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Afcon 2021: Knoweldge Musona hopes for Zimbabwean development

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YAOUNDE– Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona hopes football in the country will improve despite their group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Warriors, who were making their fifth Nations Cup appearance, booked an early flight home despite beating Guinea 2-1 in their final Group B game in Cameroon.

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“We need to develop our grassroots football, to develop from the Under-17’s, Under-20’s and Under-23’s to prepare our national team for our next assignments,” the 31-year-old forward said.

“Some of us, maybe in a few years’ time, are going to stop and we have some guys growing up and trying to maintain the level of Zimbabwean football.

“I am really optimistic that there should be something to be done for the development of the game.

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After narrow defeats by Senegal and Malawi, Musona netted the opener as Zimbabwe beat Guinea to claim their first Nations Cup win since 2006.

“We are happy that we gave it our all and gave a good fight to all the opponents,” he said.

“The coach told us that we must go out there and enjoy the game because we knew already that we are out of the tournament, so we had no pressure.

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“It’s also a good feeling that we ended our group matches with a win because at least we have some hope for our next games.”

However, there are clouds on the horizon in Harare regarding the running of the game in the country.

The government’s Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the board of the Zimbabwe Football Association  (Zifa) in November, citing allegations of fraud and sexual harassment of female referees among their reasons for intervention.

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World governing body Fifa had threatened a ban from international football if the SRC had not relinquished control of Zifa by SRC by 3 January, but Zimbabwe were given a stay of execution on the eve of the Nations Cup which allowed them to compete in Cameroon.

Yet Warriors coach Norman Mapeza – whose own appointment was the subject of dispute from Zifa – says he has learnt “so many lessons” in Cameroon regarding infrastructure which Zimbabwe can learn from.

“If you look at the stadiums here they are all massive,” Mapeza added.

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“It shows Cameroon is developing their football and investing in their football – so that’s something I think I should take home to whoever is in charge of our football federation.”

End of the road for Musona?

Musona, who plays his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al Tai, is considering his own international future.

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Midfielder Khama Billiat called time on his time with Zimbabwe last year, also at the age of 31, and Musona may not add to his 51 caps which has brought him 24 goals.

“I am still thinking about it,” he said. “When the time comes I will announce it.”

Once he does eventually hang up his boots, Musona is considering taking a role in the development of Zimbabwean football himself.

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“Maybe, because I really love my country and I will do anything to help my country achieve being one of the best teams,” he said.

“We have the talent but sometimes we don’t have the resources. When the time comes I will be open to help my country to develop this sport.”

Whether or not he does get involved, Mapeza believes Musona has already made a lasting impact in the south-east African country.

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“He has contributed massively to football,” he said.

“You don’t have to doubt his contribution to Zimbabwean football – to me he is one of the legends of Zimbabwean football.” – BBC Sport

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Ex- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys holiday break in Victoria Falls

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BY STAFF REPORTER

Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been enjoying a holiday in Victoria Falls.

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The 83-year-old Scot who has sufferer a series of personal setbacks in the last few years looked healthy and happy as he was mobbed by Manchester United fans during his visit to Zimbabwe’s premier tourist destination.

Ferguson was happy to pose for pictures with staff at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on Sunday at the end of his three-day stay.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority took note of his visit, posting on X: “We appreciate your choice of your holiday destination Sir Alex Ferguson. Zimbabwe loves you, please come again and continue to experience Zimbabwe.”

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Ferguson resigned as Manchester United manager in 2013 after 26 years at the club and remains the most successful manager in English Premier League history.

In 2018, he collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital with a brain hemorrhage which required surgery.

In 2023, his wife Cathy died at the age of 84 and a year later Ferguson stood down from his role as an ambassador for Manchester United it seems to travel the world.

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SOURCE: ZIMLIVE

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Bosso CEO Sihlangu Dlodlo dies

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BY FUNGAI MUDERERE

Highlanders Football Club chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo has died.

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According to The Chronicle newspaper, he was found dead at his Nketa 9 home in Bulawayo Monday evening, one of his close friends, Allan “Ripper” Mpofu, confirmed last night.

Dlodlo’s body was discovered after close associates forced entry into his premises.

He had not been seen since Saturday.

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“It seems like my friend passed on over the weekend. He was alone at his place,” said a shaken Mpofu with sobs.

“After the alarm was raised that he had gone missing, with the help of his relatives we had to force open the gate at his place to gain entry.

“After peeping through the window, I could not believe my eyes. I saw the lifeless body of my close friend. This is so disheartening; it’s really sad.

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“We discovered this around 6.45pm. I cannot speak further because I have to respect his (Sihlangu) family.”

Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe said Sihlangu’s death was a huge loss to the Bosso family and that they were waiting for the Dlodlo family to give the green light to comment more.

“It’s sad. We are disturbed. It’s a big loss to us but we have been advised by our board chairman (Luke Mkandla) to first have the green light from the Dlodlo family to comment further,” said Mhlophe.

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Ex-Highlanders chief executive Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube said he was devastated.

“Just look at my WhatsApp status; It’s a picture of him and me watching the Highlanders Royals game on Saturday. My mind is all over. Maybe I can only comment tomorrow (today). I’m not okay. I cannot find the right words now,” said Dube.

One of Bosso’s popular followers Duduzu “Teekay” Sibanda was at a loss for words.

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“What a loss. I was with him on Saturday when the Emgwanwini Chapter hosted a tournament. We also watched the Highlanders Royals in action against a team from Mutare together.

“He also gave me his address. We spent the whole day with him. This is sad,” said Sibanda.

While finer details could not be obtained on what happened to the late Sihlangu, social media was already abuzz about his untimely death.

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At around 8.20pm yesterday, the body of the late Sihlangu was yet to be taken to a mortuary.

The late Dlodlo was appointed Bosso head of secretariat in April to replace Ronald Moyo who opted against renewing his contract with the Bulawayo giants.

Dlodlo is a former Premier Soccer League secretary-general and ex-Bantu Rovers general manager.

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Before his appointment at Highlanders, he was the general manager at Kings and Queens Funeral Services, a position he held from November last year, and had also been a sales and marketing executive at the company.

The late Dlodlo, who also worked at Innscor Africa as a sales marketing manager, was also a veteran arts administrator who enjoyed a good working relationship with the late Cont Mhlanga at Amakhosi Cultural Centre.

He was also praised for many breakthrough strategies that led to Amakhosi’s emergence as a powerhouse on the arts scene in the 90s.

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The late Dlodlo will also be remembered for his service in the private sector, taken as proof by some that artistes could lead and thrive even beyond the arts.

SOURCE: THE CHRONICLE 

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ZOU hosts sports gala

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BY NOTHANDO DUBE

It was a colorful and action-packed day at Mkoba Teachers college as Zimbabwe Open  University held its Sports Gala on weekend, bringing together students from its ten regional campuses across the country.

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A total of 130 students from all regional campuses participated in a variety of sporting activities.

The list of games included athletics, soccer, netball, volleyball, days, javelin and high jump.

Zimbabwe Open University is an Open and distance and e-learning (OdeL) institution that has ten regional campuses and one virtual campus totaling to 11 campuses.

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Most of the learning is done online and events like these give students a platform to share the experience and environment enjoyed by their counterparts from conventional tertiary institutions.

A total of 13 students from each region represented their regional campuses across the sporting areas outlined.

The wellness and interaction event was attended and graced by The Dean of Students, Thandiwe Chivasa together with staff from the national Centre and 10 Student advisors from the ten regional campuses.

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Volleyball and athletics drew much excitement from all teams as regions cheered for their teams.

The winning teams walked away with medals and trophies for excelling.

The event was a resounding success after a long six years break from such games by the institution.

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Students living with disabilities were part of the fun and excitement throughout the day.

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