Wednesday, June 18, 2025
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Zim Afro T10 pre-draft player picks announced

Expected to be one of the most riveting tournaments of the year, the Zim Afro T10, organised by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) in association with T Ten Global Sports, will hold its player draft on 2 July.

 

Ahead of that, the five franchises involved in the new league have announced their pre-draft marquee players.

The five teams that will battle it out for top honours are Harare Hurricanes, Joburg Buffaloes, Durban Qalandars, Bulawayo Braves and Cape Town Samp Army.

The inaugural edition will commence on 20 July, with a grand finale scheduled for 29 July.

All the games in the tournament will be played in Harare.

Each squad needs to have a minimum of 16 players including at least six Zimbabwean players, out of which one local player will be selected from the emerging player category during a nationwide talent hunt.

Ahead of the draft, the franchises can have a maximum of four top internationals as their pre-signed players – these four would be selected and announced before the start of the draft.

The following is the list of the top internationals pre-signed by each team:

HARARE HURRICANES

  • Eoin Morgan
  • Evin Lewis
  • Shahnawaz Dahani
  • Robin Uthappa

 

CAPE TOWN SAMP ARMY

  • Bhanuka Rajapaksa
  • Karim Janat
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz
  • Maheesh Theekshana

 

DURBAN QALANDARS

  • Asif Ali
  • Sisanda Magala
  • George Linde
  • Hazratullah Zazai

 

JOBURG BUFFALOES

  • Yusuf Pathan
  • Mushfiqur Rehman
  • Tom Banton
  • Noor Ahmed

 

BULAWAYO BRAVES

  • Sikandar Raza
  • Ashton Turner
  • Tymal Mills
  • Ben McDermott

ZC Managing Director Mr Givemore Makoni said: “We are in the final stages ahead of the Zim Afro T10’s inaugural edition. This gives me immense joy because to see this play out in reality has been a dream for all of the Zimbabwean cricket family as it is a watershed moment in the history of the sport in the country. The fans, I am sure, are keenly waiting for the opening day.”

T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman Mr Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk said: “To bring the T10 to Zimbabwe has been high on the agenda for us in the recent past, and that we are on the home stretch ahead of the inaugural edition of the tournament is a source of great satisfaction for me.

This is a red-letter day in the history of the sport – there will be another landmark on the day of the player draft. We can’t wait to get things rolling and welcome the best of the best players to Harare.”

Zimbabwe Triumphs Over West Indies in Thrilling Encounter, Secures Super 6 Spot

Zimbabwe booked their super six spot by beating West Indies by 35 runs in a nail-biting encounter played in front of a packed Harare Sports Club.

 

Chevrons’ man of the moment, Sikandar Raza, picked up his second consecutive Player of the Match award, scoring 68 runs off 58 balls and taking 2 wickets for 36.

West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on the morning dew, which offered some assistance to the seam bowlers.

The visitors’ first breakthrough came in the 15th over when Keemo Paul trapped Joylord Gumbie lbw for 26 runs, leaving Zimbabwe at 63/1.

Wessly Madhevere, who has been struggling for form lately, had a brief stay at the crease, perishing with just two runs on the board off the bowling of Akeal Hosein, caught by Ku Carty.

Wickets kept falling at regular intervals for Zimbabwe, with Craig Ervine departing for 47 runs and Sean Williams for 23 runs, respectively.

The 5th-wicket partnership of Raza and Ryan Burl managed to stabilize things in the middle overs, scoring 87 runs. Burl eventually lost his wicket for 50 runs lbw to Hosein.

The Chevrons’ tail failed to wag as they were eventually bowled out for 268 runs in the 49th over, with one ball to spare.

Paul was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/61.

Zimbabwe’s seamers were extremely disciplined, not leaking many runs and making the chase difficult for West Indies. Blessings Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava picked up two wickets apiece, with both their economy rates averaging 4.00.

Tendai Chatara was in inspired form, picking up 3 crucial wickets, including the scalp of Roston Chase for 44 runs at the death. Chase was the danger man and was striking the ball superbly.

West Indies eventually fell short, suffering their first defeat of the tournament.

Zimbabwe play the United States of America on Monday art the Harare Sports Club

Zimbabwe Dominates World Cup Qualifier Opener, Defeating Nepal by 8 Wickets

In a sensational start to their 2023 World Cup qualifier campaign, Zimbabwe exhibited their dominance with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Nepal at the Harare Sports Club Sunday.

 

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to exploit the typically bowling-friendly morning pitch conditions.

The wicket turned out to be unexpectedly flat, providing an opportunity that Nepal capitalised on with an impressive opening partnership of 171 runs between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh.

However, their flourishing stand was finally halted by Wellington Masakadza, who dismissed the dangerous Bhurtel for a commendable 99 runs and Sheikh for a solid 66 runs, leaving Nepal at 174-2.

Zimbabwe’s pace bowler, Richard Ngarava, came to the fore and managed to curtail Nepal’s scoring rate in the latter part of the innings, claiming four crucial wickets for just 43 runs with an impressive economy rate of 4.77.

Nepal eventually posted a total of 290/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

ICC Men’s World Cup Qualifier 2023. picture by Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe’s run chase encountered a few early hiccups as opening batsman Joylord Gumbie departed for 25 runs, falling victim to Kami Sompal’s lbw trap. Despite the setback, Wessly Madhevere failed to convert his promising start and was dismissed for 32.

However, the third-wicket partnership between skipper Craig Ervine and Sean Williams proved to be pivotal for the Chevrons as they steered their team to victory.

The duo crafted a magnificent 164-run partnership, with both batsmen reaching centuries.

Williams smashed a scintillating 102 runs off just 70 balls. Ervine showcased his class with a magnificent 121-run knock, guiding Zimbabwe to a resounding triumph.

Zimbabwe is set to face the Netherlands on Tuesday, June 20th, as they strive to secure their second victory in the qualifier tournament.

BREAKING: Mai TT sentenced to 9 months in Jail

Social media personality Felistus Murata popularly known as Mai TT has been handed a 12-month prison sentence, with six months suspended on the condition that she doesn’t commit a similar offence in the future.

 

Additionally, she has been sentenced to three months in prison for failing to complete 105 hours of community service eight years ago.

Magistrate Mrs Munashe Sibanda, in her sentencing, said Murata was not a good candidate for community service as she defaulted before and a fine was not deterrent enough, hence the need for a custodial sentence.

Last year, it was established by the State that Murata had rented a Mercedes Benz from Else Event Car Hire and used it as collateral for a loan of US$10,000 from Ms. Rachel Mhuka.

Despite being aware of the accumulating charges on the rented vehicle, Murata travelled to the United States without returning it to the rightful owner. Upon her return to Zimbabwe, Murata claimed that the Mercedes Benz did not belong to her and handed over another vehicle an Audi Q5.

This Audi Q5 was also rented, and Murata once again reclaimed the vehicle but used an invalid passport as a form of security.

Once Ms. Mhuka discovered that the passport was invalid, she confronted Murata, who promptly returned the second vehicle, the Audi, as a substitute for the passport.

Subsequently, the owner of the Audi reclaimed the vehicle from Ms. Mhuka.

Mai TT’s Sentencing Deferred Amid Assault Conviction Revelation

Harare magistrate Mrs Munashe Chibanda has deferred sentencing popular comedienne Felistus Murata, also known as Mai TT, to await a report from the Community Service Department.

 

Shockingly, it has come to light that the department has discovered Murata’s previous conviction for assault, where she failed to fulfill her community service obligations in Budiriro.

She will know her fate tomorrow.

“Your Worship, we have received new information from the Community Service Department after her vetting, that Murata was once convicted of assault and was sentenced to serve community service which she defaulted in Budiriro.

“Therefore, the State applies that she be remanded to Friday to give enough time for the Community Service Department to do its investigations,” said prosecutor Ms Monalisa Magwenzi.

However, Mrs Chibanda ruled that she would deliver her sentence tomorrow afternoon with expectations that the Community Service Department would have completed its findings.

Mai TT was convicted of theft of trust property after giving a rented vehicle as collateral to a loan shark.

Magistrate Munashe Chibanda ruled that the case was a classic example of theft of trust property and that the State had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Faith Candy Appointed Brand Ambassador of Talk Chart App

Talk Chart App, the leading Zimbabwean messaging application that enables seamless global communication, has announced the appointment of Faith Candy as its Brand Ambassador.

 

Faith Candy, a renowned artist and cosmetic entrepreneur, brings her creative prowess and influence to this revolutionary technological platform.

Talk Chart App is dedicated to providing users with an exceptional messaging experience, fostering connections across borders and simplifying global communication.

As the newly appointed Brand Ambassador, Faith Candy will play a pivotal role in promoting the app’s features, expanding its user base, and enhancing its visibility worldwide.

In her new role, she will collaborate closely with Talk Chart App’s team, offering her unique perspective and creative input to help shape the app’s future.

Her extensive experience as an artist and entrepreneur makes her a perfect fit for this position, as she understands the power of effective communication and the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life.

Expressing her enthusiasm about the collaboration, Faith Candy stated, “I am thrilled to be working with Talk Chart App as their Brand Ambassador. This revolutionary messaging application is going to change the way we communicate, enabling us to connect with ease regardless of geographical boundaries.

Faith Candy

“As an entrepreneur and artist, I believe in the power of meaningful connections, and Talk Chart App perfectly embodies that ethos. I look forward to promoting this innovative platform and helping users experience its transformative capabilities.”

Announcing the news Talk Chart App management said, “We are thrilled to announce that Faith Candy has joined our team as the official Brand Ambassador of Talk Chart App. As an entrepreneur and artist, Faith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our brand, and we are delighted to have her on board”

“Faith is known for her authenticity, creativity, and engaging personality, which aligns perfectly with our brand’s vision and mission. As a Brand Ambassador, she will work closely with us to create exciting content, engage with our users, and promote the Talk Chart App across various social media platforms,” added the statement.

Through this partnership, both Faith Candy and Talk Chart App aim to revolutionise the way people communicate, fostering inclusive conversations and fostering a sense of unity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Freeman’s Victory, Feli Nandi’s Triumph Highlight ZIMA 2023

The Zimbabwe Music Awards 2023 took place on Saturday evening at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare honouring the diverse talent and artistry within the country’s music industry

 

The red carpet show was hosted by Hollywood Lee and Mbo Mahocs, who brought their vibrant personalities and style to the event, adding glamour and excitement to the atmosphere.

The hosts of the awards were Becky K and Amard, who kept the audience entertained throughout the night with their wit and charisma.

One of the surprises of the evening was the public vote category, where Freeman HKD won the Song of the Year award with “Vakomana VeDrip,” triumphing over the popular “Fire Emoji” by Leo Magozz and Friends.

This unexpected win sparked excitement and celebration among Freeman HKD’s fans and showcased the power of public opinion in determining the winner.

Freeman clocked the night with four awards in Best ZimDancehall, Best Album, Best Male and Song of the Year.

Another notable moment was when Feli Nandi, a crowd favourite, took home the Best Female Artist award and Best Alternative.

Feli Nandi’s unique style and captivating performances have made her a beloved figure in the Zimbabwean music scene, and this recognition further solidified her position as a leading female artist.

The winners in other categories were Indosakusa who won the Best Group/Duo award, Leo Magozz was named Best Newcomer, and Freeman HKD’s album “David & Goliath” which earned him the Best Album award.

Other winners included Ishan in the Best Afropop/Afrofusion category, Saintfloew in Best Hip Hop, Janet Manyowa in Best Contemporary Gospel and Best Music Video for “Vaudze,” and Oskid as the Best Producer, among others.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Tymon ‘Whitehorse’ Mabaleka, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Zimbabwean music industry over the years.

Full List of the Zimbabwe Music Awards 2023 Winners

Best Group/Duo

Indosakusa

 

Best Newcomer

Leo Magozz

 

Best Album

David & Goliath – Freeman HKD

 

Best Zimdancehall

Freeman HKD

 

Best Sungura

Mark Ngwazi

 

Best Afropop/Afrofusion

Ishan

 

Best Hip Hop

Saintfloew

 

Best Collaboration

Leo Magozz & Friends – ‘Fire Emoji Remix’

 

Best Contemporary Gospel

Janet Manyowa

 

Best Traditional Gospel

Dorcas Moyo

 

Best R&B and Soul

Nyasha Timbe

 

Best Jazz

Josh Meck

 

Best Dance (House, Amapiano, Kwaito and EDM)

Leslie Kampila

 

Best Tshibilika

Insimbi Zezhwane

 

Best Traditional (Chinyakare/Chimurenga)

Mary Anibal

 

Best Traditional (Folk, Ezomdabu and Imbube)

Amaqaqa

 

Best Alternative

Feli Nandi

 

Best Producer

Oskid

 

Best Music Video

Janet Manyowa – ‘Vaudze’

 

Best Videographer

Studio Art Pictures

 

Best Diaspora Artist

Dr Chaii

 

Best Male Artist

Freeman HKD

 

Best Female Artist

Feli Nandi

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tymon ‘Whitehorse’ Mabaleka

Song of the Year

Freeman HKD – Vakomana VeDrip

Zimbabwe name squad for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 to be played across four venues in Harare and Bulawayo from 18 June to 9 July.

Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie, who has been enjoying a purple patch in the run-up to the tournament, is the only uncapped player named in the final 15-man side.

Looking to secure one of the two remaining places at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be played in India later this year, Zimbabwe have rolled out their big guns in the captain Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Tendai Chatara for the 10-team qualifying contest.

The hosts will be counting on the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava too, with all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere bolstering the team.

Spinner Wellington Masakadza, wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande and opening batter Innocent Kaia will also be looking to play influential roles in the campaign.

Zimbabwe will face the West Indies, the Netherlands, Nepal and the United States of America (USA) in Group A of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023.

The hosts will play Nepal in the opening match of the tournament at Harare Sports Club on 18 June, before entertaining the Netherlands at the same venue two days later.

On 24 June, Zimbabwe and the West Indies will lock horns at Harare Sports Club in what should be the biggest Group A fixture.

Zimbabwe’s last group fixture will be against the USA at the same venue on 26 June.

The 10 teams taking part in the tournament are split into two groups, with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman and the United Arab Emirates making up Group B.

The top three from each group will progress to the Super Six stage where each team will play three matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage.

All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage, apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is the culmination of four years of hard-fought competition and brings together the bottom five teams from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, three automatic qualifiers from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League Two and two teams who gained entry from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff.

ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR ICC MEN’S CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER:

Burl Ryan, Chatara Tendai, Ervine Craig, Evans Bradley, Gumbie Joylord, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Muzarabani Blessing, Ngarava Richard, Raza Sikandar, Williams Sean

‘Yes I Have HIV’ Zimbabwe Launches on DStv’s Honey TV

Focused on people living with HIV, a new television series on DStv will provide an insight into the challenges and success faced by these people on a daily basis.

 

Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the series, called Yes I Have HIV Zimbabwe, will launch on Sunday, June 4 on DStv’s Honey Africa channel.

“This will be a fascinating and inspiring series and it will help remind us all that there are many people living with HIV who need our support and encouragement,” she said.

The host for the series is Phyllis Mavushe, who was born with HIV and is keen for the show to make a difference in the community.

She was among a group of young people trained by Africaid Zvandiri in Zimbabwe to become Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters and has demonstrated a passion for being a strong role model for her peers.

Phyllis has also worked to ensure that her peers did not face delays in accessing HIV testing or being initiated on ART programmes, as well as making sure they were then linked to community services.

Ms Dziva said: “Phyllis is the perfect fit for a show which helps people share their HIV-positive status with their loved ones for the first time.

“She meets with each person to find out about their individual journeys and learn how they contracted the virus. Then she brings in an expert to help families face the truth and find ways of living positively with the disease.”

Yes I have HIV Zimbabwe will launch at 7.30 pm on Honey Africa, with new episodes each Sunday

Glorious Return for Miss Universe Zimbabwe after 22-year hiatus

After an agonizing 22-year absence, Zimbabwe is set to reclaim its dazzling presence on the global stage of beauty and grace with the return of Miss Universe Zimbabwe.

 

In an exciting revelation, Miss Tendai Hunda, Director, Miss Universe Zimbabwe, announced the triumphant comeback of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe beauty pageant, casting a luminous beam of hope and optimism across the nation.

With an air of pride and honour, Miss Hunda, unveiled this long-awaited news at a press conference Wednesday morning, recounting the country’s last glorious participation in the Miss Universe pageant back in 2001.

“Zimbabwe last participated in the Miss Universe pageant in 2001 represented by Miss Tsungai Muswerakuenda and thereafter we have had an unfortunate twenty-two-year absence from the competition due to economic and political issues,” she acknowledged.

Addressing the media she shared her personal experience, stating, “I was crowned Miss Zimbabwe 2014 and represented Zimbabwe at the Miss World competition 2014 hosted in London, UK. I created a platform called Hundah, which today, is one of Zimbabwe’s leading modelling agencies.”

Regarding the reinstatement of Zimbabwe to the Miss Universe competition, she said: “We felt compelled to take on the challenge to have Zimbabwe reinstated to the Miss Universe competition.”

Expressing her elation, Miss Hunda said: “I am absolutely elated that Zimbabwe is about to end its protracted absence and resume its participation in the coveted miss universe pageant.”

She emphasized the opportunities the competition provides, saying that by simply joining, its candidates are exposed to a variety of networking and employment prospects.

FROM LEFT: Tendai Hunda, Langa Sibanda (Miss Universe Zimbabwe 1996) and Hildah Mabu at the official announcement of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe beauty pageant at The Rainbow Towers in Harare

Regarding the purpose of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe contest, she stated, “The main purpose of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe contest is to choose a Zimbabwean representative to appear on the Miss Universe stage this December 2023 in El Salvador, Central America.”

She highlighted the significance of the competition and the need for support from government, the corporate sector, media, and every other sector key to make this endeavor a success.

To ensure the success of the pageant, she mentioned the engagement of key stakeholders, like the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

She believed that the return of Miss Universe Zimbabwe would contribute to the country’s arts sector and youth empowerment.

Highlighting the potential impact Miss Hunda emphasized that if successful, the competition will be a historic occasion and significantly raise Zimbabwe’s international status.

She further noted the alignment with the government’s vision, stating, “Again, in line with president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ mantra, what better way to signal that Zimbabwe is open for international collaboration than by participating in one of the world’s biggest competitions?”