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18-Year-Old Midfielder Padera Reacts to Warriors Call-Up

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18-Year-Old Midfielder Padera Reacts to Warriors Call-Up

Talented 18-year-old Zimbabwean midfielder Prosper Padera has expressed his excitement after receiving a senior Warriors national team call-up.

 

Padera featured for Zimbabwe at the 2025 Cosafa Cup in South Africa this past June. The squad, made up largely of Under-20 players, finished second in Group A behind the hosts.

In 2024, the promising midfielder signed a four-year contract with Finnish top-flight side Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho.

Before turning professional, Padera completed a fully funded scholarship program at Brooke House College in the United Kingdom.

Watch Padera’s reaction below

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18 year old Prosper Padera speaks on his senior Warriors call-up

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Two Angry Men: A Storm of Emotion Set to Hit Theatre in the Park

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Two Angry Men: A Storm of Emotion Set to Hit Theatre in the Park

This September, the stage at Theatre in the Park will play host to an emotional and thought-provoking production titled Two Angry Men, a two-hander play directed by acclaimed theatre practitioner Dr. Kelvin Chikonzo.

 

Running from September 3 to 6, the play promises a gripping exploration of Zimbabwe’s youth caught between hope and despair, all in the intimate space of a single, stripped-down room.

The play is the brainchild of the late Stephen Chifunyise, a stalwart of Zimbabwean theatre known for timeless works like Rituals and Heal the Wounds.

According to Chikonzo, the production took root during a casual yet profound conversation with producer Daves Guzha.

“Daves wanted to produce one of Chifunyise’s classics and suggested that I could direct it,” recalls Chikonzo.

“I was personally impressed by the manner in which Chifunyise blends a plethora of styles in one play – cyclical and repetitive plot, stories within a story, multiple characters, a pinch of realist drama and agit-prop.

“Combined with the two-hander approach, this style of theatre stimulated great interest in me.”

Though written in the early 1990s, Two Angry Men is as relevant as ever. “The impact of the economy on the youth is hardly a subject of discussion in Zimbabwean theatre,” Chikonzo notes.

“This play centres the struggles, frustrations, delusions, anger, and shattered dreams of the youth in Zimbabwe.”

In line with his passion for post-dramatic theatre, Chikonzo has embraced a minimalist staging approach for this production.

“The empty space functions as a metaphor for the expression of the shattered dreams and nothingness which runs through the lives of Jonas and Simba,” he explains.

“I didn’t want other aspects of production such as décor, costume and lights to divert attention from the story. Any prop we used had to serve multiple functions and have a life of its own.”

This bare-bones approach, while aesthetically bold, comes with its own set of challenges — particularly in a play that unfolds entirely within a single room.

“The greatest challenge was on character transitions and creating different character proposals,” says Chikonzo.

“These actors play a minimum of eight characters each, so we had to create backstories for each one.

“Most importantly, we had to understand the source of frustrations and anger for Simba and Jonas, their specific missions in the play, and other relevant character elements.”

Two Angry Men runs September 3–6 at Theatre in the Park, Harare Gardens. This is more than a play — it’s a mirror held up to society, told through two men, eight voices, and one powerful script.

Whether you’re a theatre buff, a student of society, or simply a curious observer — this is one show that demands to be seen.

Zimskate to Build Greengrove Skatepark in Harare’s New Nature Reserve

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Zimskate to Build Greengrove Skatepark in Harare’s New Nature Reserve

Zimskate, the leading skateboarding and roller sports organisation in Zimbabwe, has announced plans to construct

 

Greengrove Skatepark, a community project born out of the need for more recreational safe-spaces in the city of  Harare.

This came following the public launch of the Greengrove Nature Reserve, a natural habitat for multiple species of flora, fauna, a natural water spring and Willie’s Dam.

At the official ceremony conducted back in June 2025, the City of Harare blessed the conservation of the land as well as the setting up of a recreational park on site that will include numerous sporting activities including skateboarding.

The launch of the Greengrove Nature reserve featured over 6 schools from Harare East district, the local councilor and other representatives from the City of Harare.

This project coincides with the Zimbabwe COP15 focus on Wetland conservation.

“It’s an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase good environmental management while also catering to the pressing community need of better education and family oriented recreational safe-spaces,” said Lindani Mataure Director of Zimskate and Committee member in the Greengrove Nature Reserve Trust.

Stanbic Bank reports strong half-year 2025 profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million

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Stanbic Bank reports strong half-year 2025 profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe achieved a profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2025, demonstrating robust growth and resilience in a challenging operating environment.

 

This is a significant increase from the ZWG27.1 million reported in the comparative period in 2024. The Bank’s performance was underpinned by strong growth in both net interest income and non-funded income.

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe chairman Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi said the results for the first half of 2025 were hard-won amid demanding conditions.

“We are pleased to report a profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million, a testament to the resilience of our business model and the unwavering commitment of our management and staff.

Our capital position remains strong, with qualifying core capital of ZWG4.2 billion, significantly exceeding the regulatory requirement of about ZWG800 million.

The growth was supported by a recovery in key sectors of the economy, including mining and agriculture, where we continue to play a pivotal role through strategic partnerships with our clients,” he said.

Stanbic Bank’s customer deposits grew by 37 percent to ZWG22.2 billion, reflecting an expansion of the customer base, support from external financiers, and the translation effect on foreign currency deposits.

Net interest income grew significantly to ZWG840.4 million, driven by a growth in the lending book to ZWG10.0 billion from ZWG8.4 billion in December 2024, largely denominated in foreign currency.

Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, Solomon Nyanhongo, added that despite liquidity constraints in the market, the Bank delivered a commendable performance.

“We ended the period with a stronger balance sheet and continued to invest in digital innovations, such as our new IPAY platform for foreign payments and deposit-taking ATMs to enhance customer experience.

“Our focus remains on keeping our clients at the centre of everything we do, supporting key sectors vital to Zimbabwe’s economic growth, and keeping the highest standards of governance and risk management. I am immensely proud of our team’s relentless effort in achieving these results,” he said.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to our clients and stakeholders whose immense support and loyalty continues to fuel the Bank’s success- Zimbabwe is our home, we drive her success,” said Nyanhongo.

Christian Film ‘Treasure Hunt’ Comes To South African Cinemas This October

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Christian Film ‘Treasure Hunt’ Comes To South African Cinemas This October

Treasure Hunt, a home-grown film with a universal message, makes its South African cinema debut this October after screening at the American Black Film Festival in Miami.

 

Directed by Chim Onyebilanma and filmed in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, it delivers action, drama, romance and faith in a powerful story of redemption and second chances.

More than entertainment, the film is a message of hope — and a milestone for local talent bringing faith-based stories to the big screen.

A local film with a global heart is bringing faith to the big screen.

After its debut at the American Black Film Festival in Miami, Treasure Hunt – a faith-filled, action-packed, feel-good movie made in KwaZulu-Natal – is set to make its cinema premiere in South Africa this October.

With a powerful redemptive storyline at its core, Treasure Hunt is a Christian film that blends real-life struggles with themes of grace, second chances and the courage to choose what’s right. It’s got it all – faith, action, drama and of course, love.

The film premieres on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at 5:00 PM at Killarney Mall CineCentre in Johannesburg, followed by the Durban premiere on Friday, 17 October at Suncoast CineCentre.

The film will then screen for one week from 17th October 2025 in both cities at the same venues.

Should opening week attendance be strong, the cinemas will extend the run.

Set in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Treasure Hunt follows the story of a man trying to leave behind a broken past.

When he stumbles upon a stash of jewellery in a trash bin, he faces a moral crossroads… do what’s right or return to the life he left behind. The story explores faith under pressure and the life-changing impact of standing firm in your values.

Directed by Chim Onyebilanma, a passionate storyteller and pastor, the film was created by CAP Studios, a small production company in Embo, KwaZulu-Natal that works to nurture local talent and tell stories with purpose.

Even the cast is a testament to the film’s mission. Well-known South African stars Moopi Mothibeli, Muzi Mthabela, Trevor Gumbi, Zane Meas and Samukele Mkhezie – along with many local actors – offered their time for free, in support of a project that carries a bigger message.

“This is more than a film,” says Onyebilanma. “It’s a message of hope. It’s about the real battles people face every day, and the choice to believe that your story isn’t over.”

Whether you’re coming for the action, the message or the love story, Treasure Hunt is a film the whole family can enjoy – and one South Africans can be proud of.

Zimbabwe Women off to winning start at Africa Qualifier

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Zimbabwe Women off to winning start at Africa Qualifier

Zimbabwe Women announced their intentions early at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, dismantling hosts Namibia Women by 32 runs in a commanding display in Windhoek on Sunday.

 

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 133 for five in 20 overs, powered by a captain’s innings from Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who remained unbeaten on 39 off 31 balls, striking four boundaries.

Openers Chiedza Dhururu and Kelis Ndhlovu gave Zimbabwe a solid start, putting on 35 for the first wicket in six overs.

Ndhlovu was dismissed for 23, while Dhururu made 18 before departing in the 10th over, leaving Zimbabwe at 57 for two.

After quick wickets fell in the 13th over – Loreen Tshuma caught for nine and Nyasha Gwanzura out first ball – Mugeri-Tiripano steadied the innings.

She then shared a 43-run partnership with Beloved Biza, who scored 22 off 19 balls with four boundaries, helping propel the total to 118 before Biza was bowled.

Zimbabwe closed their innings at 133 for five.

Sune Wittmann was the hosts’ most successful bowler, taking two for 11 in four overs.

Namibia’s chase began with promise.

Kayleen Green struck three boundaries but was caught by Biza off Lindokuhle Mabhera for 12 in the fourth over.

Wittmann (23) and Yasmeen Khan (21) then put together a 34-run stand, offering hope, but Zimbabwe struck back decisively.

Tshuma removed Wittmann in the 10th over, caught and bowled, and had Khan caught by Francisca Chipare in the 14th over, reducing Namibia to 68 for four.

In the 15th over, Namibia were reeling at 71 for five after Mezerly Gorases was caught by Nkomo off the bowling of Nyasha Gwanzura for one.

Three balls later, Biza dismissed Eddelle van Zyl for five.

In the following over, Gwanzura struck a double blow – bowling Jurrienne Diergaardt for nought and trapping Sylvia Shihepo for a golden duck – leaving Namibia in deep trouble at 79 for eight, needing 55 runs from 3.1 overs with just two wickets remaining.

Wilka Mwatile hit the game’s only six and two fours but it was too little too late, finishing unbeaten on 24 off 14 balls as Namibia’s innings ended at 101 for eight in 20 overs, handing Zimbabwe a 32-run victory.

Gwanzura finished with remarkable figures of three wickets for just four runs in four overs, while Tshuma claimed three for 24.

Next up, Zimbabwe will face Sierra Leone this Monday morning in their second match before wrapping up their group fixtures against Nigeria on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe are drawn in Group A alongside Namibia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, while Group B features Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.

The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on 4 September.

The two finalists will not only contest the trophy on 6 September but also secure their spots at the Global Qualifier in Nepal early next year.

Simuniziva Tops Matabeleland North Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Finals

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Simuniziva Tops Matabeleland North Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Finals

The Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 talent search continued in Matabeleland North this weekend, with Afro-fusion outfit Simuniziva taking first place and securing their spot in the national finals later this year.

 

The group impressed judges, earning them the US$2,500 provincial prize and a chance to compete for the grand national title.

In second place were Abelifa the Inheritors, a traditional jazz group whose polished stagecraft won them US$1,500, while Zambezi Fusion, an acoustic fusion band, finished third to claim US$1,000.

The competition is part of Chibuku Road to Fame’s 25th anniversary edition, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).

Running under the theme “25 Years of Discovering Talent”, this year’s format has been revamped, with provincial contests consolidated into six larger finals across the country.

From each provincial final, three groups advance to the National Grand Finale, where the country’s top ten acts will battle for the ultimate prize, US$15,000 and a recording contract.

Second placed Abelifa the Inheritors

Chibuku Road to Fame has long been recognised as Zimbabwe’s leading grassroots music competition, giving emerging talent a platform to shine.

Organisers say this year’s milestone edition aims not only to celebrate past success but also to showcase the next generation of musical innovators.

With Simuniziva now joining the finalists from Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a highly competitive national showdown.

Dynamos Stun High-Flying Scottland in 3-2 Thriller, Keeping Survival Hopes Alive

Michael Shoko
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Dynamos Stun High-Flying Scottland in 3-2 Thriller, Keeping Survival Hopes Alive

At Rufaro Stadium on Saturday, the atmosphere carried a weight far beyond football.

 

At the Vietnam stand, Zimbabwe’s national flag flew proudly alongside the iconic blue of Dynamos FC, with supporters packing the stands with a sense of defiance.

For many, this was more than a league fixture. It was about pride, identity, and the survival of Zimbabwe’s most decorated football club.

On paper, the odds were overwhelming. Dynamos, languishing near the bottom of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table, faced Scottland FC, a team second on the log and riding a seven-match winning streak.

For Dynamos’ supporters, this was David against Goliath, a fight not just for three points, but for the club’s legacy.

The contest began with Scottland showcasing why they are considered title contenders.

In the 37th minute, the newly forged strike partnership of Knowledge Musona and Tymon Machope produced the opener, silencing the vibrant Vietnam End.

For Dynamos fans, the fear of a rout began to loom.

But the tide shifted almost instantly after the restart. Shadreck Nyahwa struck an equaliser in the 48th minute, sparking renewed belief.

Moments later, Vusa Ngwenya put Dynamos ahead in the 58th, sending the crowd into delirium as an unlikely comeback began to take shape.

Scottland were not done. Musona and Machope combined again, with Machope’s header pulling the game level at 2-2.

The Mabvuku side looked poised to reassert their dominance.

Enter Denver Mukamba, a player once considered the heartbeat of Dynamos but whose fitness and form have often been questioned since they signed him in the mid-season window.

Mukamba silenced the doubters with an audacious left-footed volley in the 82nd minute.

The strike triggered what many described as the loudest roar Rufaro has witnessed in years.

It sealed a 3-2 victory that will be remembered as one of the most spirited performances of the season.

“Every match feels like a battle for the soul of Zimbabwean football,” said one longtime supporter outside the stadium. “Dynamos is not just a team; it’s history.”

Despite the famous win, the struggle is far from over. Dynamos remain in a precarious position near the foot of the table, with relegation still a pressing threat.

The challenge for head coach Kelvin Kaindu and players will be to turn this emotional triumph into sustained performances over the coming weeks.

For Scottland, the loss ends a remarkable winning streak but hardly dents their championship credentials. Their depth and form make them favourites to claim the title.

Coach Kelvin Kaindu’s post-match media interview

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“Denver is a Commander” – Kelvin Kaindu’s thoughts following Dynamos’ the win against Scottland

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Raza Heroics in Vain as Zimbabwe Fall Short in Harare Thriller

Brian Matamba
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Raza Heroics in Vain as Zimbabwe Fall Short in Harare Thriller

Zimbabwe fell agonisingly short by 7 runs in the opening One Day International against Sri Lanka, in a thrilling contest at Harare Sports Club that went right down to the wire.

 

Stand-in captain Sean Williams, deputising for the injured Craig Ervine (calf strain), won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the morning conditions that often favour seamers with the new ball at Harare Sports Club.

Pacer Richard Ngarava struck early, removing Nishan Madushka for a duck with Sri Lanka reeling at 9-1.

The visitors, however, recovered through a composed 76 off 92 balls from Pathum Nissanka and an unbeaten 70 from Janith Liyanage to post 298/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers were expensive at the death. Trevor Gwandu leaked 61 runs from 6.2 overs at an economy of 9.63, while frontline quick Blessing Muzarabani claimed one wicket but went for 65 runs in his 10 overs.

The hosts’ chase got off to the worst possible start, with Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor dismissed for ducks in the first over, leaving Zimbabwe in deep trouble at 0-2

Williams and Ben Curran steadied the innings with a fighting 118 run stand off 130 balls. Williams scored 57 before falling, while Curran looked in fine touch on his way to 70 before being undone by a short ball from Asitha Fernando.

Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga then reignited Zimbabwe’s hopes with a brilliant 128-run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking the game deep.

Going into the final over, Zimbabwe needed 10 runs off 6 balls, with Raza on 92 and looking set to pull off a famous win.

But Dilshan Madushanka had other ideas. The left-arm quick produced a stunning hat-trick in the first three balls of the over dismissing Raza (bowled), Brad Evans, and Richard Ngarava to seal victory for Sri Lanka.

Madushanka finished with figures of 4/62 and was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Zimbabwe ended on 291/8, losing by 7 runs in front of a passionate home crowd left breathless by the dramatic finale.

 Kombi Driver Jailed and Banned for Life After Reckless Driving Incident

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 Kombi Driver Jailed and Banned for Life After Reckless Driving Incident

A Harare commuter omnibus driver has been sentenced to two years in prison and banned for life from driving heavy vehicles after a reckless driving incident in the capital.

 

The Harare Magistrates Court handed down the sentence to Ruzvidzo Freedom, 32, of Hatcliffe, after he was caught driving against oncoming traffic at the busy Second Street (Sam Nujoma) and Upper East Road intersection during rush hour.

Freedom, who was behind the wheel of a Toyota Hiace, reportedly entered a one-way lane and obstructed several motorists. Although no injuries were recorded, the court ruled that his actions placed members of the public at serious risk.

As part of the ruling, his driver’s licence was cancelled, and he has been permanently prohibited from driving vehicles in classes 2, 4, and 5, categories that include minibuses, trucks, and other heavy vehicles.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said the case should serve as a strong warning. “Reckless driving will not be tolerated. Driving against traffic endangers lives and can cause deadly accidents.

“Offenders will face harsh penalties, including imprisonment and lifetime driving bans. Public safety comes first. Every reckless driver is a potential killer on our roads.”

The incident comes as authorities increase calls for stricter road safety measures amid growing concern over reckless driving by public transport operators in Zimbabwe’s major cities.

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