Zimbabwe’s rising cricket star Brian Bennett earns an ICC Men’s Player of the Month nomination after explosive T20 performances that reignited national pride and boosted the Chevrons’ World Cup ambitions ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s young cricket sensation Brian Bennett has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award after a blistering run of form that reignited national pride and strengthened the Chevrons’ charge toward T20 World Cup 2026 qualification. The 21-year-old all-rounder smashed 497 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 165.66, dominating bowlers across Africa’s qualifying rounds. His nomination places him among the global elite, shortlisted alongside India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad and Australia’s Glenn Maxwell. “I’ve worked hard on consistency and shot selection,” Bennett said. “To be recognised at this level means a lot — not just for me, but for Zimbabwean cricket.” Record-Breaking Performances 72 off 39 balls vs Sri Lanka 65 off 41 balls vs Namibia Two fifties in the Africa Qualifier series 38 boundaries and 24 sixes — the highest by a Zimbabwean in a single ICC regional tournament According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bennett’s “dominant middle-order batting and match temperament” were instrumental in Zimbabwe topping Group B and securing early qualification. Cricket analysts say Bennett represents the “new face” of Zimbabwean cricket — young, fearless, and technically sharp. “He has the temperament of a senior pro and the explosiveness of a modern T20 finisher,” said sports analyst Darlington Mupasiri. “If he keeps this form, Zimbabwe could soon have one of the most feared top orders in world cricket.” Zimbabwe’s qualification follows a broader upswing across national teams. The Chevrons, Warriors, and Sables have all earned major international berths this year, signalling a wider renaissance in the country’s sporting culture. Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani praised Bennett’s impact:“Brian’s success shows what’s possible when we back our youth. He’s not just scoring runs — he’s restoring belief in our system.” Sports economist Chipo Mwangi added that Bennett’s nomination strengthens Zimbabwe’s global image: “This recognition boosts Zimbabwe’s sporting brand. It tells the world we’re still producing top-tier talent capable of competing internationally.” The Chevrons will host Pakistan in December for a three-match T20 series before the 2026 World Cup build-up. Bennett’s form will be central as the team fine-tunes combinations ahead of a busy international schedule that includes tours to South Africa and Bangladesh. “I’m just taking it game by game,” Bennett said. “It’s about contributing to the team’s success and representing Zimbabwe with pride.”

Masvingo land developers Ephraim Gwanongodza and Godhati Dunira were arrested for allegedly defrauding home seekers of about US$1 million through illegal land sales at Victoria Ranch ( image source ) Two prominent Masvingo land developers, Ephraim Gwanongodza (59) and Godhati Dunira (57), were arrested late September and charged with alleged large-scale fraud after police say the pair sold residential and commercial stands on land belonging to ShinePlus Holdings without lawful title, sparking a high-profile investigation that has gripped the provincial capital. Prosecutors allege Gwanongodza and Dunira, through their company Ravajik Investments (also referenced as Rajavik), prepared a layout for the Remainder of Victoria Ranch and marketed some 70 residential and 25 commercial stands to buyers, collecting payments reportedly ranging from US$2,000 to US$7,500 per stand — transactions the police say amount to roughly US$1 million and constituted an illegal parceling of ShinePlus-owned land. After spending several days in remand, the two appeared before Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura and were granted bail of US$200 each under strict conditions, including regular reporting to Masvingo Central Police Station and prohibitions on interfering with witnesses, as the matter was remanded to allow further investigations and preparation for trial. Investigators from Harare CID were reported to have taken control of aspects of the probe amid concerns that local police in Masvingo might be subject to undue influence given the suspects’ standing. Prosecutors argued against bail on the basis that the accused might tamper with evidence or witnesses if released. The arrests have revived scrutiny of long-running allegations about land grabbing and irregular disposals in Masvingo, issues flagged previously before the Justice Tendai Uchena Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land. Critics say the case illustrates persistent governance gaps in land administration that leave prospective home seekers vulnerable to scams. The accused were remanded to return to court on scheduled dates for further hearings while police continue to trace victims and recover transaction records. If the prosecution proves the alleged fraud, convictions could trigger restitution orders and heightened enforcement against informal land-sale syndicates across the province.

Prophet Walter Magaya and his wife Tendai have averted liquidation after paying US$180,000 to GetBucks Bank and signing a debt settlement ( image source ) Prominent clergyman Prophet Walter Magaya and his wife Tendai have secured a temporary reprieve from imminent liquidation proceedings after paying US$180,000 to GetBucks Microfinance Bank and signing a deed of settlement restructuring the remainder of a US$420,140.72 debt, according to court filings and creditor notices. GetBucks had filed for liquidation in June 2025, accusing the Magayas of insolvency and concealing assets following failed repayment attempts. The new arrangement suspends the bank’s liquidation application and halts immediate seizure of movable and immovable assets — provided the couple meets their scheduled payments and obligations under the deed. However, the relief is partial. A separate writ of execution under Case Number SH3294/25 authorises the auction of developments on Stand 168, Prospect, Waterfalls, after creditor Li Xiu Yun obtained court approval for a sale in execution. The stand, housing a hotel, lodges and a FIFA-rated stadium linked to PHD Ministries, remains at risk despite the GetBucks settlement. Earlier this year, Planet Africa (Private) Limited, an entity associated with the Magayas, entered corporate rescue proceedings, narrowly avoiding auction of other properties. Credit recovery efforts have been slowed by interpleader claims filed by the Walter Magaya Family Trust and PHD Ministries, complicating ownership questions and creditor priority in ongoing litigation. The saga unfolds amid public scrutiny of the Magayas’ finances and high-profile gestures. The couple recently received luxury vehicles and US$100,000 in cash from businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who cited Prophet Magaya’s role in the Heart Stadium project. The gift drew public attention because the stadium itself is under threat of sale, underscoring the tension between philanthropy, religious enterprise, and creditor claims. GetBucks will continue monitoring compliance with the settlement and may revive liquidation proceedings if the Magayas default. Meanwhile, the Li Xiu Yun auction could proceed unless stayed by the High Court on title or jurisdictional grounds. The intersecting litigation — spanning corporate rescue, creditor enforcement, and interpleader proceedings — underscores the fragmented creditor landscape and rising financial risks facing faith-based commercial ventures. Observers say the coming months will determine whether the Magayas can meet their settlement terms and preserve control of the Waterfalls developments at the centre of the dispute.

From January 2026, all Zimbabwean athletes must pay for a new NAAZ licence or be barred from races ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s athletics scene faces a major shake-up after the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe ( NAAZ ) announced a new annual licensing system that will bar unregistered athletes from competing in official events from 1 January 2026. According to a circular dated 27 September 2025, every participant must hold a US$7 annual licence, with US$4 remitted to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC). A temporary single-event licence will be available at US$10, but the directive makes clear that race organisers, clubs, and coaches are legally prohibited from registering unlicensed runners. “No race organiser shall register an athlete who does not hold a valid annual licence,” the circular reads. The penalties for non-compliance include fines and potential bans for organisers who fail to enforce the rule, effectively shifting the policing burden to local event managers. The decision has split the athletics community. Supporters say the modest fee will professionalise the sport, build a verified database of registered athletes, improve safety oversight, and align Zimbabwe’s system with global athletics federations. Advocates also argue that predictable revenue could fund development and anti-doping programmes while creating clearer athlete pathways to international events. However, critics argue the move is tone-deaf to economic realities and risks excluding casual runners. Recreational athletes and charity-run organisers warn that even small fees could undermine participation, especially in low-income communities where household budgets are already strained. Organisers of smaller events say the new administrative burden and compliance costs could force grassroots races to close. The temporary licence option is meant for occasional participants but comes at a higher per-event cost, nudging runners toward annual registration. The SRC’s endorsement strengthens enforcement by positioning the rule as a national sports policy, not merely an internal NAAZ directive. Yet many operational questions remain unresolved — how licences will be issued, verified, and audited; whether vulnerable groups will qualify for exemptions; and how large events like charity or corporate fun runs will handle compliance. Organisers are calling for clear guidelines and transition support to prevent confusion when the rule takes effect in January. As the countdown begins, attention will turn to whether this policy professionalises athletics or alienates participants. For NAAZ, the challenge lies in proving that a small administrative fee can build—not break—the foundation of Zimbabwe’s running community.

Tocky Vibes’ Mashangurapata  album launch at Alexandra Sports Club drew a small turnout, exposing cracks in Zimbabwe’s live-music economy and highlighting the growing gap between social-media fame and physical concert attendance ( image source ) Zimdancehall star Tocky Vibes’ double album launch for Mashangurapata  at Alexandra Sports Club on Saturday drew a disappointingly small crowd, sparking debate across Zimbabwe’s entertainment sector about marketing strategy, event timing, and whether online fame still translates into physical audiences. Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Killer T, Feli Nandi, Seh Calaz, and others, wide-angle footage from the event showed empty chairs scattered across the grounds. The contrast between the professionally staged lighting, quality sound system, and sparse turnout was jarring — a visual reminder of how fragile the country’s live-music ecosystem remains in 2025. Promoters pointed to several missteps. The date clashed with both the Chibuku Road to Fame finals and a major Harare music festival, dividing audiences and sponsorship attention. Others cited limited grassroots promotion, particularly among younger fans who depend on short-form content and peer-to-peer buzz rather than formal ticketing adverts. “The online numbers can be misleading,” one promoter said. “You can have half a million followers but that doesn’t mean 500 will buy a ticket. Engagement doesn’t equal commitment.” Pre-event marketing had appeared solid: tickets were sold through pharmacy outlets and online platforms, while TikTok teasers and digital posters circulated widely. Yet the data-driven push failed to convert into turnout, underscoring a persistent disconnect between social-media visibility and physical attendance. Industry analysts suggest the episode reflects broader economic and behavioural shifts. With disposable incomes stretched and entertainment calendars crowded, fans increasingly prioritise affordable, high-energy community events over formal venue shows. The result: even established artists must now compete not only with peers but with social trends and timing miscalculations. Veteran artist Baba Harare publicly consoled Tocky after the show, reminding peers that “every performer has off nights” and commending him for investing in a high-quality setup. Tocky himself remained upbeat, posting that he would continue releasing visuals and singles to sustain momentum from Mashangurapata . The event nevertheless offers a case study in live-event economics. Promoters are now re-evaluating contingency marketing and advocating for cross-promoter coordination to avoid calendar clashes. Some are urging artists to move toward smaller, community-based tours or staggered single rollouts to sustain fan interest over time rather than concentrating budgets on one-night spectacles. For Tocky Vibes — a veteran whose conscious lyrics once dominated Zimbabwe’s urban charts — the challenge now is to reconnect digitally measured popularity with real-world audiences. The empty seats at Alex Sports Club may tell a story of disappointment, but they also expose lessons that could shape the next phase of Zimbabwe’s post-pandemic music economy.

Police in Zimbabwe have arrested 38-year-old Phillip Mutasa over the murder and robbery of Ruwa businessman Joseph “Mutangaz” Mutangadura, with seven suspects still on the run as CID Homicide intensifies its nationwide manhunt ( image source ) A 38-year-old man, Phillip Mutasa, has been arrested in connection with the August 17 murder and robbery of Ruwa businessman Joseph “Mutangaz” Mutangadura, police confirmed — a breakthrough that follows months of investigation and opens a nationwide manhunt for seven alleged accomplices. Detectives from CID Homicide Harare traced and arrested Mutasa in Mkoba 6, Gweru, on October 3 after receiving a public tip-off, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement. Mutasa allegedly confessed to taking part in the attack and named seven other suspects who remain at large. According to the police narrative, a gang of masked robbers armed with pistols, hammers and crowbars stormed Mutangadura’s farmhouse and entertainment venue, Mutangadura Hideout, along Dunstan Road, Ruwa, around 11:15 p.m. on August 17. The attackers overpowered a security guard, tied him with shoelaces, and forced him into the house before breaking into the main bedroom. The businessman was shot in the stomach and later died at Eden Hospital in Windsor, Ruwa; his wife survived with injuries. “ZRP has confirmed the arrest of Phillip Mutasa in connection with the robbery and murder of Joseph Mutangadura,” Commissioner Nyathi said in the statement announcing the arrest. Mutasa appeared before Harare regional magistrate Sandra Mupindu, who advised him to apply for bail at the High Court. He was not asked to plead. The State alleges murder, armed robbery, and unlawful entry among the charges. Investigators say Mutasa guarded hostages during the raid and later ordered family members into the bedroom where Mutangadura lay mortally wounded. Mutangadura, 67, was a well-known entrepreneur who ran Mutangaz Hideout, Mutangaz Panyama, and Lisheen Estate. His death in August shocked Ruwa’s business community and the wider Mashonaland East region. Family representatives welcomed the arrest as “a step toward closure,” while police urged the public to help identify and locate the remaining suspects. Authorities credit intelligence-led policing and public tips for the breakthrough, reflecting sustained CID Homicide work since the August incident. The arrest highlights operational challenges for investigators — suspects dispersing across provinces, false identities, and the need to trace weapons and stolen property linking all parties involved. Police say the nationwide manhunt for the seven named accomplices will continue, with further evidence expected in court as investigations progress. Observers say the case could test whether forensic evidence and recovered property can connect the suspects to other violent robberies in the region.

Yadah FC executive Spencer Muvadi has been banned for 12 months and fined US$4,000 after assaulting goalkeeper Goodknows Gurure ( image source ) Yadah FC has been plunged into controversy after senior club executive Spencer Muvadi was found guilty by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee of assaulting the club’s goalkeeper, Goodknows Gurure, following a league match against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Heart Stadium on 22 August. The PSL handed Muvadi a US$4,000 fine, ordered him to pay the costs of the hearing, and imposed a 12-month ban from all football-related activities — including attending PSL matches and conducting any official club business during the suspension. The incident occurred moments after the final whistle, in full view of players, staff and spectators. Gurure, a long-time stalwart for the Miracle Boys , was reportedly visibly shaken by the assault, prompting immediate complaints from teammates and a referral to the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ). Video and eyewitness accounts circulated widely across social media, intensifying calls for swift disciplinary action. PSL communications officer Kudzai Bare confirmed the outcome, saying the committee had applied a zero-tolerance approach  to violence. “Mr Muvadi was found guilty of breaching the PSL Rules and Regulations and the Committee has imposed a fine of US$4,000 together with costs of the hearing,” Bare said, stressing that the ruling aimed to protect player welfare and uphold league standards of conduct. Yadah FC itself was fined US$5,000 for failing to control an official, with the league setting a strict payment deadline. The sanctions have immediate governance implications for the club, which must now demonstrate internal reforms, strengthen safeguarding systems, and report back to the PSL on preventative measures. Sports governance experts have urged that the penalties be coupled with mandatory training for executives, clear reporting mechanisms for player abuse, and a transparent disciplinary framework to rebuild trust. Reactions among fans and analysts were divided. While many commended the PSL’s decisive response, others expressed disappointment that such behaviour occurred within a club that brands itself as a faith-based institution rooted in discipline and spirituality. The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe has called on Yadah FC to provide counselling and support for Gurure and to prioritise his safety on and off the pitch. The PSL disciplinary committee warned that any violation of Muvadi’s suspension or further misconduct by Yadah officials could result in harsher sanctions, including longer bans, heavier fines, or referral to ZIFA for licensing review. “The ruling aims to protect player welfare and uphold league standards of conduct.” — PSL communications officer Kudzai Bare

Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi apologises and steps aside after slapping player McDonald Makuwe during a PSL match at Rufaro Stadium ( image source ) Ngezi Platinum Stars coach and Warriors assistant Takesure Chiragwi has issued a public apology and temporarily stepped aside from national team duties after being filmed slapping midfielder McDonald Makuwe during Saturday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium—an incident that has shocked players, fans, and football officials alike. Television footage captured the altercation in the 34th minute, moments after Dynamos’ equaliser, showing Chiragwi—already animated and later red-carded—lash out when Makuwe attempted to calm him. The clip, broadcast live on ZBC Jive TV, spread rapidly on social media, triggering public outrage and widespread condemnation. In a statement issued Sunday, Chiragwi described his behaviour as “wholly inappropriate and unbecoming of a coach, leader, and representative of our game.” He said he had personally apologised to Makuwe, who accepted the apology, and confirmed he would step aside from the Warriors technical team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers to allow investigations to proceed “without prejudice.” The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has launched a formal inquiry and requested a detailed incident report from Ngezi Platinum Stars, pending official match documentation. The PSL reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on violence and promised disciplinary action if warranted. Ngezi Platinum Stars also released a statement expressing regret and pledging a full internal review, citing “respect, professionalism, and discipline” as non-negotiable club values. Witnesses described a tense and surreal scene on the touchline as teammates rushed to protect Makuwe while technical staff restrained Chiragwi. “It felt like watching a family argument spill into the street,” one player said, while another urged for calm and due process. The 41-year-old coach, known for his tactical acumen and emotional intensity, now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust within the football community. With the Warriors preparing for qualifiers and the domestic league battling questions of professionalism, observers say this case will set a precedent for accountability among coaches and officials. “Regardless of the circumstances or emotions of the moment, there is no justification for my actions,” Chiragwi said in closing.

Chitima Band from Harare won the 2025 Chibuku Road to Fame finals at Gwanzura Stadium, taking the US$15,000 top prize ( image source ) The Chibuku Road to Fame national finals at Gwanzura Stadium on Saturday marked a milestone 25th anniversary for Zimbabwe’s premier grassroots music competition, crowning Chitima Band of Harare as national champions. The group walked away with the US$15,000 grand prize and a recording contract, sealing a career-defining victory in front of thousands of music lovers. Ten provincial finalists converged in Highfield for a day of performances that showcased Afro-fusion, sungura, and traditional contemporary sounds. All in One from Mashonaland West and Simuniziva from Matabeleland North secured second and third place, taking home US$10,000 and US$7,000 respectively. The event — a partnership between Delta Beverages and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) — combined competition with celebration. Guest performances from Winky D and Feli Nandi electrified the crowd, while the after-party drew artists, producers, and cultural stakeholders in a lively close to the national music calendar. Chitima bandleader Charles Chakanetsa attributed their win to teamwork and discipline, saying the prize money will fund studio recording and promotion. “Hard work and cooperation put us here,” said Chakanetsa after being announced the winner. NACZ Director Napoleon Nyanhi hailed Delta Beverages’ sustained investment in arts development, noting that Chibuku Road to Fame  has “uncovered and nurtured generations of Zimbabwean musical talent.” Since its launch 25 years ago, the competition has become a cultural institution — producing stars such as Winky D, Progress Chipfumo, and Mokoomba — and providing a vital platform for emerging acts through cash incentives, recording deals, and live exposure. This year’s lineup reflected an evolving soundscape. Afro-fusion dominated, with eight of the ten bands performing in that genre — a signal of shifting market tastes toward urban-African and cross-genre fusions. The USD-denominated prizes underscored the practical realities of the music economy, where stable foreign currency remains key to financing studio sessions, tours, and marketing. For Delta Beverages, the competition doubles as a corporate social investment and brand-engagement platform, reinforcing the company’s long-standing cultural presence. Each provincial round offers product visibility alongside opportunities for artistic development — a balance that has made Chibuku Road to Fame  one of Zimbabwe’s most enduring music initiatives. With their victory, Chitima Band now moves into the recording phase of their contract, expected to expand their footprint across touring circuits and streaming platforms. Industry observers say their success could set the tone for a new wave of commercially viable Afro-fusion acts emerging from Zimbabwe’s grassroots music scene. As NACZ and Delta Beverages reaffirm their partnership, the competition remains a pillar of Zimbabwe’s live-music ecosystem, bridging tradition and modernity while creating real economic pathways for new artists. “Hard work and cooperation put us here.” — Chitima bandleader Charles Chakanetsa

Masvingo’s chiefs and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces strengthened their rural development partnership at Chief Nhema’s homestead in Zaka ( image source ) A weekend gathering of Masvingo’s 52 chiefs at Chief Nhema’s homestead in Zaka celebrated the enduring partnership between traditional leaders and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) — a collaboration that chiefs and army officers say continues to drive local development, food security, and social cohesion across rural communities. The Masvingo Provincial Traditional Leaders Day, organised by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), brought together chiefs, senior ZNA officers, government officials, and hundreds of residents to discuss joint development priorities, distribute farming inputs and grocery hampers, and reflect on the evolving role of traditional leadership in Zimbabwe’s rural transformation. Army officials presented updates on infrastructure and social-service projects the ZNA has supported in Masvingo — including clinic and school construction — and reaffirmed their commitment to the Vision 2030 national development agenda. Major-General Asher Tapfumaneyi urged chiefs to work with the army on tackling community challenges such as drug abuse among youth, health access, and education. “We work closely with traditional leaders to identify and address community needs,” said Major-General Tapfumaneyi. “Our shared goal is to build stronger, more self-reliant rural communities.” Chiefs at the event described the gathering as a working forum rather than a ceremonial occasion, noting that it provides a platform to align local priorities with national policy. Initiatives such as the Zunde raMambo food-reserve scheme, which supports vulnerable households, were spotlighted as examples of practical collaboration. Chiefs Neshuro and Chilonga highlighted how the meeting fosters trust and long-term planning for livelihoods and disaster resilience. “The event used to be held at 4 Infantry Brigade, but now we take it to the people,” said Chief Chitanga, Masvingo Chiefs Council chairperson, noting the symbolic significance of holding the event at a chief’s homestead to enhance direct community engagement. Traditional leaders received agricultural inputs and grocery hampers aimed at improving household food security and supporting the Zunde scheme. Government representatives and senators praised the partnership, describing it as an extension of post-independence civic cooperation that advances rural industrialisation and service delivery. Local NGOs and traditional-governance networks noted a modernising shift in chieftainship, with training initiatives encouraging chiefs to adopt digital record-keeping, community planning, and transparent administration to strengthen their coordination with the state and ZNA. The ZNA–traditional leadership alliance draws from a historic liberation-era relationship and continues today through development projects in health, education, and agriculture. Provincial leaders say formalising these ties ensures that national development policy translates into tangible rural benefits, building resilience against challenges like drought, unemployment, and migration. “We are happy with this annual event because it deepens the relationship between us and the army.” — Chief Neshuro

Zimbabwe Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba is empowering Bulawayo youth to stay off drugs through Njube Spurs, a grassroots football team that’s transforming lives and inspiring the next generation of athletes ( image source ) Zimbabwe Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba is using football to tackle one of Zimbabwe’s most urgent social crises: drug and substance abuse among young people. Through Njube Spurs, a junior football team based in his childhood neighbourhood in Bulawayo, Nakamba is creating pathways for youth to remain engaged in sport and away from destructive habits. The project, which he personally sponsors with kits, footballs and logistics, has evolved into more than just a grassroots team — it has become a lifeline for dozens of aspiring players. At the heart of the initiative is the Spurs Under-17 side, currently topping the ZIFA Bulawayo Junior League with 56 points, eight clear of Tigers FC with six matches left. Their success fills the national skipper with pride. “It’s a joyful thing to see Spur’s Under-17s performing well,” Nakamba said from his UK base, where he plays for Luton Town. “This is the age where most youths tend to take drugs, but these boys are focused on football. That focus has kept them off the streets, away from drug abuse and other illicit activities.” Nakamba’s father, Anthony Nakamba, remains a familiar face at Spurs’ home matches at Desert Ground in Njube, reflecting the family’s ongoing connection to the community.“Marvelous grew up here in Njube and football has changed his life,” he said. “My wish is to see another Marvelous come out of Njube.” The Spurs project builds on years of Nakamba’s investment in youth football. In July 2024, the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation donated four full sets of kits and balls to the team — a gesture club chairperson Trust Chizunza described as “something done from deep down someone’s heart.” “Giving back to the community shows true commitment,” Chizunza said. “The more the project runs, the more our youths shy away from drugs.” Nakamba understands how football can open doors. In 2021, his foundation hosted an Under-17 tournament in Bulawayo that spotlighted rising stars. One standout, Prosper Padera, signed for a Finnish club and recently debuted for the Zimbabwe Warriors, lining up alongside Nakamba in international duty. “For many in Njube, this proves the transformative power of grassroots football,” Nakamba said. “From a dusty pitch in Bulawayo to the national team — if one can do it, more can follow.” Looking ahead, Nakamba wants Spurs to grow beyond survival. Inspired by businessman Scott Sakupwanya’s Scottland FC, he envisions Njube Spurs evolving into a professional club with an academy and Premier Soccer League status. “Scott is doing a great job back home — look at the salaries, the signings, and stadium projects,” Nakamba said. “It’s also my wish that one day Njube Spurs becomes as big as that.” He is currently preparing another shipment of football gear for Spurs’ various age groups. “There’s a container with kits, balls and equipment I will send to Zimbabwe soon,” he revealed. For now, the team’s achievements offer a beacon of hope. In a city where drug abuse has derailed many young lives, Njube Spurs’ success shows how structure, mentorship and opportunity can serve as powerful antidotes to addiction. As the players chase silverware, they are proving Nakamba right — discipline, teamwork and ambition can change lives both on and off the pitch.

The Ministry of Local Government has ordered Harare to clean verges and revive dying trees, citing neglect and poor maintenance, in a move that puts Mayor Jacob Mafume under pressure to show rapid, visible improvement ( image source ) The Ministry of Local Government has ordered the City of Harare to immediately clean roadside verges and revive neglected green spaces, citing “severe neglect” despite major government investments made ahead of regional events. The directive, contained in a letter dated 26 September 2025, places fresh pressure on Mayor Jacob Mafume and city administrators to deliver visible results. The letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Acting Town Clerk accuses the municipality of failing to maintain roadsides and planted trees, warning that many have died from lack of care. It demands an urgent maintenance plan, accountability mechanisms and evidence of action within weeks. The Ministry described the current state of Harare’s public areas as an “eyesore” and a safety hazard, urging pruning, watering, replacement of dead trees and public reporting on progress. The move aligns with government-led Operation Chenesa Harare , a nationwide clean-up campaign promoting sustained waste management and civic participation. It also serves as a rebuke to city leadership, highlighting a gap between earlier beautification efforts ahead of the 2024 SADC Summit and the capital’s current state. Mayor Mafume, who has previously led anti-illegal structure campaigns and pledged to restore cleanliness, now faces mounting political pressure. Sources at Town House and independent reports show refuse collection and verge maintenance have been inconsistent amid budget constraints, unreliable contractors and limited field crews. Urban management experts say visible improvements will require short-term surge measures — more crews, vehicles, saplings, and regular watering — alongside long-term solutions such as ring-fenced maintenance budgets, strict contractor audits and transparent dashboards to track performance. The Ministry’s letter, officials said, effectively gives Harare a narrow window to act before further directives or sanctions are considered. “The lack of attention to these critical aspects of urban management has not only tarnished the image of the city but has also jeopardised the safety, health and well-being of its residents,” the letter reads.