HARARE - Vice President Joice Mujuru yesterday slammed members of an apostolic sect who battered police officers in Budiriro, describing the action as tantamount to slapping the State in the face.

Mujuru said police officers who accompanied representatives of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) to ban Madzibaba Ishamea Mufani’s Johane Masowe church on allegations of perpetuating inhuman practices, represented high State office.

“Tinoda vanobata bhaibheri muriverenge muchiriinterpreter muchiripractiser. Makati mai Mujuru tinoda muite patron weACCZ, hazvigone kuti ndoramba ndichiuya ikoko muchiita mabasa erima, (Read the Bible, understand and interpret it well, practice what you preach. I cannot be a patron of an organisation that misleads people)” said Mujuru.

“Hazvigone kuti tirambe tichizokudzwa nehurumende muchishungurudza mukuru weikoko futi. Ouya ikoko, motadza kukudza. Chinonzi hurumende munochiziva here? (We can’t be praised by the government whilst we are harassing your leader. Respect your leaders.)” queried Mujuru.

“Pamusoroi mupurisa. Ipapa pavakamira ipapa, tese tisiko, tiripo ipapa (Respect the police because they represent our leaders).”

Mujuru was speaking during the launch of the National Action Plan of Rape and Sexual Rape.

The Vapositori recently made headlines after ACCZ president Johannes Ndanga and a 26-member delegation, went to their shrine in Budiriro to address the congregation over issues of women and child abuse.

Congregants began singing “Umambo hwepfumo neropa” and started hurling stones.

Several police officers, ZBC journalists Relax Marufu and Tichaona Meza and an ACCZ delegate Langton Muchena, sustained serious injuries in the ensuing melee.

A ZBC truck was damaged on the rear and front windscreen, and a tripod camera stand valued at $1 350 was damaged.

The vice president implored members of the force to be exemplary by avoiding activities which defame the integrity of the force.

“What it means is your behaviour, ways, and speech is different because you represent us everywhere you are,” she said. “Hatichatombotarisira kukuonai muri magirl of the night nekuti matakura (you are representing) Zimbabwe and you must feel full.”

She added, “Why do I have to be different when I go behind a car, in a church or bus? Are you legion (demon) and how many legions are you?

“Ehe tinozviona kana VaMugabe varipo, mutendi kana vasipo ndiwe nyanyanya. (You behave when Mugabe is around, when he is away you become stubborn).”

HARARE - Zimbabwean businesses can cash in on Angola’s thriving economy by investing in its various sectors, particularly manufacturing, ZimTrade says.

The oil-rich Angola currently imports about 80 percent of its goods.

ZimTrade chief executive Sithembile Pilime said local companies can export construction and steel products, farm produce, electrical goods and manufactured goods to Angola.

“Since the introduction of the multi-currency regime in 2009, Zimbabwe’s trade performance has not been satisfactory and the trade balance widened from $1, 3 billion in 2009 to $4, 1 billion in 2013,” she said while presenting market research findings on Angola.

“Increasing exports, particularly those of value-added products, will play major role towards the reversal of this unsustainable situation,” she added.

Pilime noted that the former Portuguese colony — which is a member of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), with a population of 20,8 million, a gross domestic product (GDP) of $130,4 billion and a GDP per capita of $6 500 — represents a significant potential for Zimbabwe’s export capacity.

“Angola is a fast emerging regional economy that has been growing phenomenally in recent years.

The country’s GDP has grown significantly since 2001 increasing by 11,1 percent in the decade to 2010.

In 2013, the economy registered a growth rate of 5,1 percent, with 7,9 percent for 2014,” she said.

“This growth momentum is expected to continue in 2015, at a projected rate of 8,8 percent, as major public infrastructure investments come on stream,” Pilime said.

A number of other countries are also investing in Angola’s agricultural development, including China, Vietnam and Brazil.

Brazil has offered the country a $2 billion loan for use in its energy and construction sectors.

Trade between Zimbabwe and Angola is based on the multi-lateral Sadc Trade Agreement, as both countries are signatories to this regional trading bloc.

According to ZimTrade statistics, the trade balance between Zimbabwe and Angola over a four-year period (2010-2012) was in favour of Angola except for 2011, when there was an improvement in Zimbabwe’s exports to the country, leading to a positive trade balance of $7 906 000.

“Zimbabwe has not been exporting to Angola as of 2012-2013 hence ZimTrade therefore seeks to re-establish Zimbabwe’s presence in the Angolan market and rebuild export market confidence, among others,” said ZimTrade.

HARARE - Sungura ace Alick Macheso’ estranged wife Tafadzwa Fortunate Mapako could not hide her joy yesterday as the long-awaited paternity tests proved that the musician is the father of her two children.

The award-winning sungura musician had cast doubt on the paternity of the two children.

The two approached the National Blood Transfusion Services of Zimbabwe (NBTSZ) for DNA tests, whose results vindicated Mapako. Macheso had accused her of infidelity.

The results, which were conducted at Unistel Medical Laboratories in South Africa through NBTSZ, proved that chances or likelihood of  Alick Maximillian and Allexynn Maneesha to be Macheso’s children were 99.999 percent, hence “parentage is confirmed with a high degree of certainty.”

Addressing journalists in Harare, Mapako’s lawyer Gift Nyandoro said they were happy because the truth was out.

“Indeed, both children whom Alick has doubted have been proved that the parentage highly belongs to him," Nyandoro said.

“I hereby congratulate my client for the victory despite the humiliation that she faced from the public.  One should appreciate that there is no more doubt that the children belong to Macheso.

“Tafadzwa was insulted from all angles and today is the day to restore her dignity. Now we are waiting for instructions from our superiors to proceed legally.”

Mapako could not hold back her joy.

“I am happy that the truth is now out," she said. "And I do not have sour grapes with Macheso as I forgave him from the first day this happened.

“I didn't know anything about our dispute until I read it in the newspapers. I was shocked that he said I did not get pregnant and I am still figuring out if it was really Macheso who was speaking,” she said, ruling out chances of them getting back together.

“I do not think there will be any prospects of us getting back together. It’s over.”

Efforts to get a comment from Macheso or his lawyer Norman Mugiya were fruitless.

In the dispute, the maintenance court directed that Macheso pays $750 in child support after she had earlier demanded $7 130 every month for herself and the upkeep of the two children.

HARARE - Police yesterday raided Herald House looking for the Sunday Mail editor, Edmund Kudzayi, in an unprecedented move which left journalists and executives at the State-controlled Zimpapers stable shell-shocked.

He was not at the office at the time of the raid but was reportedly later arrested at his lawyer’s offices.

The storming of the heartbeat of the State-propaganda  apparatus by police occurred almost simultaneously as they also visited the offices of the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper, looking for its editor Dumisani Muleya — and as the residence of editor of the Chronicle, Mduduzi Mathuthu, was broken into under suspicious circumstances.

The surprise turn of events comes as factionalism worsens in Zanu PF and follows on President Robert Mugabe’s recent scathing attack on Information minister Jonathan Moyo, whom the 90-year old described as a “weevil” and “devil incarnate” — further accusing him of causing divisions in Zanu PF.

Perhaps even more tellingly, Mugabe has accused Moyo of appointing journalists to the editorship of State newspapers who were allegedly sympathetic to the opposition.

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba was not available for comment yesterday to clarify what charges Kudzayi was facing.

Zimpapers’ group editor-in-chief, Pikirayi Deketeke, issued a statement yesterday confirming the raid and arrest.

“Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited wishes to advise its stakeholders that there are current investigations by the Zimbabwe law enforcement agencies involving the Sunday Mail Editor, Edmund Kudzayi. In furtherance to the above the agencies visited his home and office early yesterday morning, June 19, 2014 during his absence. 

“The agencies carried a number of electronic gadgets including ipads from his office and did not state the reason for such. Edmund Kudzayi was also summoned to the police in absentia and did not report for duty.

“Edmund Kudzayi was arrested later in the day.  By late last night Zimpapers had not yet ascertained the exact details of the charges.

“On another note the editor of the Chronicle, Mduduzi Mathuthu’s property was stolen on the same night. We as Zimpapers are of the view that the above incidents are not related.

“We wish to advise our readers and stakeholders that Zimpapers as an organisation are a law abiding organisation and have, will and shall continue to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies.”

Kudzayi’s lawyer Joseph Mandizha also confirmed the arrest in an interview with the Daily News last night, but claimed he was not aware of the charges that were being preferred against his client.

“I am unable to talk right now, I am just getting into CID Law and Order,” he told the Daily News.

Zimpapers bosses also confirmed last night that Kudzayi had been arrested, adding that the assistant editor of The Herald, Mabasa Sasa, would temporarily take over at the Sunday Mail, pending the outcome of Kudzayi’s case.

In the other incident involving another Zimpapers editor, Mathuthu, the Chronicle boss had his house ransacked by “burglars”.

Although Mathuthu said on his twitter account that the motive of the break-in appeared to be robbery, as various items, including clothes and a television set, were stolen, the developments in Harare have raised suspicion about the break-in.

Meanwhile, Moyo — also described by Mugabe as a “counter revolutionary” for appointing “unpatriotic” editors at Zimpapers — attended a politburo meeting in Harare yesterday, which was chaired by Mugabe.

It was not known at the time of going to Press whether the raid on Zimpapers was discussed at the meeting.

Mugabe, in his speeches at the funeral and burial of Nathan Shamuyarira, described Moyo as divisive and “the devil incarnate” who had sacked hardworking and loyal editors at Zimpapers.

“You have our minister of Information wanting to put people one against another.

“Don’t make anyone in the party a political enemy. You may differ with others in the party, but that should not make you want to attack them in the paper. It’s destructive ideology.

“We now have weevils in our midst. Zanu PF has weevils within its ranks,” Mugabe charged.

Kudzayi, who has no traceable journalistic experience in the mainstream media, was appointed to head the Sunday Mail in April much to the chagrin of some Zanu PF heavyweights and seasoned scribes at Zimpapers.

Following his appointment in April, the State media described Kudzayi as “a media consultant with a strong technical background in software development and digital media.”

Kudzayi was linked to the online news website The African Aristocrat which in 2010 published stories about the first family’s personal lives. Kudzayi was also linked to the Amai Jukwa Facebook Page while some Australian hackers also claimed that they had evidence he was Baba Jukwa.

The Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (Zinef) said yesterday that it was gravely concerned by the arbitrary search by the police for the three editors without explaining the circumstances under which the search was being conducted.

“Zinef is concerned about the welfare of the editors, and we call upon the law enforcement agency to protect them and not to hunt them,” said Brian Mangwende, the forum chairperson.

HARARE - ZIMBABWE mobile money transactions increased by 11 percent in the week ended May 30, 2014 to $66 962 959, 51 from $60 551 078, 95 recorded prior week, latest central bank statistics reveal.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said during the period under review, transactions processed through the real time gross settlement (RTGS) system decreased to $812 million in value from $853 million.

RTGS volumes declined by 17 percent from 49 100 transactions to  40 600 transactions.

On the other hand, cheque transactions slumped by 28 percent during the week from to $2 232 546 67 from $3 090 249 77.

Point of sale transactions decreased by 24 percent to $34 622 645,90 from
$45 280 591 970.

This comes as a recent RBZ report indicated that in the first week of April 2014, banking transactions processed through the RTGS system declined from  $1 billion to $887,4 million.

Cheque transactions went down 12 percent during the week to $1 921 883,05 from $2 195 554,20  the previous week. Mobile transactions grew by 55,6 percent to $87 905 481,26 from $56 036 715,73 while Automated Teller machines (ATMs) transactions surged 46 percent from $50 791 023 to $73 918 394,44.

Point of Sale transactions also grew significantly by 47 percent from $31 888 207,63 to $46 959 250,25 during the period under review.

The central bank also noted that interest rates for all classes of deposits remained unchanged as the liquidity crunch continues to prevail in the money market.

GENEVA - The number of people living as refugees from war or persecution exceeded 50 million in 2013, for the first time since World War Two, the UN says.

The overall figure of 51.2 million is six million higher than the year before, a report by the UN refugee agency says.

Antonio Guterres, head of the UNHCR, told the BBC the rise was a "dramatic challenge" for aid organisations.

Conflicts in Syria, central Africa and South Sudan fuelled the sharp increase.

"Conflicts are multiplying, more and more," Mr Guterres said. "And at the same time old conflicts seem never to die."

Of particular concern are the estimated 6.3 million people who have been refugees for years, sometimes even decades.

Internally displaced

People living in what the UN terms "protracted" refugee situations include more than 2.5 million Afghans. Afghanistan still accounts for the world's largest number of refugees, and neighbouring Pakistan is host to more refugees than any other country, with an estimated 1.6 million.

Around the world, thousands of refugees from almost forgotten crises have spent the best part of their lives in camps. Along Thailand's border with Burma, 120,000 people from Burma's Karen minority have lived in refugee camps for more than 20 years.

Refugees should not be forcibly returned, the UN says, and should not go back unless it is safe to do so, and they have homes to return to. For many - among them the more than 300,000 mainly Somali refugees in Kenya's Dadaab camp - that is a very distant prospect.

Some camps, the UN refugee agency admits, have become virtually permanent, with their own schools, hospitals, and businesses. But they are not, and can never be, home.

But the world's refugees are far outnumbered by the internally displaced (IDP) - people who have been forced to flee their homes, but remain inside their own countries.

The UN is concerned that the burden of caring for displaced people and refugees is increasingly falling on the countries with the least resources

In Syria alone there are thought to be 6.5 million displaced people. The conflict has uprooted many families not once but several times. Their access to food, water, shelter and medical care is often extremely limited, and because they remain inside a conflict zone, it is hard for aid agencies to reach them.

Worldwide, the UN estimates there are now 33.3 million internally displaced people.

Large numbers of refugees and IDPs fleeing to new areas inevitably put a strain on resources, and can even destabilise a host country.

Throughout the Syrian crisis, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey have kept their borders open. Lebanon now hosts more than a million Syrian refugees, meaning a quarter of its total population is Syrian. The pressure on housing, education and health is causing tensions in a country which itself has a recent history of conflict.

The UN is concerned that the burden of caring for refugees is increasingly falling on the countries with the least resources. Developing countries are host to 86% of the world's refugees, with wealthy countries caring for just 14%.

And despite the fears in Europe about growing numbers of asylum seekers and immigrants, that gap is growing. Ten years ago wealthy countries hosted 30% of refugees, and developing countries 70%.

Antonio Guterres believes Europe can and should do more.

"I think it's very important that Europe fully assumes its responsibilities," he said.

"I think it's also clear that we have in Europe good examples, Sweden, Germany, have taken very generous measures… but we need a joint expression of European solidarity."

But what frustrates UN aid agencies most of all is being asked to cope with ever more refugees, while the UN's political arm, the Security Council, seems unable either to resolve conflicts, or to prevent them starting.

"The world is becoming more violent, and more people are being forced to flee," said Mr Guterres, adding that humanitarian organisations had neither the capacity nor the resources to cope.

"There is no humanitarian solution to these problems… to see the Security Council paralysed, when all these crises are evolving, is something that doesn't make sense."

"What frustrates me is the suffering of people, to see so many innocent people dying, so many innocent people fleeing, so many innocent people seeing their lives completely broken, and the world being unable to put an end to this nonsense."

RIO DE JANEIRO - The younger brother of Ivory Coast players Yaya and Kolo Toure died on Thursday, the same day his famous siblings were representing their country at the World Cup, the Ivory Coast Football Federation said.

The 28-year-old Ibrahim Toure died in England, the Ivorian federation said in a statement, and Yaya and Kolo were informed soon after Ivory Coast's 2-1 loss to Colombia at the World Cup in Brazil.

The IFF did not give a cause of death but said Ibrahim died in Manchester, where Yaya plays his club football for English champions Manchester City in the Premier League and where Kolo used to play. British media reported that Ibrahim, who was also a footballer, was battling cancer and had been receiving treatment in Manchester.

"A tough day for the Toure brothers. Just hours after the (Colombia) match ... Kolo and Yaya have learned of the death of their younger brother," the IFF said in its statement. "The entire Ivorian delegation in Brazil supports them in this painful circumstance."

The IFF didn't say if the brothers would now leave the World Cup in Brazil, where Ivory Coast has a chance of making the second round for the first time.

Midfielder Yaya Toure captained the team against Colombia in Brasilia on Thursday, while Liverpool defender Kolo was on the bench. Despite losing its second game, Ivory Coast is second in Group C behind Colombia ahead of a final group match against Greece. Yaya Toure, the current African player of the year, is a pivotal player for the team.

Manchester City released a statement saying "the thoughts of everyone connected with City are with the Toure family at this most difficult time.

"Ibrahim was a regular visitor to Carrington (training ground) and was a popular figure among the staff and players and was extremely close to his two older brothers," the club said.

A message on FIFA President Sepp Blatter's official Twitter feed, which was posted in English and French, said he was "very saddened" by the news. Belgium defender Vincent Kompany, the Manchester City captain, wrote on Twitter: "My sincere condolences to the Toure family for the loss of Ibrahim. We are all saddened by this news. Keep strong."

Kolo Toure's current club Liverpool said "the thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with defender Kolo Toure following the news of the passing of his brother."

Ibrahim Toure played professionally himself as a striker, most recently for Lebanon club Al Safa. He also played in Ukraine, France and Syria after starting at the same Ivorian club as Yaya and Kolo. But he never realized his dream of making Ivory Coast's national team alongside his brothers.

"If I manage to join a European side, maybe one day I'll get called up by the national team," he said in an interview on the FIFA website in January. "Of course there's a huge amount of pressure on me wherever I go because I'm the brother of Yaya and Kolo Toure.

"But you mustn't forget that I'm a forward, whereas Yaya is a midfielder and Kolo is a defender. Speaking for myself, I always give everything." - AP

LONDON - The arch-realist in Carlos Queiroz refused to downplay the scale of the task. The Iran coach was never going to try the usual manager trick of talking about it as just another game. Quite the opposite.“Our match with Argentina will be the most important and biggest in Iran’s history,” Queiroz said of the fixture in Belo Horizonte tonight. “We consider it as the greatest challenge before us.”

It also involves the most difficult task in modern football. Iran must stop Lionel Messi, a man who seems revitalised after his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina. For a side that were so content to keep out a team as average as Nigeria in their opening 0-0 draw, it is a daunting prospect.

They at least have a manager who has succeeded in that task before. Queiroz has previously devised a system to stop Messi. Back in the 2008 Champions League semi-final, Manchester United were charged with keeping out Barcelona and stifling a rising Messi. United managed it by the narrowest of margins, winning 1-0 on aggregate.

The result has become renowned for a brilliant defensive performance. Even if it went against United’s notional attacking traditions, it reflected the cast-iron back line that that side were built on. Speaking a few years ago, Patrice Evra put that all down to Queiroz, who was then assistant manager at United.

“I remember the semi-final against Barcelona away when he was speaking with everybody before the second half,” Evra said.

“The team felt very strong at Barcelona and this was because of the work of Carlos Queiroz. Tactically, he brought something very important to Manchester United.

“The secret is just to get close, to not let him have the first touch. If he goes quickly with the ball it is very difficult to stop a player like Messi or Cristiano [Ronaldo]. You need to get in strong and close; not foul but be strong and close. After that you can enjoy your game. But if you let him get with the ball and let him run at you, it’s very difficult.”

Similar instructions certainly paid off against Nigeria in their opening 0-0 draw. The dismal nature of the game stood out in a strikingly attacking World Cup but that in itself is almost testament to Queiroz’s defensive organisation.

He admitted there was little attempt to attack but insisted that approach needed to be looked at from the perspective of a limited side like Iran.

Tonight, Iran will face a player of almost unlimited ability — at least when put into the right system. There has been a degree of controversy in Argentina since their own 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it has emerged Messi was one of a number of players who asked manager Alejandro Sabella to change formation from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 after an underwhelming first half. – Agencies

FORTALEZA - Germany will be hoping history doesn't repeat itself when they tackle Ghana in their second World Cup Group G match at Fortaleza tonight.

Historically, Die Mannschaft has a tradition of winning their opening group match at World Cup finals, only to struggle in their second game.

At the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals, they drew their second matches, piling on the pressure for the final group game in order to qualify.

They endured a nervy 1-0 win over Poland in 2006 but four years ago they suffered a shock defeat to Serbia in their second match.

It left the Germans needing to beat Ghana in their final group match and memories of that nervy night in Johannesburg, when a Mesut Ozil goal put them through, still linger.

"That's warning enough for us," said Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker, who will win his 100th cap for Germany.

"We know what we have to do and will go into the second game with all seriousness."

Following Monday's 4-0 thumping of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Germany know another victory would leave them on the verge of the last 16.

They will qualify for the knock-out phase if they beat Ghana and then USA avoid defeat against Portugal on Sunday in Manaus.

Germany may be forced to reshuffle their back-four as Mats Hummels struggles to recover from a thigh injury.

The centre-back has been unable to train with the squad since he had to be helped off with deep bruising to his right thigh against Portugal.

Should the Borussia Dortmund star miss out, right-back Jerome Boateng will move across to partner Mertesacker in the centre.

Sampdoria's 22-year-old defender Shkodran Mustafi would then win his third cap at right-back, having come on for Hummels against Portugal.

After their 2-1 defeat to the USA in their group opener, Ghana need a win to keep their last 16 dreams alive.

Ghana's footballer of the year Kwadwo Asamoah has begged coach Kwesi Appiah to put him back in a more attacking role for the Fortaleza clash.

Asamoah was devastated by the Black Stars' US defeat and is eager to be given the chance to attack the Germans.

The 25-year-old was used as a left-sided defender in a loose 4-2-3-1 formation that failed to fire.

"I'm not a left back and I'm finding it difficult because I'd like to show what I'm capable of and show that I can do more," the Juventus midfielder said.

Ghana's Berlin-born midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who faces his half-brother Jerome in the German defence, has turned up the heat by describing the Fortaleza clash as a gladiatorial-style 'fight to the death'.

A former German youth international, Kevin-Prince Boateng has made a habit of criticising Loew's side and his latest comments left the Germany camp cold.

"Kevin-Prince always has loose expressions on his lips," said reserve goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller. – Agencies

Today

Argentina v Iran 6pm, German v Ghana 9pm, Nigeria v Bosnia-Herzogovina 11:59pm

LONDON - Costa Rica saved the Queen. But there was no saving England. The end of Roy Hodgson’s team World Cup dream has been confirmed.

England needed Italy to win here in order to cling to the most slender of lifelines, yet the hope was snuffed out by Costa Rica, the tournament’s most romantic surprise. The only consolation was for Her Majesty. Mario Balotelli had demanded a kiss from her if Italy triumphed.

Costa Rica have qualified from the Group of Death that was supposed to eat them alive, and nobody can say that they do not deserve it. After last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Uruguay, they went toe to toe with the four-times world champions and they were the better team.

They shrugged off the harsh decision not to award them a 43rd-minute penalty for a barge by Giorgio Chiellini on Joel Campbell to strike the decisive blow through the captain Bryan Ruiz. The Fulham forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, can cherish one of the goals of his life.

Fulham will begin next season in the Championship after their relegation but Ruiz can look ahead to a World Cup knock-out tie.

The Costa Rican celebrations at full-time were frenzied. They have laughed in the face of those that have belittled them.

Their final group tie against England will be a stress-free occasion. Italy have rather more to fight for.

Their fixture against Uruguay in Natal next Tuesday is now winner-takes-all. Italy do have the safety net of the draw.

But they will have to play a lot better than this. Apart from a gilt-edged Balotelli miss in the first half, they created little. It was Costa Rica’s cool passing, organisation and commitment that defined the occasion.

There has been a Latin American brotherhood of communal support during these finals, and most of the stadium here wanted Costa Rica to win.

But there was a corner of Europe that was draped in blue for 90 minutes. It is an indictment of England’s back-to-back Group D failures that it had come to this – praying for a favour from Italy.

Many England fans would gladly have allowed Balotelli to enjoy a bit of petting with Her Royal Highness in the event of his team doing the business.

It was desperation time. Not that Italy or Costa Rica cared about the consequences for Roy Hodgson, the players, Queen or country.

This was their opportunity to stride boldly towards the last 16.

After Balotelli had battled with Giancarlo González – a theme of the afternoon – the ball broke for the midfielder but he dragged harmlessly wide.

Costa Rica brought the game to life in the closing minutes of the first half, with the trigger being Óscar Duarte’s back header that looped just over.

Initially, there was the burning sense of injustice. After Chiellini’s miscontrol had allowed Campbell to burst clear, the Italy defender chased back to bundle him over. The Chilean referee, Enrique Osses, was the only person inside the stadium who did not think it was a penalty.

Moments later Costa Rica were in the lead. From Júnior Díaz’s left-wing cross, Bryan Ruiz got in between Chiellini and Matteo Darmian too easily to head home off the underside of the crossbar. Goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had bounced over the line. – The Guardian

HARARE - Zimbabwean midfielder Elvis Meleka has no plans for renewing his contract with his Botswana club Mochudi Centre Chiefs next season and now eyes a move to the Castle Premiership.

Meleka’s contract with Chiefs is coming to an end on July 31 and has no plans of returning to Botswana.

“I will not renew my contract with Chiefs and I have no intention of going back,” Meleka told the Daily News yesterday.

The midfielder lured to Chiefs by Zimbabwean coach Madinda Ndlovu three years ago together with Arnold Chaka.

“I want to play my football at home. It is difficult to play outside the country,” Meleka added.

Meleka was doubtful of a return to the Botswana Premier League, saying even an increase in signing on fees would not lure him back.

The player’s representative, Makhosi Sibanda of Links International Zimbabwe, confirmed the player’s contract comes to an end on July 31.

Sibanda, however, would not state what the player’s next move would be; only saying he was on off-season break in Harare.

There are reports that cash rich Zvishavane-based FC Platinum and newly promoted ZPC Kariba are the clubs in the lead to land the midfielder’s signature.

Sources close to the player said he was unhappy about a couple of issues at the club hence his announcement that he would not return.

“Those boys (Meleka and Arnold Chaka) were not treated well, they always complained about salaries coming late. They thought the coming in of a new sponsor would change things but it never. Elvis has his mind made up on going back to Zimbabwe,” said the source.

Meleka was the mainstay of Chiefs during their back-to-back League title triumphs under Ndlovu.

Chaka’s contract with Chiefs also comes to an end this month and the defender is already negotiating with a number of local clubs as he also eyes a return to the Caste Premiership.

HWANGE - Former FC Platinum coach Tenant Chilumba – now in charge of Power Dynamos in his native Zambia – has confirmed interest in the Zimbabwean trio of Winston Mhango, Rodwell Chinyengetere and Petros Mhari.

Goalkeeper Mhari, midfielder Mhango and striker Chinyengetere played under Chilumba at Zimbabwean club Hwange.

When the Zambian left Hwange to join fellow Castle Premiership side Platinum in 2013, he took along with him Mhari and Mhango.

Chinyengetere stayed with Hwange, but would have also moved to Zvishavane had it not been for a career-threatening injury that side-lined him for the entire season.

Chilumba left Platinum in unclear circumstances barely midway into the season last term, but has kept tabs on the Zimbabwean trio.

"We are interested in signing Winston, Rodwell and goalkeeper Mhari next month when the mid-season window opens,” Chilumba told the Daily News from Zambia yesterday.

"I have made contact with the players to let them know of our desire to have them come on board, but they are still contracted therefore we might be pushed to negotiate with their respective teams.”

Kitwe-based Power Dynamos, who have won five Zambian league titles, are current in second position in the MTN/FAZ Super Division.

JOHANNESBURG - One week into the 2014 World Cup and one thing which has become so obvious is that soccer on the African continent has alarmingly gone backwards instead of moving forward.

Countries like Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria carried so much hope for the continent but after a week of huge disappointment, even the most die-hard fanatics have started to sit back and take stock.

The so-called Indomitable Lions’ 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Croatia summed up the sorry state of African football and those who have been clamouring for the continent to have additional slots at the World Cup, have been given food for thought.

One thing which has come out of this fiesta is that African players lack discipline, put money matters ahead of their country and that soccer in general on the continent has remained rooted in ancient tactics when the rest of the world has moved on.

Following disappointment in the 2010 World Cup held here in Mzansi where only the Black Stars of Ghana managed to go beyond the knock out stages, a lot was expected from the African continent’s five representatives.

But defeats for Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana and tepid draw for Nigeria against minnows Iran, coupled with Cote d’Ivoire’s defeat to Colombia have brought some sobering thoughts about the lack of seriousness in which Africa takes this sport.

There has been talk of infighting within African teams’ camps and Wednesday’s embarrassing open fighting among Cameroonian players underscored how the 2014 World Cup has exposed African teams’ lack of discipline.

Last week I touched on the issue of Cameroon players complaining about bonuses on the eve of them leaving for the World Cup and now one understands why they did so. They knew very well they were not going to the 2014 World Cup to compete but embarrass the continent and so by demanding hefty bonuses, they will have secured their most prized motive – money.

There has been talk that Africa should get extra slots at the World Cups but following another shambolic performance by the five representatives, no one in his sober senses would like to raise this matter again.

While Africa’s representatives have been busy embarrassing the continent, this World Cup is threatening to do away with the normal standing order.

With defending champions Spain and England already preparing to board the plane back home, more heavyweights are likely to follow suit in the coming days.

Smaller nations like Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica meanwhile, have shown little respect of the pecking order.

Mexico’s goalless draw against hosts Brazil to me what one of the highlights of this World Cup which has produced plenty of goals and upsets.

Chile who knocked out Spain in chilling fashion are an exciting and adventurous side capable of going all the way while Costa Rica who floored Uruguay are also dark horses full of running, gifted and can score some audacious goals.

Why our African teams cannot show the same hunger, beats me.

Having said that Italy, Germany, Brazil and Argentina have all realised that for them to avoid going the same way as Spain and England, they have to raise their game - and boy, they have really stepped up the plate.

So far, apart from Africa’s usual disappointment, it has been a World Cup to remember.

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HARARE - 1987 ZIMBABWE Rugby World Cup star Grant Davidson has been hugely impressed by the current Sables squad, which has to overcome numerous obstacles in their quest to return to world rugby’s biggest showcase in more than two decades.

Brendan Dawson’s men play in a World Cup qualification tournament in Madagascar at the end of the month against the hosts, Namibia and Kenya. The winner of the four-nation Africa Cup contest automatically qualifies for next year’s World Cup in England.

But unlike their opponents, the Sables have had to make do with limited resources, amongst them failing to secure any significant warm-up matches due to empty coffers.

However, Davidson believes despite several difficulties, the commitment of players who have donned the hooked green and white jersey has been unwavering.

“The drain of our talent, our people who have gone to varsities overseas has been enormous,” Harare-born Davidson tells the Daily News.

“Others have left in search of money. Our rugby structures have suffered. But we can try and mend the bridge if we qualify.

“For the players it could be the start of their careers.

“That’s where people like Richard Tsimba (late) and Adrian Garvey (veteran of two Rugby World Cups for Zimbabwe and South Africa) made rugby a career. Out of being noticed at the World Cup.

“You are on the world stage. Get to the World Cup and make a show. It doesn’t mean if you are not one of the top sides you won’t get noticed.”

The former Oriel Boys High front rower, who earned the nickname ‘Jumbo’ due to his size and strength, was part of the Sables squad that debuted at the 1987 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. He was 26 at the time.

Zimbabwe were competing at the invitation of the International Rugby Board (IRB), chosen as one of 16 countries from among more than 110 rugby playing nations.

Rank outsiders Zimbabwe opened their account at the World Cup against Romania, who had been hugely expected to put the Africans to the sword only to sneak home 21-20 winners.

The Sables then played Scotland in Wellington, losing out 21-60 before their defence was ran rugged by the French 70-12 in their final pool match.

“We let ourselves down severely when we were leading 20-9 against Romania,” Davidson recalls.

“(Centre) Richard Tsimba scored what was later to be one of the best tries of the tournament. He got a pass from Craig Brown down the wing.

“But in scoring that try he injured his shoulder. We tried to defend that lead instead of increasing, it then we were narrowly beaten.

“But the experience was awesome. Here we were, little amateur Zimbabweans who worked from 8am to 5pm every day and then trained from 5pm to half past six.

“That was amazing. That is what the guys are going to find out if they manage to qualify.”

Born in 1961 in the capital, Davidson came to prominence during Harare Sports Club’s tour to England, Scotland and Wales in 1982.

His selection into the national side in 1985 was confirmation of his immense potential.

But a reoccurring back injury and a knee injury would spell the end of his career.

“I had a really bad knee operation and still to this day I’m still waiting for a knee replacement,” he says.

Davidson reckons Tsimba, the first black player to represent his country, is one of the finest talents to emerge out of Zimbabwe.

“He was incredibly talented, if I was to choose the best five players the country has produced, he will be one of them alongside the likes of Ian Robertson,” says Davidson.

“He chose to go to America after that tournament. He didn’t want to work hard but had incredible talent.”

Capped 33 times, Davidson, a freelance car salesman in Harare, was not always a rugby fanatic.

His first love in the 1960s was motocross alongside the likes of Shane and Blaize Thomas, the latter who would become a seven-time Zimbabwe motocross champion.

Asked his most memorable game, the 53-year-old says:

“Beating Prince Edward in 1979 when we (Oriel Boys High) were just minnows.”

GWERU - Harare city coach Bigboy Mawiwi was left fuming after his charges allowed Chapungu to come back into the match and force a late equaliser in a Castle Larger Premiership match at Ascot Stadium that ended 1-1 yesterday.

Mawiwi had declared before the match that he was gunning for maximum points and true to his words, his side showed more determination to win the match as they were offensive from the onset.

“Its two points dropped rather than a point gained. We had a number of chances that we should have buried. We were the dominant side and we should have won. Anyway its football it happens,” said Mawiwi after the match.

William Manondo gave the Sunshine Boys the lead in the after 19 minutes when he fired in a shot that took a deflection off Agrippa Murimba before beating Chapungo keeper Roy mazingi.

The goal was created by the Phineas Bamusi, who weaved past a number of Chapungu players before squaring the ball for Manondo.

Bamusi was a constant thorn in the flesh for the home side’s defenders as he caused a lot of problems down the wings.

Murimba had a chance to make it 2-0 five minutes later but his shot off a rebound was punched for a corner by Mazingi.

Harare City continued piling on the pressure but they found Mazingi unyielding with the former Shabanie Mine goalie coming up with timely saves to keep his team in the match.

After the breather, the visitors had a number of chances to wrap up the match with Manondo coming face-to-face with Mazingi but the Chapungu goalkeeper came off his line to narrow the angle and blocked the effort.

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino made a double substitution bringing in Farai Manase and Victor Bangira for Charles Murisa and Brighton Mugoni.

The changes failed to bring the desired equaliser for the hosts but with the match destined for a City win, Chapungu got a lucky break when they were awarded a free kick on the right three minutes from time.

Lawrence Maphuya swung in a delightful ball inside the box and Rodwell Mhlanga was at hand to connect with a sweetly-timed volley past City goalie Maxwell Nyamupanedengu for the equaliser.

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino said: “We didn’t come to the party today. The draw is a good result because we were not in the match at all. Harare city had a number of chances which they could have wrapped up the match but they failed to do so.”

HARARE - Dynamos defender Ocean Mushure has insisted that the pressure will be almost entirely on Highlanders when the country’s two biggest clubs clash in a Castle Premiership match at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Mushure is adamant DeMbare is not concerned with the threat posed by Bosso and that it is their opponents, given the expectations placed upon them, who actually face the greatest challenge.

The Bulawayo giants last beat DeMbare in 2006, the year they last laid their hands on the Premiership trophy.

Since then, Bosso is yet to collect maximum points against DeMbare in their last 14 league matches. The best that Highlanders has done is drawing seven times and losing as many times.

And Mushure feels Kelvin Kaindu’s men will wilt under the pressure to break the jinx.

“We are motivated because we are playing against a big team,” Mushure said.

“There is good mood in the camp. Everyone is looking forward to the match and I don’t see any reason why we cannot win this match.

“We are not under pressure. It’s actually Highlanders who will be under pressure because they are eager to break their poor record against us. They would also want to keep their unbeaten run intact.

“They are playing well but this match has nothing to do with form. Even if we are not playing well against Highlanders we will rise to the occasion.”

Mushure rallies the Glamour Boys’ supporters to come in their numbers and cheer the team.

“Our supporters should come in their numbers and rally behind the team. It is in matches like these ones that our fans need to rally behind the team,” he said.

“The league is a marathon and there is still a lot of time. We are only focusing on picking as many points as we can.

“These are type of matches that determine your character if you re to win the championship,” added Mushure.”

Bosso come into tomorrow’s match in second place on the log table after the Bulawayo giants garnered 21 points from 11 matches.

In contrast, fifth-placed Dynamos have lost four times in 11 games with the reigning champions managing a draw and six wins.

DeMbare will take some comfort in that they are just three points off the pace and two behind Bosso, who remain their biggest rivals for the title.

The two teams were last week derailed in their league assignments with DeMbare suffering a 1-0 loss against Hwange at the Colliery while Bosso played a one-all draw against Triangle at Gibbo Stadium.

Fixtures:

Today: Bantu Rovers v Buffaloes (Luveve), Black Rhinos v Triangle United (Rimuka, SS).

Tomorrow: Chiredzi v CAPS United (Chishamiso), Dynamos v Highlanders (National Sports Stadium, SS), Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery), How Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve), Shabanie Mine v ZPC Kariba (Maglas)

HARARE - Zimbabwe national rugby team survived injury concerns yesterday after a number of players limped off during a warm up match between the Wildebeast XV and the Impala XV here.

Prop Denford Mutamangira was first on the injury list after picking up a concussion before hooker Simba Mandioma was carried off with a similar injury.

Replacement prop Lawrence Clemson also gave the Sables technical team a scare after picking up a cut on the side of his head.

However, Sables coach Brendon Dawson shrugged off the injury concerns as ‘nothing.’

The Sables were using the match to gear up for the four-nation Africa Cup tournament set for Antananarivo, Madagascar at the end of the month.

The tournament will act as the final qualifying stage for the 2015 IRB Rugby World Cup with the winner of the Madagascar tourney sealing one of Africa’s slot in England.

“Nah they are all fine. It’s just minor injuries but it’s not too bad they will all recover and they will be fine,” he said.

Dawson was impressed with the fighting spirit shown by the players.

“We have two great scrumhalves. You saw Guy Cronje moving from fly half to scrumhalf. So we have the options,” he said.

“It’s going to be difficult to pick out players. You could see the quality that we have. So its up to us to make sure we pick the right guys.”

Teams

Wildebeast XV:15.Danny Robertson, 14.Gerald Sibanda, 13.Shayne Makombe, 12.Daniel Hondo, 11.Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, 10.Lenience Tambwera, 9.Peter Du Toit, 8.Kingsley Lang, 7.Graeme Lawler, 6.Njabulo Ndlovu, 5.Michael Passaportis, 4.Jan Ferreira, 3.Farai Mudariki/Lawrence Clemenson, 2.Keith Murray, 1.Pieter Joubert.

Impala XV: 15.Tangai Nemadire, 14.Josh Rowe, 13.Stephan Hunduza, 12.Tichafara Makwanya, 11.Gardner Nechironga, 10.Guy Cronje, 9.Hamilton Mudariki, 8.Lambert Groenewald, 7.Jacques Leitao, 6.Fortune Chipendu, 5.Schalk Ferreira, 4.Sanele Sibanda, 3.Kevin Nqindi/Tapiwa Mangezi, 2.Simba Mandioma, 1.Denford Mutamangira/Royal Mwale.

HARARE - Edmund Kudzayi, the Sunday Mail editor has been remanded in custody to Monday pending his bail application.

He is being charged with subverting a constitutional government by attempting to commit an act of insurgency, banditry, sabotage and terrorism.

CHARGED: Sunday Mail editor Edmund Kudzayi leaves the Rotten Row Magistrates Court after his initial appearance on Saturday morning. Picture: Idah Mhetu

The 28-year-old is also being charged with undermining the authority of the president by publishing false statements prejudicial to the state as well as failing to secure ammunition.

Kudzayi was arrested on Thursday after police raided the Herald House, the headquarters of the state-controlled Zimpapers stable.

Kudzayi was not in the office at the time of the raid but he was later arrested at his lawyer’s offices.

He was appointed to head the Sunday Mail in April much to the chagrin of some Zanu PF heavyweights and seasoned scribes at Zimpapers.

Following his appointment in April, the State media described Kudzayi as “a media consultant with a strong technical background in software development and digital media.”

Kudzayi was linked to the online news website The African Aristocrat which in 2010 published stories about the first family’s personal lives. Kudzayi is also linked to the Facebook page Baba Jukwa.

More to follow...

LONDON - Lionel Messi scored in time added on to give Argentina a barely deserved 1-0 win over a feisty Iran in their Group F encounter at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

The heavily favoured South Americans were frustrated by some tenacious defending throughout. In the first half Messi was largely contained by Iran's defence though he did win a freekick outside the penalty area in the 31st minute which he fired over the bar.

He also floated in a freekick in the 36th which was headed just over by Ezequiel Garay.

The second half saw the Iranians almost snatch the tie on a number of occasions, and they also had a very good shout for a penalty turned down.

In the end though it was a typical Messi goal that secured Argentina their second win of the tournament, cutting in from the right and curling a left-foot shot just inside the far post. - Reuters

HARARE - Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) is trying to lure Afghanistan to replace Bangladesh, who cancelled the Zimbabwe A tour that was scheduled for next month.

The Zimbabwe national team hosts South Africa in a one-off Test match from August 9 before engaging the Proteas in three ODIs.

Australia, who will be travelling to Zimbabwe for the first time in a decade, will then join the hosts and South Africa for a one-day triangular series beginning on August 25.

In order to prepare for the Proteas and the Aussies’ visit, ZC had lined up a tour for the Zimbabwe A side to travel to Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board, however, decided to cancel the tour which comprised of two four-day games and three one-day matches, because it coincided with the monsoon season.

The sub-continent nation is currently experiencing relentless heavy rains that make it impossible to play cricket matches.

“We are talking to Afghanistan to finalise the details about the planned tour, which we will host,” ZC spokesperson Lovemore Banda told the Daily News on Sunday.

“As of now the tour comprises four One-Day International (ODI) games but we would like to add a couple of one-day and four-day matches for the Zimbabwe A side so we are discussing that now after which we will release the itinerary.”