Home Blog Page 47

Zimbabwe’s AFCON 2025 Challenge: Egypt, South Africa & Angola Await in Group B

zimbuzz
-
0
Zimbabwe’s AFCON 2025 Challenge: Egypt, South Africa & Angola Await in Group B

Zimbabwe was last night handed a tricky draw in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

 

The ceremony, which took place at the Mohammed VI National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January, pitted the Warriors against record seven-time winners Egypt in Group B.

Zimbabwe will also face tough competition from fellow Southern African teams, including last year’s bronze medalists, South Africa, and Angola.

The 24 teams were drawn into six groups each containing four sides ahead of the 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 finals tournament that will be spread across six host cities and nine stadia in Morocco as Africa’s best chase the continent’s most coveted trophy.

Hosts Morocco headline Group A and will take on Mali, Zambia and Comoros in what looks a hotly contested pool.

In Group C, Nigeria will lock horns with Tunisia and the East African duo of Uganda and Tanzania, who will be TotalEnergies CAF AFCON co-hosts in 2027.

The 2021 champions Senegal go up against Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Botswana in Group D.

Algeria, winners in 2019, take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan in an interesting Group E.

And defending champions Cote d’Ivoire face old rivals and five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique in Group F as they look to claim back-to-back titles.

The top two teams in each pool will advance to the round of 16, along with the four best Third-placed sides.

The draw, which was broadcast in over 90 countries worldwide, was conducted with the assistance of African legends Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, Joseph Yobo and Mustapha Hadji.

Morocco is hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time since 1988

 

TOTALENERGIES CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS, MOROCCO 2025 

  • GROUP A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
  • GROUP B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
  • GROUP C: Nigeria, Tunisia,Uganda, Tanzania
  • GROUP D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
  • GROUP E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
  • GROUP F:Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Businessman Nqobile Magwizi Elected ZIFA President in Landslide Victory

Michael Shoko
-
0
Businessman Nqobile Magwizi Elected ZIFA President in Landslide Victory

In a decisive and historic election held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, businessman Nqobile Magwizi has been elected as the new president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).

 

Magwizi, the clear frontrunner heading into the polls, secured a resounding victory with 61 votes, leaving his closest competitor, Philemon Machana, trailing far behind with just 6 votes.

The election, which saw five candidates vying for the top post, underscored Magwizi’s overwhelming support among the voters.

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Twine Phiri garnered 4 votes, while Marshall Gore managed a single vote. Former Dynamos striker Makwinji Soma Phiri failed to secure any votes, and five ballots were declared spoilt.

Magwizi’s landslide victory signals a new era for Zimbabwean football, as the association looks to rebuild and restore its reputation under his leadership.

His election comes at a critical time for ZIFA, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including governance issues and financial instability.

In addition to the presidential election, the assembly also elected two Vice Presidents: Herentals Football Club Chief Executive Officer Loveness Mukura and former PSL CEO Kennedy Ndebele.

Both bring a wealth of experience to their roles and are expected to play pivotal roles in supporting Magwizi’s vision for Zimbabwean football.

The election also saw the appointment of six new ZIFA board members: Tafadzwa Benza, Professor Thomas Marambanyika, Kudzai Kadzombe, Brighton Ushendibaba, Davison Muchena, and Alice Zeura.

This diverse and experienced team will be tasked with steering ZIFA toward a brighter future, focusing on development, transparency, and the growth of the sport at all levels.

Kooldrink Unveils Debut Single ‘Show Me,’ Ushering in a New Era of Pop Piano

zimbuzz
-
0
Kooldrink Unveils Debut Single ‘Show Me,’ Ushering in a New Era of Pop Piano

Southern African producer and artist Kooldrink is set to make his global debut with the release of his highly anticipated single, “Show Me,” featuring the soulful vocals of Nina Nevra.

 

Available now across all digital platforms, this track marks the return of Pop Piano, a genre Kooldrink pioneered by blending the pulsating rhythms of amapiano with the captivating melodies of pop.

With “Show Me,” Kooldrink is not just releasing a song—he’s making a statement. The track’s infectious beats, compelling lyrics, and genre-defying sound signal the rise of a new era in global music.

Kooldrink, who has already made waves with his production talents, aims to redefine the music industry by embracing his African roots while connecting with audiences worldwide.

“With ‘Show Me,’ I wanted to create something that reflects where I come from while also speaking to the world. Pop Piano is about bridging those gaps and bringing the energy of amapiano to a broader audience,” says Kooldrink.

Kooldrink is no stranger to the global stage. At only 25 years old, he has already made a name for himself as the mastermind behind Tyla’s breakout hit “Getting Late”, a song that launched both of their careers.

His extensive list of collaborations includes international superstars like Ed Sheeran, where he produced the official amapiano remix of Sheeran’s hit “Bad Habits” for Asylum/Warner.

With over a decade of production credits under his belt for major labels such as Universal, Mad Decent, and Parlophone, Kooldrink is now signed to EMPIRE, expanding his influence across the world.

His unique sound, which combines the raw energy of street sonics with the catchiness of pop melodies, has firmly placed him at the forefront of African electronic music.

As the pioneer of Pop Piano, Kooldrink is determined to elevate the genre by fusing traditional amapiano beats with global pop sensibilities, ensuring that his sound resonates worldwide.

Business Mogul Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya Earns Nomination at Fin-Forbes Best of Africa Awards

zimbuzz
-
0
Business Mogul Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya Earns Nomination at Fin-Forbes Best of Africa Awards

The internationally recognized Top Gold Mining Mogul, Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya has achieved another remarkable milestone with his nomination at the prestigious Fin-Forbes Best of Africa Awards for the Business Transformation Leader of the Year.

 

This esteemed event will take place in Dubai in April, honouring individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in their respective fields.

In an expression of gratitude, Ms. Shally Nullens, the PR Manager for Honorable Scott, remarked, “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Forbes USA and FIN Magazine for this nomination.

“Honourable Scott has an inspiring story; coming from humble beginnings, he has successfully built Betterbrands into a leading group of companies with a clear vision of being the best in the industry.”

More than just his business achievements, Hon. Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya is deeply committed to uplifting the youth in his community.

Through his initiative Scottland FC, he empowers young athletes by providing them with crucial opportunities for growth in soccer.

Currently, he is also putting efforts to build a multi-purpose stadium in Mabvuku, ensuring that aspiring athletes have access to the right facilities and training to seize opportunities for collaboration with overseas clubs.

Simba Bhora to Face Dynamos in 2025 Castle Challenge Cup

zimbuzz
-
0
Simba Bhora to Face Dynamos in 2025 Castle Challenge Cup

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially announced that the 2025 Castle Challenge Cup will kick off the new football season in Zimbabwe.

 

This highly anticipated match will see the reigning League Champions, Simba Bhora FC, go head-to-head with the Chibuku Super Cup winners, Dynamos FC, in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.

Scheduled for Saturday, 22 February 2025, the match will take place at the iconic Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

The Castle Challenge Cup is set to set the tone for what is expected to be an exciting and competitive 2025 football season.

The PSL has assured fans that the full fixture list for the 2025 season will be released in due course.

MWOS FC Joins the Premier League!

Brian Matamba
-
0
MWOS FC Joins the Premier League!
Mwos FC has acquired the ZPC Hwange franchise and will compete in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season.

 

Guided by experienced coach Lloyd Mutasa, Mwos FC, have earned promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) through a partnership with Southern Region champions ZPC Hwange.

Having finished as runners-up in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One, Mwos FC will take ZPC Hwange’s place in the top flight.

Under this agreement, ZPC Hwange will remain in the second-tier league, paving the way for Mwos FC’s PSL debut. Despite this major development, Mwos FC will not be relocating to Hwange.

Instead, they will collaborate with ZPC Hwange on various community projects in the coal-mining town. Both clubs are expected to release an official statement later today to provide further details on the partnership.

Mwos FC’s promotion marks a significant milestone for the club, which narrowly missed out on top-flight football last season.

They missed out on promotion by a single point to Scotland FC, who clinched the only available slot at the time. With substantial financial backing and under the experienced guidance of coach Lloyd Mutasa, Mwos FC is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming Castle Lager Premiership season.

Although ZPC Hwange had earned promotion from the Southern Region, their parent company opted to withdraw from the PSL, citing financial constraints.

The company already funds ZPC Kariba, another PSL outfit, and indicated that it could not sustain two teams in the top division.

Mwos FC’s arrival in the PSL is set to intensify competition, as they bring strong ambitions and solid financial support. Fans eagerly await the club’s official unveiling and the announcement of their plans for the 2025 season. ‎

Mukuru Steps In as Title Sponsor for St. John’s Derby Day Festival

Brian Matamba
-
0
Mukuru Steps In as Title Sponsor for St. John’s Derby Day Festival

The highly anticipated St. John’s College Derby Day Festival, which features soccer, rugby, and hockey, is set to enter its fourth edition this year with an exciting new development.

 

Scheduled to take place from April 28 to May 3, the festival will now be sponsored by financial services provider Mukuru, replacing the previous title sponsor, Pure Drop.

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, with the addition of three new schools to the lineup. Speaking to Zimbuzz Sports, St. John’s College Sports Director Chris Fourie shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming edition.

“Schools and fans can look forward to a larger festival this year, as we have added three schools to the competition. Among them, two schools will be travelling from South Africa, which is an exciting addition,” he said.

The inclusion of foreign teams is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the festival, which attracted record crowds last year.

Thousands of spectators gathered in Rolf Valley to witness top-tier Zimbabwean school sports in action, and organizers anticipate an even greater turnout this year.

While the official fixtures are yet to be released, they will be announced in due course as preparations continue to build momentum.

Stay tuned to Zimbuzz Sports for more updates on what promises to be an unforgettable edition of the St. John’s Mukuru Derby Day Festival.

National Arts Merit Awards Launch People’s Choice Voting

zimbuzz
-
0
National Arts Merit Awards Launch People’s Choice Voting

The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) has officially opened the nomination process for its prestigious People’s Choice Award, inviting the Zimbabwean public to participate in celebrating local artistic talent.

 

The People’s Choice Award is unique among NAMA’s honours, allowing the public to select the artist they believe deserves recognition across various genres, including music, dance, theatre, literature, spoken word, comedy, visual arts, television, and radio.

Nominations are now open and will remain available until 5 February 2025. Following this period, the top five nominees will be announced, setting the stage for public voting.

To cast a nomination, individuals can visit the official website at https://gatewaystream.com/nama. For further updates, voters are encouraged to follow NAMA’s social media platforms at @namaszim.

Tinashe Kitchen, NAMA Director, emphasized the significance of community involvement in the awards, highlighting how the People’s Choice Award fosters a deeper connection between artists and their audiences.

TikTok says it will ‘go dark’ on Sunday without US government action

zimbuzz
-
0
TikTok says it will ‘go dark’ on Sunday without US government action

TikTok has said it will be forced to “go dark” in the US on Sunday unless the government intervenes before a ban takes effect.

 

In a statement late on Friday, it said the White House and the Department of Justice had “failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok’s availability”.

It said that unless the government immediately stepped in to assure the video app it would not be punished for violating the looming ban, it would be “forced to go dark on January 19”.

The statement follows a Supreme Court ruling earlier on Friday which upheld a law banning the app in the US unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform by Sunday.

Passed in April last year, the law says ByteDance must sell the US version of the platform to a neutral party to avert an outright ban.

TikTok challenged the law, arguing it violates free speech protections for its 170 million users in the country.

But the Supreme Court’s ruling means the US version of the app will be removed from app stores and web hosting services unless a buyer is found in the coming days.

It had been thought the ban would not impact TikTok users who already have the app downloaded on their phones.

But given updates would become unavailable once the ban comes into force, the app would eventually degrade and become unusable over time.

TikTok’s fresh statement on Friday, however, suggests it may immediately become unavailable to all existing users as well as those seeking to download it.

Influencers and content creators have been posting videos on the app bidding farewell to their followers ahead of the impending ban.

How did we get here?

24 April 2024: Biden signs bipartisan TikTok bill, which gave Chinese parent company, ByteDance, six months to sell its controlling stake or be blocked in the US.

7 May 2024: TikTok files a lawsuit aiming to block the law, calling it an “extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights”.

2 August 2024: The US government files a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the social media company of unlawfully collecting children’s data and failing to respond when parents tried to delete their children’s accounts.

6 December 2024: TikTok’s bid to overturn a law which would see it banned or sold in the US from early 2025 is rejected by a federal appeals court.

27 December 2024: President-elect Donald Trump asks the US Supreme Court to delay the upcoming ban while he works on a “political resolution”.

10 January 2025: The Supreme Court’s nine justices hear from lawyers representing TikTok and content creators that the ban would be a violation of free speech protections for the platform’s more than 170 million users in the US.

17 January 2025: The US Supreme Court upholds the law that could lead to TikTok being banned within days over national security concerns.

19 January 2025: The deadline for TikTok to sell its US stake or face a ban. TikTok has indicated it will “go dark” on this day.

Getty Images & Shutterstock merge into a picture powerhouse to combat AI

zimbuzz
-
0
Getty Images & Shutterstock merge into a picture powerhouse to combat AI

Getty Images Holdings and Shutterstock have announced that they entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine in a merger of equals transaction, creating a premier visual content company.

 

The combined company, which would have an enterprise value of approximately $3.7 billion, will be named Getty Images Holdings, Inc and will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GETY”.

As a combined company, Getty Images and Shutterstock will offer a content library with greater depth and breadth for the benefit of customers, expanded opportunities for its contributor community and a reinforced commitment to the adoption of inclusive and representative content.

Furthermore, the stronger financial profile of the combined company is expected to create increased capacity for product investment and innovation for customers in a fast‑evolving and highly competitive environment.

“Today’s announcement is exciting and transformational for our companies, unlocking multiple opportunities to strengthen our financial foundation and invest in the future—including enhancing our content offerings, expanding event coverage, and delivering new technologies to better serve our customers,” said Craig Peters, CEO, Getty Images.

“With the rapid rise in demand for compelling visual content across industries, there has never been a better time for our two businesses to come together.

“By combining our complementary strengths, we can better address customer opportunities while delivering exceptional value to our partners, contributors, and stockholders.”

“We are excited by the opportunities we see to expand our creative content library and enhance our product offering to meet diverse customer needs,” said Paul Hennessy, CEO, Shutterstock.

“We expect the merger to produce value for the customers and stockholders of both companies by capitalizing on attractive growth opportunities to drive combined revenues, accelerating product innovation, realizing significant cost synergies and improving cash flow. We look forward to working closely with the Getty Images management team to complete the transaction and drive the next chapter of growth.”

1...464748...239Page 47 of 239

Like us on Facebook