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Dragons clinch Mvuthu Football League title

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BY BHEKIMPILO WEZA

Dragons have been crowned the 2021 Mvuthu Football League champions after a scintillating display that saw them dispatch a fighting Zamalek 1-0 in a closely contested semi-final played at Chidobe Stadium on Sunday.

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The win was the team’s first title in six years, and it was their chief striker Mqabuko Ndlovu, who gave them the lead in 20 minutes of added time.

The referee pushed the extra time up to 23 minutes following multiple injuries during the 90 minutes play.

In other weekend fixtures, second placed Red Wipers beat Black Bulls five goals to two to maintain their position on the table, while fourth placed Ajax succumbed to an embarrassing one nil defeat at the hands of lowly placed Eagles United.

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The loss put Ajax in danger of losing out on a top four finish with only one game to play.

Their other opponents who are also chasing a top four finish, CerClass and Lupinyo City, lost the ground as well after losing by three goals to two and five goals to nil respectively to Wounded Buffaloes and Black Leopards.

It was, however, a good weekend for Black Leopards who managed to collect four points in two matches, a result that took them to seventh on the log.

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In other matches, Masters beat Black Bulls on Saturday by four goals to zero before being held to a one all draw by Ndlovu United on Sunday while Power Stars got their first win in 13 matches after beating Mopane 1-0 thanks to Themba Mathe’s goal in the first half.

The win by Power Stars left them rooted in the bottom four with only the last round of matches left.

The Mvuthu Football Association League has been running in patches with many football supporters doubting that it will ever come to an end, but the victory by Dragons on Sunday signaled the end of a competition that has seen teams endure eight months of anxiety and despair because of Covid-19.

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Dragons coach Lot Ndlovu applauded his players’ efforts and endurance throughout the year.

“l am happy and would like to thank my players, supporters and everyone who has been supporting Dragons, this cup is yours Chidobe community,” Ndlovu said.

The league champions will have to wait for next week to receive their prize when they take on Eagles in their final match.

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Before the handover, they will be given a guard of honour before kick-off for their victory.

Apart from Covid-19 disruptions, various coaches noted several issues that need to be rectified in the next season and that includes the refereeing decisions and teams’ failure to observe time and eruption of violent fights among supporters and at times match officials

Meanwhile, the league has nominated Sebastian Moyo a goalkeeper from Black Leopards, British and Derrick Weza (Zamalek), Previous Mahlangu, Renious Mlambo (Red Wipers),Trust Ncube (Lupinyo City), Phathisa Nyathi (Ajax), Mbekezeli Ndlovu (Masters), Andy Junior Mwembe (Black Bulls), Mqabuko Ndlovu and Abel Dube (Dragons) for the player of the season award.

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The top three will be announced today.

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Parliamentary caucus calls for Unemployment Benefit Scheme for young athletes

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a session of the Zimbabwean Parliament on Tuesday, Stanley Sakupwanya, Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Youth Affairs, urged the government to implement an Unemployment Benefit Scheme specifically for former athletes who represented Zimbabwe on the global stage.

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His address highlighted the challenges faced by young sportspeople who forgo education and career opportunities to pursue their athletic dreams, only to find themselves without support once their sporting careers conclude.

Sakupwanya began his remarks by celebrating the recent certification of the National Sports Stadium by the Confederation of African Football, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the sports sector. However, he expressed concern about the broader needs of young people participating in various sports, noting the lack of adequate support and resources.

“While we commend the initiatives focused on football, it’s critical to remember that our youth engage in many disciplines,” Sakupwanya said.

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He pointed out that athletes often sacrifice their education and well-being at an early age, with a 29-year-old athlete facing retirement instead of the traditional educational opportunities available to their peers.

He painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by these young athletes, stating, “When they shine on international platforms, they return home only to encounter a void. Their accolades fail to translate into sustainable opportunities or support.”

Sakupwanya emphasized that without a structured program like the Unemployment Benefit Scheme, these individuals risk falling into poverty or becoming susceptible to drug abuse due to inactivity and economic hardship.

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His proposal called for the Ministry of Finance to prioritize an Unemployment Benefit Scheme in the upcoming 2026 Budget Strategy Paper, which would serve as a critical safety net for athletes transitioning to civilian life, enabling them to rebuild and reintegrate into society successfully.

In a supportive response, David Mnangagwa, the deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion, acknowledged the validity of the call for such a scheme. He expressed his commitment to advancing discussions on employment benefits tailored towards youth development and sports, indicating the government’s readiness to explore solutions that uplift young athletes.

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Rest In peace ‘Fire’: Tendai Ndoro passes away

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BY SOCCER LADUMA

The football fraternity is mourning the sad passing of former Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwe international striker Tendai Ndoro, who has died after a long battle with illness.

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Ndoro, affectionately known as ‘Fire’ during his playing days, lit up stadiums across South Africa and beyond with his clinical finishing and charismatic presence on the field. He was 40 years old.

“Yes, unfortunately he was found dead in his apartment here in South Africa. I am still in communication with someone close to his family,” confirmed a close source.

A prolific career across Africa and abroad

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Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ndoro rose to prominence with Chicken Inn in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, where his eye for goal earned him widespread recognition. His exploits soon took him to Mzansi, joining Mpumalanga Black Aces before sealing a move to Orlando Pirates in 2015.

At Pirates, Ndoro became a fan favourite, delivering memorable performances in the famous black and white jersey. During his time at the Buccaneers, he scored some crucial goals, including some memorable ones, that cemented his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in the PSL.

Following his successful spell in Soweto, Ndoro’s career saw him venture abroad with Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly, before returning to Mzansi with Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park.

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On the international stage, Ndoro represented Zimbabwe’s Warriors, earning caps between 2013 and 2017, including an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Health battles in later years

After hanging up his boots, Ndoro’s health became a major concern. In recent years, he suffered serious complications, including reported temporary blindness and a sharp decline in his physical condition, which worried the football community. Despite undergoing treatment and even speaking positively about recovery following surgery earlier this year, Ndoro’s battle sadly came to an end.

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Remembering Fire

Tributes have already begun pouring in from former teammates, clubs, and fans who remember Ndoro not only for his goals but also for the passion and flair he brought to the game.

Ndoro’s story is one of immense talent, resilience, and a career that inspired many young footballers in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He will be remembered as a striker who, at his peak, could change a game in an instant.

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May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.

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Zimparks, VFWT join forces to rescue snared elephant

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A dramatic rescue operation was carried out last week by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), to save a young female elephant from a wire snare.

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According to a statement posted by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust on Facebook:

“Last week, we received an urgent call from Zimparks about a young female elephant in distress—a wire snare was tightly wrapped around her mouth and tusks.”

The elephant was spotted near Masuwe Lodge, where her herd was peacefully drinking at the waterhole. Acting swiftly, the trust’s team carefully separated the distressed elephant from her herd and darted her, allowing them to remove the snare and collect vital health samples.

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Thankfully, the wire hadn’t cut deeply, and the young elephant was soon back on her feet, reunited with her family.

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust expressed gratitude to Zimparks and Adrian Read for their dedication to protecting wildlife, saying:

“Thank you to Zimparks and Adrian Read for their dedication to protecting our wildlife.”

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