Lloyd Shunje in Mutare

MUTARE – City Rovers’ unstoppable march in the Eastern Region Division 1 has paid off with a four nil win over bitter rivals Buffaloes FC over the weekend.
The win saw them bouncing back into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with one more game to spare.
Kennedy Kachara’s men came in for the game looking for nothing except a draw but second half goals from Hibron Makukutu, Stephen Sibanda, Evans Chikwaikwai and Hussein Zvakavapano were enough for the Gusha Boys to clinch a ticket to the PSL.
Mutare City Rovers were relegated at the end of last season but they have now earned the right to march back to premier football alongside the likes of Central Region winners Nichrut FC, Bulawayo Chiefs from the Southern Region and Northern Region champions Herentials FC.
Speaking after the game, Kachara could not hide his joy, acknowledging that his team’s success were a result of ceaseless hard work on the part of players, supporters and the technical department.
“I am really happy today because we managed to fulfill our mission. It was not an easy task but the boys remained focused. We thank our fans who were with us from the beginning and we also thank City of Mutare for making this a dream come true,” said Kachara.
Buffaloes FC coach Shadreck Mugurasawu congratulated Mutare FC for the win and said his own team was already preparing for the next season.
“I would like to congratulate Mutare for being the champions of the day. They were a better side and they deserved to win. As a team, we are now going back to the drawing board to prepare for the next season,” said Mugurasawu.local

Every wet season poses enhanced dangers to motorists and pedestrians alike due to increased potholes and reduced vision caused by rain, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TCSZ) has said.
The organisation has encouraged all road users be extra cautious and to be extra alert on the roads to ensure safety on the country’s roads.
TCSZ reports that an average of 1800 people are killed annually while 30 000 are injured in road traffic accidents.
This means that on average, five people die and 38 others are injured daily on the roads, with the highest number being in the rainy season.
Speaking to TellZim News, TSCZ managing director Obia Chinyere said motorists should ensure that their vehicles are in a road worthy condition and basic checks are undertaken to prepare their vehicles for the rainy months.
“Nationally, road casualty rates increase with the arrival of the rainy season which is worsened by festive holidays. As the rains fall, it is important that all road users re-assess their journeys and account for the rains. We are advising all motorists to use their air conditioners and if not available, slightly open their windows to minimise the mist that builds up inside vehicles.
Driving in the rain can be both scary and dangerous. It produces anxiety as well as poor visibility so it is important to take wet weather seriously when you are on the road. One needs to ensure that thye can see properly. Most importantly, one has to drive according to the conditions and adjust a few habits to avoid sliding, skidding or being involved in a collision,” said Chinyere.
He also gave several tips including keeping windows clean, maintaining lights and tyres, turning windshield wipers, slowing down and staying focused.
“Slowing down is very important because it is very difficult to stop when speeding as the road would be slippery. Keeping a distance from other vehicles is also important. Speed kills and we wish all road users a safe season and blessed holidays,” Chinyere said.local

Moses Ziyambi

CHIVI – Dozens of pupils from Jenya High School, led by their teachers and school head, recently paid a visit to a forsaken old widow in Mudyazhezha village under Chief Madyangove where they presented her with gifts before doing some work at her homestead.
Mbuya Revai Mhande was overwhelmed by emotions when the children donated groceries to her and spent some time entertaining her.
The old woman, who estimates her age to be somewhere around 84, stays alone at home and she struggles to see each day through, with nobody available to help her out with the basics of life.
Pupils donated groceries that included cooking oil, sugar, bread and flower. Thereafter, the pupils took hoes and other equipment and cleaned up the yard.
“It is a good experience to have a school and its children remembering people like me. I never expected to receive such an early Christmas present so I thank God for this visit.
“I stay alone and my life is not at all easy. Getting food is a daily struggle and with old age, I also find it difficult to do all the work that is needed to maintain a decent home outlook. This is a gesture that I will never forget for the rest of my life,” said Mbuya Mhande.
Children who were present pointed out that it was their wish to continue with the work of charity, saying they will mobilise resources and return again next year.
Jenya High School head Austin Hakunavanhu said the welfare of the elderly, especially those who struggle to survive in the rural areas, should be a priority for everybody.
“As members of society, we must be more caring. Old age is part of our destiny if we are fortunate enough to live as long as Mbuya Mhande has lived. She represents the needy people we must care for and I am deeply humbled by the efforts of Jenya High School members of staff and pupils,” said Hakunavanhu.local

MASVINGO – Hundreds of Pledge 25 Club members in last week Friday and Saturday thronged the local National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) branch where they contributed to efforts to increase blood levels in the country’s reserves.
The club comprises 300 youths ranging 16 to 30 years of age.
The event, which is held annually towards festive season, is part of a drive to collect 750 units of blood from club members and walk in donors.
Speaking to TellZim News last week, NBSZ Masvingo planning and recruitment officer, Michael Chakoma said it is important to donate blood during the festive season which is known for many road traffic accidents.
“We saw it necessary to gather the youths to make donations towards the festive season since demand for blood tends to increase during this period,” said Chakoma.
John Manoah, a Pledge 25 club member said he was very proud to donate blood because it was his way of helping the next person.
Manoah also encouraged other youths to come and join Pledge 25 and donate blood.
“I want to encourage others to come join us and donate blood to assist the next person. It might help you as well,” he said. local

Clever Taperamoyo

MASVINGO – The number of registered voters in the province under the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system continues to rise with women maintaining their dominance as of December 13, 2017. 
According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) statistics, the total number of people who registered in the province on that date stood at 496 032.
Females constituted 290 591 of the registrants while males were 205 441. A total number of 10 967 prospective voters were turned away since the beginning of the process.
In an interview with TellZim News, provincial elections officer Zex Pudurai said a meeting was held last week with stakeholders from Masvingo and Manicaland provinces to analyse progress.
“We are engaging with political parties, civil societies, and other stakeholders as a way of understanding their concerns. Political parties and civil society held another meeting in Harare aimed at engaging ZEC on what they consider to be a need to give the process more time,” Pudurai said.
He also said the number of youths who are registering was also steadily increasing probably due to greater voter education and awareness.
The fourth phase of the BVR blitz, which is targeted at Bikita and Zaka districts, ends on December 19.local

Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – Villagers in the district have said they are worried by an outbreak of foot and mouth cattle diseases in such wards as 18, 19, 20 and 25.
Though Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr Enerst Dzimwasha was not immediately available for comment as his phone went unanswered, a villager told TellZim News that cattle movement from Zaka to other areas had been suspended.
“In ward 25, Nyamutake area, a vaccination process was carried out recently after many cattle died of the diseases. We have been told that cattle movement from Zaka to other districts is not allowed because work is being done to contain the spread of the diseases,” said the source.
During the Masvingo Agricultural Show in September, it was reported that the exhibition of cattle could not be done due to restricted livestock movement in some districts that were hit by the diseases.local