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Mbappe reportedly unhappy with Neymar over his treatment at PSG

Kylian Mbappe has been unhappy with the treatment he has received from Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in Spain.

 

The 19-year-old joined PSG last summer on a season-long loan from Monaco with the option to make the deal permanent for €180 million (£165.7m).

Mbappe impressed in his first season at the club with 21 goals and 16 assists in 46 appearances and has made an impact for France at the World Cup this summer.

But according to El Pais, Mbappe has not been on good terms with Neymar at club level.

The report claims that Neymar and Dani Alves have joked about Mbappe’s appearance and refer to him by his nickname ‘Donatello’ as they believe he resembles the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon character.

It’s also claimed that the Brazilian duo have insinuated to Mbappe that he replies too heavily on his speed, rather than his ability with the ball.

Mbappe’s family have reportedly expressed their concerns to PSG as the forward is unhappy that he is being treated like a rookie by his senior teammates.

El Pais report that a source close to PSG has said that the club have been trying for several days to convince the two players to make a public gesture of support for each other.

PSG were hoping that it could’ve taken place had France faced Brazil in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday evening, but Neymar and his nation were knocked out by Belgium.

The report also claims that source at PSG has described the possibility of Mbappe winning the World Cup with France as ‘the worst possible scenario’.

PSG are desperate to keep Neymar happy after he pushed for a return to Spain in recent months and believe Mbappe’s stock could rise higher than the Brazilian’s if he is successful with France this summer.

The report claims that even if Mbappe won the World Cup with France, he still would not receive the same privileges from PSG that have been given to Neymar during his first season at the club.

El Pais claim that a source at PSG told them: ‘We hope that Mbappe does not show even that it is better than Neymar.’

Ammara Brown and Manager part ways!

Award-winning songstress Ammara Brown and her manager Tsungi Zvogbo have parted ways, bringing to an end a five-year relationship.

 

Tsungi Zvogbo made the announcement on official Facebook account Tuesday morning saying the two had grown together to build one of the best music brands in the country.

“I have had an incredible five years working with Ammara Brown. We have grown together, defining what has become one of the most important artistic brands in the country,” read the post.

Tsungi says she is moving to new challenges although she did not state the new move. “But time has come for me to move on to new challenges and emerging opportunities.

I do wish Ammara all the best and I have no doubt she will conquer the world,” she said. She, however, said that as a sister she will always be open to giving Ammara any sort of assistance should she require it.

Meanwhile, Ammara is now under new management as announced by her ex-manager Tsungi.

She will now be managed by one  Don Khabana of OCM Management based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

DStv opens up Sports and Entertainment Channels for 18 days

As a winter bonus for paid-up DStv subscribers, SuperSport’s selection of channels is being opened to viewing by subscribers on DStv  Access, Family, Compact and  Compact Plus bouquets.

 

This will happen for an 18-day period in July, while the complete selection of children’s entertainment channels is also being placed in open viewing for the same period.

Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the SuperSport and children’s channels open viewing period would run from Friday July 13 to Tuesday July 31, during which time the popular sports channels and young viewers’ channels normally only available to DStv Premium subscribers would be universally available.

“The only pre-requisite is that viewers must be active, which means subscriptions must be up to date,” she said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for sports-loving viewers to catch up on a range of sporting action and to see the wide variety of sports covered on the SuperSport selection, while for younger viewers on limited bouquets it is a chance to enjoy the world-class selection of programming available on the youngsters’ channels.”

The open viewing period includes some top sporting action, including the Wimbledon finals weekend, the ongoing Tour de France, Formula 1 racing, athletics and rugby sevens, as well as a wide number of other international events.

Active customers to enjoy Open Viewing of sports and entertainment channels at no extra cost

Cartoon Network (DStv Channel 301) will air a vast selection of exciting kiddies’ including new episodes of Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs starting Tuesday, 16 July weekdays at 07: 30.  

On NickToons (DStv Channel 451), catch Peppa Pig weekdays at 09:50  and Munki and Trunk weekdays at 17:15.

 “The idea is to ensure there is something for everyone, and the only way to take advantage of this is to stay connected,” said Ms Dziva.

 “The open viewing gives  DStv viewers an insight into the range of content on DStv Premium and is aimed at being a reward for support and continued active subscriptions to subscribers to DStv Access, Family, Compact and Compact Plus”

How the World Cup affects your sex life

The World Cup has been ongoing since mid-June, and exactly what effects it has on your sex life depend on the team you’re supporting, as well as your relationship.

 

If you are not a football fan, you may discover that when her boyfriend watches matches at the viewing centre, he may come home post-game tipsy from too many beers.

For some, the situation may lead to loneliness when a partner is out watching every game – and the less time couples spend together, the less opportunity there is to get sexual.

When you’re trying to wedge in time for football, work, and daily life responsibilities like eat and sleep, sex does get put on the back burner.

There’s some truth to the stereotype of the ‘football widow’ (which urban dictionary defines as “a woman who must cope with the temporary death of her relationship during football games,” but that we reckon can be gender neutral).

When your partner is emotionally focused on a sports event, they might not have much bandwidth left for intimacy – and any interruption for the purposes of sex could cause resentment (first on the football fan’s side, then on the other person’s side after they’ve been snubbed). If you’re both invested in the game, however, things can be different.

For some, after a loss comes a grieving period; a time when sex would be inappropriate, while a win provides enough joy to replace any desire for sex.

For some people, when the World Cup is ongoing, sex is the last thing on their mind.

“We’re all just there for the game! If we win, I’m satisfied. I don’t care about sex. If we lose, I’m sad. I don’t care about sex,” says Toby, a bachelor.

It’s like football takes up the space in our head space usually reserved for sex and relationships, and there simply isn’t enough room to be invested in both. Or, as James, 28, puts it: “No climax can compare to football coming home.”

But then, does the World Cup mean we’re doomed to a sex drought? Absolutely not.

Will it reduce the likelihood of sex? Possibly. But really, it’s up to you how much of an effect the World Cup has on your sex life.

The football isn’t on all day, everyday; so, there’s still time when you can squeeze in a session of sex.

Just be aware that people’s emotions are likely to be closer to the surface than usual, and sex might not always be the answer.

Trying to initiate sex while a match is on and your partner is squarely focused on the game: Not a good idea.

Dismissing your partner’s hurt feelings about a loss and trying to make a move: Not wise.

Jumping in on the joy of celebration and seamlessly turning it into lust: Could work.

Remember that the World Cup is important (to many people), but so is sex.

Respect the game and the emotions around it, but if football is taking up so much of your or your partner’s attention that sex disappears entirely, it’s time to have a gentle chat about making time for intimacy, too.

Football’s coming home. It’s coming.

But are you?

In Pictures: 2018 Durban July Fashion

Every year, the Durban July horse race attracts thousands to the eastern city’s Greyville Racecourse – although the horses are somewhat overshadowed by the extravagant outfits.

 

A favourite with celebrities and politicians alike, the challenge this year was to create a timeless fashion piece, and use the elements of a watch face to inspire outfits, to fit in with the theme “It Is Time”.

It is the highlight of the South African social calendar.

Mandla Mvubu, meanwhile, appears to have been inspired by royalty with his outfit Picture/AFP
South African fashion designer Mado Smaili took the brief more literally Picture/AFP
Win Wheeler (right) also incorporated the theme into her hat – which was designed by her husband, Mike (left) Picture/AFP
Miss SA World Thulisa Keyi was blushing in red at The Vodacom Durban July
Picture/Jackie Clausen
Minnie Dlamini arrived at The Vodacom Durban July in a sassy white dress and hat.
Picture/Jackie Clausen

Explosive devices detonate in vicinity of Durban July

In the latest in a string of bombings in Durban‚ explosive devices were planted and detonated on the fringes of the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday night, reports TimesLive.

 

This follows the bombing of Woolworths stores at the Gateway and Pavilion malls last week.

Police spokeswoman Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that explosive devices had been detonated in and amongst parked cars on Gladys Mazibuko [Marriott] Road and on Avondale Road – just a stone’s throw from the Greyville Racecourse and thousands of July revellers.

“At Marriott Road just after 10pm a device was found under a vehicle. No injuries were reported‚” she said.

“The second incident took place at Avondale and Milner road after 11pm after an unknown device exploded on a vehicle. The explosives unit members went to the scene to investigate what type of devices were used. Investigations are still continuing‚” she added.

On Thursday two similar devices‚ one planted in the Gateway outlet and the other in the Pavilion‚ were detonated‚ causing fires.

The Gateway outlet was evacuated on Saturday when a pipe bomb was found and later defused by bomb technicians.

Nominations for the Zim Social Media Awards closing Today

Nominations are currently underway for the Zimbabwean Social Media awards and will close midnight on 8 of July 2018.

 

The Zimbabwean Social Media awards are intended to recognise and reward the most influential Zimbabwean social media personalities.

These awards are being held by the Tribe of Influencers who also pioneered the Zimbabwean Blog Awards earlier this year.

“The Zimbabwean Social Media Awards are primarily meant to highlight the marketing value of referrals, word of mouth and third-party endorsements.

“We want the brands to know that influencers exist in Zimbabwe and that they can prove their influence by mobilising their followers to vote for them.

“The awards are also an effective way of promoting best practices in social media marketing,” said Kudzanai Thondhlana, Business Development Manager at Tribe of Influencers.

The Zimbabwean Blog Awards garnered over 60 000 votes earlier this year. Showing that Zimbabwean personalities and platforms are creating genuine connections and followings with audiences within their various niches of focus.

“Social media has changed the way we interact with one another, share information, sell products and enjoy entertainment.

“It cuts across all sectors and is pivotal because it gives the consumer a voice. Referrals greatly influence purchasing decisions and social personalities have the power to influence buyers,” outlined Thondhlana.

Nominations and awards are an indicator of a personality’s influence. Being nominated will not only give these individuals public recognition but also the showcase their value addition to brands through the audiences they are connected to.

“We’re doing things differently this time. The panelist judges will shortlist the 5 final nominees that will be vying for the respective award in that category.

“From there the people will vote and decide the winner solely from the number of votes. It’s a simple popularity contest,” stated Thondhlana.

Tribe of Influencers recently introduced the #ZimFluential WhatsApp Masterclasses whereby every Wednesday a thought leader is invited to teach about a topic that they are highly knowledgeable in.

The Masterclass has attracted experts and members from across Africa. Through storytelling, direct teaching and communication on several social media platforms, the Tribe is equipping content creators with the knowledge that they need to improve their craft.

“We hope to build a sustainable, dynamic and viable creative industry. Through our various programmes such as the blog academy and upcoming new media conference, we hope to continue elevating content creators and sharing ideas that make for great content creation,” concluded Thondhlana.

Nominations for the Zimbabwean Social Media awards can be made here: http://www.tribeofinfluencers.com/nominations2/

Zim Fan shares her celebrity experience in the DSTV world Cup WhatsApp Group

Aside from watching the biggest football showpiece, the World Cup games on TV screens, DSTV has been offering fans a real-time experience with former players, celebrities, coaches and the like in a WhatsApp group chat.

 

All active DStv subscribers are eligible to take part in the experience by sending their name and smart card number to www.ultimatefangroup.com

Participants are then randomly selected from the entries and one Zimbabwean fan Melissa had the time of her life in a WhatsApp group chat that included Liverpool legend, John Barnes.

“I was interacting with John Barnes because YNWA. I’m a massive Liverpool fan and it was fun chatting with him about soccer,” she enthused.

Melissa who lives in Harare said she fell in love with soccer from as early as 3 years old when every Saturday and Sunday afternoon they would watch the EPL and the Serie A with her dad.

 

“Wanting to be like Dad I got sucked into it,” she recalls her first love with soccer.

She said the WhatsApp group was an amazing experience for her during the ongoing Russia World Cup.

“The group was awesome, very fun, it doesn’t get heated up in a nasty way but there is a lot of teasing and jokes.

“Carol Tshabalala and Neil Andrews and Usher Kumogisha and John Barnes were very vocal. You can tell they love their jobs and they always have great insight as well as questions,” she said.

Melissa who is a writer was one of the first lucky entrants into the Dstv fanalysis chat group

“Topics that ruled were the game at hand, African teams(obviously), the game from the night before and of course what we expected for future games,” she added.

Colcom ‘blames’ new machine for making small pies

Consumers of the colcom pies have been up in arms with the manufacturer from as late as last year.

 

The complaints were and still are that Colcom pies now have smaller meat than before.

A social media storm has been brewing and refusing to disappear as consumers demand a better product for their hard earned money.

The company, however, had been turning a deaf ear until recently when the complaints went into overdrive.

Yesterday they issued a statement on their official Facebook page which basically blamed new machinery for producing the smaller pies.

“We are naturally very concerned by the complaints and criticisms that Colcom’s pies are “not what they used to be”. Whilst this is true, we would like to clarify the changes that have been made, and the reasons therefore,” read the statement.

It continued “In August 2015 Colcom commissioned a new, largely automated plant to replace its previous aged and inefficient plant to increase production capacity required to meet the increase in demand.

While it was anticipated that the new plant would be able to produce similar pies, in practice this was found not to be the case.

“At the same time, we were increasingly conscious that a large proportion of our customers were asking for a more affordable pie.

“In order to achieve this, the plant was designed to produce a 100-gram pie, which at that time retailed at 39 cents to replace the previous 120-gram pie which retailed at 60 cents. (The current retail price for Colcom’s 100-gram pies, three years later, is 50 cents).

The company also said that it has trebled production to meet the substantial and growing demand for the pies owing to the upgraded pie manufacturing facility.

Said the rest of the statement:

We have listened to our customers and are well aware that there is a segment of our pie customers who would like to see the return of the “original” Colcom pies.

Whilst maintaining the original Colcom pie has been the objective since the commissioning of the new pie plant, and we have committed significant resources to achieve this result including seeking the assistance of international technical experts, it has until now not been possible to replicate all aspects of that product.

Our technical team is working on plans for alternative means of producing a pie that includes the aspects of the “original” Colcom pie that at present we cannot reproduce.
The work to achieve this result is ongoing but the process will take time.
We take this opportunity to advise that any and all feedback from customers is logged and addressed directly and we encourage any queries or complaints to be directed to our central platform at customercare@colcom.co.zw
Colcom provides an extensive range of fresh and processed meat products and we most sincerely thank all our customers for your greatly valued support.

Japan leave stadium spotless despite suffering World Cup 2018 heartbreak

Japan’s World Cup dream was cruelly ended on Monday night when Belgium bagged a stoppage-time winner in Rostov.

 

An upset was on the cards as Akira Nishino’s men stormed into a 2-0 lead, but the Belgians hit back to level before Nacer Chadli popped up at the death to send them into the quarter-finals.

The Japanese players looked understandably dejected at the final whistle.

However, the team and fans put their disappointment behind them as they cleaned up the stands and even the away dressing room despite the 3-2 reverse.

“This is the Japanese dressing room after losing to Belgium in the 94′ minute,” wrote a FIFA employee alongside a picture of a pristine-looking changing area.

“Thanked their fans in the stadium, cleaned up everything (bench and dressing room) and spoke to media. Even left a note with ‘thank you’ in Russian.

“What an example for all teams!! Privilege to work with!”

Japan boss Akira Nishino was crushed after having a famous win ripped from his grasp.

A supporter in fancy dress carries two bin bags (Image: Getty Images)

He said: “I am devastated. Yes we took the lead but we couldn’t win. I don’t want to admit it. I do feel that it was a tragedy but I have to accept the defeat as a fact.

A fan helps clear up at full-time (Image: Getty Images)

“Maybe it was my decisions as a coach or my tactics, and we couldn’t keep up with Belgium.”