Young Gems offered chance to shine
ball and only released it on Friday after some begging from the player and his wife.
The Premier Soccer League, I also hear, is a house on fire with interim chairman Kenias Mubaiwa turning left when most of his constituency wants to turn right and take the fight to Zifa over the promotion/relegation issue.
Apparently having failed to convince his fellow governors that Phillip Chiyangwa and Zifa mean well in this whole saga, Mubaiwa has resorted to using crude, beer hall language and insults in a desperate bid to drive his point home.
Let me paint the setting before sharing the following Whatsapp messages.
The PSL governors’ WhatsApp group is busy discussing the relegation/promotion matter when Mubaiwa warns that there are some hidden forces at play and those that are against having 18 teams in the PSL ought to be careful.
“If you are not connected you won’t know. It’s a game of big guys,” the DeMbare chair says.
Tsholotsho’s Mlamuli Phiri responds, “I would rather prefer good corporate governance not connections because connections leaves (sic) others like us out honourable governor.”
As his plea to have the PSL ascend to Zifa’s decision to promote four teams fails, Mubaiwa goes ballistic saying, “Are you rich? What do you do for a living? Unlike most of you I don’t survive on PSL allowances, I am a successful businessman.”
Phiri, seemingly in spirit replied, “Hahahahaha 2 Cor (Corinthians) 9:8 and 8:9 will answer this question”
Meanwhile, my chubby friend Kenny Ndebele also found himself on THE Young Gems have been offered a chance to prove their worth after being invited to square up against England and South Africa in a tri-nations tournament.
South Africa is hosting the invitational tournament, which they are using to prepare for the Netball World Youth Cup, from January 24- 26 in Durban.
The three nations are also part of the 20 teams that will compete at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gaborone, Botswana from July 8-16.
Zimbabwe Netball Association secretary general Barbra Rice confirmed the invitation but was quick to highlight that the team’s travel hinges on the governing body’s ability to raise money for the trip.
“We have been invited to play England and South Africa ahead of the July World Cup,” said Rice.
“We are running around looking for money to travel, we cannot miss this opportunity which will boost our World Cup preparations,” she said. the receiving end of Mubaiwa’s sharp tongue.
The PSL chief executive was warned against holding meetings nicodemously.
“Please CEO stop this nonsense you don’t own PSL you are just an employee. You had a private meeting with some PSL governors yesterday before the Zifa congress why was I not invited.
“You (are) forgetting that I am the chairman of the Technical and development committee, watch out,” Mubaiwa said as Ndebele went mum.
I might be thousands of kilometers but my ear is firmly on the ground. Go Warriors Go! Sir exits the scene! ◆ Sir is social media commentator and writes this satirical column in his personal capacity. Feedback sir18area@yahoo.com
Rice noted that Zimbabwe need to be on top of their game when they take part at the Word Cup where they will be in the same group with four time champions Australia, neighbors South Africa, Barbados and Singapore.
“The World Cup will not be easy hence the need for the best possible preparations and we are appealing to well wishers to come on board and help the girl child realize her dreams,” said Rice.
Meanwhile, the senior netball team has also been invited to the Hong Kong tri-nations where they will play the hosts and Malaysia from March 16-19.
“It is quite a busy year with the African Championship also coming in May in Uganda,” said Rice.
“We are looking for funds for air- tickets to travel to Hong Kong. Playing in this tournament will boost our world ranking and also help in our preparations for the African Championship where we have to defend our title,” she said.
Zimbabwe is currently ranked a record 17th in the world.