Shabanie Mine face demotion from Central Region D1

ONE of the most supported football teams in the country, Shabanie Mine are going through tough times, with the Chinda Boys facing demotion from the Zifa Central Region Division One League.

Heading into this weekend’s matches, the Chinda Boys were on the 15th spot in the CRSL, with 24 points. They have won just five of the 28 matches with nine draws and 14 defeats. Shabanie Mine have only found the target on 18 occasions while their defence has been breached 36 times, which has left them with a goal difference of minus 18.

This afternoon, Shabanie Mine, who are said to be troubled and have recalled former chairman James Mhloro to take over the leadership face Gokwe North at Maglas. Last weekend Shabanie Mine were beaten 2-1 by Kwekwe United in a match played at Mbizo Stadium. However, it will be a sad development should Shabanie Mine be demoted down to Division Two because their chances of making it back to the PSL would be slim and come as hard news to accept for their fans in Zvishavane.

At their best, Shabanie Mine attracted more fans at Maglas than FC Platinum did at

ZIMBABWE national sevens rugby team manager Jacquie Chironga-Jani has described last weekend’s Africa Women’s Sevens in Tunisia as a lovely experience, despite the Lady Cheetahs finding the going tough at the tournament which served as an Olympic qualifier.

Chironga-Jani said they headed off to Tunisia with an aim to push for a place in the top four but things did not go as planned with injury to three players, who included playmaker Constance Ngwende who broke her leg against South Africa. Zimbabwe eventually finished in eighth spot.

“The Olympic Qualifiers was a lovely experience for the girls and reality for a lot of debutants. We went to Tunisia to compete and push for a top four finish. However, we were not entirely in control of the events that followed. Injuries to our playmaker and another two players derailed the train. We now had to work on mental toughness which was seriously tested,” Chironga-Jani said.

She feels that women’s rugby has advanced with other countries having improved in various facets of their game, therefore it was a learning curve for the Lady Cheetahs.

“Women’s rugby has evolved and a lot of the teams have stepped up various aspects. Lots of lessons were learnt as a team, experience gained and exposure at a high level. What’s important is to go back to the drawing board and do a self evaluation and start mapping the way forward. The big task is to improve on our rankings in Africa and become more competitive as a rugby nation,’’ she said.

Chironga-Jani paid tribute to those who made the trip possible for the Lady Cheetahs, with Minerva being the main sponsors.

“The Tunisian experience was made

Mandava. This is the same Shabanie Mine that gave the nation the likes of Francis Chandida, Zvenyika Makonese, Asani Juma, Godknows Murwira, the late duo of Roy Mazingi and Thomas Makwasha.

Their best ever achievement came in 2001 when they beat Dynamos 1-0 in the final of the BP League Cup at the National Sports Stadium. They finished third on the log that season and also got to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup the following year.

Shabanie Mine’s last notable achievement in local football was winning the 2013 BancABC Super Cup. They have been in and out of the PSL over the years, with their last relegation from the country’s top flight coming in 2018 when they finished at the bottom of the log with 19 points, picked from two wins and 13 draws while they were beaten 19 times.

Meanwhile, log leaders Sheasham edged closer to promotion when they won 2-0 away against Filabusi United. The Gweru-based side led 2-0 at the break at Mthwakazi Stadium and held on to secure their 20th win of the season. Sheasham now have 63 points, four points ahead of second-placed ZPC Munyati who were held to a 1-1 draw by Vumbachikwe Mine in Gwanda yesterday. — @Mdawini_29

Lady Cheetahs team manager

lauds players, sponsors

possible by Minerva, we are super excited to have them on board and looking forward to a growing and fruitful relationship. Special mention also goes to PCF, Hopeberry, Amatec and EFE among others.”

It was not such a wonderful outing for the Zimbabwean women as they only managed one win at the tournament, a 12-5 triumph over Zambia on the opening day. — @Mdawini_29