The Sables face Cote d’Ivoire in a Rugby Africa Cup quarter-final encounter at the Stade Delort in Marseille, France, Friday.
Confidence is high in camp following their huge 30-7 win away to the Netherlands on Saturday in their final warm-up game.
The world of champions Supersport will beam live the 2022 edition of the Gold Cup from France which is also serving as the 2023 rugby world cup qualifiers.
The first quarter-final will pit Namibia against Burkina Faso on 1 July kick-off is at 18:00 central Africa time.
The second match kicks off at 21:00 central African timeon the same day where the Zimbabwe Sables will lock horns with elephants of the Ivory Coast.
Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, following his conviction last year on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges stemming from his efforts over years to use his fame to ensnare victims he sexually abused.
Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Kelly, 55, to more than 25 years behind bars, while his defense attorneys asked for 10 or fewer, saying prosecutors’ request was “tantamount to a life sentence.”
Survivors of Kelly’s abuse held hands and prayed as US District Court Judge Ann Donnelly began reading his sentence.
Kelly — who wore a tan prison uniform, dark-rimmed glasses and a black mask at the hearing in federal court in Brooklyn — showed no emotion.
“You left in your wake a trail of broken lives,” Donnelly told Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly.
In deciding the sentence, Donnelly said she considered Kelly’s own traumatic childhood, during which his attorneys said he was repeatedly sexually abused by a family member and a landlord.
“It may explain, at least in part, what led to your behavior,” the judge said. “It most surely is not an excuse.”
A jury convicted Kelly last September on nine counts, including one charge of racketeering and eight counts of violations of the Mann Act, a sex trafficking law.
Prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York accused Kelly of using his status as a celebrity and a “network of people at his disposal to target girls, boys and young women for his own sexual gratification.”
The five-week federal trial in Brooklyn included testimony from witnesses who said they were sexually and physically abused by Kelly.
The court also heard from people involved with orchestrating the disgraced R&B singer’s 1994 marriage to the late singer Aaliyah when she was just 15 years old and he was an adult after she believed she’d gotten pregnant.
Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, said he would not address the court, pointing to the other criminal case faced by Kelly, but said before the sentence was read that her client “rejects that he is this monster.”
“He accepts that he is a flawed individual,” Bonjean said, “but he is not this one-dimensional monster that the government has portrayed and the media has portrayed.”
Kelly made his only comment in response to the judge after Bonjean said he wouldn’t speak: “Yes, your honor, that’s my wish.”
Prior to sentencing, the court heard impact statements from seven of Kelly’s victims, including Jane Doe 2, who testified at trial.
“It’s been 23 years since we knew each other, and you’ve victimized a lot of girls since then,” she said, addressing Kelly. She later added: “Now it’s your turn to have your freedom taken from you.”
“No one can undo the harm that has been done to these victims,” attorney Gloria Allred, who represented three victims who testified, told reporters Wednesday outside court. “But at least it’s time for Mr. Kelly to be accountable.”
The Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Cricket Team arrived in Bulawayo on Wednesday to get their final preparations underway ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022 scheduled for 11-17 July.
The eight-team tournament, set for Queens Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club, is one of two global contests that together form the final stage of the qualification process for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 to be staged in Australia later in the year.
On their way to the host city, Zimbabwe players and technical staff spent a night over at Antelope Park in Gweru for team bonding activities that included game viewing.
“It was a good and very relaxing day and good time together, although a bit cold,” Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Head Coach, Dave Houghton, said.
“We saw a fair amount of game, had a good braai together and had a team chat this morning for me to get our approach and style of play across.”
Houghton, who will take charge of his first training session on Thursday, said having the team arriving early in Bulawayo was crucial.
“It is vital that we are preparing in Bulawayo and at Queens. We will get used to the wickets, their pace and how much they spin etc,” he said.
“It’s also important to get a feel of the size of the boundary and pace of the outfield. So being here is an advantage.”
Zimbabwe will play Singapore in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022 at Queens Sports Club on 11 July.
The hosts will then face Jersey and the United States of America (USA) in other Group A matches at the same venue.
Group B features the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Hong Kong and Uganda.
The teams that make it into the final will clinch the two remaining spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
“My expectation, as is the expectation of the whole team, is to win this qualifying tournament. Simple as that!” Houghton said.
Earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland proceeded from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A staged in Oman, joining Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Namibia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies who had already automatically qualified by virtue of reaching the Super 12 phase at the last edition of the main global showpiece.
Zimbabwe and Singapore sealed their places in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022 based on their ICC MRF Tyres Men’s T20I Team rankings.
The Netherlands and PNG entered the qualification pathway at this stage following their finishing positions in the first round at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 co-hosted by the UAE and Oman, while Hong Kong, Jersey, Uganda and the USA advanced from the regional finals.
ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER B 2022 MATCH SCHEDULE
In the Father of the Year category Mr Washington Matiyenga (55) who is the CEO of Washmate Motor Centre was voted the overall winner.
Mr Matiyenga spent 23 years of his life in civil service in the Water Development department now ZINWA before going into business.
In a country full of so many amazing fathers, he took the title Father of the year and he was honoured with such a bestowment.
Such fathers as Mr Alex Mashamanda who took Community Father of the Year Award, Mr Neville Mutsvangwa and Mr Rinos Mautsa who took second and third place in the Father of the Year respectively among others who got honoured with special awards.
For him being a father also includes embracing his Africanness which teaches us to take care of our extended family, including providing them with an education and all aspects of welfare.
“I felt honoured that my children nominated me for this category which was also full of amazing fathers, but to eventually garner more votes and eventually win, is a proud moment I will cherish forever.
His son Victor who just like him ventured into the automotive business and is the managing director of Exquisite Car Sales also bears the teaching of his father.
“The most important lesson I imparted on my son Victor is honesty,” he told Zimbuzz.
“Victor grew up a very adventurous child, from an early onset he was fascinated with learning things that were above his age, even his friends were older pals.
“I then nurtured his adventurous and curious side and he has remained the same boy with a hunger to learn ever since,” said Mr Matiyenga.
“As a father, I’m not surprised he rose to where he is today and I’m glad he is carrying our name with greatness.
Mr Matiyenga speaks so highly of his son and told us that he contributed very minimal finances to his business but offered him more advice than money.
Mr Washington Matiyenga & his Mother at the recently held Community Father of the Year Awards and Father of the Year Awards
He also speaks glowingly about his other children who have taken up various educational disciplines from Architecture, commercial law, Accounting, and flight school amongst others, in fact, soon together with his wife are jetting off to the United Kingdom to attend the graduation of another daughter.
Parenting can sometimes be easy when the children are still leaving with their parents but once the kids leave the nest, it’s the teaching of old that will sustain them.
“Once children go out into the world to pursue their dreams they mix and mingle with people of different backgrounds and characters, but as a father, I made sure I instilled in them values,” said Mr Matiyenga.
“Teach children Christian values, make sure they have times of prayer, that kind of routine breeds in them discipline,” he said, passionately.
He is a man of faith. Throughout our interview, he would unceasingly conclude every response with ‘But above all instil in them the fear of God.
Society seems to have different expectations for sons and daughters. Like the late great Leonard Dembo said in his prayer-song Mazano: Dai mamupa vanakomana vakawanda rudzi rwake rudiki diki, Mozomupa vanasikana vakawanda madzitete anopa mazano.
(May you bless him with many sons, for his tribe is small, Then give him many girls that will become aunts who give wise counsel)
“One thing I teach to my children, both genders is to pursue their goals without fear, the world is waiting to be conquered by those who dare it,” he said.
For the sons, he said his message is always on one emphasis, ‘be hunters’
Said Mr Matiyenga: “With the roles of Aunts somewhat diminishing because of the way people are now living in different parts of the world, far from each other, I learnt to develop a friendship with my daughters so that communication channels are open,”
He added that children should respect you and not fear you.
With the world in an everchanging world, some changes even giving others a culture shock, Mr Matiyenga said the traditional roles of fatherhood remain unchanged.
“A father must be a provider both materially and emotionally. You should be able to meet your family’s needs and be constantly available,” said the newly voted father of the year.
He says he is also a product of his parents’ teaching and that wisdom is generational.
“What my parents taught me is the same values I imparted to my children, and I expect them to do the same with their own children, drawing lessons from more than one generation of parents,” he added
In May of 2014 at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare Highfield, thousands gathered for the official launch of the Bodyslam Riddim.
Those that gathered witnessed a monumental occasion in the history of Zimdancehall for the launch ushered in one of the biggest riddims in history.
Bodyslam riddim produced by PTK at the Highfield-based stable became unstoppable, and Zimdancehall became a phenomenon.
The genre swept through everything in its path and a generation of superstars was born.
It contains hits such as Seh Calaz’ Kwatinobva Kwakasiyana, Tasangana Zvidhakwa by Shinsoman and Yoz, Ras Caleb came in with Rudo, Ku Hifa by Killer T, Simudza Mawoko by Tocky Vibes became an unforgettable anthem.
It’s been 8 years since PTK shared with the world the blessing that is Bodyslam and the man is back with Bodyslam Part 2.
It came about after fellow music producer Lazzie T publicly asked Simba Chakare to entertain the idea of coming up with the second instalment.
Chakare took it upon himself to look for PTK and the rest is going to be history.
Zimbuzz caught up with the three guys to get an update on where things are since we understand the riddim is done and ready.
“Upcoming artists are loving the idea, they are coming to the studies in their droves, I’m also going to record Kinnah and Tally B, whilst Seh Calaz and Killer T are recording at their respective studios,” said Lazzie T.
Lazzie T who usually shoots from the hip took a swipe at other big artists for their attitude towards the upliftment of Zimdancehall.
“Other big artists may see this as something unbeneficial but I think that by not joining others it reflects negatively on the dancehall culture,” he said.
He explained to us the reasons he had to ask Simba Chakare to bring back PTK for another go at the Bodyslam riddim.
“What prompted me to ask Simba to revive the second instalment of Bodyslam was that a lot of producers rejoice when one of us goes industry silence but as for me I have been a fan of PTK for a long time,” explains Lazzie T.
“I will also make it my mission to make a follow up on other producers who have gone silent and revive their talented careers
“Also some of the riddims that were coming out were an earsore, I enjoy and prefer PTK’s productions.”
He also revealed that whilst he is recording artists in Zimbabwe, Nhubu another producer will be recording South African-based Zimbabwean artists. After PTK produced the riddim Lazzie said his role is to record and then do the mixing.
We had a brief chat with Simba ‘Bodyslam’ Chakare.
“My part was fulfilling the request made by Lazzie T by bringing back PTK for a part 2, everyone who is available can get in touch with Lazzie and record,” he said.
Simba ‘Bodyslam’ Chakare added that they were also targeting fresh talent in a bid to unearth new superstars.
PTK has been domiciled in South Africa for a while now, and it’s not only Lazzie T’s voice that has been clamouring for his mainstream return but a lot of Zimdancehall lovers
But what made PTK agree to make another Bodyslam Riddim?
“People had missed an authentic dancehall sound, so I realised since we were part of the movement pioneers, we might as well do another one,” he said with much confidence and belief.
He said the forthcoming Riddim is not far off from the first one but will accommodate a variety of artists.
“The sound on this one is not different from the original, it’s just a commercial sound that I made with a lot of people in mind so that everyone can be able to add their creativity to it,” explained PTK
Others may have interpreted his silence to mean he had closed the curtain on Zimdancehall, he says he is here for good.
“I have always been full-time in music and I’m not leaving it until the end,” he added.
K-Pop which has taken the world by storm had its own Zimbabwean experience recently when the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Zimbabwe hosted the 2022 K-Pop World Festival Zimbabwe Preliminaries.
It was a popish feeling at The Venue in Avondale when 22 individuals and teams went head to head after making it past the 40 plus first round online entrants.
The event is a special cultural event that showcases the Zimbabwean public’s talent in Korean pop singing and dancing and is one of the biggest events the Korean embassy hosts throughout the year.
The event proved that Korean Pop is a growing movement in Zimbabwe and its culture has been well received especially by the teenagers as they could be seen bumping to each and every song the contestants were performing.
Extreme Dreamers who performed to Move by TNX took first place after impressing judges, award-winning choreographer John Cole and Aldrian Harrison, the founder of the Zim Hip Hop Awards.
They were given $500 worth of a Samsung phone and a chance of being invited to join the 2022 Changwon K-pop World Festival in September together with the winners of other regional rounds.
Second Place went to Tanaka Nicole after giving a brilliant performance to Lisa’s La Lisa, she won $300 worth of a Samsung phone
In third place was Jaime Marr, whilst Ashley-Ann’s performance was adjudged Best Visual with Best Teamwork going to Team Mamero who danced to Butter by BTS, they all were gifted $200 worth of a Samsung phone.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Zimbabwe His Excellency DO Bong-kae narrated the origins of K-Pop and what makes it so relatable to most cultures.
“I believe K-pop has originated from the Korean traditional culture’s unique characteristics of ‘heung.’
“The Korean word, ‘heung’ implies joy and rhythm and it may similarly mean ‘fun’ in the English word. But I think ‘heung’ has a much deeper meaning. When you enjoy music in a group and get into the rhythm, a strong bond is formed between people,” he said.
“A Korean cultural analyst said ‘the common thread that binds fans together has led to a pop celebrity culture in Korea that dominates the music scene.”
He added that this was the reason why even in Zimbabwe, the youth are able to experience and enjoy K-pop as they copy the dance moves of the popular artists such as BTS, Black Pink and others.
“It is my firm belief that the ‘heung’ element is embedded in the DNA of Africans, indeed the Zimbabwean people who enjoy singing and dancing in their daily life,” said The Ambassador.
Zimbabwe Sables wrapped up their Africa Gold cup preparations with an emphatic 30-07 win over the Netherlands at the Rugby Stadium Amsterdam
Despite dominating set pieces a noticeable worrying department for the sables was kicking for posts. A lot of points were left on the kicking tee, missing 4 penalties and 2 conversions.
Zimbabwe drew first blood courtesy of a Takudzwa Chieza try which was converted by skipper Hilton Mudariki.
Sables stretched the lead to 10-00 through a close-range penalty by debutant fullback Takudzwa Musingwini.
Zimbabwe kept on piling the pressure and this time Matthew McNabb got his name on the score sheet when he planted a try in the corner which Musingwini then failed to convert.
The Netherlands finally got in the game in the last 10 minutes of the first half when they caught the Sables napping, Liam Stone ran in for their first try and was converted by fly-half Mees Van Oord.
Sables finished the half strongly as Musingwini slotted a penalty at the stroke of half time which put the visitors in a commanding 18-07 lead.
Zimbabwe put on a dominant second half, especially at scrum time, they ripped the hosts into shreds and struggled off their own feed, conceding a lot of penalties.
Sables capitalised scoring two more tries from Musingwini and replacement hooker Liam Larkan as they finished the match stronger.
Zimbabwe’s attention will now shift to the Africa Gold Cup Quarter finals where they are set to play West African giants Ivory Coast.
Netherlands-based Zimbabwean artist Vimbai Zimuto will this weekend sing the National Anthem as the Sables of Zimbabwe take on the Dutch national rugby side.
Zimbabwe’s senior national rugby team will take on the higher-ranked Netherlands team affectionately known as The Oranges at the Rugby Stadium Amsterdam on June 25.
The match is part of the preparations for next month’s Rugby Africa Cup to be held in France.
Speaking to Zimbuzz Sport Zimuto was ecstatic at the opportunity to perform for his national team.
“They want me to sing the national anthem,so I’m going to do it,” she briefly told us.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Sables coach, Brendan Dawson has named his squad for the Test match against the Netherlands.
Zimbabwe Sables: Tyran Fagan, Matthew Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Sean Beevor, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Biselele Tshamala, Nyasha Tarusenga, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Marcus Nel, Shingirai Katsvere, Takudzwa Chieza, Matthew McNab, Shayne Makombe, Takudzwa Musingwini
Replacements: Victor Mupunga, Liam Larkan, Bornwell Gwinji, Godwin Mangenje, Johan du Preez, Kyle Galloway, James Forrester, Ngoni Chibuwe
Highly rated Zimbabwe and Reims midfielder Marshall Munetsi has caught the eye of Brighton & Hove Albion coach Graham Potter.
According to a report in the Daily Mail Munetsi, is on the Seagulls’ radar after impressing in the French top flight.
Graham Potter is keen to replace Yves Bissouma in midfield this summer.
The Zimbabwe international, who turned 26 on Wednesday, has been impressing in the French league where his statistics have compared favourably with some of the best midfielders in the country.
Munetsi’s figures, notably on interceptions and defensive duels won in game, put him ahead of the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni who joined Real Madrid from Monaco earlier this month and Boubacar Kamara who left Marseille for Aston Villa.
Brighton’s analysts are understood to have reported favourably along with scouts and he is under consideration as they look to fill the void left by Yves Bissouma’s departure to Tottenham.
Munetsi, who scored four goals in 22 games last season after coming back from injury, only signed a new contract last month but Reims could be willing to sell for around £7million.
Tanaka Munyenyiwa graces the Television screen with such presence, beauty, and rare strength.
At 22 years, her sweet but commanding personality on the 8 pm ZBC News host chair makes it worthwhile to watch as one gets to digest what’s been happening in the land of Zimbabwe.
Having shot to stardom as a 16-year-old model after being crowned Miss Teen Zimbabwe in 2016 she went on to represent on the grand stage at the Miss Teen World whose title had just been renamed Miss Teen Continents.
Her broadcasting journey started off as a presenter on Y.G.T (Young Gifted and Talented) and later on transitioned to News and Current Affairs.
Young as the journey began, she still continues to work devotedly on her craft and her passion and work seep into everything she does.
“My broadcasting journey started off as a presenter on Y.G.T. I then transitioned to News and Current Affairs, however, I had to re-audition from scratch like everyone else. Upon making it past the auditions I, together with a few others, had to undergo training for a few weeks,” she told Zimbuzz.
“Upon completion of the training, I did my first Live News-Flash. I was immediately promoted to lunchtime News, and then to the Main News.”
Though still only 22 years it feels like we have known her all our lives, she reflects on her path and the lessons learnt from being thrust into the media spotlight in her early years.
“I did learn some lessons. Some came in a way of discovery and I also did forgive myself for not knowing any better.
“This may sound cliche but not until you encounter things that hit you in the face with that revelation,” said Tanaka Munyenyiwa.
She says along the way she learned resilience and standing for her own right, learning to never adopt people’s fears and also to be very careful of the voices she listens to.
“I would really like to thank the amazing Zbc News and Current Affairs team. They took us through the best grooming and training upon making it past the auditions. I am very grateful to some of the members who saw potential in me way before, and greatly recommended that I audition,” she added.
Her parents have been her greatest support, this reporter recalls how they were protective of her even when conducting interviews with media, they would accompany and guide her.
Tanaka Munyenyiwa
“My parents have been the most supportive of my journey inclusive of my siblings. I do believe parental support is very important,” she recalls.
“Some good doors opened up for me for example; through modelling and upon contesting at Miss Teen Continents. I really emphasize this because with my own eyes I have seen some girls feeling so shattered when their parents/guardians disapprove of them entering even a known and authentic pageant,” she added.
Multitasking the demands of work, personal life, as well as school, is something Tanaka has to be good at. Her days are not at all the same.
“My days are quite diverse. However, on a typical day, I wake up, get ready and attend lectures. After my lectures which finish at different times each day, I also prepare for a bulletin,” she revealed.
Her days involve a lot of travelling and having to be on time at different venues whilst in between the times and days doing personal research, preparations or study whether it is school or work-related.
Preparing for work involves a good meal and sometimes good rest and recreation.
“When it comes to food, I prefer cooked salty foods like french fries and I’m less of a sweet tooth.
“I don’t have a particular favourite hangout place but unless it’s a road trip, I like indoor venues, she tells Zimbuzz.
In fashion, she is not much into brands but prefers simplicity and elegance but for a good scent, she has a particular preference.
“I’m not too particular about the brand, but for my outfits, less is more. I don’t like too much detail or too many colour combinations at once.
“For perfume, I like a very fresh scent with a hint of a sweet scent. The fresher the better, I don’t like scents that are too heavy.”
“For a regular day, it may depend on what I will be doing that day. But I’m very low-key. I love comfort more, you shouldn’t be surprised to see me in a tracksuit and sneakers on a regular day.
“However when I have an event or even a news bulletin that is when I like to try to go all-out in expressing my self-styling skills. I really do like to dress up for events,” said Tanaka.
