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Steven Gerrard speaks on Marvellous Nakamba future

Published

3 years ago

September 3, 2022

BY ASHLEY PREECE

Steven Gerrard has sat down with Morgan Sanson, Frederic Guilbert and Marvelous Nakamba at Bodymoor Heath given the trio’s frustrations at their lack of opportunities at Aston Villa this season.

All three featured under Gerrard during pre-season but failed to impress.

Guilbert, 27, was quickly told to train with the club’s under-21s while, for Sanson and Nakamba, the arrival of Boubacar Kamara has seen them nudged down the pecking order.

Gerrard gave the trio the green light to secure moves away on deadline day but transfers failed to materialise, with French right-back Guilbert speaking out at the disappointment having failed to move out on loan.

“These last few weeks have been very hard psychologically,” Guilbert said on social media, “a lot of doubts, a lot of disappointments. Apparently that’s the job!”

On keeping those on the fringes motivated given the closure of the summer transfer window, Gerrard said: “First and foremost in football you have to motivate yourself.

“But in terms of the collective I try to motivate the players for every single game.

“But you’ve got to be professional, that’s what you’re paid to be.

“Nothing can change as of now, the window’s shut so there should be a hunger and a will to want to perform and do the best they can.

“They are contracted here to Aston Villa and I’ll certainly get a feel of all those players of where they are at with their thinking, with what they tell me and the feedback I get and we’ll go from there.”

Gerrard added: “There are obviously a few players who I assume would have liked, or had the opportunity to go elsewhere, like Morgan Sanson, or Nakamba for example.

“It is important I have a chat with all these players face-to-face.

“But they are very much human beings with feelings.

“You have to understand everyone’s situation.

“That is the issue the window brings for a lot of managers and a lot of clubs, when it is five or six games into a season.

“This is the reason I think collectively managers would like it to finish before the first game of the season because it can affect how people feel at different times.”

Sanson, Nakamba and Guilbert could, though, still secure moves away in the coming days and weeks given the respective transfer window deadlines in Belgium (September 6), Turkey (September 8), Czech Republic (September 8), Portugal (September 22) and Greece (September 22).

One player who also failed to move on during the UK deadline was Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian was the subject of three £20million-plus bids from Arsenal on deadline day but Villa stood firm with a new contract now in the offing for the midfielder. – BirminghamLive

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Zimbabwe Republic Police officer faces charges for allegedly claiming to be ZRP boss

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer appeared in court today facing charges of causing disaffection among police officers, procuring the use of a motor vehicle by fraud, and transmitting false data messages intending to cause harm.

Simbarashe Mandizvidza, an Assistant Inspector in the ZRP, was remanded in custody to Monday, when he will apply for bail.

According to the State, Mandizvidza on August 14, broadcast a video on his YouTube channel, Gondo Harishaye, claiming to be the head of the ZRP, despite knowing that Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba holds the position.

The State alleges that Mandizvidza’s actions were intended to cause disaffection among police officers, contrary to Section 30 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

Mandizvidza is also accused of procuring the use of a Ford Ranger vehicle by misrepresenting to Chief Inspector Chiteure that he had been instructed by Commissioner Makomo to use the vehicle for errands.

Furthermore, the State alleges that Mandizvidza transmitted false data messages on his YouTube channel, including claims that the ZRP Traffic section had been temporarily disbanded and that Chinese nationals must leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours.

The State indicated that it will oppose Mandizvidza’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect the public interest.

The case continues on Monday.

In the community

Chief Mvutu installation underway

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District is bracing for a historic event today as Chief Mvutu is officially installed as the new substantive chief.

The installation ceremony, which comes eleven years after the passing of Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s father in 2014, is featuring speeches, entertainment, and traditional greetings.

According to the programme, the ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests.

The event will feature speeches by various dignitaries, including Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.

Other highlights of the ceremony include the investiture of Chief Mvutu, the paying of allegiance by village heads, and the presentation of gifts.

The installation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the district’s history, bringing to an end a protracted dispute over the chieftainship.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and residents from across the district.

In the community

Nkayi man in court for alleged rape of minor

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 28-year-old man from Nkayi appeared before the Nkayi Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of raping his 15-year-old niece.

The prosecution alleges that the incident occurred on July 28, 2025, in a secluded bushy area. The accused is said to have sexually assaulted the minor after she refused his advances.

The matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the accused’s arrest. He has been remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.

The case has been referred to the Bulawayo Regional Court for further proceedings, with the accused set to appear on August 26.