Zimbabwe’s national football team has been dealt an early setback ahead of the Four Nations Tournament after forward Tawanda Maswanhise was ruled out of the squad due to injury.
Maswanhise, who plays for Motherwell in Scotland, was expected to join the Warriors for the international tournament but reported a minor injury following his club match against Hibernian over the weekend.
The forward will remain in Scotland to manage the injury and will not travel for national duty.
The withdrawal is part of a broader injury concern for the national team, with experienced forward Knowledge Musona also ruled out, along with Prince Dube and Thando Ngwenya, who are all sidelined with injuries ahead of the tournament.
In response, the Warriors technical team has named replacements to reinforce the squad.
Washington Navaya of Hardrock FC has been called up, alongside Jarrison Selemani of FC Platinum, Mongameli Tshuma of Highlanders and Godknows Murwira of Scottland FC.
Despite the injury setbacks, the coaching staff will be hoping the new additions can integrate quickly into the squad and maintain momentum as the national team looks to put in strong performances during the tournament.
Scottland FC delivered a dominant performance at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, defeating newcomers FC Hunters 3–0 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 4 encounter, with Khama Billiat leading the charge in an emphatic victory.
Scottland started the match aggressively and nearly won a penalty in the second minute when Msebe was bundled off the ball inside the box as he prepared to shoot, but the referee waved play on.
Despite the early pressure, FC Hunters gradually settled into the game, and both sides began to move the ball confidently, reflecting the possession-based styles associated with coaches Norman Mapeza and Saruchera.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Billiat scored with a glancing header from a well-delivered cross by Shidolo.
The goal marked Billiat’s third of the season under Mapeza and gave Scottland control of the match.
Billiat nearly doubled the lead before halftime when he rose above the defence to meet a Walter Musona cross, but Hunters goalkeeper Shangiwa reacted quickly, diving to his left to push the ball out for a corner.
Scottland came out stronger in the second half and extended their lead just four minutes after the restart.
Once again, Billiat rose above the Hunters’ defence, this time heading in a Walter Musona corner kick to make it 2–0.
Walter Musona later added the third goal from close range, sealing a comfortable victory for Scottland, who continued to create chances throughout the match.
The home side could have scored more goals late in the game, but Gurirab failed to beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation, and Mureremba’s rebound effort went wide.
CAPS United’s strong start to the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season continued as they secured their fourth consecutive victory with a win over Hardrock FC, maintaining early momentum in the title race.
Under coach Takesure Chiragwi, the Harare giants have now recorded victories against Agama, Herentals, Triangle and Hardrock FC, a run that has positioned them among the early pace-setters in the league.
The match began at a high tempo, with CAPS United taking the lead just four minutes into the game through in-form forward Ishmael Wadi.
The striker reacted quickly after Obriel Chirinda’s effort struck the post, pouncing on the rebound to score his second goal of the 2026 season and give CAPS an early advantage.
Hardrock FC responded by pushing forward, with much of their attacking play coming down the right wing through Sambulo Simelani, who caused problems with his pace and delivery into the box.
Despite creating pressure and winning several corner kicks, Hardrock failed to convert their opportunities.
Around the half-hour mark, CAPS United nearly doubled their lead when Chirinda struck the inside of the crossbar. For a moment, CAPS players and supporters believed the ball had crossed the line, but the referee waved play on.
Hardrock came out stronger in the second half and nearly equalised when reigning 2025 Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya found himself in a promising position, but he was denied by CAPS United goalkeeper Magalane.
CAPS United eventually sealed the win through teenage substitute Allen Mukombedzi, who once again made an immediate impact from the bench, continuing his impressive start to the season.
The goal came after a well-delivered cross into the penalty area, where Wadi rose highest and headed the ball against the crossbar.
Mukombedzi reacted quickly to the rebound, heading the ball into the net to double CAPS United’s lead and secure the victory.
With four wins from four matches, CAPS United’s early season form has sent a strong message to the rest of the league as Chiragwi’s side continues to build momentum in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Today, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album roll-out begins with the global release of Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carín León, produced by Cirkut, via Def Jam Recordings.
Lighter marks the first chapter of a groundbreaking album created for the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ in history and is now live across all major streaming services.
A collaboration between three defining artists from the tournament’s host nations – Jelly Roll (United States), Carín León (Mexico) and Cirkut (Canada), the 2026 GRAMMY Award Winner for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical – Lighter brings together the three host countries through one collaborative sound.
Blending Jelly Roll’s country roots with Carín León’s regional Mexican influence, the track bridges genres, reflecting the shared cultural energy of North America and the global passion for the game.
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the rare moments when the entire world moves to the same rhythm,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is not simply a musical accompaniment to the tournament; it’s a statement about where the global game is going. By bringing together artists whose voices resonate across continents, we are creating something that mirrors the scale, ambition and cultural impact of this historic competition.
“Lighter marks the beginning of that journey. It is a powerful expression of resilience, energy and joy – a song that will connect with fans everywhere and become part of the atmosphere in stadiums, fan celebrations and communities around the world throughout the tournament.”
Reflecting on the track and collaboration, Jelly Roll shares: “Music has a way of reaching people in places you’d never expect, and the way this song came together with Carín León and Cirkut is proof of that. I’ve had a whole lot of respect for both of them for a long time, so getting to come together on this record has been real special. Grateful to be able to share it with folks all over the world.”
“Collaborating with an artist like Jelly Roll, and doing so for nothing less than the biggest sporting event in the world, is something that fills me with pride,” adds Carín León.
“As a Mexican, I’m incredibly excited to be part of this project and to bring a piece of our music and culture to so many corners of the world. Very grateful for the opportunity and happy to share what we love most: music from the soul.”
On shaping the record, Cirkut notes: “Working with Jelly Roll and Carín León on the first record of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album was a real honor. We wanted to create something that carries the sound and soul of the host countries, and hits in a way that connects with fans around the world.”
As the opening release from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, Lighter signals a new era for FIFA World Cup music.
The album will reflect the multifaceted nature of the beautiful game – different styles, different paces and different cultures working together in harmony.
The full album will feature artists across continents and genres, purposefully curated to mirror the diversity of the 48-team tournament and the global communities it represents.
By bringing together established global stars and emerging voices, the project serves as a strategic cultural bridge, connecting football audiences with music enthusiasts and inviting fans to engage with the artists they already love.
A two-week dental outreach led by Cimas Health Group in partnership with the United Kingdom-based charity SmileStar has brought free oral healthcare services to hundreds of patients across Matabeleland North and South, underscoring the growing role of partnerships in expanding access to care.
The initiative, which concluded on March 20, forms part of Cimas Health Group’s corporate social responsibility program and focused on underserved communities with limited access to dental services.
The outreach provided treatments including tooth extractions, restorative procedures and oral health education.
“This is our second time fusing global expertise with local capacity to provide free essential oral healthcare services,” said Vuli Ndlovu, chief executive officer of Cimas Health Group.
“It is a critical yet often overlooked component of overall health for the communities we serve.”
The program began on March 9 in Victoria Falls before moving to Dete in Hwange, then to Matobo and concluding at Matopo Mission Clinic.
Over the course of the outreach, medical teams treated large numbers of patients daily, performing hundreds of extractions and dozens of restorative procedures at each location.
The initiative also marked the first time the outreach expanded into Matabeleland South, building on last year’s inaugural program, which treated more than 1,100 patients.
Ndlovu emphasized that collaboration between local and international partners is central to delivering sustainable healthcare solutions.
Cimas–SmileStar Outreach
“Sustainable healthcare cannot be achieved in isolation, but through strong, purpose-driven partnerships that combine expertise, resources and a shared commitment to healthier communities,” he said.
The outreach brought together local partners, including hospitality groups in Victoria Falls and Hwange, alongside SmileStar’s team of volunteer dental professionals.
This year’s program saw an expanded medical team, increasing capacity to meet demand in remote areas.
Beyond immediate treatment, the initiative also focused on prevention. Ndlovu said raising awareness around oral hygiene is key to improving long-term health outcomes and reducing pressure on the broader healthcare system.
“Preventive care saves lives, reduces complications and lowers costs,” he said, encouraging communities to seek early dental check-ups.
SmileStar founder Dr. Mitesh Badiani described the collaboration as impactful in addressing gaps in access to oral healthcare.
He noted that the outreach exceeded expectations, particularly in Matabeleland North, where turnout was high and more than 1,000 patients were treated over five days of clinical service.
The program reflects a broader shift in healthcare delivery, where providers are increasingly extending services beyond traditional facilities through mobile clinics and community-based initiatives.
For Cimas Health Group, Ndlovu said, the goal is clear: “Healthcare must be accessible, inclusive and sustainable.”
Harare will host some of Africa’s brightest young minds this week as Zimbabwe stages the 8th Africa Spelling Bee Championship, a continental competition designed to promote literacy, academic excellence and cultural exchange among students.
The event, organized by the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee (ZSB), will run from March 18 to 21 and is expected to bring together top spelling champions from at least 14 African countries.
Competitors from nations including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda will gather in the capital to compete for the title of Africa Spelling Bee Champion 2026.
The championship features both junior and senior categories, giving students from across the continent an opportunity to test their spelling skills while engaging in cultural exchange with peers from different countries.
Organizers say the competition is intended to do more than crown a winner.
“The championship is not only about spelling—it is about building the future of Africa through education, collaboration and shared excellence,” the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee said in a statement welcoming participants and delegates to the country.
The program will begin with preliminary and semifinal rounds running from March 18 to March 20, followed by the grand finale and awards ceremony on March 20. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for March 19.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the event follows the successful staging of the 2025 edition in Nigeria. Organizers say bringing the championship to Harare reflects growing regional interest in initiatives that strengthen literacy and academic performance among young learners.
The tournament is being organized in partnership with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, a collaboration aimed at promoting both educational development and the country’s role as a destination for international academic and cultural events.
Beyond the competition itself, the event will feature cultural showcases and networking opportunities for students, educators and stakeholders.
Organizers say the goal is to encourage unity among young Africans while helping participants build confidence, communication skills and global exposure.
Founded as a national educational initiative, the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee runs competitions across the country and supports students who go on to represent Zimbabwe in international spelling events.
The organization says hosting the continental championship offers a chance to highlight the role literacy plays in shaping Africa’s future.
The 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League enters Matchday 3 with midweek fixtures scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Newcomers Hunters FC will face former champions FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday.
CAPS United, the only team with a 100 percent record so far this season, will make their first trip outside Harare when they travel to Gibbo Stadium to face Triangle.
Highlanders will host Lloyd Mutasa’s MWOS at Barbourfields Stadium on Thursday.
Despite gloomy weather conditions, the Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup at Troutbeck lived up to expectations with exciting races, breakthrough performances and a few moments of disappointment.
One of the biggest setbacks came for Zimbabwe’s top triathlete Andie Kuipers, who was forced to withdraw from the elite women’s race due to breathing complications during the swim.
Her coach, Pamela Fulton, explained that the conditions created a difficult environment in the water.
She described the team’s emotions as mixed, particularly as two Zimbabwean athletes were competing in the elite women’s category.
“Rachel O’Donoghue and Andie Kuipers were racing in the elite ladies category. This was Rachel’s debut elite race after moving up from the junior division. She’s still just 16 and racing under 19, so finishing third overall was a fantastic effort and not too far behind the winning elite lady.
“I’m really proud of her. I haven’t spoken to her yet but I’m sure she’s ecstatic. She should be within the eight percent range of the winner, which means she could earn elite ranking points at such a young age.”
Fulton also explained the circumstances that forced Kuipers out of the race.
“Unfortunately this was meant to be Andie’s first race of the season to gauge where she is compared to other athletes early in the year. She experienced a situation in the water where carbon dioxide rises just above the surface when both the air and water temperatures are cold.
“When you start swimming fast from the beginning you end up breathing in that carbon dioxide. She had to be pulled out of the water because she couldn’t get enough oxygen. The important thing is that she’s safe and recovering well.”
Kuipers is expected to return to action soon as she prepares to compete at another Africa Cup event in Swakopmund, Namibia.
The elite women’s race was eventually won by Germany’s Jule Behrens after a tightly contested battle with Japan’s Himeka Sato.
Zimbabwe’s young prospect Rachel O’Donoghue, a student at Chisipite Senior School, delivered an outstanding performance in her first elite race. The 15-year-old, who turns 16 later this year, finished third overall in a remarkable debut at senior level.
In the Africa Junior Cup race, Zimbabwe celebrated a major success as Zander Botha claimed his first championship title at Troutbeck.
Botha stayed with the leading pack after the swim, maintained his momentum during the cycling stage, and produced a strong run to secure the win.
Speaking after the race, he reflected on the challenging conditions.
“It was a really wet race so you had to be careful on the bike because the road was slippery. I had a great swim but got a bit tired during the cycling. I managed to finish strong in the run. Overall it was a good race and I’m proud of the outcome.”
Fellow Zimbabwean Callum Smith finished second, with less than two minutes separating him from Botha in a closely fought race. South Africa’s Russell Theron completed the podium in third place.
In the elite men’s race, Germany’s Lasse Lührs took top honours. The Czech Republic’s Martin Demuth finished second, while Justus Topper secured third place.
Overall, despite the cold and wet conditions, the Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup once again delivered a memorable day of competition in the scenic mountains of Troutbeck, showcasing emerging young talent alongside seasoned international athletes.
Riding high on the wave of its recent triumph at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) 2025, Magamba Network is thrilled to announce that its award-winning series, Magweja, will broadcast on Crown TV in Zambia, marking a landmark first for Magamba Network as it takes its productions across the border for the very first time.
The premiere episode will air on Monday, 16 March 2025, at 19:30 hrs, prime time viewing, bringing the gripping world of Magweja to Zambian audiences.
Magweja claimed the coveted Outstanding Screen Production award at NAMA 2025, and Magamba Network is basking in that well-deserved recognition.
The award is a resounding affirmation of the series’ artistic excellence and powerful cultural resonance, a victory that now carries Magamba’s storytelling beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Set against the complex and often overlooked landscape of Zimbabwe’s extractive sector, Magweja shines an unflinching spotlight on the mining industry, specifically on the lived realities of artisanal miners whose stories have long remained on the margins of mainstream storytelling.
The series captures the human cost, the resilience, and the raw complexity of life in Zimbabwe’s mining communities with authenticity and depth.
The partnership with Crown TV is a significant milestone for Magamba Network. Zambia, as a fellow southern African nation with deep ties to the mining industry, provides the ideal audience to connect with the stories Magweja tells, stories of community, survival, and the pursuit of dignity that transcend borders.
“The Nama recognition affirmed what we always believed, that Magweja is a story that resonates far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Bringing it to Zambia through Crown TV is not just an expansion, it is a conversation we are proud to begin with a new audience,” said award winning playwright, actor and filmmaker, Dereck Nziyakwi who is the Director for Magweja.
Zambian audiences can catch the premiere of Magweja on Crown TV on Monday, 16 March 2025 at 19:30 hrs. Do not miss it.
Athletes from across the continent are set to converge at Troutbeck Resort for the 2026 Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup, scheduled for Saturday, 14 March,
The competition is taking place in three categories, Elite Men, Elite Women and Africa Junior Cup (Men)
Zimbabwe’s hopes will largely rest on Andie Kuipers, who missed last year’s Triathlon Africa Cup in Troutbeck due to injury.
Despite that setback, Kuipers went on to claim the Under-23 African Triathlon Championship in 2025 in South Africa, finishing with a time of 2:17:18.
Speaking at the pre-race press conference ahead of the 2026 Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup in Troutbeck, Kuipers said:
“I’m glad to be back home. I’m usually only in Zimbabwe for about two weeks a year. I was lucky to leave at the last minute and get a flight, especially with so many flights being cancelled worldwide.
“This is my first race of the season, so I’ll most likely use it to gauge how my training programme has been working.”
Meanwhile, Rachel O’Donoghue, who is still only 17, will make her Elite Women debut and is expected to be another torchbearer for Zimbabwe at the event.
