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‘It was frustrating’; Marvellous Nakamba speaks on return from long lay off

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BY PATRICK ROWE

Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba made his return to action yesterday after being sidelined for four months with a knee injury.

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Nakamba, 28, had quickly become a favourite for Steven Gerrard upon his arrival as head coach at the club and started the first five games for the new boss, after he succeeded Dean Smith in November.

He operated as the anchor ahead of the back four and, whilst doing so, helped Villa secure impressive victories against Brighton,and Leicester City.

The Zimbabwean international then suffered a severe knee injury in the fixture against Liverpool on the 11th of December, which then required surgery to solve the issue.

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The midfielder was out for a total of 17 weeks before making his return to the matchday squad against Tottenham Hotspur, and has since gone on to return to action as a late substitute versus Leicester City on Saturday.

Speaking to Villa TV, Nakamba commented on returning from his injury where he issued the following statement: “It was good to be back again with the boys, and I was happy to be back again on the pitch. I’m very positive about it.

We got a point with a clean sheet away from home, and I think we will now look up to the next match [Norwich City].

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“We did well collectively as a group, and we just need to push ourselves and keep believing like the gaffer [Gerrard] is telling everyone. He is pushing everyone together as a team.

“First of all, it was frustrating to be injured and to be watching, but I was supporting the boys, I was there supporting them at the home games and a few away games, and I was also involved with everyone in the dressing room.

“I have felt the support of the last four months, while I was injured, everyone from inside the club, players, technical staff, everyone inside.

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“We just have to push ourselves to keep believing and also to focus game by game.

“It’s Norwich next game at home with the fans behind us, we just need to stick together as a group and also with the fans that are believing in the players and supporting the players.

“We just have to keep on pushing ourselves.

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“I was very pleased to be back and see the fans supporting us all the way from the start until the end.

“It’s good, and I think they always push every player like every time, whether we play home or away, the Villans are always loud.” – Birmingham Mail

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

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Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

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Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

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Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

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The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

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Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

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In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

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Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

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If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

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