aims to create safe spaces where girls can develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills which are essential attributes for economic independence and community transformation.

    In response, the young women present applauded Mutandi’s counsel and pledged to take heed of her call to reject drug abuse and break the silence on domestic violence.