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Sports news

Whither Zimbabwe cricket?

Special correspondent PETER WHALLEY examines the case for and against the isolation of Zimbabwe on the international cricket scene.
LONDON - The news that the Zimbabwe cricket team will be playing in South Africa, hosting the Australian Academy next month and then leaving to play in India for a preliminary round in the ICC Champions Trophy, has sparked the usual round of protests.
These quite rightly condemn the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its member nations for ignoring the human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and the Government’s virtual takeover of Zimbabwe Cricket. Comparisons are made with the very successful moves to isolate South African cricket in the 1970s and 1980s, the rallying cry then of "no normal sport in an abnormal society" being applied to the Zimbabwe situation of to-day.
Although this line of thought is morally correct, it does ignore certain realities which make the Zimbabwean situation completely different to the one that existed in apartheid-ruled South Africa.
The main difference is that the ICC is committed to a future tours programme that carries severe financial penalties if test-playing nations seek to avoid playing Zimbabwe on any grounds other than safety concerns. This was not the case 30 years ago as different countries organised tours on an ad hoc basis.
The ICC has said consistently that it does not get involved in the internal affairs of its members, a point reiterated again by Malcolm Speed (ICC Chief Executive Officer) and Percy Sonn (the current ICC President) during their recent visit to Zimbabwe.
The critics of the ICC have attacked the organisation for this viewpoint. However, it is wishful thinking to expect the ICC to do anything about the situation even though Zimbabwe Cricket has rushed through a change of Constitution and invited the Zanu (PF) government to have a major say in appointing the board Directors. Such goings on are common in countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka and as the ICC has never interfered there, there is no prospect of them getting involved in the Zimbabwean situation not matter how shrill the demands are.
Finally, a Zimbabwe government spokesman made it clear several months ago, that "restructuring" of Zimbabwe Cricket would be done regardless of the reaction of other counties or organisations.
So, where to now for Zimbabwe cricket? The controversial restructuring process is complete and previous board members have been moved aside, their pleas to the ICC to intervene on their behalf now presumably exhausted. Perhaps the most interesting developments have taken place on the field of play where the young and inexperienced Zimbabwe team completed a 3-2 series win over Bangladesh. This created euphoria amongst supporters and a belief that even though more than 30 good players have been lost over the last 3 years, there is still much potential in those who remain.
Admittedly, this feel good factor is likely to be swept away when the side faces stronger opposition, but a series win over an improving Bangladesh side cannot be ignored. It would suggest that the young team does have the potential to improve as long as it can continue to have international exposure even if the return to test cricket is delayed.
In spite of all the politics that have bedevilled Zimbabwean Cricket in recent times, it is important that the game continues and if that means working with the new dispensation, no matter how unpalatable to some, then so be it.
There will come a time when the Zanu (PF) leviathan is no more and its fellow travellers on the cricket gravy train will disappear, so that genuine cricket-loving Zimbabweans can take the game to new heights from a position of growing strength. This is surely preferable to a situation of starting from scratch, which would be the case if those pressing for Zimbabwe’s total isolation had their way. It is good to see the continuing involvement of competent and skilled Zimbabwean coaches such as Kevin Curran and Andy Pycroft with the senior side and Dillip Chouhan and Walter Chawaguta with the Under 19 side who so impressively beat England at the Under 19 world cup in February 2006.
This is not to state that disapproval of the current state of affairs should fall away, but it must not be at the expense of the development of Zimbabwean cricket. It is to be hoped that individual cricketers will continue to stand up for what they believe are important principles as Andy Flower and Henry Olonga did during the 2003 world cup and Tatenda Taibu more recently.
Non-Zimbabwean cricketers such as Australian Stuart McGill and England’s Andrew Flintoff also made a stand when their countries were due to tour Zimbabwe and the New Zealand government refused to grant the Zimbabwe team visas.
These are the kinds of headline-attracting actions that will keep the world’s attention on Zimbabwe, while cricket tries to keep its head above water. It is important that people with a genuine love for the game keep the flag flying until the day when real change will once again see Zimbabwe regain its position as the jewel of Africa in all fields, not just cricket ones.



Mujuru calls for a sports channel

HARARE Vice president, Joyce Mujuru, in a bid to develop sport in Zimbabwe, has challenged stakeholders to establish a television sports channel to encourage development of the discipline in the country.
At the launch of the fourth national youth games, Mujuru spoke of the important role played by the media in developing sport. She acknowledged the power of the print and electronic media in creating awareness on the values and benefits of sport.
In view of the 2010 World Cup competition to be held in South Africa, she said the opportunity should be seized to empower and improve the image of the nation. Establishment of a sports station is a viable option, as sport has become big business.
Zimbabwe has had one dominant broadcaster Zimbabwe Broadcast Holdings (ZBH) since independence. Joy TV, Munhumutapa Broadcasting Corporation and LDM TV were allowed to use the other free to air broadcasting frequency for brief periods in the late 1990s, but all had their licenses terminated.
Despite promulgation of the Broadcasting Services Act (2001) intended to improve broadcasting diversity, Zimbabwe has yet to open up the airwaves to other players in the broadcasting arena. - MISA



Warriors crash out

BULAWAYO - Zimbabwe's Young Warriors crashed out of the African Nations youth championships when they lost 4-3 on goal aggregate to a confident South African Under 20 side at Barbourfields stadium in Bulawayo at the weekend.
South Africa won the first leg 1-0 and will now meet Zambia in the first round in a match that would determine the team that will go to Brazzaville, Congo for the finals in January next year.
The match, which was played at a fast tempo, saw a total of six goals being scored as the two teams threw everything they had into attack.
Zimbabwe were the first to score in the fourth minute through Alisa Satichi only for South Africa to equalise a minute later when captain Excellent Walaza ran solo on the right to fire past Zimbabwean goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu.
Zimbabwe scored their other two goals through striker Ovid Karura while South Africa secured their third goal through a Michael Kamule. - ZimOnline



Dynamos thrash Shabanie

HARARE - Dynamos came back with a vengeance on Sunday to thrash Shabanie
Mine 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium, while log-leaders Highlanders’ were gored 1-0 by the Mighty Bulls thanks to a penalty strike by Brian Malunga.
Dynamos seem to have rediscovered their shooting boots after receiving a boost in the form of sponsorship deal from Bakers Inn, which is pumping a whopping Z$2 billion into their coffers every month.
Second-placed Motor Action reduced the gap between them and Highlanders to 10 points when they beat the Bulawayo side 1-0 at Gwanzura Stadium.
Zambian coach Keegan Mumba, who is in charge at Motor Action, lived up to
his pre-match boasting that he was going to shoot down Bosso in style with
midfielder Clemence Matawu the shining beacon in the middle of the park.
The Callies based side have now amassed 37 points from 20 matches and now
pose a threat to Bosso’s hegemony at the top.
It would appear the departure of influential captain Tapuwa Kapini is beginning to tell on the Bulawayo giants who crushed everything that came their way at will in the first half of the season. Kapini is now in South Africa where he joined Silver Stars.
Meanwhile, in league matches played around the country at the weekend, champions
CAPS United continued to struggle when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Shooting Stars at Gwanzura Stadium.
Zambian striker, Clive Mwale scored first for Shooting Stars before Malawian
Gift Makoloi equalised for CAPS. The champions finished the match with 10 men after influential midfielder, Method Mwanjali was sent off for an early shower.
There was controversy towards the end of the match when match officials disallowed a CAPS goal. This caused a five-minute stoppage as CAPS fans became violent and in the process injured one of the assistant referees.
Chapungu beat Lancashire Steel 2-1 in a Midlands derby at Baghdad Stadium in
Kwekwe.

PSL League Table (August 20, 2006)
TEAM Played Won Drew Lost G/F G/A Points
1 Highlanders 20 15 2 3 35 12 47
2 Motor Action 20 11 4 5 26 19 37
3 Chapungu 20 11 1 8 36 23 34
4 Masvingo United 20 10 4 6 27 22 34
5 Hwange 19 11 1 7 25 24 34
6 Monomotapa 20 8 7 5 21 16 31
7 Dynamos 20 8 6 6 27 20 30
8 Lancashire Steel 19 8 5 6 23 19 29
9 Mwana Africa 19 8 4 7 22 26 28
10 Caps United 20 7 5 8 22 24 26
11 Black Rhinos 20 7 4 9 25 29 25
12 Buymore 19 7 5 7 16 18 23
13 Railstars 20 5 5 10 25 35 20
14 Shooting Stars 20 5 3 12 27 37 18
15 Shabanie Mine 20 3 7 10 14 25 16
16 Zimbabwe Saints 18 3 1 14 13 32 10


Reading off to a flyer
BY JOHN HUGHES

LONDON - Reading, playing their first top-flight match, made a dream start to life in the Premier League with a 3-2 home win over Middlesbrough after overturning a two-goal deficit. Substitute Leroy Lita grabbed the winner.
The two other newly-promoted teams, Sheffield United and Watford, conceded crucial and controversial penalties. Sheffield United scored first in a 1-1 home draw with Liverpool, while Watford lost 2-1 at Everton.
Wayne Rooney was on target twice as Manchester United crushed visitors Fulham 5-1, champions Chelsea won 3-0 at home to Manchester City and Arsenal's first match in their new Emirates Stadium ended 1-1 with Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa. Zimbabwe striker Benjani Mwaruwari set up Portsmouth's opener in a 3-0 home romp against Blackburn, Nigerian substitute Kanu scoring with two headers on his debut.
Sunderland lost again, 3-1 at Southend, to make it four straight defeats in the Championship. Port Vale and Nottingham Forest head League One with 100 per cent records and Swindon, under new manager Dennis Wise, lead League Two with four successive victories.
The recalled Kris Boyd struck twice in Rangers' 2-0 home win over Hearts in the Scottish Premier. Celtic were held 1-1 at Inverness.
* Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes are suspended for Manchester United's match at Watford this weekend. Chelsea travel to Blackburn.


Streak strikes to topple Hampshire

LONDON - Warwickshire captain Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe skipper, led the way in a dramatic two-wicket Championship win over Hampshire at Southampton. Streak took 6-73 to inspire a collapse before Warwickshire, chasing 121 in 25 overs, slumped to 101-8 only to slam 14 runs from the last over to win off the final delivery.
But another Zimbabwean, Worcestershire left-arm spinner Ray Price, finished up a loser in a tight finish at Leicester. Despite Price taking 4-89, Leicestershire reached 357-7 with eight overs left after the opposition forfeited their second innings.
Sussex top the table going into the crucial title run-in. Zimbabwean Murray Goodwin scored 88 in an innings defeat of Durham at Hove. John Hughes

Netball clash

BULAWAYO - A netball final was held between Bulawayo and Harare under 28 and over 28. Bulawayo won both matches 8-4 and 11-1 respectively. The match was said to represent a clashing of Bosso (Highlanders) and DeMbare (Dynamos). Another victory for ‘Bosso Ngenkani’!
Sports reporter


Zims flood Jozi soccer scene

JOHANNESBURG - Aspiring South African premiership champions, Moroka Swallows are boasting of Zimbabwe’s newly acquired lethal asset, Evans Gwekwerere.
Already the Swallows head coach Gavin Hunt, club’s top players and fans have highly rated the Zimbabwean international as the soccer player to watch this season.
"Evans has got great potential and physical strength, although there’s some work to be done. I am happy with him," said Hunt.
Chief supporter, Rhisimati Phikelele, said Gwekwerere was a naturally gifted striker who has the pace, energy, stamina and chilly accuracy when shooting.
"I think the coach, Hunt, has gone for the gold. Evans is still young with great pontial of turning around the club’s fortunes. Already the former Dynamos striker had scored in his debut premiership encounter though played in the Super 8 Tournament. Each time he is in possession of the ball, you could tell that here is a player worthy mentioning his name," said Phikelele.
South African Castle Lager premiership top goalscorer and Senegalese marksman, Mame Niang, admitted that Gwekwerere was a good striker. He spoke volumes about his striking partner, Niang ahead of the 2006-2007 premiership season: "Our combination with Niang has been good so far both at training and in the games. I think it will get better with hard work and more time."
Gwekwerere replaced another Zimbabwean ace striker, Edzayi Kasinauyo, who joined FC-AK at the Mvela Golden Division One Soccer League.
Meanwhile former Warriors and Dynamos defence stalwart, Kaitano "Munhumutema" Tembo has quit South African premiership giants SuperSport United to join Mvela Golden League soccer outfit Bay United.
Tembo’s departure created room for another Warriors’ hard tackling defender James "Vandamme" Matola, who signed for SuperSport United last week and had since featured in Saturday’s encounter against Orlando Pirates.
SuperSport United won the match 6-5 on penalties. But is the departure of Tembo that made headlines as he played for SuperSport United as player and assistant coach for six years.
Tembo’s departure at SuperSport United comes at a time another high profile Warrior midfielder and Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder, Edelbert Dinha had quit the Johannesburg soccer giants to join FC-AK, a club that has signed several Zimbabwean star players.
The club made Dinha famous in the mid 1990s when he first moved to South Africa.
The diminutive and industrious midfielder has joined fellow countrymen at FC-AK, who among them comprise Warriors left back and Wits University FC Captain Charles Yohanne, Edzai Kasinauyo (formerly Moroka Swallows) and Elasto Lungu (now Elasto Kapoweza) in their colours. - CAJ News


Lengthens escapes ban

HARARE Lengthens Football Club were nearly banned from using their home ground after a lot of beer was found being consumed there during a recent home match against Grain Tigers Football Club. The club was fined $10,000.00 and given three weeks to rectify security at home matches or else be banned from using the ground for the rest of the season, according to warning from the ZIFA Northern Region Board.
Also of concern was the state of the DZ Stadium. Most of the panels on the front of the wall have fallen down, giving access to a free watch from all those outside the stadium.
This coming weekend the Northern Region board has resolved to increase security at DZ Stadium to prevent disturbances at the forthcoming top of the table clash - Lengthens against second-placed Harare United.
Last weekend, Lengthens maintained their 5-point lead at the top of the Northern Region league by beating Chegutu Pirates by 3 goals to 2 at Pfupajena Stadium in Chegutu.
Second-placed Harare United had the better of Kurai United, whom they massacred by 5 goals to 1 at Italian Sports Club on Sunday. Douglas Warriors had the better of another title contender, Blue Jets, whom they beat 3 0 at their home ground Rudhaka Stadium on Saturday to move to fourth place on the log.
Grain Tigers beat Lulu Rovers by 5 goals to nil before their home crowd at GMB Aspindale on Saturday to move away from relegation zone for the time being whilst another Division Two-bound team, Shamva Football Club, sank deeper into the relegation zone after being walloped 3 1 by title-chasing Prison boys Flame Lily at Tomlinson ground on Saturday.
Eiffel Flats managed to collect 6 valuable points from their last two outings. They beat Shamva last weekend by 1 goal to 0 before edging another title contender, Turnal by 2 goals to 1 at their home ground, Rimuka Stadium.
The game between Dorking and Black Mambas was abandoned mid way through the match. Golden Kopje/Felfar Stars game was re-scheduled to Wednesday afternoon after Chinhoyi was still being used for the schools’ Youth Games. Gunners couldn’t get any free ground in Harare for their home game against ZPC Kariba, so that was rescheduled for August 30, 2006.
This weekend will see top-of-the-table clashes between the top four teams, Lengthens will take on second-placed Harare United, while third-placed Gunners and fourth-placed Douglas Warriors battle it out.
Meanwhile the club President for Douglas Warriors, Douglas Tanyanyiwa was involved in a serious motor accident on Sunday night. He had some stitches on his head and was discharged, but his Mercedes Benz was badly damaged in the accident. - John S Remba