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Zimstar News sports

Premiership giants Caps United have penned an emotional message of condolences following the death of its history making former coach Steve Kwashi on Monday.

The Dude, as he Kwashi was affectionately known in the football circles, succumbed to Covid-19 at his Harare home.

He would best be remembered for taking charge of the all-conquering Caps United generation that won silverwares in 1996.

The late football mentor’s life would however turn for the worse 2001 when he got involved in a serious road accident that left him incapacitated.

In a message posted on its social media pages Monday, Makepekepe described Kwashi as a big loss to the Zimbabwean football fraternity.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the Kwashi family for their loss. It’s a big loss for Zimbabwean football. We have lost a great man, mentor and, in many cases, a father figure, and we extend our deepest sympathies.

“Steve was and remains an icon at Caps United having led the club to its first championship post-independence in 1996 and groomed several young men to become football icons in their own rights.

“He cemented the ‘Cup Kings’ tag with silverware in the Charity Shield, BP Cup and the Independence Trophy in an all-conquering season.

“Hie exploits and contribution to the Green Machine and local football will forever be cherished.”

Zimstar News

Legendary Caps United coach Steve ‘The Dude’ Kwashi has died aged 67 due suspected Covid-19 complications.

According to media reports, close family members confirmed Kwashi died at his home in the early hours of this Monday due to suspected Covid-19 complications.

He was seriously affected by a car accident in 2001 that also affected his day-to-day living for the rest of his life.

Kwashi led the Green Machine to their first league title in the post-Independence era with his 1996 all-conquering squad.

The star-studded side also bagged a number of silverware including the Charity Shield, BP Cup and the Independence Trophy.

The former football mentor is father to Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi, another Caps United football legend who would later become the premiership side’s assistant coach.

Fungai said funeral arrangements were still being arranged.

But few of the late Kwashi’s fans would be able to pay their last respects on the history making football coach after government has limited funerals to just 30 mourners due to the Covid-19 menace.

Kwashi’s death comes hard on the heels of the deaths of fellow former coaches in ex-Dynamos mentors David Mandigora and Misheck Chidzambwa who both died recently.

By Zimstar News sports 

Hosts South Africa have clinched the 2021 COSAFA Cup by beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties in Port Elizabeth Sunday to write a positive story to a nation that has been torn apart by civil strife in the recent past.

Bafana Bafana were still tied 0-0 after 90 minutes, triggering an extra-time which also failed to separate the sides.

Captain Veli Mothwa emerged as the hero on the day to lead Bafana Bafana to their first Cosafa Cup title since 2016 and fifth overall.

South Africa had not conceded a single goal throughout the course of the tournament in which Zimbabwe were bundled out at the group stage.

The cup triumph brings smiles to a nation that has seen massive rioting and looting triggered by the unpopular incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma for contempt of court.

By sports reporter

Warriors captain and former Anderlecht star, Knowledge Musona has expressed excitement over what could be a lucrative move to oil rich Saudi Arabia where he now dons newly promoted side Al-Tai FC’s jersey.

In a Twitter post Sunday, the former Kaizer Chiefs footballer said “Im excited for my new chapter with @tai1381 which is now in the MBS League in Saudi Arabia.

“I would like to thank my former team R.S.C Anderlecht for the opportunity they gave me. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to @kas_eupen for the wonderful 2 seasons we spent together.”

The 31-year-old Warriors skipper is set to help his new paymasters begin life in the 2021/22 season.

Musona was in the final year of his contract with Belgian giants who were keen to release him following the expiry of his second loan stint at KAS Eupen.

Musona came over from Oostende in 2019.

The previous year and a half he was loaned to KAS Eupen, where he played 33 games and scored 9 times.

The Zimbabwe star’s move to the Middle East puts an end to rumours that he was set to return to South Africa next season, where DStv premiership giants Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Chiefs were keen on securing his services.

The future of the Aces Youth Academy graduate had, for months, been a subject of debate following the expiration of his loan spell at Eupen at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

Although the financial details of Musona’s move to Saudi Arabia are yet to be made public, the move is likely to come with very high earnings for the Zimbabwean star who after turning 31 last week appears to have been eyeing his last major contract, in either Europe or the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is well known as the preferred destination for professional footballers who are seeking financial rewards as they head towards the end of their careers.

By sports reporter

Under-fire Warriors head coach Zdravko Logarusic has remained adamant Zimbabwe’s disastrous campaign in the Cosafa Cup in South Africa has been a success despite the national football team crashing out of the regional competition with just two points from four matches, and finishing bottom of Group B.

Zimbabwe on Tuesday lost 2-1 to a youthful Senegalese side that had five teenagers on display.

The game saw the Warriors throw away an early lead to lose 2-1 to the Teranga Lions who came from behind to hand the six-time champions their second defeat of the tournament.

Zimbabwe drew nil-all with Mozambique in their opening encounter of the campaign, laboured to a 2-all draw with Malawi before suffering 2-0 and 2-1 defeats to Namibia and Senegal respectively.

This means the Warriors exited the tournament with just two points, having played a game more than all the other teams.

Following the Warriors’ defeat, it means Logarusic has just one win from 12 games in which he has been in charge of Zimbabwe since taking over from Joey Antipas last year.

It was also his seventh defeat in charge of the Warriors.

Until the defeat to Namibia, Zimbabwe had never lost a game in regulation time in the past six years. But they lost twice in just 48 hours.

The defiant Croation however told a local radio station Tuesday his mission was accomplished as he was only using the tournament to assess players.

“The fixtures really killed us. We are not looking for excuses but to play in seven days, four international games with a limited squad was very disastrous.

“But anyway, we tried our best. We did not look for excuses.

“Ofcourse today we were leading 1-0 but fatigue killed us and 43^rd minute, we received 1-1 and in the 88^th minute, we lost the game 2-1.

“Anyway, we saw what we had to see.”

The Warriors gaffer said his technical team discovered few good players to use for the next CHAN campaign and World Cup qualification fixtures.

“That was our main target,” he added.

“I think the tournament was successful except those two draws when we had to draw 0-0 and 2-2. I think also we were very close to be in the game and this game today also we were close.

“We deserved, minimum, a draw. This is a good lessen for our future players, future CHAN team.

“Almost all of them started without any senior player, all of them were from the local league excluding the goalkeeper. He is from Spain.”

By sports reporter

Zimbabwe’s Warriors suffered an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Namibia in a COSAFA Cup tie played Sunday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth in South Africa.

An own goal by Qadr Amini after 70 minutes and an 86^th minute effort by Kambinda ensured Zdravko Logarušić’s men completed their third fixture in the regional tournament without a win.

The Warriors drew nil-all with Mozambique in their opening encounter before labouring to a 2-all stalemate with Malawi.

They now face Senegal in their next match Tuesday while occupying the fourth position with just two points to their tally.

Teams

Namibia XI: Kazupa, Kamberipa, Hambira, Petrus, Gebhardt, Fredricks, Katjiteo, Papama, Stephaus, Limpondi, Kambindu.

Warriors XI: Arubi, Mucheto, Amini, Nyahwa, Mavhurume, Dzingai, Musaka, Sarupinda, Karuru, Hachiro, Matare.

BBC

Lionel Messi ended his wait for a first major international title as Argentina beat Brazil in the Copa America final in Rio’s Maracana stadium.

Messi, 34, dropped to the ground in joy at the full-time whistle and was swiftly mobbed by his team-mates, before being hurled in the air in celebration, as he finally claimed top-level honours with his country in his 10th major tournament.

He also helped end Argentina’s 28-year spell since they last won the competition and was named player of the tournament after his four goals in the competition.

Angel di Maria proved the matchwinner with his superb lob, after taking down Rodrigo de Paul’s lofted pass.

Messi had a chance to sign off the win but slipped with the goal at his mercy, in what would have been the perfect finale for the Argentine captain.

Defending champions Brazil were disappointing, with their only chances of note coming when Richarlison and Gabriel Barbosa forced saves from Emi Martinez.

In a contrast of emotions, Messi’s opposite number 10 and former Barcelona team-mate Neymar sank to his knees in tears at the final whistle, as his own personal pursuit of international success continues, having missed Brazil’s 2019 Copa win through injury.

The pair, who played together at the Nou Camp between 2013 and 2017 before the Brazilian’s move to Paris St-Germain, embraced in a long-lasting hug while they waited for the trophy ceremony.

The game was watched by a small crowd of 7,000 invited guests, because of Covid-19 restrictions, but was the first of the tournament to have spectators in attendance.

The sparse home supporters made their voices heard, though, particularly every time Messi touched the ball, booing and jeering the forward.

The tournament, delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic and moved from initial co-hosts Colombia and Argentina, was switched to 2019 hosts Brazil in a last-minute decision which received criticism in light of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

It was clear from the ecstatic Argentina celebrations at full-time, with Messi the focal point, that this squad’s drive to triumph against their old rival was as much for their legendary forward as it was the nation.

It has been 15 years since Messi first represented Argentina at a major tournament and after four World Cups and six Copa America appearances, taking in 53 matches, he finally has the major international title he – and his country – has craved.

Despite being one of the most decorated and brilliant players of the modern era – and arguably all time – with 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six Ballons d’Or, questions over his lack of impact on the international stage have hung over his legacy.

And while many will say his greatness has been cemented, regardless of what he achieves with Argentina, this lengthy wait for a maiden senior trophy with his country will go a long way to silencing any doubters.

Repeated failures with Argentina have been painful for the forward, who went as far as announcing his retirement after losing a second consecutive Copa America final in 2016, his third defeat in the final of the competition and coming just two years after suffering a loss in the 2014 World Cup final.

He was not explosive against Brazil, with few opportunities to get on the ball after Argentina showed defensive resolve once taking the lead in a niggly game disrupted by 41 fouls, but he carried the ball well, particularly in the latter stages, to help relieve pressure.

Questions about his immediate future will now continue to be asked, with Messi now a free agent after his Barcelona contract ended two weeks ago – although Barca have stepped up their attempts to keep hold of their star man with negotiations continuing.

There also remains the prospect of Messi going for what would likely be his last chance of winning the World Cup – something Argentina have not done since 1986 – should he lead his country out in Qatar at the age of 35 in December 2022.

AP

Bangladesh spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan shared nine wickets as Zimbabwe collapsed from 176-1 to 276 all out in their one-off test on Friday.

Mehidy took 5-82 and Shakib 4-82 and Zimbabwe suddenly plummeted in its first innings on day three at Harare Sports Club.

Bangladesh moved to 45 for no wicket at stumps in its second innings and led the test by 273 runs with 10 wickets in hand after posting 468 all out batting first.

Zimbabwe opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano made 87 on debut and captain Brendan Taylor 81, and their 115-run partnership for the second wicket had the home team well set.

Mehidy removed Taylor to start the slide and Zimbabwe lost its last eight wickets for 51 runs.

Bangladesh’s batsmen also produced a sudden turnaround in their first innings. Mahmudullah made 150 not out at No. 8 as Bangladesh’s tailenders piled on the runs to go from 132-6 to 468 all out.

Wicketkeeper Liton Das made 95 and No. 10 Taskin Ahmed hit 75 to erase Zimbabwe’s promising start.

By Sports Reporter

The Zimbabwe senior Men’s Football team came from 2 goals behind to force a draw with Malawi in their second Cosafa Cup Group B tie played at Isaac Wolfson Stadium, Nelson Mandela Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Goals by Blessing Sarupinda in the 62^nd minute and Ben Musaka after 77 minutes of play ensured Zdravko Logarusic’s men did not end the match empty handed.

Malawi scored their goals through a Khuda Myaba tap-in after 27 minutes and a Kumwali effort 50 minutes into the battle.

Kumwali received a well-timed pass and made a long run to beat an exposed Washington Arubi, in goals for the warriors.

The draw by the Warriors is their second in two matches played so far.

The Warriors drew nil-all with Mozambique in their opening encounter Wednesday.

Teams:

Malawi XI: Kakhobwe, Sanudi, Chembezi, Chirwa, Idana, Myaba, Sulumba, Fidya, Nyasulu, Kuwali, Kumwenda.

Warriors XI: Arubi, Mucheto, Amini, Phiri, Mavhurume, Nadolo, Sarupinda , Karuru, Hachiro, Musaka, Dzingai.

By Sports Reporter

Zimbabwe senior national football head coach Zdravko Logarusic (pictured) was set to miss the Warriors’ Cosafa Cup opening tie against Mozambique Wednesday even after the country’s football governing body, Zifa finally sorted his visa headaches with the Croatian expatriate expected to jet into South Africa Tuesday night.

Logarusic was deported from South Africa Monday after issues were raised by the neighbouring country’s immigration officials over his visa status.

Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said Tuesday the football mentor’s visa debacle has been put behind, with the coach expected to travel to South Africa same night.

There was however a last-minute switch of the regional competition’s match schedule with the Warriors match moved forward to Wednesday instead of the original Thursday date.

This means the Warriors boss, who was set to fly into Johannesburg enroute to Port Elizabeth, will have to spend Wednesday travelling and may not be involved in his team’s opening fixture.

This will leave assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya in charge of the 20-men squad, set to do battle with Mozambique at the Isaac Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Changes on the fixture schedule were caused by the last-minute withdrawal of Madagascar from the competition, triggering a change of format in the holding of the regional tournament this year.

After Mozambique, the Warriors are set to face Malawi on Friday and Namibia on Sunday.