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The Zimbabwe UK based Under 17 Team made history yesterday by becoming the first youth football team to win major honours in the history of Zimbabwean football. They beat an experienced Moroccan team 3-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes. The final was played at Terrence Macmillan Stadium in London in front of a sizable crowed. The Young Warriors are composed of UK based professional players and academy players assembled by Team Zimbabwe UK into a national team barely 3 months ago.
The team sent shocking waves into the tournament after eliminating holders Nigeria 2-0 in the semi-finals in a game dubbed to be the of the tournament. Nigeria played 3 players that won the FIFA Under 17 World Cup last year. In the group stages the Young Warriors emphatically dismissed Somaliland 8-4 and Angola 1-0 to top the group with deserved 6 points. The tournament was graced by many football scouts from the UK, Spain and South America. After the tournament 3 players from the Zimbabwean team were invited for trials by two premier league clubs.
In the cup final Zimbabwe outclassed and outshined an experienced Moroccan team that had been playing together for more than 2 years. The Warriors dominated play from the first minute, they kept the ball well with forward movement and intricate one touch passes which resulted in a beautiful team goal in the 13th minute scored by Ryan Makwenge of Coventry United. The move was engineered by outstanding midfielder Wilson Chingoka who was also voted man of the match by the tournament sponsors Royal Air Moroc. Chingoka was combative in midfield and also scored a fantastic penalty in the shootouts. Twin brothers Simbarashe (goalkeeper) and Kudakwashe Mdianyama were also a joy to watch. Simba saved one penalty and did the Bruce Grobbelaar antics which led to Morocco missing 2 penalties. Panashe, Wilson and Shay converted from the spot for Zimbabwe sending wild celebrations and a pitch invasion from supporters.
Captain Seth Patrick of Northampton FC was outstanding throughout the tournament. He led both on and off the pitch. His imposing figure, skill on the ball and ability to pass long range and convert from set pieces made him the player of the tournament without debate. Sadly Leeds based Arnold Ndiweni “George Shaya” missed the final due to club commitments in Scotland. The little magician was a joy to watch in midfield, he is pregnant with skills and wowed the crowd each time he touched the ball exhibiting fancy foot work. Tyrone Sibanda another academy player also missed in the final due to injury. Giant Striker Paneshe Roberts was amazing, he scooped the golden boot the scoring 6 goals in the tournament which included a hatrick against Somaliland and the goal of the tournament, a wonderful 25 yard strike against Nigeria in the semi-finals.
After the victory Headcoach Chamu Musanhu and Team Manager Trevor Mazhande were full of praise for their team. They sighted hard work, discipline and good organisation as key to the team’s success. Both Trevor and Musanhu are now attached with premier league clubs West Bromwich Albion and Everton FC respectively. They played a unique 4-2-3-1 formation which suffocated opponents by starving them of the ball in midfield and automatically ignited fire upfront when the 3 midfielders sporadically joined the lone striker upfront when in possessions of the ball attacking.
After The Cup final Victory Team Zimbabwe UK CEO Marshall Gore who is also the Chairman of the African Football Association, the organisers of the tournament said “There is hope for Zimbabwean football if the Diaspora talent is well scouted, harvested and included in our main national teams. Gore confirmed that they’re on-going talks between Team Zimbabwe UK, ZIFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation in finding synergy and a structure way of incorporating The Zimbabwe Diaspora Football Development Strategy with local football development plans in Zimbabwe. We’re also planning on touring Zimbabwe next year in a bid to present to the nation some of our talented footballers not yet known in Zimbabwe”. In the build-up to the tournament both The Zifa President Dr Phillip Chiyangwa and Sports Minister Mkhosine Hlongwane sent messages to Team Zimbabwe UK wishing them the best of luck in representing the country.
Team Zimbabwe UK Chairman Liberty Masunda, also a former national team player was so grateful after the match. He thanked the Zimbabwe UK Diaspora community for coming out to support the team in large numbers throughout the tournament. He also thanked the project sponsors, Virtual Media Technologies, Greenshoot Specialised Care Services Limited who were represented by director Charles Murape at the final and Flexi Coventry Limited who were also represented by director Felix Marufu. During the tournament Team Zimbabwe UK was also supported by broadcasting partners Pamutengo Radio and E&N Design’s photography, the company that took the official pictures of all the Zimbabwe games.
Project Administrator Thomas Thomik advised the media that player’s welfare was priority at the tournament. “All our players stayed in a hotel during camp and they were paid their agreed winning bonuses soon after the match. We have won today but we’re not relaxing. As we celebrate, we’re also start to plan on defending the trophy next year and embarking on our fundraising mission for the trip to Zimbabwe scheduled for July 2017.
Key Facts about the tournament: The African Nations Cup UK is the biggest Community Football Tournament in the UK/Europe. It’s regulated by the English FA and organised by the African Football Association. The tournament has been running since 2006. Over the years some Premier League and African international players have played in the tournament the list include, Saido Berahino (West Brome); Gaël Bigirimana (Newcastle), Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace); Kagisho Dikgacoi (South Africa)
Team Zimbabwe UK Under17 Squad
GOALKEEPERS: Simba Mdianyama
DEFENDERS: Jerrold Matsa; Wayne Ndlovu;Muss Stamburi;Sheldon Mudzidziwa;Pro Ncube; Frederick Malunga
MIDFIELDERS: Seth Patrick (captain); Tanaka Katsukunya;Tatenda Maramba;Tyrone Sibanda;Takunda Mushambi; Prince Banda;Arnold Ndiweni;Kenny Tafireyi; Wilson Chingoka
STRIKERS: Kuda Mdianyama; Panashe Robert;Martin Zulu;Ryan Makwenje;Bestone Matabile; Sharma Bako; Munashe Chirera; Shekinnah Chipfatsure
TECHNICAL TEAM: Trevor Mazhande (Team Manager) Chamu Musanhu (Headcoach); Kennedy Chihuri (Technical Director); Martin Chirimuta (Assistant Coach)
Team Zimbabwe UK Management
Chairman (Liberty Masunda)
Vice Chairman (Kudakwashe Zinhu)
Chief Executive Officer (Marshall Gore)
Project Administrator (Thomas Thomik)
Head of Football Development (Trevor Mazhande)
Board of Directors: Obey Murefu; Thabang Nare; Felix Marufu; Wellingtom Muringai
Organisation Aims: Team Zimbabwe UK (TZUK) is a Zimbabwean Diaspora football Organisation set up to harness Zimbabwe’s finest football and sporting talent that is hidden outside the country, in the UK and around the world as a result of rampant migration.
Organisation: Affiliated with the English FA
Date Formed: 1st of April 2012
Report was compiled by the Team Zimbabwe UK Press Desk Tel +44 7828068585. Website; thomast@ teamzimbabwe.co.uk; www.teamzimbabwe.co.uk
Zimbabwe managed to see off Cameroon 2-0 in tough opening fixture to the tournament. The Worriors then took on the Nigerian Eagles narrowly losing by a solitary goal. This has left Zimbabwe in joint second place with Cameroon and Zanzibar although the other two have superior goal difference. The Worriors take on Zanzibar and Equatorial Guinea with wins ensuring that the Worriors go through. Meanwhile, the Young Worriors (U17) got off to a good start by dismissing Angola 1-0. The Tournament is being held at Hackney Marshes and you are all invited.
Team Zimbabwe UK have announced that this year, they are fielding two Zimbabwean Teams at the African Nations Cup UK Tournament to be held in London this weekend at the Hackney Marshes Grounds, dubbed by many as the home of English grassroots football. Thomas Thomik the project Admistrator for the UK based organisation said, " This year is our year. We have registered two strong teams in the tournament, our Senior team and the Under 17 which is full of vibrant youngsters. We're read to conquer and we have worked hard organisation wise" The Zimbabwean teams are composed of Zimbabwean players playing professional and semi-professional in the UK Diaspora and Europe. Amongst the Under 17 is teenage sensation Shamar Bako, who was recently signed by Northampton FC . The senior team includes the likes of Farai Hallam; Shamido Pedullu, Muzzy Nduna who are all playing in the lower tear of English football and almost ready to transfer to the main Zimbabwe national team. The Under 17 Team Manager Trevor Mazhandu who is working alongside Chamu Musanhu and Kennedy Chihuri said, "The preparations have gone well and we are happy with the talent available most of whom at Under 17 have been exposed to league football with their respective clubs. I'm very confident that we will come out of our group." Trevor is a qualified coach who also works for West Bromwich Albion on a full time capacity. Contrary to the juniors, the senior team has had a massive reshuffle will a lot of the old horses now discarded by new manager Kelvin Mushabi. The former Caps United player has brought in new faces in the team. He introduced a tough cooper fitness test prior to admiting players in the team. Kevin is suppoted by Obey Murefu and Innocent Mugabe as part of his technical team. The Zimbabwe Senior Team was drawn in the group of death (Group A) with holders Cameron ; Nigeria; Zanziba and Equatorial Guinea. The Young Warriors are in Group A with Angola and Somalialand. There is hope and optimism in the Zimbabwe camp. Moral was boosted this week when kit sponsors Greenshoot Specialised Care Services Limited bought two football kits and track suits for the juniors.
The project CEO Marshall Gore appreciate and thanked the sponsor's including Flexi Coventry Limited who have also helped by chipping in with financial assistance to the project on several occasions. Gore is also the Chairman of the African Football Association which runs the Afcon tournament. Team Zimbabwe UK is also planning to launch its merchandise sales this year by unveiling it's official shirt for the tournament and track suits to go on sale to the public. Team Zimbaber UK
Chairman Liberty Masunda said, " We're making progress every year this year our reparations have been smooth and excellent. We're aiming for the moon, if we miss we will hit at least a star". Team Zimbaber UK is appealing to all the entire Zimbabwe Community in the UK to come and support the Boys. For more information; on the line ups see below
Senior Team.
Goalkeepers
Paradzai Chihwayi
Prosper Tasi Nyambiya
Obey Murefu
Defenders
Eddie Mudzi
Nkosi Muzungwana
Tatenda Bako
Martin Chirimuuta
Chazi Hokoza
Farai Hallam
Musa Stamburi (u17)
Gray Marikano
Tawanda Kujeke
Prince Zongo Mazwi
Midfielders
Raymond Undi
Jones Moyo
Kelvin Mushambi
Tatenda Makoni
Takunda Mushambi (u17)
Tanaka Katsukunya (u17)
Bestone Jr Matabile (u17)
Strikers/Wingers
Emmanuel Ndlovu
Muzzy Nduna
Dan Jones
Brian Ndlovu
Lloyd Dube-Palmer
Ronnie Jones
Shepherd Machingauta
Brighton Mugadza
Shamido Llewellyn Pedulu
Tendai Chitiza
Young Warriors
The stage is set for a new era of Zimbabwean football!
Team Zimbabwe UK has for the first time since their formation, entered a junior team in the Africa Cup of Nations UK tournament. The aim of the project is to provide a platform for any talented young footballer of Zimbabwean descent to showcase their talent. We aim through our partnerships with the newly formed Zimbabwe football governing body National Football Association of Zimbabwe (NFAZ) (formerly known as ZIFA) to provide a pathway to allow those talented enough to get at least a chance to train and play for the official Zimbabwe Junior and eventually senior teams. To spearhead this exciting challenge, Team Zimbabwe UK appointed a strong contingent comprising of former Zimbabwe warriors and top qualified coaches. The project is being headed by Trevor Mazhande, an FA and UEFA B qualified coach who has vast experience working in junior football within the United Kingdom and abroad and is currently attached to a premier league football club in the midlands.
Trevor will work alongside former Zimbabwe football Internationals, Kennedy Chihuri and Chamu Musanhu. Chihuri played 200 matches in the Czech Gambrinus Liga for FK Viktoria Žižkov. He was the first black player in the Czech league and went on to make 30 appearances for the Zimbabwe national football team. Musanhu is one of the most outstanding defenders of his generation who made a name in the footballing circles while playing for Dynamos Football Club. He was called up to represent the national under 23 and senior senior teams. These two stalwarts are both FA qualified coaches, working in youth football in the UK. The trio will also work with Martin Chirimuuta and Brian Ndlovu who are both FA qualified and heavily involved in youth Football.
The management team came together and carried out a number of trial sessions across the United Kingdom to give as many players a chance to showcase their talents. The first of these trial sessions took place in Nottingham on the eve of Zimbabwe’s 36th Birthday. This was followed by another well attended session on May 14th at the Forest Recreation Ground, again in Nottingham. A couple more trial sessions in Leeds and Dunstable preceded friendly matches against Angola UK and Team Dynamos FC of Leeds. The coaches feel confident with their squad of 24 players who they have entrusted to launch what they term “the future of Zimbabwean football”.
Squad names:
GOALKEEPERS
Simba Mdianyama
??? ????
DEFENDERS
Jerrold Matsa
Wayne Ndlovu
Muss Stamburi
Sheldon Mudzidziwa
Pro Ncube
Frederick Malunga
MIDFIELDERS
Seth Patrick
Tanaka Katsukunya
Tatenda Maramba
Tyrone Sibanda
Takunda Mushambi
Prince Banda
Arnold Ndiweni
Kenny Tafireyi
STRIKERS
Kuda Mdianyama
Panashe Robert
Martin Zulu
Ryan Makwenje
Bestone Matabile
Sharma Bako
Munashe Chirera
Shekinnah Chipfatsure
Team Zimbabwe UK has confirmed that Nottingham City will host this year’s Zimbabwe Community Independence Day Celebrations in the UK. The event will be held on Sunday the 17th of April 2016 at the Forest Recreation GroundNG7 6HB. The programme on the day will include the much publicised 12 Team Football Tournament, where teams will battle for the right to win the prestigious Zimbabwe Independence Day Trophy plus cash prize money sponsored by Flexi Coventry Limited.
Zimbabwe turns 36 this year. The country has enjoyed 36 solid years of self-rule following a protracted armed struggle that led to final decolonisation from British rule in April 1980. Despite attaining its Independence, Zimbabwe has had its trials and tribulations as a country, glory days in the 80s and early 90s followed by the worst times under unprecedented economic sanctions imposed by the Western in the last decade. Despite these upheavals Zimbabweans both at home and abroad in the Diaspora have remained united in solidarity recognising the value of celebrating the birth of their beautiful country real name Zimbaremabwe “The House of Stone”
Team Zimbabwe UK CEO Marshall Gore one of the organisers of the event said
“It’s important for Diasporas to remain connected with mother country wholeheartedly. Celebrating Independence together as a community gives us an opportunity to identify with the nation, to honour and to cherish our history and journey to freedom. Most importantly I see Independence as symbol of unit, a day of togetherness for the sack of nationhood. It’s the day that qualifies us to work together in recognising Zimbabwe as a country irrespective of our political, ethnical or racial differences”
The program at The Forest Recreation Ground will start at 12pm and will include Gochi Gochi/BBQ, Kids entertainment, and music from popular Nottingham JD Cool Kudzai and will also see the delivery of the official Independence Message from his HE President Robert Mugabe.
This year’s event is sponsored Zimbabwean owned care services company Flexi Coventry Limited. The company has earned its reputation in proving excellent packages of care in Coventry and the whole of the Midlands County area. Mrs Loreen Marufu from Flexi Coventry Limited spoke about their motivation and delight in sponsoring the event “Our decision to sponsor the event has been driven by our desire to support the Zimbabwean community. As an ethically-led company we believe in corporate social responsibility. By supporting this event - inclusive of all Zimbabweans - we can help many in the community on this special day. Good luck to all the teams competing and to Team Zimbabwe UK for organising the event”
In addition to Flexi Coventry Limited the Zimbabwe Independence is also supported by other UK based companies the following included Diaspora Funeral Cash Plan; Virtual Media Technologies; ZymPay; Pamutengo Radio Station; BhoraAfrica .com and Greenshoot Specialist Care Services Ltd.
Team Zimbabwe UK Chairman Liberty Masunda a former Zimbabwe National Team Player has urged all the UK Diaspora Zimbabwean to come in large numbers and celebrate Uhuru day on Sunday. Masunda thanked the Nottingham Zimbabwe community for their support in securing the venue and mobilising logistics on the ground. He singled our Mr Mandaza (local community leader) and Gochi Gochi guru Makeke for their dedicated input in ensuring that Nottingham are deserved host this year.
Last year the prestigious Independence trophy was won by Rainbow FC from Manchester. They beat Flexi Coventry FC in the final. The Team Zimbabwe UK technical teams will also use the tournament as a scouting opportunity for players ahead of the coming Inner City World Cup and UK AFCON Tournament. Team Zimbabwe UK Director of Football Trevor Kenneth said they are taking the tournament seriously and his scouting team will be eagerly looking for talent to include in the Zimbabwe Diaspora National Team.
Tournament Draw Parings
Group A: Flexi Coventry FC; Three Ways Shipping; FC Mandela; Malawi Notts FC; Derby Warriors and Nottingham Zim FC
Group B: Rainbow FC; Leicester Izinyoka FC; Zim Saints FC; Team Dynamos FC; Zim Stevenage FC; Huddersfield FC
Event Details: Date: Sunday 17th of April 2016. (11.30am till late) Venue Address:Forest Recreation GroundGregory Boulevard Nottingham NG7 6HB .
Team Zimbabwe Contact Details: Marshall Gore 07828068585; Thomas Thomik 07905619259 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.teamzimbabwe.co.uk
Zimbabwe Independence Official Sponsors Flexi Coventry Limited www.flexicoventry.co.uk
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