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Fans stay away as Highlanders down ZPC Kariba in league clash

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BY NKOSANA DLAMINI

Highlanders beat visiting ZPC Kariba 2-0 at Barbourfields with club fans choosing to stay away from the league clash in an unprecedented show of solidarity with the football giants who claim to have suffered unfair treatment by football administrators and biased referring in their Chibuku Super Cup quarter final match against Simba Bhora last month.

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After a week’s campaign to boycott the clash among fans from the popular club’s many chapters at home and abroad, Barbourfields Stadium which is usually a cacophony of cheer song, whistles and screams on the terraces, was a desolate affair on Sunday as the gallery was near empty.

Instead, the buzz was at the club house not too far from the stadium where fans engaged in pomp and funfair as they joyed through the afternoon in a fund raising gala in support of the country’s oldest football club.

Head coach Kelvin Kaindu was impressed with his side’s 2 goals scored against a team that has conceded the second least number of goals in the current premiership campaign.

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“We kept a clean sheet. Obviously, we have improved on goalscoring, maybe we should be a goal or two behind the team that has scored the most goals, maybe our disadvantage is the goals that we have conceded but going forward, we seem to have improved and we look like we are now an offensive team.

“Maybe what we just need to improve on is our defending but if we score two and keep a clean sheet, it’s a plus for us,” said the Zambian mentor after the clash.

Highlanders, who once topped the premiership table this season, have surrendered their title campaign after falling 16 points behind league leaders Simba Bhora with only five games left on the 2024 premiership calendar to end the season.

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The club’s only hope of clinching a silverware this season went up in smoke at Wadzanai Stadium recently when opponents Simba Bhora were awarded a penalty from what appeared on television replays as a wrong call from the referee of the day, Cecil Gwezera who was later suspended for six weeks together with one of his assistants following the debacle.

The disputed penalty, awarded 76 minutes into the clash, came from an incident in which defender Peter Muduhwa was adjudged to have committed a foul against Tinashe Balakasi but it turned out the incident happened outside the box.

The match was later abandoned after Highlanders goalkeeper and skipper Ariel Sibanda refused to take his position between the sticks to allow the spot kick to be taken.

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Both clubs were later fined US$6,000 each for fan violence that ensued during the match.

Meanwhile, Caps United came from a goal behind at Rufaro on Sunday to produce a 2-1 victory over Dynamos in yet another smash-and-grab incident involving the Green Machine and an old rival in the headline fixture of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s Week 29 diary.

Valentine Kadonzvo put Dynamos ahead moments before the half time break but Jayden Bakare restored parity 72 minutes into the clash.

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With all seemingly headed for a 1-1 stalemate between the rivals, Caps United were gifted an own goal just under 10 minutes from the full-time whistle to make it 2-1.

Both Dynamos and Caps United are out of contention for the league title having fallen way behind in terms of points difference with table toppers Simba Bhora but the victory over each other is always sweet for both set of fans.

With Sunday’s triumph, Caps United produced yet another thrilling come-back affair against a traditional rival, having fallen 2 goals behind Highlanders at Rufaro last month only to win 3-2 with two goals scored in the dying minutes of the clash.

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In other matches, title contenders FC Platinum did not do themselves any favour after they were held 2-2 by Hwange at the Colliery to drop crucial points that would have allowed the former champions to clip the yawning points gap with Simba Bhora.

At Baobab, Chegutu Pirates were 2-1 victors over Bikita Minerals.

Following Week 29 round of fixtures, Simba Bhora are on top with 60 points followed by FC Platinum who are on 51.

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Highlanders are third on 44 and share the same number of points with fourth placed Manica Diamonds who have an inferior goal difference.

SOURCE: ZIMLIVE 

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Conservation amid crisis: How VFWT adapted to 2024 drought

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) has released its 2024 Impact Report, detailing a year marked by unprecedented challenges due to severe drought conditions across Zimbabwe and much of Southern Africa. The report highlights the organization’s strategic adaptations to support local wildlife and communities during one of the most difficult drought years on record.

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Unlike previous droughts where water scarcity was the primary concern, this year underscored a more complex reality. VFWT Chairperson Bruno De Leo emphasized that the lack of grazing for both wildlife and livestock emerged as an even greater threat. Animals had to venture farther for food, increasing the potential for human-wildlife conflict and competition for dwindling resources. De Leo noted, “The year 2024 underscored the importance of connectivity for wildlife and the need to maintain corridors that allow movement and relieve pressure on natural resources.”

In response to these challenges, VFWT implemented several proactive measures. Collaborating with the rural communities involved in its Herding 4 Hope project, VFWT facilitated early livestock sales to minimize losses and planned for dry-season grazing in more distant areas to conserve energy among livestock. The organization also focused on regenerating boreholes to ensure that villages without adequate water had access to crucial resources.

Notably, VFWT’s Wildlife Disease & Forensics Laboratory made significant strides, establishing itself as a key player in wildlife forensics. In 2024, the laboratory handled over 280 cases and engaged in crucial research on transboundary animal diseases affecting regional wildlife. The lab successfully validated targeted sequencing for species identification using new technologies, reinforcing its capabilities in addressing wildlife crime. Remarkably, the lab played an integral role in international ivory seizure investigations and developed a genetic panel for black rhinos, demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting poaching and ensuring species protection.

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A particularly significant initiative was the launch of a tuberculosis surveillance project for lions within Hwange National Park. Following confirmed deaths from the disease, this project seeks to assess its prevalence among the lion population and understand transmission dynamics. With nine lions set to be sampled in late 2025, the data gathered will contribute to vital conservation knowledge.

The report emphasizes the importance of continued support from donors and stakeholders, enabling VFWT to maintain healthy animal populations and develop sustainable solutions for the future of biodiversity in the region. In a challenging year, the dedication and adaptability of the VFWT team stood out, reinforcing its commitment to conservation and community engagement.

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ZTA gears up for tourism month with significant expo in Mutare

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is poised for a vibrant September as it kicks off Tourism Month activities, highlighted by the highly anticipated Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in Mutare.

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This year’s event set for the 10th to the 12th of this month is set to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and foster investment opportunities.

At a press conference held today in Harare and shared by the ZTA on X, Barbara Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, expressed optimism regarding this year’s edition, asserting that it will be a “resounding success.”

The Expo features a robust lineup of activities, attracting participation from 83 international buyers from key source markets, 11 local buyers, and a total of 411 registered exhibitors.

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Minister Rwodzi emphasized the ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Manicaland, which include improved road conditions, the refurbishment of the Grand Reef Aerodrome, daily flights operated by Air Zimbabwe, and a luxury train service connecting Harare and Mutare. These enhancements are anticipated to stimulate job creation and promote long-term economic growth.

Joined by Deputy Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa, Rwodzi acknowledged the role of the media in amplifying the visibility of the Expo and urged for continued coverage to maximize outreach.

In addition to the Expo, Tourism Month will feature a Tourism Symposium, various sports tourism activities, including a marathon, and celebrations for World Tourism Day, marking September as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

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Binga Kasambabezi marathon set to promote local tourism and community engagement

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The inaugural Binga Kasambabezi Marathon is poised to become a flagship event in Binga, promoting local tourism and community engagement.

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Recent Ncube, Local Organizing Chair for the marathon, shared the inspiration behind the event and its potential impact on the local community.

“As a preparatory marathon for the Vic Falls event, 10 wellness athletes who used to jog in the morning decided to craft the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon,” Ncube explained.

Event Details
– Route and Distance: “The marathon starts at the Binga Freedom Square and the same venue acts as the finishing line,” Ncube stated.
– Participant Numbers*: The organizers expect around 1500 participants.
– Support Systems: “We have five hydration stations manned by AFC, Netone, Kmtc and others,” Ncube revealed.

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Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
The marathon will be accompanied by a cultural festival, featuring traditional events. “On the 26th of September we have a full dish of cultural events such as Chilimba, Ngoma also displays by herbalist, curvers, weavers and traditional games by schools,” Ncube added.

Future Plans
This year’s event marks the 8th edition of the marathon, and the organizers plan to continue hosting it annually. “We will continue to assert Binga district as the place to be yearly,” Ncube emphasized.

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