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Afcon 2021: Zambia on stand-by in case Fifa bans Zimbabwe

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BY PIERS EDWARDS

Zambia say they are on standby to play at the Africa Cup of Nations should Zimbabwe be banned by football’s world governing body ahead of Sunday’s start of the competition.

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Last month, Fifa said a ban “may have to be imposed on” Zimbabwe  unless the elected FA regained control of the sport from a government-appointed organisation by 3 January.

This has not happened, meaning Zambia are theoretically in line to contest the finals since they finished behind Zimbabwe in their Nations Cup qualifying group.

“We have followed keenly the development in Zimbabwe and have always remained open to being part of the Nations Cup if Zimbabwe is banned,” Sidney Mungala, the Zambian FA’s media officer, told BBC Sport Africa.

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“Given the length of the time before the tournament kicks off, we would have hoped that this matter would have been resolved by now.”

Zambia missed out on reaching the Nations Cup by a single point, when finishing third behind second-placed Zimbabwe in a qualifying group topped by defending champions Algeria.

Nations Cup regulations state that any team that withdraws “after its qualification in the final tournament, but before its actual start, shall be replaced by the team classified next in the group” (Article 86).

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The alternative, which could be pertinent given the late nature of any potential ban, is that “in default, the group to which belongs the forfeiting team shall be composed of three teams” (as last happened in 2010).

The Fifa deadline of  January 3 for the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), the body mandated to develop Zimbabwean sport by the government, to hand back control to Zifa has passed without such an event occurring.

Fifa disapproves of governmental interference in the running of member associations and has banned countries from all forms of football as a result in the past.

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The next step is for football’s governing body to refer the SRC’s refusal to hand back control to the “Bureau of Fifa Council for consideration and decision” although it is unclear when the council will next meet.

Zimbabwe are set to contest Group B alongside Senegal, who they play on 10 January, ahead of further clashes with Malawi and Guinea.

Zambia, who won the Nations Cup in 2012, could theoretically fill the Warriors’ place but with the deadline for squads having passed, it is unclear what strength of side they could take to the finals.

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Without proper call-ups and timely notifications, neither Patson Daka (Leicester City), Enoch Mwepu (Brighton & Hove Albion) nor Fashion Sakala (Rangers, Scotland) are likely to be released by their British clubs in the event that Zimbabwe are indeed banned.

“It would definitely present a challenge but we believe the Caf/Fifa regulations would be able to help us should the situation arise where we become part of the Nations Cup,” he said.

“Additionally, we believe our players would relish the opportunity to represent their country at the continent’s biggest showpiece.”

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The 33rd edition of the Nations Cup kicks off on Sunday 9 January when hosts Cameroon take on Burkina Faso in Yaounde. – BBC Sport Africa

 

 

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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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