District Strategic Information Evaluation (SIE) Assistant

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Assistant Lecturer: Depatment Of Mining And Mineral Processing x2 (Mutare)

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Full- time Lecturer: Early Childhood Development x2 (Bulawayo & Harare)

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Step User (Chihota)

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Executive Director

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Homebased RGN (Harare)

Branch Managers (Kadoma & Shurugwi)

Livestock Technician

Dynamos captain Frank Makarati said that he is disappointed after being dropped from the Warriors squad currently in Botswana for a friendly match this weekend.
Makarati, together with Highlanders’ Andrew Mbeba, were called up by the Warriors technical team headed by Baltemar Brito for the match but were later withdrawn from the squad.
The duo was sacrificed by the Warriors coaches to enable their respective clubs to fulfill the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final matches also set for the weekend.
FIFA rules state that a club is not obliged to fulfill domestic games if three or more of its players are away on international duty.
Brito and his assistants reached a compromise deal with the Premier Soccer League to sacrifice Makarati and Mbeba so that the Chibuku Super Cup matches could go ahead as scheduled.
Dynamos had three players in the squad, namely Makarati, Tanaka Shandirwa and Donald Mudadi, while Highlanders had Mbeba, Peter Muduhwa and Brighton Manhire.
Sheasham central defender Thubelihle Jubane was then called up to fill the gap that was created by the withdrawal of Makarati and Mbeba.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200017228/dembare-captain-fumes-over-warriors-snub">NewsDay</a>, Makarati, who captained the Warriors in a friendly match against Namibia earlier this month, said:
<blockquote>
It’s disappointing, obviously, because I want to play for the Warriors. It’s every player’s dream to play for the national team.
Playing for the national team gives a player a lot of exposure. But there is nothing I can do now, other than pick myself up and focus on my club’s next game against FC Platinum.
</blockquote>
The Warriors squad is currently in Botswana for an invitational match to celebrate the country’s Independence Day on 30 September.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Warriors Coaches "Sacrifice" Dynamos Captain, Frank Makarati

A 20-man Warriors squad composed of local-based players is in camp ahead of the invitational match to celebrate Botswana’s Independence Day on 30 September.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) said the squad will leave the country for Botswana on Wednesday morning.
The match will be the first for Brazilian national Baltemar José de Oliveira Brito as Warriors head coach.
Brito was recently appointed Warriors head coach by the ZIFA Normalisation Committee until June 2024.
Jose Mourinho’s former assistant will be assisted by Bongani Mafu and Genesis Mangombe.
See the full squad below:
GOALKEEPERS
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
DEFENDERS
Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds), Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn)
MIDFIELDERS
Brighton Manhire (Highlanders), Shepard Mhlanga (Chicken Inn), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos), Mthokozisi Msebe (Bulawayo Chiefs), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Davison Marowa (Herentals), Walter Musona (FC Platinum) Tinotenda Benza (Herentals)
FORWARDS
William Manondo (Caps United), Fortune Binzi (Manica Diamonds), Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Squad Set To Leave For Botswana On 27 September

Highlanders Football Club has reportedly given head coach Baltemar José de Oliveira Brito the greenlight to take up the offer from the ZIFA Normalisation Committee to become interim Warriors coach.
This comes after the chairman of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, Lincoln Mutasa, wrote to Bosso seeking the club’s permission to approach the 71-year-old over the vacant Warriors post.
<a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2023/09/20/highlanders-approve-britos-warriors-appointment/">Soccer24</a> quoted an unnamed Highlanders official as saying the club has agreed to let Brito become the national team coach. Said the official:
<blockquote>
As the club leadership, we have agreed to let the coach (Brito) become the national team coach. We actually feel honoured by the recognition, in the sense that he will lead the revival of the senior men’s national team after the lifting of the FIFA suspension.
</blockquote>
Brito, a Brazilian, was famous Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Chelsea (England) and Inter Milan (Italy).
He is set to be offered a contract that runs concurrently with the Normalisation Committee’s tenure which ends in mid-2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Highlanders Agree To Release Brito For Warriors Coaching Job

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee (ZIFA NC) has approached Highlanders Football Club, seeking permission to appoint their coach Brito Baltemar Jose Oliveira as the Warriors’ boss on an interim basis.
A letter dated 19 September 2023 and addressed to the Highlanders Chairman, by ZIFA NC Chairman Lincoln Mutasa confirms the interest in the Brazilian. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
The Normalization Committee would like to request your Executive permission to engage one of your employees in the name of Brito Baltemar Jose Oliveira for a possible appointment as the interim Senior Men National Teams Coach.
Whereas he has indicated he is in permanent employ of your esteemed organization.
It is in that light of integrity we hereby pray you shall find it beneficial to release him for envisaged national duty during this interim Normalization period.
</blockquote>
Brito, who arrived in the country last year, has been fairly successful at Highlanders, with the club in second position on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
Highlanders were also the only team that remained unbeaten during the first half of this campaign.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA Committee Wants Highlanders Gaffer As Warriors Coach

The Warriors will play their 2026 World Cup home qualifiers outside the country as Zimbabwe doesn’t have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches.
According to a CAF circular, the National Sports Stadium (NSS) was excluded from the list of pre-approved stadiums for the qualifiers which begin this November.
This is despite recent assurances made by then Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation minister Kirsty Coventry that renovations at the stadium will be fast-tracked to ensure that the Warriors play World Cup games at home.
Zimbabwe are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers together with Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda and Lesotho.
The Warriors begin their campaign away in Rwanda on 13 November 2023. A week later, they host Nigeria in a home match which will be played outside Zimbabwe.
The ZIFA normalisation committee, which is temporarily running the affairs of the national association, has until 8 September 2023 to secure a venue where they will host Nigeria.
Zimbabwe is among 24 countries of the 54 CAF membership, including fellow Group C members Benin and Lesotho, who have no approved stadiums to host international matches.
In 2019, CAF and FIFA suspended NSS from hosting international matches due to its poor condition.
Improvements that need to be done on the facility include the installation of bucket seats made of unbreakable and non-inflammable material, modern electronic turnstiles and automated systems, and the setting up of a functional Venue Operations Centre with a good overview of the stadium equipped with CCTV monitors for security purposes.
In the meantime, the Warriors can use the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, which meets the CAF requirements, as their home ground.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors To Play 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Outside Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee has assigned veteran former Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga and Sheasham coach Lizwe Sweswe to take charge of a Warriors squad of locally-based players for Monday, 04 September’s match against Namibia.
The friendly match will be one of several activities lined up for President-Elect Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inauguration at the National Sports Stadium.
Twenty locally-based players have been selected to be in the Warriors squad to face the Brave Warriors.
Read the list below:
GOALKEEPERS
Simbarashe Chinani (Simba Bhora) Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
DEFENDERS
Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders) Frank Makarati (Dynamos) Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds) Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn) Thubelihle Jubane (Sheasham) Godknows Murwira (CAPS United) Tawanda Chisi (Manica Diamonds)
MIDFIELDERS
Shepherd Mhlanga (Chicken Inn) Brighton Manhire (Highlanders) Mthokozisi Msebe (Bulawayo Chiefs) Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos) Brian Banda (FC Platinum) Thulani Joseph (CAPS United)
STRIKERS
Fortune Binzi (Manica Diamonds) Tinashe Balakasi (Simba Bhora) Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs) Walter Musona (FC Platinum) Liberty Masveure (Sheasham)
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Squad For Mnangagwa Inauguration Match Revealed

More than 200 coaches have applied for jobs to coach Zimbabwe’s national football teams; the Warriors, Mighty Warriors, Young Warriors and the Young Mighty Warriors.
This was said by the ZIFA Normalisation Committee boss Lincoln Mutasa. He told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/over-200-apply/">H-Metro</a>:
<blockquote>
What is occupying our minds is to look for the coaches.
We haven’t put in a technical committee as yet… these people will assist with the process and we will give them timelines but we are sorting out the data for now.
We are assembling a team of people who will select the coaches since we are working with over 200 applicants.
The process has not started. We are basically printing the CVs.
We have over 200 applicants for the posts.
</blockquote>
Mutasa, however, refused to reveal some of the coaches who have submitted their CVs. He said:
<blockquote>
The figure can even go higher because some have applied for both the Warriors and Mighty Warriors posts while some have applied for other junior teams’ posts as well.
So, it is a lot of data, we are going through.
We have a mixture of local coaches and former international players who have applied.
Some of them have played here and some of them outside the country. Not all of them are going for the Warriors post, some are going for the Under-17, Under-20 and women’s teams.
Quite a number of former players have expressed interest in different posts. We also have quite a number of those who applied after the cut-off date had ended.
It will not be fair for me to pre-empt any names. We are trying to be objective and all the people who have applied have confidence in us.
</blockquote>
He said the ZIFA Normalisation Committee is targetting friendly matches against Zambia and Mozambique during the September international break. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>
We have agreed with Mozambique and Zambia to have a match with them. So we are looking at playing two matches during that time.
</blockquote>
Mutasa said they intend to use the two friendlies to prepare for the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Over 200 Coaches Apply For Warriors Jobs

Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito has revealed that he is interested in the Warriors job after the FIFA Normalisation Committee led by Lincoln Mutasa recently released adverts for jobs for national teams.
The Brazilian said he has four months left on his contract with Highlanders and the two parties have not started negotiations for a contract renewal. Said Brito:
<blockquote>
As coaches, we have to think about our future so our manager applied for the Warriors job.
Highlanders is the biggest team in the country but the biggest job is coaching the national team.
We have four months left in our contract with Highlanders, we don’t know if they will renew our contract so we have to think about our future.
</blockquote>
Highlanders are at the apex of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with a five-point lead ahead of second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars after 19 matches.
Manica Diamonds are third, with 35 points, Dynamos are fourth with 32 points, and Chicken Inn are fifth on the log standings with 31 points.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Highlanders Coach Baltemar Brito Interested In Warriors Job

Serbian national Kostadin Papic has expressed interest in becoming the head coach of Zimbabwe’s senior men’s football team, the Warriors. His representatives have confirmed that Papic, who has previously coached the Eswatini national team and South African clubs Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, submitted his application through Elite Sport Management Agency. His manager, Moses Muzumara, stated that Papic believes he can achieve a lot with the Zimbabwean team, having worked with Zimbabwean players such as Edelbert Dinha during his time at Pirates. Muzumara said:
<blockquote>
Kindly note that we have officially applied for our client, coach Kosta Papic for the role of Zimbabwe senior men’s national team head coach. He was previously shortlisted the last time (Zdravko) Logarušić was appointed. Having coached the likes of Edelbert Dinha at Pirates, for instance, he knows the quality and determination of the Zimbabwean players and believes he can achieve a lot with the team.
</blockquote>
Papic brings 14 years of coaching experience in Europe and has worked with various clubs across Africa.
<img alt="Serbian National Applies To Be Zimbabwe Warriors Coach" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-262051 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="338" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Papic.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Papic.jpg 500w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Papic-300x203.jpg 300w" width="500"/>
Zimbabwe has returned to international football following the recent lifting of an international ban on Zifa by FIFA. The ban was imposed due to government interference in football matters. The Warriors have been drawn against Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, and Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers, set to begin in November. Additionally, the Warriors will participate in the African Nations Championships (CHAN). The normalisation committee, responsible for restoring stability in local football, will appoint a technical committee to conduct interviews and make recommendations for the Warriors’ coach, with the announcement expected by the end of the month.
Shepherd Murape, a former coach of Dynamos, has also been linked to the Warriors’ job, although it is unclear if he has applied.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Serbian National Applies To Be Zimbabwe Warriors Coach

Dynamos and Warriors defender Frank Makarati said that Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat should reconsider their decision to retire from international football.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200014430/loud-calls-for-musona-billiats-comeback">NewsDay</a>, the DeMbare captain said Musona and Billiat are now at the peak of their powers and the Warriors need them in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t know what forced them to make that decision, and we can’t force them to come back. Of course, it might be a good decision on their side, but to be honest, it’s not the best decision for the country.
Personally, I feel that the two are at the peak of their careers, and the country still needs their services.
You try to look around to see who is better than those two in their positions in the Warriors team at the moment… you won’t find any. Their talent and experience are still needed.
People might say we now need new blood in the team, but we as youngsters we need people like Musona to guide, push and motivate us.
</blockquote>
Argentina football legend Lionel Messi considered by some football fans to be the G.O.A.T, the greatest footballer of all time, came out of retirement to lead his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
Makarati said Musona (33) and Billiat (32) should emulate what Messi did. He said:
<blockquote>
Messi retired from Argentina but came back and won the World Cup for his country. Age is still on their side.
We have seen players like Pepe (40) and Christiano Ronaldo (38) playing for Portugal, while Luka Modric (37) is still going strong at Real Madrid and Croatia.
If you compare those players I have mentioned, with, for example, Musona, you will see that he is still very young and has at least three to five years of him playing for the national team.
</blockquote>
Billiat announced his retirement from international football in November 2021 saying he has run his race and it is time for him to pave the way for fresh talent.
Musona then announced his retirement from the Warriors in May 2022 after playing for the team since 2010, a period in which he featured 51 times and scored 24 goals.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Still Need Musona, Billiat, Says Dynamos Captain

Former Warriors midfielder, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Alois_Bunjira/">Alois Bunjira</a>, has urged Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat to reconsider their retirement from international football now that the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has new management. 
His remarks came after the Federation of International Football (FIFA) had lifted the suspension on Zimbabwe and appointed a four-member normalisation committee to take over the day-to-day running of ZIFA until June 2024. The committee is composed of chairperson Lincon Mutasa, Sikhumbuzo Ndebele, Rosemary Mugadza, and Nyasha Sanyamandu. Mutasa, a former Dynamos chairman, Mugadza, a former Mighty Warriors coach, Ndebele, a former Highlanders defender, and Sanyamandwe, a member of the British Sports Lawyers Association and a legal practitioner, were selected to serve on the committee. The suspension of ZIFA has been in effect since Monday 10 July 2022.
In a Facebook post seen by Pindula News, Bunjira expressed his belief that the tried and tested duo of Musona and Billiat would play a critical role in Zimbabwe’s quest to qualify for the World Cup. With limited time for preparation, he believes it is necessary to rely on established players to increase the team’s chances of success. He said:
<blockquote>
Now that international football is back, we have a normalisation committee to steer football forward, after the dark days of the past years, and Zimbabwe being placed in a fair World Cup group C, I think it is a perfect platform for Captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat to come out of their forced retirement and carry the torch with the warriors for one last push, while we sort out our development structures, to groom their future replacements.
We all know why Musona and Billiat retired from the Warriors. All that is sorted now. The culprits are gone. Between now and the World Cup qualifiers, we don’t have time for experiments. I believe we now have a committee that will put in place our junior national teams where younger players are developed and groomed for the Warriors. We also have the CHAN and COSSFA tournaments where experiments and grooming is done. The Warriors is a product and window of what has been developed.
</blockquote>
Bunjira believes that Zimbabwe has been drawn into a reasonably fair <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/07/13/zimbabwe-nigeria-sa-in-group-c-of-world-cup-2026-qualifiers/">group for the World Cup</a> which is comprised of Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho. He believes that with the inclusion of all the best players on the team and proper preparation, the country can put up a good fight. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of tapping into the deep reserves of football talent in the diaspora, across the world.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2021/011/15/it-was-all-a-dream-khama-billiat-retires-from-international-football/">Billiat retired from international football</a> after Zimbabwe’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in November 2021. A highly regarded player for the Warriors, he scored important goals, made assists, and displayed crowd-pleasing dribbling skills. It was expected he would retire after the AFCON finals in 2022. While he stated that he was retiring to allow other players a chance to represent Zimbabwe, there were rumours that he quit over the manner the team was being governed.
Knowledge Musona, known as “The Smiling Assassin,” <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/05/19/knowledge-musona-retires-from-international-football/">announced his retirement from international football</a> on Thursday, 19 May 2022. The Saudi Arabia-based striker stated that he is quitting the Warriors to concentrate on his club career and to allow other players a chance to represent Zimbabwe.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Bunjira: It's Time For Musona And Billiat To Come Out Of Forced Retirement

Former Warriors coach Norman Mapeza says the issue of stadiums needs to be addressed before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers to ensure that the Warriors play their home matches at home.
The FC Platinum coach, who was the last national team coach before FIFA suspended Zimbabwe from international football in early 2022, when he took to the Warriors to the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon, said the country’s stadium crisis worries him.
Speaking ahead of his side’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game against Yadah at Mandava Stadium on Saturday, <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2023/07/14/the-stadia-issue-needs-to-be-fixed-first/">Mapeza said</a>:
<blockquote>
I’m still worried if you look at our stadiums issue at the moment. I understand the games will be played in November.
I was reading the paper today (yesterday) and our Minister of Sport (Kirsty Coventry) said maybe within the next three or four weeks, the National Sports Stadium will be done.
So it means maybe the bucket seats will be there because it will be unfortunate for us to get the reprieve but we end up relocating to South Africa to play our World Cup qualifiers there.
People want to watch football, look at the support the cricket team was getting. We also need that type of support in our football.
The stadia issue needs to be fixed first then maybe we can start saying: “We are back in it now.”
But for the time being, it’s still a 50-50 situation. We are in, but where are we going to play the football?
But apart from that, I think everybody is happy, we are all excited that we have been given the reprieve and we just hope everything goes well for us.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe were placed in Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers in the draw held in the Ivory Coast on Thursday.
The group also has Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda and Lesotho.
The group winners will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Stadia Crisis Worries Mapeza As Warriors Discover 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Opponents

Zimbabwe have been put in Group C of the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers alongside Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda and Lesotho.
Nine group winners qualify for World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The best four group runners-up enter play-offs and winners qualify for an inter-confederation tournament.
Responding to the draw, football analyst Steve Vickers said the Warriors will face strong opponents in Nigeria and South Africa. <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveVickers5/status/1679531970030600193?s=20">He tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>
A very difficult task for the Warriors to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – Nigeria is so strong, South Africa showing big improvement, and only the group winner qualifies automatically.
Zimbabwe will be rebuilding, but great to be back in international football!
</blockquote>
Here is the full draw.
Group A: Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Djibouti
Group B: Senegal, DRC, Mauritania, Togo, Sudan, South Sudan
Group C: Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Lesotho
Group D: Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini, Mauritius
Group E: Morocco, Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, Niger, Eritrea
Group F: Ivory Coast, Gabon, Kenya, The Gambia, Burundi, Seychelles
Group G: Algeria, Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, Somalia
Group H: Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe
Group I: Mali, Ghana, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, Chad
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe, Nigeria, SA In Group C Of World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Controversial Harare-based preacher, Walter Magaya, has pledged to continue financially supporting the Zimbabwe Warriors for them to play at the World Cup finals.
<a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2023/07/12/im-ready-to-sponsor-warriors-i-want-them-to-qualify-for-world-cup-magaya/">Nehanda Radio</a> on Thursday reported that Magaya, who is the founder and leader of megachurch Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD), has refused to give up on his dream to see the Warriors play at the World Cup finals. Said Magaya:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe will play at the World Cup one day. It’s only a matter of time. As long I’m alive, I will continue supporting the team in any way to ensure this dream is fulfilled.
We have a lot of talent in this country, so why not qualify for the World Cup? I will not cease to support the national team to achieve such a remarkable feat.
</blockquote>
Magaya, who owns Premiership club Yadah Stars Football Club, has in the past bailed the financially struggling ZIFA out.
The cleric said he stopped giving financial support to the Warriors when the former ZIFA president Felton Kamambo took over the reins from Philip Chiyangwa. Magaya said:
<blockquote>
I stopped helping the Warriors for reasons beyond my control. But now that we have been re-admitted by FIFA, if the new leadership in control of things at ZIFA wants me to continue assisting the team where possible, I’m ready.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe were included in the FIFA World Cup 2026 African qualifiers and are set to learn their opponents on Thursday.
They are in pot 4 with Mozambique, Togo, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Malawi and Libya.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Walter Magaya Pledges To Bankroll Warriors To Qualify For World Cup Finals

Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry has said authorities are working to ensure that the Warriors will play their matches in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at home.
This comes after FIFA lifted its suspension of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), a development that allows Zimbabwe’s national football teams to compete in international tournaments.
Responding to questions during a Press conference where FIFA confirmed the lifting of the ZIFA suspension and unveiled the normalisation committee, Coventry said:
<blockquote>
We have had good open conversations with FIFA. We will continue having conversations (about the National Sports Stadium).
The guarantees of what has been happening which has not been made public will go to FIFA through the SRC [Sports and Recreation Commission] and we remain fully committed to doing that seeing and ensuring that we are playing our games at home.
There has been ongoing work. The electronic ticketing system is now in the country waiting to be installed.
Water reticulation is in process and the feasibility study for the entire area, not just the NSS, but the grounds around it are being undertaken at the moment. It should be wrapped up in the next two to three weeks.
This has also been explained to FIFA when they visited and they also went and visited the National Sports Stadium of which they were under the impression that is crumbling to the ground, but they that it was not the case.
The feasibility study is being undertaken by a South African legitimate company that built and renovated soccer stadiums for the 2010 World Cup.
And in the next three weeks, we will have more of an update on for you on where that feasibility study will see us.
</blockquote>
All of Zimbabwe’s stadiums were banned from hosting international matches three years ago after they failed to meet the minimum standards required by CAF and FIFA.
The Warriors enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers draw, which will be conducted on Thursday evening in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Zimbabwe are in Pot 4 of the 54-team draw along with Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Malawi and Libya.
There are six pots for the draw.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Authorities Working To Ensure Warriors Play At Home - Minister Coventry

Former Highlanders and Warriors striker, Mandla Balanda real name Mandlenkosi, has died aged 54. <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/mandla-balanda-dies/">The Chronicle</a> reported that Mandla died on Sunday after battling an unnamed illness for some time.
His death came just a few days after overseas-based former Zimbabwean footballers raised funds to assist with his medical bills. Netsai Moyo, who handed over the cash donation, confirmed the news of Balanda’s passing, which he had received from the family that morning. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
Its true he is no longer with us. I got news from the family this morning. Sad news for Zimbabwean football.
</blockquote>
Balanda played for Eagles, Darryn T, and Highlanders, and had a successful stint in Botswana, where he is remembered as one of the best dribblers to have graced their shores. Balanda’s football career began at a young age, playing plastic football in the streets of Mpopoma, and he later attended John Tallach boarding school where he specialised in soccer.
Balanda’s professional career began when he joined Hunyani FC, where he played alongside his late brother Clement Balanda, Joe Mbarure, and Peter Kolly. He was called up to the under-20 national team and helped his team win the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) tournament.
He joined Harare-based Tornados FC, a club that was eventually sold to Darryn T textiles. He was then spotted by scouts from TaskFC, a Botswana-based outfit, and he joined the Francistown outfit to form a deadly partnership with Patrick Zibotshwa.
Balanda spent a season at TaskFC and then moved to Gaborone United FC, where he became a household name and helped the team clinch the Botswana Premier Soccer League championship. He returned to Zimbabwe and showcased his top-drawer skills at Highlanders, where he was a scoring machine. Balanda was spotted by veteran coach Ali “baba” Dube during a social soccer match and quickly joined the Amahlolanyama team, which had a galaxy of players. Balanda’s unforgettable game was when his side clashed with DeMbare in an epic battle at Babourfields.
The passing of Balanda is a great loss to Zimbabwean football, and he will be deeply missed by fans and fellow players alike. He is survived by his wife Roselyn Dube and five children. Balanda was born in 1969 and hailed from Nkayi in Matabeleland North province. He was a Christian and had a successful career as a panel beater and spray painter after quitting soccer. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Former Warriors, Highlanders Striker Mandla Balanda Dies

Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister, Kirsty Coventry, sparked controversy in Parliament after she announced that her Ministry does not want FIFA to lift the suspension on Zimbabwe until “we’ve cleaned up ourselves.”
Zimbabwe was suspended in February 2022 after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the ZIFA board headed by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Felton_Kamambo">Felton Kamambo</a> over alleged maladministration and sexual abuse of female referees. 
FIFA said the suspension of the Felton Kamambo-led board constituted government interference with the sport.
The ban on Zimbabwe can only be lifted when the Felton Kamambo-led board has been reinstated, FIFA declared. Addressing Parliamentarians recently, the Olympics champion said:
<blockquote>
We accepted that (suspension). We have never asked them for them to lift. We don’t want it lifted at this point until we have cleared and cleaned up ourselves. 
</blockquote>
Some parliamentarians shouted saying that was a disservice and she responded:
<blockquote>
Disservice to who?
</blockquote>
Being banned from FIFA means:
<ol>
<li>
Loss of funding: FIFA provides funding to its member associations to develop football in their respective countries. Being banned from FIFA can result in a significant loss of funding for the country’s football development programs.
</li>
<li>
Inability to participate in international competitions: A ban from FIFA means that a country’s national team cannot participate in international tournaments such as the World Cup, regional championships like AFCON, or friendly matches against other countries.
</li>
<li>
Players failing to get noticed: Players are often scouted at international competitions. Without the ability to participate in international tournaments, they won’t be exposed to scouts.
</li>
<li>
Impact on the local football industry: Football is a major industry in many countries, with significant economic benefits and the ban can result in a decline in revenue for clubs, stadiums, and related businesses.
</li>
<li>
Political and social ramifications: The ban can be seen as a reflection of a country’s governance and may have wider implications for the country’s international relations.
</li>
</ol>
Several stakeholders including football players have voiced concern over the suspension. 
Warriors midfielder <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Marshal_Munetsi">Marshall Munetsi</a> recently urged the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and Zimbabwe Football Association(ZIFA) to f<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/find-common-ground-munetsi-urges-src-zifa-again/">ind common ground</a> for the country to play international football.  
Minister Coventry’s remarks echo sentiments by the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gerald_Mlotshwa">GeraldMlotshwa</a>-led SRC which insists getting the FIFA ban lifted is not a priority.
The SRC says there are “more pressing issues” which need to be solved to restore sanity to Zimbabwean football. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Kirsty Coventry: We Don't Want FIFA To Lift The Suspension

Warriors general manager <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Wellington_Mpandare">Wellington Mpandare</a> has said <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Marvelous_Nakamba">Marvelous Nakamba</a>‘s loan <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/update-aston-villa-midfielder-marvelous-nakamba-set-to-join-luton-town/">move to Luton Town</a> was “very good” adding that there was more to the midfielder’s departure from Aston Villa than what people see and think.
Nakamba completed a six-month loan move to the English Championship side on the transfer deadline day on Tuesday a move which triggered varying comments. 
Some argue that Nakamba should have chosen EPL side Fulham, and Championship sides West Bromwich Albion and Watford which are said to have tried to make a last-minute move for the Warriors midfielder.
There were also reports suggesting that a number of teams from Belgium, including his former paymasters Club Brugge, made inquiries about the former Bantu Rovers player but it was Luton who offered a better deal.
Mpandare believes the 29-year-old has made the right decision by moving to the second-tier side who are fighting for promotion to the English Premier League (EPL). He told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200006877/nakamba-lauded-for-luton-move">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
It’s a very good move for Marve, which has got my full blessing.
There is more to this move than what people see and think. Unfortunately, I cannot divulge all the details to the Press, but people should know that Marve made a brilliant move in terms of his career development and of course for his personal life.
This is a chance for him to restart his career. For some reason, things were not moving well for him at Villa so this is a chance for him to get some game time which is the most important thing for a footballer and to market himself. His talents are undoubted and it’s just a matter of time before Villa or another league team realizes and get him. He still has a lot to offer and I’m sure he will do well.
</blockquote>
Luton are currently 4th in the Championship log standings and if they maintain their position until the end of the season, they would have secured a playoff spot for promotion to the Premier League.
Nakamba has also said he is happy to be at Luton Town where he will link up with Henri Lansbury from Aston Villa, Ethan Horvath whom he played with at Club Brugge and fellow countryman Admiral Muskwe, who has been recalled from his loan spell at Sky Bet League One side Fleetwood Town. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"There Is More To Nakamba's Aston Villa Exit Than What People See" Mpandare

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), has said the male and female national football teams – Warriors and Mighty Warriors – should receive direct budgetary and administrative support from the government.
The SRC made the recommendations in a statement titled, “<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zifa-restructuring-committee-hands-over-report-to-src/">Presentation of Key Recommendations of the ZIFA Restructuring Committee</a>.” Read in part the statement seen by Pindula News:
<blockquote>
<h2>5.2 The Warriors and Mighty Warriors</h2>
The committee recommended that these national teams should be housed in a structure that receives direct budgetary and administrative support from Government whilst ensuring that FIFA rules are respected in so far as the principle of non-interference is concerned.
<h2>5.3 Junior Football</h2>
The committee recommended that ZIFA develop a standardized system to rate academy programs and school programs.
There should be developed a national database for all junior players that is functional and easily accessible.
Additionally, ZIFA should develop and support quality leagues and competitions accessible for all ages and skill levels.
<h2>5.4 Women’s Football</h2>
Women should be empowered to manage their own affairs in football. Key to this is allowing them to have direct access to FIFA funding so that it is applied to purposes intended. Women should be included at all levels of the game’s administration on a quota system.
<h2>5.5 Facilities</h2>
ZIFA should be at the forefront, either with FIFA’s assistance, or through effective lobbying of Government and local authorities, of developing facilities that encourage use for football games at a professional and recreational level. 
There should be a FIFA-rated national training centre. ZIFA village is not fit for purpose.
<h2>5.6 Communication &amp; Marketing</h2>
ZIFA relies almost exclusively on FIFA and CAF funding for its operations. It was recommended that ZIFA invest in senior business strategy and marketing positions. It should respect and maximize partnerships and retail opportunities and identify new revenue streams. ZIFA should be run as a business, not as a fiefdom or cabal.
<h2>5.7 Development of Administrators</h2>
Office bearers, administrators and coaches must have minimal CAF and FIFA qualifications and/or training. Coaching standards must be set and regulated.
<h2>5.8 Football in Schools</h2>
ZIFA should develop a specific strategy as part of a five-year plan for fostering football in the school system, especially for girls.
</blockquote>
The SRC also said it had provided the findings and recommendations of the restructuring committee to the Executive Committee of ZIFA for the purposes of drafting a roadmap. 
The committee also said once they are on the same page with ZIFA, the two organisations will then approach FIFA for endorsement.
SRC suspended the ZIFA board then led by Felton Kamambo for alleged maladministration and sexual abuse of female referees. The move attracted a ban on Zimbabwean football by FIFA which accused the government of interfering with the sport. Zimbabwe remains banned.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Warriors, Mighty Warriors Should Receive Direct Budgetary Support From Govt" - SRC

Warriors midfielder <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kundai_Benyu">Kundai Benyu</a> believes the best decision he has ever made was to represent Zimbabwe in international football.
The Iceland-based midfielder is back in the country for the festive holiday and is taking time to refresh ahead of another campaign, <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/12/23/no-regrets-for-iceland-based-midfielder-kundai-benyu/">ZBC News</a> reported.
26- year-old Benyu was born in England and grew up in the structures of Ipswich City where he also signed his first professional contract.
Benyu also played for Scottish giants, Celtic, before moving to Sweden where he had a dance with one of the country’s top clubs, Helsingborgs.
Currently, he is based in Iceland where he turns out for the top division side IBV since the start of the year.
For a player who was born In England and had other opportunities, Benyu is proud of his decision to join the Warriors. ZBC News quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
For me, it was an easy decision. I made up my mind early that I wanted to represent my country, I am Zimbabwean first before anything else, my debut for the Warriors has been my proudest moment and I still cherish it.
Every day I am always ready to represent Zimbabwe and hopefully it can be soon that we get together with the boys because I want to leave a legacy for the Warriors. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest ever Warriors player and I hope I can achieve that soon because that’s what I really want.
</blockquote>
The Icelandic season runs from April to December and Benyu will soon join with his club colleagues hoping to do better than the ninth-placed finish they achieved this year.
Benyu was part of the Warriors team that was at the delayed <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mapeza-wants-warriors-afcon-squad-retained-for-2023-qualifiers/">2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals</a> edition.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"I Am Zimbabwean First Before Anything Else" - Warriors Midfielder Kundai Benyu

Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande said that his main ambition is to coach the Zimbabwe national team.
Katsande, who is working as a brand ambassador for a South African club, Sekhukhune United, has now completed a CAF D licence conducted in Tshwane.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.snl24.com/kickoff/sanews/premiership/kaizer-chiefs/decorated-kaizer-chiefs-midfielder-willard-katsande-reveals-a-new-career-path-since-retirement-20221130">KickOff</a>, Katsande said he “owes” football and wants to share the knowledge he has acquired with the next generation. He said:
<blockquote>
I did my CAF D licence in order for me to set the path of my growth since I know what I want.
I owe football because to get to be where I am today is through football, so I owe football.
This is now my time to share my knowledge with the next generation so that they come out better than us.
We tried our level best, but it wasn’t good enough for us to conquer African football.
I have dreams of moving into coaching because I have the passion and one day, I want to be the head coach of one of the PSL teams.
My main objective is to coach the Zimbabwe national team.
So, this is what drives me to be where I am today.
Football is about learning every day so I’m learning as each day passes and I hope one day I will reach my target and hope I will be working with people that can add value to my coaching path.
On this path, there is a long way to go, and I hope it is going to be a good ride for me.
All I need is to contribute to football because football has been good to me.
</blockquote>

Willard Katsande Says He Wants To Coach Warriors

Warriors midfielder <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudakwashe_Mahachi">Kudakwashe ‘Kuda’ Mahachi</a> has written a letter following <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/kuda-mahachi-acquitted-of-attempted-murder-charges/">his acquittal</a> by a Bulawayo magistrate last week. 
The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was found not guilty of charges of attempting to <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/kuda-mahachis-4-year-old-sons-leg-amputated/">murder his four-year-old son by allegedly scalding him with boiling water. </a>
In a letter seen by Pindula News, Mahachi said he lost everything during the period the case was pending. He said:
<blockquote>
On Friday the 25th of November, after seven months I was acquitted on two very serious criminal allegations of attempted murder and child abuse. During these seven months I saw my whole world turn upside down. I was dismissed from my club with immediate effect and no income, I was vilified by a nation that I once was the football darling of &amp; my fate was sealed through social media without a trial. During these seven months I lost everything I lived for. Seven months of being shunned even by those I played alongside, seven months of death threats, seven months of depression, the list can go on. 
My son, Diego was a victim of negligence at the hands of family members who were meant to look after him at my home in Bulawayo, Diego was diagnosed with Ulcer Sepsis Necrotic (the so-called “flesh-eating disease,” which is a rare but serious infection). The ulcers were on his scalp and his leg. When Diego returned to Zimbabwe on April 14, he was in the care of my two sisters who live in my home in Cowdry park. After a few days there, his condition began to deteriorate, my sisters decided to self-medicate my son by having a local doctor administer injections to him at home without taking him to the hospital. It was only when his septic ulcer’s exploded that he was rushed to hospital. Once examined, medical experts ruled the condition was spreading so fast, his leg would have to be amputated. My sisters were questioned on why they took so long to seek medical help &amp; I don’t know if it was out of the fear of being charged with negligence, but they proceeded to state that Diego had returned from South Africa in that state. 
I am not just a broken man; I am a pained man by what has happened to my son and how I was accused of attempting to kill him despite reports from medical experts. No one cared to give me a chance, no one cared to give me the benefit of doubt. I have played football for the past 15 years for my country and for topflight clubs. Yet despite this, I was accused of using my four-year-old son for rituals. How is it that I have played this game for 11 years before my son was born and suddenly now needed him for rituals for my career? Even fellow football players that I struggled together with as young boys trying to make it in our early careers accused me of using rituals to harm their careers, but what would I have benefited from that? 
I have also silently been a victim of a bitter ex-lover for so long. She accused me of kidnapping and smuggling my own child, yet each time he visited me in South Africa on three separate occasions, he returned in perfect health. On each visit without fail, he was receiving medical check-ups. I have been fighting many battles behind the scenes with Diego’s mother. Diego’s mother had been demanding maintenance of three children (Deneo, Dellish and Diego), (Deneo unfortunately died from hydrocephalus). I had been paying maintenance for years without question until friends advised me to take paternity tests for these children. Results from the paternity tests revealed that only Diego was biologically mine. Upon this news, I stopped paying maintenance and this infuriated Maritha (Diego’s mother) and her mother, who swore to destroy me. She went on to demand I pay her R2,5 million. Even when these false accusations were being levelled against me, they demanded I give them my house in Cowdry Park to end all this, I refused and decided to go to trial and have my day in court. 
I have lost everything I have worked for. It was my dream to play football for my country, to serve my country and represent it. As a man I can no longer feed my family, as all my savings have been depleted in my quest for justice. Yes, I have been exonerated but the nightmare I have gone through can never be erased. I have had my mother’s grave destroyed, my house has been broken into and robbed of everything. I have had cloths marked with my name and my wife’s name left in my yard. My career was ended when I had not reached my pinnacle. How does one recover from that? 
Thank you to those that believed in my innocence, thank you to those that stayed loyal and continuously checked up on me and my family. I am overwhelmed by your kindness and continued support when all odds were against me. Thank you for the prayers. 
To my wife Rose, you have stood by me, been vilified with me, but you have not wavered. To my in-laws who have had to foot my legal bills and feed us in this trying time, May God continue to bless you. To the justice system, I’m grateful for the due diligence that was done in dissecting the many inconsistencies with this case, I can only pray someone out there is willing to take a chance on me, so I can go back to playing the sport that I love and finish my career without this torrid time being how I exit the beautiful game of football.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"My Career Was Ended Before I Reached My Pinnacle" - Kuda Mahachi Letter

Warriors players might be available for the 2022 World Cup qualifier matches between Zimbabwe and Ghana early next month amid reports that a meeting among Premier League clubs on Thursday agreed that players travelling to red zone areas would be allowed to travel.
Players that might be called up for the Warriors game include Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic), Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth), Brendan Galloway (Portsmouth), Macauley Bonne (Ipswich Town), Admiral Muskwe (Luton) and David Moyo who plays for Scottish side Hamilton Academical.
All the players were not available for the matches against South Africa and Ethiopia after their clubs blocked them as they would be quarantined for 10 days upon return and subsequently miss two matches.
The UK government wants the players to be housed in strict bio-bubble conditions for them to be exempt from the quarantine requirements.
Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela Friday said they had sent correspondence to the respective clubs in England to release players and they were awaiting responses. He added:
<blockquote>
That is the procedure; we request the player and they respond and if they cite any reason like COVID-19 for non-release of a player, then we engage. We also hope that Fifa is seized with the matter. The Fifa regulations on the release of players are clear, players have to be released.
</blockquote>
United States-based Teenage Hadebe was also blocked from travelling by his club Houston Dynamo last month, but some players based in Europe that made it include France-based Tino Kadewere and Marshal Munetsi, among others.
ZIFA indicated that foreign-based players will fly direct to Ghana, which is not in the red zone, and will only play the away match if the UK clubs insist on blocking players from travelling to Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/09/hope-for-uk-based-warriors/">NewsDay</a>

Zimbabwe Vs Ghana: Hope For Warriors In England

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced sad news from the Warriors camp saying some players that had been called for the COSAFA cup are no longer available.
The association said some are out after sustaining injuries while reasons were not provided for some. Pindula News present the Squad updates announced by ZIFA.
<blockquote>_COSAFACup Jimmy Dzingai joined camp today Jonah Fabisch, Knox Mutizwa &amp; Kelvin Moyo are out Ben Musaka (Harare City) has since been drafted in._
_COSAFA squad update Evans Rusike has been ruled out of the 2021 COSAFA Cup due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered at training. Also ruled out on medical grounds are Perfect Chikwende &amp; Godknows Murwira Wishing you a speedy recovery._</blockquote>
Below is the initial squad:
GOALKEEPERS
<ul>
<li>Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)</li>
<li>Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)</li>
<li>Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF)</li>
</ul>
DEFENDERS
<ul>
<li>MacClive Phiri (Sekhukhune United)</li>
<li>Kelvin Moyo (Nkana)</li>
<li>Carlos Mavhurume (Caps United)</li>
<li>Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Lennox Muchero (Yadah Stars)</li>
<li>Godknows Murwira (Dynamos)</li>
<li>Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars)</li>
<li>Malvin Mkolo (Bulawayo Chiefs)</li>
<li>Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana)</li>
</ul>
MIDFIELDERS
<ul>
<li>Blessing Sarupinda (Caps United)</li>
<li>Perfect Chikwende (Simba SC)</li>
<li>Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City)</li>
<li>Shadreck Nyahwa (Dynamos)</li>
<li>Brian Banda (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>King Nadolo (Dynamos)</li>
<li>Nyasha Dube (Little Rock Rangers)</li>
<li>Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV)</li>
<li>Ovidy Karuru (Black Leopards)</li>
<li>Richard Hachiro (Caps United)</li>
</ul>
STRIKERS
<ul>
<li>Farai Matare (Bulawayo Chiefs)</li>
<li>Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows)</li>
<li>Evans Rusike</li>
</ul>
Zimbabwe is in GROUP C together with Mozambique, Namibia and tournament guests, Senegal.
Meanwhile, GROUP A consists of South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana. GROUP B has Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar and Comoros.
Zimbabwe intends to use the tournament to prepare for the World Cup qualifier matches. Coach <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zdravko_Logarusic">Zdravko Logarusic</a>, however, drafted local players and a handful from abroad.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

COSAFA CUP: Sad News From Warriors Camp

Former Dynamos shot-stopper, Washington Arubi is set to make a comeback into the Warriors team after last donning the national colours in 2015.
NewsDay Sport was told that the 35-year-old veteran goalkeeper is one of the few foreign-based players who have been roped into the squad that will participate in the Cosafa tournament to be staged at Nelson Mandela Bay from July 7-18. Said an anonymous source:
<blockquote>_Arubi had an outstanding season and it becomes difficult for the coach to ignore him. The coach wants to have a look at him, so he has been included into the squad._</blockquote>
The 2011 Premier League Soccer Star of the Year has been in impressive form recently helping his South African club Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila win the Nedbank Cup.
The silverware helped the club to qualify for the Caf Confederations Cup next season.
Arubi was awarded the Nedbank Cup Player of the tournament for his exploits last season.
He also played a role in helping the club, now named Marupo Gallants, to avoid relegation from the top-flight league.
Other foreign-based stars set to be included on the trip to South Africa are strikers Knox Mutizwa and clubless Evans Rusike.
Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic intends to use the tournament as a preparation for the World Cup qualifier matches.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/06/arubi-back-in-warriors-fold/">NewsDay</a>

Washington Arubi Back In Warriors

<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/06/zifa-announces-warriors-squad-for-world-cup-matches/">ZIFA this Thursday announced a provisional Warriors squad</a> that will play South Africa and Ethiopia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches in June attracting varying responses from the fans.
There are mixed views with some suggesting the squad is strong while some have indicated that it could be stronger if some players were called to national duty.
One of the players who the fans are yearning to see is the fast-paced Talent Chawapiwa, a former FC Platinum forward who now plays for Amazulu in South Africa.
A comment to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)">ZIFA post read,</a> “I miss Talent Chawapiwa” and a handful of more comments echoed the same sentiments. One comment, however, suggested that Talent was having a difficult time at his club.
Others expressed concern over the inclusion of injured players like Khama Billiat and Terrence Dzvukamanja. Read one comment:
<blockquote>_who chose this team the coach or you officials how did u manage to prophecy that Khama Billiat will be fit by the time of the game?_</blockquote>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/28/khama-billiat-is-in-pain-manager/">Billiat was injured</a> in a Kaizer Chiefs match against rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns about two weeks ago when he had just returned to action after spending a long period of time on the sidelines. <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/04/khama-billiat-on-road-to-recovery/">He is reportedly making good progress to recovery.</a>
Another comment read:
<blockquote>_Balanced team indeed, I wonder why is Terence Dzvukamanja in this team. He is not getting game time at Pirates. Pity Khama is injured, the team will always need a player of his class._</blockquote>
Others suggested that Ronald Pfumbidzayi could be an option for the left-back position if he is available for selection.
Another comment read:
<blockquote>_Haazofadze hake munhu wese bt semaonero angu (Zdravko Logarusic won’t please everyone but in my view) that squad looks balanced in all positions. Gud luck to the Warriors._</blockquote>
Another one reiterated that Pfumbidzayo was needed in the team proposing that midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike must not have been selected. Rusike, known popularly as Makanaka, is one of the players who were outstanding in the Warriors loss to Zambia in a dead rubber AFCON qualifier match played at the National Sports Stadium.
Loga indicated back then that he was going to use the match to select players into the squad.
Some suggested that Brendan Galloway who has been snubbing the Warriors call up should not have been called this time. Another one said the England-based player was not even having game time. Said the commentator:
<blockquote>_Did Galloway pay his way into the squad. He can’t even get game time in 2nd tier football. He’s also previously refused national team call ups!_</blockquote>
Another comment suggested that in-form former Dynamos shot-stopper, Washington Arubi who is also known as Sekuru Gudo should have been called instead of Highlanders number 1, Ariel Sibanda.
Sibanda was exposed in Highlanders’ 2-0 loss to perennial rivals, Dynamos, when the two Castle Lager Premier Soccer League giants clashed on April 18 for the Uhuru Cup.

<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/06/zifa-announces-warriors-squad-for-world-cup-matches/">ZIFA Announces Warriors Squad For World Cup Matches</a></li>
<li class="entry-title">
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/29/bunjira-critical-of-logarusics-closed-door-policy/">Bunjira Critical Of Logarusic’s ‘Closed Door’ Policy</a>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/12/01/come-home-zifa-presidential-aspirant-bunjira-encourages-foreign-based-players/">Come Home: ZIFA Presidential Aspirant Bunjira Encourages Foreign-Based Players</a>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/04/khama-billiat-on-road-to-recovery/">Khama Billiat On Road To Recovery</a>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/31/loga-speaks-on-players-performance-in-loss-to-zambia/">Loga Speaks On Players’ Performance In Loss To Zambia</a>
</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Responses To Warriors Squad For World Cup Qualifiers

Zimbabwe senior men football team, the Warriors have qualified for the 2022 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after beating the Zebras of Botswana 1-0 and Zambia’s 3-3 draw with Algeria this Thursday.
Zimbabwe got their goal from Perfect Chikwende 14 minutes into the match but were now waiting for the outcome of the Zambia – Algeria match that was to be a late kickoff.
The Warriors and the Desert Foxes of Algeria are the two teams from Group H to have qualified to the finals. Group H log:
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li dir="auto">Algeria 11pts</li>
<li dir="auto">Zim 8pts</li>
<li dir="auto">Bots 4pts</li>
<li dir="auto">Zam 4pts</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
Zambia who had 3 points before tonight’s match needed a win against Algeria to keep their hopes alive but only managed a draw.
Zimbabwe Warriors have qualified for the AFCON finals for the fifth time after having done so in 2004, 2006, 2017, and 2019.
Next year’s AFCON finals edition will be held in Cameroon in January.
Zimbabwe will, however, host Chipolopolo of Zambia on Monday to fulfill the fixture while Algeria will play the Zebras of Botswana in four days’ time.

Zimbabwe Warriors Qualify For 2022 AFCON Finals

It has been confirmed that all Zimbabwean football players who travelled to Botswana for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match this evening have tested negative for COVID-19.
There were fears that three unnamed players had tested positive after their test results came as inconclusive.
Official reports say only the match commissioner from Namibia tested positive and has been replaced.
The Afcon qualifier between Botswana and Zimbabwe in Francistown was scheduled to kick off at 6 pm but was delayed as officials sought clarity on the status of players.
Zimbabwe already was without several key players including Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Tino Kadewere, Marshall Munetsi, and Tendai Darikwa, therefore, a positive result for any of the available players would have worsened an already dire situation.
The second positioned Warriors have five points and would seek to win the match to increase their chances of playing at next year’s edition of the AFCON finals.
Their chances to proceed to the finals will also be enhanced if Zambia fail to beat log leaders, Algeria who have since qualified.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsHawksLive/status/1375126649440722959">TheNewsHawks</a>

UPDATE: All Zimbabwe Warriors Test Negative For COVID-19

Minutes before tonight’s kick-off of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier match between Botswana and Zimbabwe, it was announced that COVID-19 test results of three Zimbabwean players are “inconclusive.”
The Warriors arrived in Francistown shortly before midnight after delays at the Francistown border where the delegation was being screened and tested for COVID-19.
Warriors coach, Zdravic Loga Logarusic had already named the first XI and it is now unclear at this stage whether the unnamed footballers will play.
The Zimbabwe Warriors are finally on the pitch in Francistown, for the match that was initially scheduled to kick off at 6 pm, 30 minutes ago.
It is still unclear which three players have reportedly returned “inconclusive” Covid results.
As the drama unfolds, the match commissioner from Namibia has tested positive and will be replaced.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsHawksLive/status/1375122670019305484">The NewsHawks</a>

COVID-19 Drama At Zimbabwe Vs Botswana AFCON Match

Zdravic Loga Logarusic has announced the Warriors’ first XI that will face the Zebras of Botswana this evening in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFROCN) qualifier match.
ZIFA posted the Warriors’ First XI vs Botswana on its social media pages. We present the Warriors’ XI below.
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li>Talbert Shumba</li>
<li>Takudzwa Chimwemwe</li>
<li>Onismor Bhasera</li>
<li>Teenage Hadebe</li>
<li>Jimmy Dzingai</li>
<li>Thabani Kamusoko</li>
<li>Ovidy Karuru</li>
<li>Kudakwashe Mahachi</li>
<li>Perfect Chikwende</li>
<li>Knowledge Musona</li>
<li>Terrence Dzvukamanja</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
The Kickoff time is 6 PM at the Obedi Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

Loga Announces Warriors 1st XI To Face Botswana

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