HARARE - Zimbabwe is set to receive normal rains in the 2017/18 season, but they will be falling late, the Meteorological Services Department (Met) has predicted.

The rainfall patterns are divided into two sub-seasons — October to December 2017 and January to March 2018.

“Using statistical, other climate prediction schemes and expert interpretation, the climate scientists determined likelihoods of above normal, and below normal rainfall for each area, that is, October-November-December (OND) and January-February-March,” said Met’s Zimbabwe National Outlook Forum in a report.

“Region one; Harare, much of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, north-eastern parts of Midlands, most of Manicaland have an increased chance of above normal rainfall,” the report said.

“Region two, which includes the greater part of Matabeleland North, parts of Midlands and parts of Mashonaland West have an increased chance of normal to below normal rainfall. Region three, Masvingo, the bulk of Midlands, the extreme southern parts of Manicaland and the bulk of Matabeleland have an increased chance of normal to below normal rainfall.”

“October rains are generally erratic for rain-fed agriculture, more meaningful rains should begin in November. It would be prudent to put in place measures for early cloud seeding programme in light of expected slow start of the season particularly in regions two and three,” it read.

“Flash flood and cyclones are likely as the season progresses,” the report warned.

“The seasonal rainfall predictions will be updates on a monthly basis beginning end of October. In addition there will be daily weather and 10-day weather bulletins that will take into account any changes. It is commendable that agricultural inputs have already been distributed to most regions.”

Agricultural economist and consultant Peter Gambara said farmers should plant early to improve their yields.

“A big lesson is that maize planting should start early for several reasons. Firstly, long season maize varieties that were distributed last season have yield potentials of up to 16 tonnes per hectare. Many farmers contracted last season can dream of getting anywhere near such yields if they start planting as early as October. Secondly, it was difficult for most farmers who planted long season maize varieties to harvest on time and then plant winter wheat as maize moisture content was still high,” Gambara said in an opinion published in one local weekly newspaper.

HARARE - A 71-year-old man — Enock Mbiriyakura — was left homeless after his son allegedly fraudulently used his house’s title deeds to acquire a loan, and failed to pay it back.

The court heard that Mbiriyakura was shocked when he was asked to move out of his house by another person who had purchased it during an auction.

His son, 55-year-old Tichafa Mbiriyakura, has since appeared before Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko charged with fraud.

The complainant is Enock, who is now of no fixed abode after he was evicted from his Kambuzuma home in Harare.

On a date unknown to the prosecutor, but sometime in the 90s, Tichafa asked his father for permission to register the house in his name and acquire title deeds.

The court heard that Tichafa advised his father that he wanted to use title deeds as collateral to secure a loan to build a house in Norton.

Tichafa’s father allegedly agreed and he proceeded to obtain deeds for the house in his name before acquiring the loan, which he repaid.

After the transaction, Enock did not bother asking his son to change the house’s ownership back into his name.

It was alleged that Tichafa, without his father’s consent, used the title deeds again and borrowed cash, but failed to repay.

The court heard that Enock only got to know about the second loan after he was approached by one Fortunate Chikamhi, who had bought the house at an auction.

It was alleged that Enock was later served with a notice of removal by the Sheriff and was subsequently evicted from the house on April 13 this year.

According to court records, Enock is currently homeless and the total value of prejudice is $40 000.

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HARARE - Former gospel musician, Elias Musakwa, who is being charged for threatening to shoot a neighbour, has applied for an acquittal, arguing the prosecution failed to prove a case against him.

Musakwa — answering to charges of threats to commit future violence before Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko — had allegedly been asked by the neighbour to reduce his radio volume.

He claims he was ridiculed by the State which, after summoning him back to court, only relied on evidence from one witness because it had not finished recording statements from others.

Musakwa is being represented by Victuals Mapepa and Purity Chikangaise, and has filed his application for discharge at close of State case pending a determination by Mateko on September 8.

“Section  198 (3) of the Criminal Procedure and  Evidence Act underscores that if at the close of the prosecution’s case there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence the court shall retain a verdict of not guilty,” Mapepa said.

“The prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of the charge of threats of future violence charged against the accused person and there was no evidence proffered by the prosecution which a reasonable court can convict the accused person.

“The evidence put forward on behalf of the State was manifestly unreliable such that the court cannot act upon it hence failing to establish a ‘prima facie’ case against the accused person.”

Prosecutor Nyikadzino Machingura alleged that sometime in September last year, Kennedy Mudukuti filed a complaint against Musakwa at Ruwa Police Station.

He alleged that Musakwa was polluting their neighbourhood with noise as he played loud music at his house during “functions”.

The court heard that police officers from Ruwa proceeded to Musakwa’s residence and cautioned him of criminal nuisance.

This did not go down well with Musakwa, who allegedly planned to confront the complainant later about the issue.

It was alleged that on October 19 last year, the Wanga Murena hit-maker saw Mudukuti by his gate.

The court heard that Musakwa confronted Mudukuti and threatened to kill him with a gun, if he continued to take their matters to the police.

Musakwa reportedly warned Mudukuti that he and his family would be in “serious trouble” if they interfered with functions that he frequently held at his residence.

The threats caused Mudukuti discomfort and he notified the police about the issue.

Musakwa was subsequently arrested.

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HARARE - Senior Harare lawyers — Fred Machokoto and Pardon Nhokwara — are facing theft of trust property charges after they reportedly pocketed $57 000 which they had received on behalf their clients.

Machokoto, 42, appeared before Harare magistrate Josephine Sande and was released on $200 bail, but his co-accused, Nhokwara, a lawyer at Madzingira and Nhokwara Legal Practitioners, is still at large.

Machokoto and Partners Legal Practitioners, which operates from Hillside in Harare, is also cited as an accused person.

The complainants are Patience Tsvakwi, Killiot Mukanya, Robert Makwanya, Tawanda Mungwari, and Simbarashe Murewa — all farmers at Lot 3A Triangle Ranch Farm in Chiredzi.

In 2013, Tsvakwi and the other farmers got offer letters from the Lands ministry for the Triangle Ranch land, which was formerly owned by Triangle Limited.

Prosecutor, Sabastian Mutizirwa, alleged that the farmers conducted sugarcane production on the piece of land and delivered it to Triangle Limited for sale.

The court heard that Triangle Limited refused to pay the farmers and they sought reprieve from the High Court.

It was alleged that Tsvakwi and colleagues wanted Triangle Limited evicted from the plot and payment for the sugarcane they had delivered to the company.

The farmers won the case and entered into a Deed of Settlement with Triangle Limited and agreed to receive $57 000 in full and final settlement of the matter.

According to State papers, Triangle Limited then transferred the $57 000 through its lawyers, Scanlen and Holderness, into Machokoto Legal Firm’s account for remittance to the farmers.

However, it is alleged that Machokoto and Nhokwara went on to instruct the Sheriff to attach Triangle Limited’s property, saying the funds had not reflected in their account.

On April 5 last year, Nhokwara approached Triangle Limited in the Sheriff’s company and demanded payment of $68 098, 89 and the money was forwarded into the trust account again.

Machokoto and Nhokwara were supposed to return $57 000 to Scanlen and Holderness, since Triangle Limited had made another payment of $68 098, 89.

Instead of returning the money back to Scanlen and Holderness, the duo, who were both signatories to the trust account, reportedly converted $57 000 to personal use.

The State is in possession of bank statements showing funds transfer from Scanlen and Holderness Legal Practitioners into Machokoto’s bank account and another one showing transfer of money from Triangle Limited, which will be produced during trial.

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HARARE - Former vice president Joice Mujuru’s National People Party (NPP) is seeking $4,8 million in donations to fund its campaign for the forthcoming 2018 elections.

This comes as opposition parties have hit hard times, with the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC recently admitting it was going through financial difficulties and desperately awaiting a $2 million-plus payment through the Political Parties Finance (PPF) Act.

The NPP sent the SOS during the party’s national executive council meeting in Harare recently, with its national chairperson Dzikamai Mavhaire telling the Daily News that they needed financial capacity to withstand the well-oiled Zanu PF machinery in the approaching 2018 polls.

“The parties that receive money through the PPF Act are Zanu PF and the MDC. We finance ourselves. So we must raise our own funds. At the moment we have a target to use that money for our campaigns,” he said.

“Every political party is self-financed. Some of us came from National Democratic Party and then from Zapu. We used to self-finance our activities,” said Mavhaire, a former Zanu PF politburo member.

Provisions of the PPF Act prescribe that political parties that secure at least five percent of the total votes cast are entitled to funding from Treasury.

Given recent election results, only Zanu PF and the MDC qualify for the funding.

However, Treasury has been unable to release the funding because of poor revenue inflows that have resulted in government staggering salary payments for civil servants.

Mavhaire — a former Energy minister in President Robert Mugabe’s Cabinet — said he was confident NPP will secure the $4,8 million from its membership.

“That’s the minimum...we know our people, the population that we have and the responses that we are getting, we will get there,” he said.

Earlier on, Mavhaire had indicated that many NPP members dumped the party owing to its financial position, saying “when we formed this party people thought that they will take the top posts, some thought they would make a lot of money but when they saw that there was none of that, they left”.

In MDC’s case, the party sent an SOS to members of the public and its traditional donors to lend a helping hand.

The party’s spokesperson, Obert Gutu, confirmed to the Daily News that they had fallen on hard times.

Gutu said Treasury had been extremely uncooperative when it came to disbursing money owed to the MDC, suggesting Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa and his team could be withholding payments to cripple their rivals.

“We last received money from Treasury several months ago and naturally, this adversely affects our operations as a political party,” said Gutu.

“However, the MDC is a massive organisation with millions of supporters who have been bankrolling the party’s operations. We are the best hope for the people of Zimbabwe and I would like to take this opportunity to most sincerely thank all our supporters and other stakeholders for solidly standing with us through thick and thin,” he added.

Recently, the Deputy Sherriff raided MDC’s Harvest House headquarters and attached an assortment of furniture over a $108 000 debt owed to ex-workers.

The party is also struggling to pay its workers, including complying with statutory obligations such as payments to the National Social Security Authority.

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HARARE - South African socialite Zodwa Wabantu insists that her visit to Zimbabwe is still on as her contract with the tour promoter has not been cancelled.

The Board of Censors banned Zodwa from participating in the Harare International Carnival on the basis that her signature look — short dress with no panties — would violate the country’s laws, especially the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act (Chapter 10: 04) section 16.

But a defiant Zodwa told a South African newspaper — Sunday Independent — that she will come to Harare as scheduled.

“My booking is not cancelled and all my travel arrangements remain the same,” she said.

Zodwa went on to set her own conditions to Zimbabwean promoters, defiantly insisting that she will not change her signature look.

“I told them if they want me to wear a covered outfit and panties then they must buy it for me because I don’t have any. I won’t change my look just for Zimbabwe, I have so many people who admire me and book me because of my look, should I change that I’ll lose a lot of money over one gig. I can’t risk that,” she said, adding that she would not be deterred by “a hater” who tried to get her banned from attending the Harare International Carnival.

“That woman is talking rubbish; my invite has not been cancelled.

“In Zimbabwe, it’s where I will be on September 7, I will not be stopped by her jealousy driven complaint. She is not the one who invited me in the first place.

“I don’t even know why she sticks her nose in my business instead of focusing on herself. There are many Zimbabweans working in South Africa, why should it be an issue if I am invited to perform there?” said a fuming Zodwa.

The controversial South African is determined to confront Nhira on the matter.

“I would love to have a word with her about this. She is just jealous of me. She must work hard on her acting career, maybe she will end up making more money like myself,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer Karikoga Kaseke told the Daily News that the authority will have a meeting with the Board of Censors on Zodwa’s ban today.

“We are meeting them on Monday. We want to understand where they are coming from as a board. The meeting will help to iron out some of the vague issues around Zodwa’s visit. It is not clear whether the board banned her from visiting the country or to take part in the carnival,” Kaseke said.

He told the Daily News that his organisation would use the meeting to map the way forward on Zodwa who was originally scheduled to grace the Samba Night set for the Private Lounge on Wednesday, which will also feature Brazilian and Cuban girls.

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HARARE - Zanu PF’s national political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, is regaining lost ground in the ruling party — buoyed by First Lady Grace Mugabe — who threw her full weight behind the Mount Darwin South legislator more than five weeks ago after his nemeses had sharpened their knives over his alleged political indiscretions.

Kasukuwere was subjected to months of sharp criticism, including demonstrations across the party’s provinces that were calling for either his dismissal or re-assignment on allegations of creating parallel structures to grab power from the country’s first citizen — President Robert Mugabe.

In the midst of the protests that saw nine out of 10 provinces passing votes of no confidence against him, the Local Government minister struggled to perform his commissariat functions as some of the provincial executive members across the country snubbed his meetings for fear of reprisals.

This had continued during the course of investigations into his conduct led by Zanu PF politburo member and National Assembly Speaker, Jacob Mudenda, who was dispatched by Mugabe to probe the charges, along with Simon Khaya-Moyo (national party spokesperson); Tsitsi Muzenda (committee member — politburo) and Xavier Kazizi (secretary for administration in the party’s youth league).

Even in the weeks that followed emotive discussions in the party’s supreme decision making body in between congresses — the politburo — where his case was referred to the presidium for finalisation, Kasukuwere’s political future had remained in limbo.

Tables were, however, turned after Grace exonerated him at a Zanu PF youth interface rally held in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, in July, and since then almost all provinces have been attending his meetings.

Zanu PF insiders told the Daily News recently that thereafter some of Kasukuwere’s tormentors have been beating a hasty retreat upon realising that “they had been misled into believing that Mugabe and his wife were unhappy with Kasukuwere and wanted them to make it easy for them to censure him”.

But even though strange bedfellows seem to be closing ranks, many are still worried that the abrasive Kasukuwere might hit back on them for organising the demonstrations in various provinces. With primary elections now around the corner, there are fears that Kasukuwere could use his position to make it difficult for them to stand in either parliamentary or local government elections.

Zanu PF insiders said some of Kasukuwere’s rivals are trooping to him to ask for forgiveness under the cover of darkness in the hope that they would be allowed to seek re-election or new mandates as Members of Parliament or councillors.

Khaya Moyo confirmed the development yesterday saying Zanu PF structures were indeed rising above their differences to support the national political commissar, who is the party’s chief campaigner.

“Some of the demonstrations were stage-managed but that has since been discovered,” said the Zanu PF national spokesperson.

“We, however, are not in the habit, as a party, to block democratic engagements. So we also feel that it was their right to demonstrate only that if they are held, they must be within the dictates of the party’s constitution.

“The party never concentrates on individuals, we area people centred — guided by our programmes that come out the Zim-Asset economic blueprint. So it only makes us happy that our structures are uniting for that purpose throughout the country” he added.

Zim-Asset is the acronym for the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Economic Transformation economic blueprint that runs between 2009 and 2013.

In exonerating Kasukuwere, the all-powerful first lady said the same trick that was used to push out her former deputy in the Zanu PF Women’s League, Eunice Sandi Moyo, and treasurer, Sarah Mahoka, had been used against Kasukuwere.

“After the issue of Sandi and Mahoka, people used that to victimise Kasukuwere, they thought that if the president allowed his wife to remove Mahoka and Moyo, they will do the same. They mobilised people to demonstrate against Kasukuwere claiming he wanted to remove the president.

“This is not true, do you think Kasukuwere and his brothers can remove Mugabe — they are only three, do you think that is possible? Toda kutaurirana chokwadi, chokwadi ngachichibuda izvozvi iko kamukomana ikaka, nyangwe une zidumbu hako simuka iwe muri vaviri imimi kubvisa mudhara ane zimhomho rakadai iri, chokwadi ngachibude izvozvi (Kasukuwere is very small he cannot remove Mugabe even though he has a big belly, he is still a young man).

“Kasukuwere is a minister, a minister who was appointed by the president, Kasukuwere ari kuserver commissariat akaapoindwa napresident, hapana ane right yekuti ndinobvisa Kasukuwere president vasina kuti chokwadi ndizvozvo, hapana! (Kasukuwere serves the commissariat department after he was appointed by Mugabe and no one has the right to remove him).

“If people were not happy with Kasukuwere they should have sat down and wrote down their grievances before taking them to the president, not for grown-up men to plot against one man, stop it!

“No one is perfect; I am not saying he is perfect. He knows that if he is doing something wrong I would tell him. Stop attacking Jonathan (Moyo) today and tomorrow Kasukuwere. Let them do their work. You manufactured corruption charges against Jonathan. It’s too much; we have been quiet for a long time. This must be stopped,” said Grace.

Kasukuwere is believed to be a key member of a party faction known as the Generation 40, which is rabidly opposed to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidential ambitions.

A rival faction known as Team Lacoste is backing Mnangagwa.

Kasukuwere has been adamant that the Team Lacoste faction had hijacked a purely women’s league event to perpetrate its agenda.

Provinces canvassed by the Daily News, including Masvingo — the bastion of the Team Lacoste faction — confirmed that they had since buried the hatchet.

“The problems are over now and we are working all well, both those who were for and against the demonstrations because we realised that is what is the best for the party,” said Masvingo provincial chairman, Ezra Chadzamira.

“I do attend the meetings (with Kasukuwere) and I actually hope that when we meet this week (commissariat’s weekly meetings) we will get feedback from the party on the disciplinary cases we dealt with”.

In May, Masvingo province suspended its secretary for the commissariat, Jappy Jaboon, for five years after he was found guilty of causing divisions in the party, among other charges.

The provincial disciplinary committee, which tried him in absentia after he failed to turn up for his hearing, barred him from holding any party position for the next five years.

The Bikita South legislator was accused of creating parallel structures; fomenting divisions in the party; abusing his position and failing to execute his duties, among other things.

He was replaced by Jevas Masosote from Chiredzi.

In Mashonaland Central Province, where the anti-Kasukuwere demonstrations started, the leadership there told the Daily News yesterday that tranquillity had since returned to the region.

“We have decided not to concentrate on what happened in the past and now that elections are around the corner, we are more concerned about mobilising our people to vote to ensure a resounding victory for the president next year,” Kazembe said, adding that “currently we are having a Provincial Coordinating Committee (meeting) in preparation for the president’s coming next week,” deputy chairperson, Kazembe Kazembe.

Recently, Mashonaland Central’s Provincial Affairs minister Martin Dinha made a passionate appeal for to party officials who were involved in the fight against Kasukuwere to forgive each other when he addressed mourners in Bindura at the funeral of the late national hero, George Rutanhire, a fortnight ago.

He justified his call saying there was need for the party to stand united ahead of synchronised elections next year in which Mugabe might face his former deputy, Joice Mujuru, along with his long time rival, Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC.

Curiously, one of the State-owned weeklies ran an editorial advising Mnangagwa to dump his vocal sympathisers, as the fallout over Mugabe’s succession grows.

The editorial came amid a rumpus in Zanu PF over allegations that Mnangagwa was poisoned by alleged rivals.

“Following statements by President Mugabe and the first lady Dr Grace Mugabe during the Zanu PF presidential youth interface rally in Gweru last Friday, it indeed is time for the VP to clear the deck. It was clear from the statements by the president and the first lady that VP Mnangagwa is not the problem with regards to reports of factionalism emanating from the Midlands province.

“In fact, listening closely to the statements, one got a feeling that the biggest disappointment was that the VP was being let down by some overzealous and reckless barking dogs from the province and a few misguided elements from around the country.

“One writer once wrote: “You can run all you want, but the baggage you travel with will continue to hold you down until you let some of it go.” Another writer sarcastically wrote: “Pay excess baggage in airplanes, not in life. Let go!”

“The time has come for VP Mnangagwa to let go some baggage that is weighing him down. Why should he continue paying excess baggage in life as if he lives in an airplane? The Energy Mutodis of this world, the Victor Matemadandas of this world and many more jokers and spoilers out there are now excess baggage for the VP,” reads part of the editorial.

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HARARE - Veteran musician Oliver Mtukudzi is a man of all seasons but what distinguishes him from the rest of the pack is his penchant for delivering music of highest  quality at the big occasions.

And on Saturday, he chose the 2017 Gwanda Gospel Festival to remind the new breed of musicians that there is no substitute for quality and experience.

Mtukudzi, who celebrates his 65th birthday this month, was performing for the first time in Gwanda after a 20-year absence.

On Saturday, he was performing in front of the old and new generations but what has become his trademark, his polished act was universally acceptable to the bumper crowd which included VVIPs from South Africa and Zimbabwe including sponsors — Bigtime Strategic Group and its founder — Justice Maphosa and family.

Billed as the main act and the only performer who is not entirely into gospel music, Nzou, as Mtukudzi is known by his totem, gave an electric performance befitting the festival which drew a mammoth crowd which packed Pelandaba Stadium to rafters.

Mtukudzi took to the stage with the full backing of the Black Spirits at 00:48 hours and quickly got into serious business by deliberately electing to open with his popular song, Hear Me Lord.

Taken from his 1992 album, Zuwere muKobenhaven (Copenhagen), Hear Me Lord is Mtukudzi’s personal prayer.

“God knew that I would come back. Certainly, it did not feel like its been 20 years since I last performed in this stadium.

“It was written that I was supposed to comeback to Gwanda 20 years later and it was a special reunion because it came via a gospel festival,” he told the Daily News afterwards.

“Hear Me Lord is my personal prayer. Whenever I am frustrated I just sing that Hear Me Lord I am feeling low.

“ I am happy that it is not a periodical song. It has touched many lives and this goes to show you that it’s not a seasonal or periodical song,” added Mtukudzi.

It wasn’t about frustrations on Saturday as Tuku delivered most of the songs that have brought  him musical and commercial success over a career spanning more than 40 years.

Predictably, all time classics such as Tozeza Baba, Todii, Neria and Mutserendende triggered effortless responses from the big crowd as the legendary musician transported them to the years gone by with consummate ease.

For more than two hours, everyone was focused on the big stage as Tuku wowed them.

The  2017 Gwanda festival brought together powerful names in the gospel circles and it was fitting that among the top performers was South African soulful and delightful Solly Mahlangu.

He delivered a few songs from his impressive discography but that wasn’t the main highlight.

While the crowd was captivated by his music he was preparing to win hearts and souls of people “not saved” who were among the thousands in the stadium.

He appeared to have won in his mission as he sent the crowds into silence when he perfectly introduced the subject of his life.

He revealed that he was born out of rape and did not know his biological father but was grateful that indeed God has really been his father.

Paying tribute to his mother ahead of his 46th birthday which falls in October, Mahlangu said there was nothing which shows his mother’s love as she demonstrated to the whole world how faithful she was to the seed she was carrying even if it came via unsavoury means.

“I thank my mother for deciding not to abort me. Next month, I am turning 46 and I really grateful. God has a purpose in your life no matter how you came through,” he said as he concluded his act which was followed by ZimPraise.

Other big names that performed at the festival include Takesure Zamar Ncube, Michael Mahendere, Zara and Gwanda’s well-regarded acts.

The Gwanda festival was launched by Maphosa as a way of uniting the small mining community and celebrate the transformation of his life. Now in its third year, the festival has ceased to be about Gwanda as it has become international.

Maphosa was born in Gwanda, but left for South Africa a very tender age.

He is heavily credited with transforming communities in Matabeleland South directly and indirectly.

Recently he has been involved with the Miss Tourism and Miss World Zimbabwe.

Bigtime Strategic Group is the main sponsor for this year’s carnival which kicked off on Friday.

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HARARE - Colourful South African star Babes Wodumo’s maiden gig in Harare held at Alex Sports Club on Saturday was a big flop after only a handful of fans turned up.

The Wololo hit-maker, who had performed in Bulawayo the previous day, was expected to make a spectacular debut in Harare but it was not to be.

Babes Wodumo shared the stage with Alexio Kawara, Diana Samkange and DJs who included Raydizz and Lyaness in the monthly One Big Party gigs.

But with Zimbabwe’s biggest crowd puller Jah Prayzah performing at a free show a few kilometres away, it was always going to be a tall order for the One Big Party headlined by the South African music star Babes Wodumo.

The Watora Mari singer was the main performer at the Carnival Cultural Show and Costume Parade held at Longcheng Plaza near the National Sports Stadium.

The Wololo singer, who reportedly charges up to R100 000 for a gig, came on stage around 9pm but with venue virtually empty expecting her performance was a little lifeless.

The gig was wound up by Alexio kawara who went on stage around 10.

His playlist included most of his hits such as Shaina, Chihwande-Hwande, Newe and Tose.

HARARE - Martin Vengesai netted a first half brace as Harare City bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over a battling Tsholotsho side in a Castle Lager Premiership match here on Saturday.

The Sunshine Boys were, however, lucky to emerge victors and their coach Philani Ncube was the first to admit Tsholotsho gave them a good run for their money having survived a late surge by the visitors after Lucky Nyathi had pulled one back in the second half.

The Sunshine Boys came into yesterday’s match on the back of two successive defeats suffered at the hands of Bulawayo City and ZPC Kariba and pressure was beginning to mount on Ncube as he battles to save the team from relegation.

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“It was a game of two halves. We dominated in the first half and we could have scored four, five or six goals but we went on to relax in the second half probably we thought we had wrapped up the game,” said Ncube.

“But there is no bad win. The win gives us confidence going forward and we just need to keep picking up maximum points for us to achieve our objective of surviving relegation especially at home.

“What makes this victory sweet though is that it’s our first win against Tsholotsho at home.”

The win took Harare City’s tally to 28 points after 24 matches but remain 12th on the log table while for Tsholotsho they also remained unchanged on the log table as they are second from bottom with a paltry 15 points.

Tsholotsho coach Darlington Dodo, however, painted a gloomy picture for the Matabeleland-based side hinting on the works of sabotage from some members of the club although he remained economic with finer details. 

“Crazy moments, we switched off and conceded two goals. Our first half was poor but we improved in the second half,” a dejected Dodo said after the game adding that: “There are some things that are happening behind the scenes which I cannot say and I think it’s affecting us.

“When the second half of the season commenced we were improving but I don’t know if we are (still) in the same boat. It’s not the players, these guys are doing well.”

Tsholotsho started brightly keeping the home team on the back foot but failed to make their dominance count in front of goal as they failed to create any meaningful chances.

They were duly punished when Vengesai fired two quick goals inside three minutes.

The former Dynamos striker put City ahead on 26 minutes when he connected a Malvin Gaki cross from the left side.

The two forwards combined for the second goal three minutes later and it came in similar fashion but this time the cross was from the right side which left Vengesai with the easiest of tasks to tap into an empty net after Tsholotsho defence failed to clear their lines.

Tsholotsho came back a more determined side in the second half as they went on to cause all sorts of problems for the home team only to stutter in front of goal. Nyathi pulled one back on 64 minutes.

Tsholotsho, could, however, not add to their tally as City clung for maximum points.

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BULAWAYO - Chicken Inn maintained their league title aspirations alive after grinding a 2-1 victory over struggling How Mine in a tightly-contested Castle Lager Premiership tie on Saturday.

Obadiah Tarumbwa and Darryl Nyandoro were on target for the Gamecocks as they opened a five-point lead at the top with 51 points ahead of second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars, who face Shabanie Mine this afternoon, while Toto Banda scored for How Mine.

How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu thought they had played well despite the loss.

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“It’s not just losing three points but also the consistence lost especially in our derbies. It’s the first derby that we are losing this season. I think it was lack of concentration,” Kaindu said. 

“Chicken Inn had two shots and managed to get two goals in the first half and it became difficult for us to come back. I think in terms of playing we were slightly superior than them but the goals gave them an advantage today.

Rahman Gumbo’s charges got off to a bright start and found the opener just seven minutes into the match through Tarumbwa whose first time shot from an Innocent Muchaneka incisive pass inside the box gave How Mine goalkeeper Munyadzi Diya no chance.

Nyandoro doubled the Gamecocks’ lead eight minutes later when he shielded the ball from How Mine defender Frank Mukarati and hit a scorcher which can be a contender for the goal of the season.

Chicken Inn lowered their tempo in the second half allowing How Mine to come back into the game and Kaindu’s charges seized the initiative and went on to cause a lot of problems for the log leaders.

How Mine were duly rewarded on 75 minutes after Peter Rio Moyo beat a cluster of players in the midfield and released Praise Tonha on the right side, who sent a cross that was taped into the net by Banda.

After the goal How Mine kept on piling the pressure but they found the Gamecocks defence unyielding.

After the match Gamecocks coach Rahman Gumbo just like in the previous matches was not available for the post-match interview.

Meanwhile in an earlier game, Bulawayo City eased their relegation worries with a 3-2 victory over ZPC Kariba in a gamer that had three spot-kicks awarded.

Mkhululi Moyo scored the opener for City from a penalty while Morris Kadzola got the second with Ndodana Sibanda sealing maximum points after converting from nine yards.

For ZPC Kariba Francisco Zekumbawire was on target while and Godknows Mangani also converted from the spot-kick but it was not enough to secure something for the visitors.

City coach Mandla Mpofu was happy with his team’s performance.

“I think the most important thing is winning and move away from the relegation zone. We were playing a team that was tough both in the air and on the ground. They were very physical,” he said. 

“I would want to appreciate the way the boys played today but not happy with the way we conceded the two goals.”

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HARARE - Black Rhinos coach Stanford Mutizwa breathed a huge sigh of relief after his charges fought from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Triangle in a Castle Lager Premiership match on Saturday, ending a run of seven straight defeats.

Striker Lot Chiwunga was the hero for Chauya Chipembere after he struck with a beautiful header two minutes from time to cancel a Lameck Nhamo first half strike to ensure a share of spoils.

Infact, Black Rhinos were unlucky not to collect maximum points after dominating for larger parts of the game only to stutter in the final third where their strikers took turns to miss some glorious opportunities.

And Mutizwa, while disappointed with several missed chances, felt the result was what they needed to turnaround their fortunes going forward.

“For sure I am a relieved man. I have been sleeping with one eye open and today (yesterday) I think I will be able to sleep peacefully,” he said after the game.

“I’m a little bit disappointed given the number of chances that we created and failed to score.

“Overall, I am happy because we are coming from seven defeats and we are now looking forward to build on this result going forward.

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“We have been working thoroughly especially with our strike-force and I am glad that our efforts have been rewarded.

“There is still a lot of work to be done and we want to keep on working hard.”

Triangle played second fiddle to Mutizwa’s enterprising army side.

In truth, they were fortunate to escape with a draw after the Chauya Chipembere had the Sugar Sugar side pinned back for most parts of the game.

After getting behind to a 10th minute Nhamo opener, Black Rhinos picked themselves up and went on to cause a lot of problems for the visitors with Vincent Mhandu hitting the cross bar while Roy Mwenga, Cliff Chitsamba and Chiwunga all coming close.

And when it looked like another routine defeat for Chauya Chipembere, Chiwunga jumped to the rescue with a diving header on 88 minutes getting to the end of a Wilson Chakanyuka cross from the left side.

The draw took Black Rhinos to 32 points but remained on eighth place on the log table after 24 rounds of action.

Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro was a disappointed man after his charges conceded late in the game to leave them without a win in Harare this season.

“It’s the cruel side of the game but we are seeing progress at least we get something on the road,” Mangwiro said.

“I think the boys lost concentration where it mattered most and we will have to fight another day to get our first win in Harare.”

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HARARE - Dynamos winger Cleopas Kapupurika talks pretty much the same way he plays football – full of self confidence and clarity.

The 21-year-old has taken the Castle Lager Premiership by storm ever since he moved to the Glamour Boys at the start of this season on loan from FC Platinum.

While Cameroonian forward Christian Ntouba and captain Ocean Mushure have taken all the credit for the goals they have scored, Kapupurika has been the unsung hero in the DeMbare midfield.

Working his socks off down the wings by subtracting defenders, Kapupurika is one of the reasons why DeMbare are now strong contenders for the title this year.

With the Vietnam stand packed to the rafters, many young players would be inclined to keep it simple and not try any fancy moves but not Kapupurika.

Last Sunday during the 2-0 win over Yadah FC, he was simply unplayable as he ran rings around the struggling side’s defence.

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Even after the final whistle, the DeMbare fans showered Kapupurika with cash as they appreciated the shift he had put in.

The winger attributes his assured touch and dribbling skills to the fact that he has been around the block for some time after starting out at the FC Platinum juniors before previous loan spells at Whawha and Chapungu introduced him to the manly world of Premiership football.

“I have been playing football at a high level for a long time. This is my third year in the Premiership and I’m no longer overawed by any situation,” Kapupurika told the Daily News on Sunday after a Dynamos training session at Motor Action Sports Club last week.

“I’m not intimidated by the crowd. I’m someone who is always calm on the ball. What you don’t want to do on the pitch is to listen to what is happening in the terraces or the jeers.

“You just need to focus on what you are doing on the pitch that is something that I have been able to do from a young age.”

While at Chapungu he showed some flashes of the potential he had, Kapupurika has simply blossomed into a colossal player after linking up with his former coach Lloyd Mutasa at the Glamour Boys.  

The fact that DeMbare has always been the club he supported while growing up has made it easy for him to adjust.

“It has always been my dream to play for such a big team like Dynamos. Ever since I started playing football, I put in a lot of hard work and effort knowing that with the grace of God I would be where I am at the moment,” Kapupurika recalls.

“That was always my dream to play for Dynamos and I’m glad I have achieved my dream. I just want to keep on working hard.”

The Harare derby is on this afternoon at the National Sports Stadium and the former Chapungu winger is already looking forward to bamboozling the Makepekepe defence.

“The derby is next up and my objective is to play in the same manner I did in our last game against Yadah and help the team to win,” he says.

“I will try my best to be on the score sheet against CAPS United because there is no other game that is bigger than the Harare derby.”  

Due to the self-confidence that is in abundance, Kapupurika has already set his sights on making the Soccer Star of the Year shortlist at the end of this season.

“Its pleasing for me to be playing this well for Dynamos and my only prayer is that for me to maintain this form,” he says.

“My target this year is to be on the Soccer Star of the Year calendar as one of the best 11 players in the country.

“It’s very easy for me to achieve that. All I need to do is to keep on working hard in training and listen to what the coaches are telling me to do. Then in every game that I play I need to give more than 100 percent.”

It will be hard to bet against Kapupurika achieving this feat if he can continues to play with same intensity and confidence for the remainder of the season.

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HARARE - For the second season running, the Harare derby pitting reigning champions CAPS United and rivals Dynamos will take on great significance as it will determine the destiny of the Castle Lager Premiership title.

It could not be a more fitting showdown.

The Green Machine are seeking to recapture the title they won last season and are on 28 points, 17 behind the Glamour Boys whose last taste of silverware was three years ago under Kalisto Pasuwa, who led them to four successive titles.

Lloyd Chitembwe’s charges still have four matches in hand which leave them favourites among the title contenders as it could take their tally to 40 points if they win them all.

Makepekepe are unbeaten in their last five matches raising hopes amongst its followers.

Realistically at this stage, third placed Dynamos, are in serious contention for the coveted title.

The Glamour Boys are firmly in the race for the championship with 45 points, three behind log leaders Chicken Inn.

Crucially, for the Glamour Boys they have two matches in hand which could see them go top of the log if they pick maximum points in both matches.

Infact, DeMbare could have been on top of the table as one of their outstanding matches is the halted tie against Chapungu in which they were leading 0-4 when play was stopped following the collapse of a goalpost on 56 minutes.

Lloyd Mutasa’s charges are likely to get maximum points after the Premier Soccer League ordered the match to resume from the time it was stopped with scores standing at 0-4.

Their other game in hand is another derby tie against CAPS United after their first scheduled game was postponed in May following the unavailability of National Sports Stadium which was booked by Pastor Chris while Rufaro Stadium was undergoing renovations.

Judging by current form DeMbare are no doubt in formidable shape to challenge for the title.

A defeat this afternoon against the Green Machine will be a huge blow to their title charge which could also come in handy to their rivals like Ngezi Platinum Stars, Chicken Inn and FC Platinum who are also in the race for the title.

However, matches pitting the two giants, just like the world’s other major derbies are a game apart in which the result does not necessarily follow form.

In their last meeting, the Harare derby produced a six goal thriller as two teams settled for a 3-3 draw.

DeMbare had a 0-3 lead heading into the 88th minute but crumbled as they allowed former CAPS defender Dennis Dauda to score late goals that forced a share of spoils.

Defender Ronald Pfumbidzai, who recently joined South Africa’s Absa Premiership side Bloemfontein Celtic, led the comeback with two great assists from the setpieces.

Pfumbidzai will however, be not around this time around after sealing a move to South Africa side Bloemfontein Celtic but tips the Green Machine to emerge victorious.

“I think CAPS United will play well because they have less pressure as compared to Dynamos. When you look at the log standings everyone had ruled CAPS United out of the title race and it’s Dynamos who feel more pressure due to their position on the log table,” Pfumbidzai said.

“I think (John) Zhuwawo and Abasirim Chidiebere will decide the game.

“I have wanted to play the derby but unfortunately I had to leave. It’s one game that I have enjoyed most during my days at CAPS.

"Matches pitting Dynamos and CAPS United are not ordinary fixtures and they push you to do more.”

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HARARE - It's  always the punch that you don’t see coming which knocks you out.

For Guy Cronje that lights-out punch landed in 2015 just when all the pieces of his rugby career were falling into place.

Even now, two years after being diagnosed with melanoma cancer and a specialist advised him he could never play rugby again, the memory still follows him like a shadow.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer which forced Cronje to prematurely end his career.

“It’s just one thing that is difficult to get over,” Guy tells the Daily News from his base in Durban, South Africa.

“It is a very scary situation. It’s never a nice thing to hear you have cancer, especially at my age. You don’t get a chance to choose your last game. You don’t end your career on your own terms.”

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Before the illness set in, Guy had answered Zimbabwe’s call in 2014 when the country was just three victories away from qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

He went on to star at flyhalf during the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Madagascar where the Sables came agonisingly close to their first World Cup qualification in 23 years.

Leading Kenya 24-10, a fourth try would have earned Zimbabwe a bonus point which would have put them beyond the reach of a chasing Namibia, who were scheduled to play Madagascar later in the day.

The Sables were awarded a penalty deep into Kenyan territory and had an opportunity to seal qualification with a five pointer but mixed signals from the technical bench saw Guy kick for post.

It played to the advantage of Namibia, who now needed to score 56 points past Madagascar to edge Zimbabwe and claim qualification.

The Welwitschias seized that opportunity and easily eclipsed that score against a flat Madagascar.

“Yeah, that moment still lingers in my memory and wish we went for the try and instead of that decision but yes that’s how it is,” Guy notes.

While Guy followed his roots, his twin brother Ross, decided to soldier on in pursuit of that elusive Springbok cap with most Zimbabweans thinking he had made the wrong choice.

At that time, Ross was way down the pecking order of Springbok scrumhalves with the likes of Fourie du Preez, Francois Hougaard and Rudy Paige being favoured.

But Ross later blossomed with his Super Rugby franchise the Lions in a half back pairing with Elton Jantjies which saw him land on the radar of South Africa selectors, who handed him his debut during the Boks 37-14 Test win against France at Loftus Versfeld earlier this year.

To cap of a fine afternoon, Ross scored a brilliant try on debut against the French and is now a regular in Allister Coetzee’s starting XV.

“It’s really amazing,” Guy says of his brother’s exploits in the green and gold jersey.

“I now get to watch my boet playing some awesome rugby; he is playing out of his boots. I feel I am part of the journey. The fact that I am no longer playing, I feel he is playing for all of us.

“That’s why my sister came up with the saying that ‘you are now playing for two’. He took it to heart and since I was diagnosed with cancer, he has been playing wonderful rugby.

“It would have been fantastic to play alongside him for Zim but looking at the way his career went, it’s fantastic that he went on to play for the Springboks.”

Watching his brother blossom for the Boks, does Guy have any regrets for choosing to play for the Sables?

“No, jeepers! I loved my time with the Sables,” he responds. “It was an amazing experience and I enjoyed the people I got to meet and the fact that we were also so close to qualify for the World Cup is something I won’t ever forget. I only had three caps but I would not trade them for anything.”

Watching from a distance the strife that often rocks rugby in Zimbabwe, Guy feels with better welfare for players and luring back foreign-based stars, the Sables can easily be one of the top two teams in Africa.

Away from rugby, Guy recently tied the knot with his girlfriend Jo who he had been dating for five years.

They got married on the Cronje farm above the grapevines in the Cradle of Human Kind where the twins and their sister Robyn have started a wedding Venue called Ground.

Guy is currently living and working in Durban in commercial and industrial property broking and investments for a company called Lambie Spark & Associates.

While Zimbabwe may never get to see how great a player Guy could have become, he has not lost hope on seeing the Sables rise to compete with some of the best teams in the world.

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HARARE - The future of Warriors star forward Khama Billiat at South Africa’s Absa Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns is increasingly becoming uncertain after talks for a contract extension was put on hold.

Billiat is in the final year of his current deal and no date has been set for the talks to resume.

The Brazilians risk losing him for free if no fresh terms are agreed despite spending an estimated R8 million to bring him from Ajax Cape Town in 2013.

The Aces Youth Soccer Academy product will be free to enter into contract talks with any team in January if Sundowns fails to tie him down.

Billait’s agent Siyabulela Loyilane told South African media at the weekend that talks with Sundowns have been put on hold while also confirming there was interest for the player from Saudi Arabia in the just-ended transfer window.

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“He has not signed anything with Sundowns,” Loyilane said.

“The deal is not close and is not far. Everything is on hold and the player is just chilling. “There was interest but the deal fell through. He is now 27, and Khama deserves a good deal for his life in the next three years.

“There is no chance for a local team. If he doesn’t get a deal overseas, he might as well remain with Sundowns.”

Billiat has repeatedly stressed his commitment to Mamelodi Sundowns but the situation is likely to alert clubs in South Africa and abroad.

The player has not been directly involved in the talks as he has remained focused on gaining full fitness after a long lay-off with an ankle problem that also saw him miss Warriors’ opening Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Liberia in June. Sundowns appear to have already started preparing for life without the talented Zimbabwean forward and last month their coach Pitso Masimane revealed that there were no guarantees that the player will stay at the club.

“If he renews, we love him, he is a good player, but he wants to leave and he doesn’t want to renew,” Mosimane told the media in South Africa last month. 

“What else can we do? It is his life. We lost Katlego Mphela, we continued and won cups. We’ve lost Elias Pelembe and we won cups. We lost Lebogang Mokoena, we won cups. We lost Ramahlwe Mphahlele and we won the Champions League.

“We lost Bongani Zungu and we won the league. We will lose players, but we will go on.

“But we would love him to stay, we want him to stay and I think he will stay. Sundowns are strong. I will be gone and someone else will win the league. So, life goes on.”

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BULAWAYO - Brighton Mugoni rose from the bench to score the winner for visiting Chapungu to hand Highlanders their fourth defeat on the spin here yesterday.

The defeat left Bosso fans a frustrated lot and after the match they were baying for acting vice chairman Modern Ngwenya’s blood, who they believe has failed their beloved team.

However, Highlanders coach Elroy Akbay blamed lack of quality strikers for the loss.

“What can I say, we still have the same problem. We played with young guys and we created a lot of chances but we did not score. If you don’t score then you can never win a game,” Akbay said.

“I did my best today to make sure that we win the game. If you create a lot of chances and you can’t score what really can you do as a coach?” queried the Bosso coach.

Chapungu coach Tendai Chikuni was impressed with his side’s win.

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“I think Highlanders in the first half were in control. We realised how they were playing, they were always first on the ball. In the second half we brought in the youngsters to match the pace of the game. The substitute changed the system of play. Honestly speaking the guys did very well playing away from home and it’s very commendable,” Chikuni said.

The new look Highlanders started like a house on fire dictating the pace in all departments. Chapungu were forced to play second fiddle and defend from the onset.

Bosso almost scored through King Nadolo’s speculative which almost embarrassed Chapungu goalkeeper Roy Mazingi who tried to control the ball with his legs, but missed only for the ball to miss the upright post by inches.

Bosso looked the likely team to score in the second half but it was Chapungu, who went on to find the winner with 10 minutes before fulltime through substitute Mugoni.

Mugoni got to the end of a loose ball on the edge of the box after Highlanders injured defender Tendai Ndlovu failed to clear a ball and hit a shot that beat Ariel Sibanda in goals for Highlanders to ensure the visitors maximum points.

Highlanders with all the possession and the numerous scoring opportunities that they created left the Hartsfield Grounds empty-handed.

Going forward Akbay will have to look back back on his impotent strike force as the reason why his team dropped crucial three points at home.

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HARARE - Christian Ntouba’s brace was enough to give Dynamos the bragging rights as they underlined their title credentials with a deserved 2-0 victory over bitter rivals CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premiership match here yesterday.

It was a thrilling encounter of energy-sapping tension, mistakes and near misses endeavor but at the end of it all, Lloyd Mutasa drew first blood against his namesake Lloyd Chitembwe in this first instalment of the Harare derby.

Yesterday’s win lifted Dynamos to second place on the log table as they are now on 48 points two behind log leaders Chicken Inn while Ngezi Platinum Stars dropped to fourth place following a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Shabanie Mine at Maglas Stadium yesterday.

Crucially, for the Glamour Boys they have two matches in hand which could see them go top of the log if they pick maximum points in both matches.

The in-form Cameroonian striker lit the fuse on DeMbare’s title charge when he fired them ahead on the stroke of half time having missed several scoring opportunities and added the second on 76 minutes to take his tally to 10 goals this season.

Ntouba has been in great form and is now in strong position to fight for the Golden Boot Award.

And speaking after his brace yesterday, Ntouba said it was all down to team work.

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“By its nature derby is usually a big game and scoring two goals is something special. It’s great scoring two goals in a derby match,” Ntouba said.

“I give all Glory to God. I would like to thank my coach for the confidence he has shown in me. I think it’s team work and I would not have achieved it without their input. I hope we will keep on working hard as a team going forward.”

As it was, the Glamour Boys had the greater number of players, who came determined to show they were men for the big occasions. Ntouba was an obvious example; Denver Mukamba, too. Yet this was a good day as well for Ocean Mushure, Gift Saunyama and Tichaona Chipunza.

For CAPS United, Devon Chafa was dismal.

Skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi and winger Phineas Bamusi were not much better while Tafadzwa Rusike was atrocious.

Having made such a dominant start, DeMbare went ahead on 45 minutes after Ntouba reacted quickly to a Mukamba blocked effort to send the ball to the far corner that gave CAPS goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda no chance.

Ntouba completed his brace on 76 minutes with a free header after left unmarked inside the box and connected an Ocean Mushure freekick from the left side.

But Makepekepe had their own grievances, though, with referee Nkosana Dube as he made a number of errors,  when he gave Mushure the free-kick which resulted in the second goal when Moses Muchenje appeared to have cleanly won the ball.

United after a slow start considerably improved after the break but it was not enough to unlock the DeMbare defence which was well marshaled by Lincoln Zvasiya and Godfrey Mukambi.

United’s best chance was probably Zvirekwi’s  freekick which was tipped over by the Dynamos goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga just past the hour.

CAPS United assistant coach Tostao Kwashi felt his charges did not come to party.

“We did not come to party especially in the first half. In matches of this magnitude you need to be focused from the start and it was not the case with us today,” Kwashi said.

“Dynamos were the better team from the start and we lost a match. I also felt the second goal the referee was not supposed to have awarded that free-kick because Muchenje won the ball I watched the replays but I’m not gonna  mourn about that.

“He is also a human being and he makes mistakes. We need to quickly lift our heads and look forward to our next match.”

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HARARE - Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa has played down his team’s chances of winning this year’s Castle Lager Premiership title but admitted “nothing is impossible” following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over rivals CAPS United.

The Glamour Boys are now second on the log table with 48 points from 22 matches trailing leaders Chicken Inn, who have played two games more, by three points.

DeMbare appear to have hit form at the right time having picked 12 wins, two draws and a single defeat in their last 15 matches.

Following their victory over CAPS United, Mutasa insists it’s still too early to talk about the destiny of the championship.

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“We are not talking of the championship yet. We stick to what we said at the start of the season that we want to do better than what we did last year,” Mutasa said.

“By improving on our last season’s position we can be number four, three, two or one and nothing is impossible. We are taking each game at a time and this weekend we are facing another tough assignment against a good Highlanders side and after that match probably we will be in a position to see whether we can push for the championship.”

Mutasa, however, said this year’s title race is likely to go down to the wire and could be between the league’s current top four teams. 

“Obviously you look at Chicken Inn; they have seasoned players within their ranks; they have a great coach in Rahman Gumbo,” he said.

“You look at FC Platinum; they have been in the mix; they have been there before coming third and coming second in previous years which makes them seasoned campaigners. You also look at Ngezi Platinum Stars side; they are up there so I think it’s still game on.”

Mutasa, who faced a lot of criticism at the start of the season when his team was still struggling for form, also showered praise on in-form striker Christian Ntouba.

The Cameroonian scored a brace in the demolition of CAPS United to take his tally to 10 goals along with former Bantu Rovers forward Bukhosi Sibanda, who has since moved to South Africa.

“Two goals from a great man and you look at his conversion rate from the matches that we have played so far, I think we are speaking of a player who is proving why he is wearing a Dynamos jersey,” Mutasa said.

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HARARE - Dynamos forward Christian Ntouba is receiving all the plaudits for the way he completely annihilated CAPS United during Sunday’s Harare derby at the National Sports Stadium.

The Cameroonian forward was undoubtedly the star of the show as he netted a brace to secure a 2-0 for the Glamour Boys to give impetus to their Castle Lager Premiership title chase.

DeMbare moved into second place on the log with 48 points, three behind leaders Chicken Inn, who beat How Mine 2-1 in Bulawayo on Saturday.

However, the Glamour Boys still have two games in hand and could go three points clear at the top in the event they are able to win their outstanding fixtures.

One of the games in hand is another derby against Makepekepe while the other is the abandoned clash with Chapungu which they were leading 4-0 when the goalpost collapsed in the 56th minute.

The Premier Soccer League last month ruled that the match should resume in the 56th minutes with the scores at 4-0.

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Lloyd Mutasa’s side are now in a good position to land a record 22nd league title with the way they have been performing this season.

It was DeMbare’s sixth win on the trot and only Chicken Inn, who are currently on a four-game winning streak come close when it comes to current form.

Although, Dynamos are steamrolling past all the opponents coming their way, Ntouba underlined his importance to the Glamour Boys’ title charge with his ninth and 10th strikes in the league on Sunday.

It was the first time he was taking part in the derby but never looked out of place as he went on to decide the outcome with his prowess inside the box.

Both goals were neat finishes from close range as Ntouba found himself at the right spot at the right time.

After having missed a glorious chance from close range earlier on in the first half when he blazed over the bar, there was no denying the Cameroonian on the stroke of halftime.

Denver Mukamba had his shot blocked by Stephen Makatuka but unfortunately for the Green Machine, the ricochet fell into the feet of Ntouba.

There was no way the DeMbare forward was going to miss this time around as he guided his shot into the net with Makepekepe goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda wrong footed by the earlier shot from Mukamba.

Ntouba made sure of the points for the DeMbare when he lost his marker inside the box to head home from close range a free-kick taken by captain Ocean Mushure.

No wonder why Mutasa gave his forward a rest during the week because he needed him fit and fresh for the derby.

DeMbare skipper Mushure reckons Ntouba is now set to win the Golden Boot as he is now level on 10 goals with former Bantu Rovers striker Bukhosi Sibanda, who joined South Africa First Division side Ubuthu FC Cape Town.

“He is a quality striker; there is no doubt about that and he has proved it once again,” Mushure said of Ntouba.

“He works hard and the results are there for everyone to see. If he keeps on working hard he can go on to win the Golden Boot award. He is already on 10 goals and there are still a number of matches to be played before the season ends.”

Reflecting on their victory over Makepekepe, Mushure said it was a true testimony that they have character in their ranks.

“I’m very happy we played well and collected maximum points. I think this win is a true sign that we are doing something special. This was a great game and I think it lived up to expectations,” he said.

“Very few people gave us a chance at the start of the season but all of a sudden the very same people are calling us title favourites.

“But we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. We need to keep on working hard and take it one game at a time.”

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