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Brighton Chimene Becomes First Zimbabwean Referee at 2025 CHAN

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Brighton Chimene has carved his name into Zimbabwean football history by becoming the first local referee to be appointed to officiate at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, set to take place from 2 to 30 August across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Chimene’s selection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) marks a significant breakthrough for the country’s football officiating community.

He becomes the first Zimbabwean referee to feature at a major continental tournament since Kenny Marange, who officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2008.

“This is a landmark achievement not just for Chimene, but for Zimbabwean refereeing as a whole,” said a Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) official. “His appointment is a testament to his hard work, professionalism, and the growing recognition of local officiating talent on the continental stage.”

CHAN is a prestigious CAF tournament exclusively featuring players active in their domestic leagues.

Chimene’s involvement puts Zimbabwe back on the map in terms of refereeing at elite African competitions and offers inspiration for upcoming referees across the country.

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Dynamos FC Hikes Player Rewards to Revive Poor Season

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In a desperate bid to spark a turnaround in their dismal Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign, Dynamos have significantly raised their players’ winning bonuses—reportedly by over 300%—to encourage improved performance in the final stretch of the season.

The Harare giants, who are typically title contenders, find themselves in unfamiliar territory near the bottom of the table. With only 16 points from 23 matches, and 11 games left to play, they sit eight points shy of safety.

It’s been a turbulent season for DeMbare, starting under Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe, followed by Saul Chaminuka, and now under the stewardship of newly appointed Zambian coach and pastor, Kelvin Kaindu.

Dynamos executive chairman Moses Maunganidze acknowledged the severity of the situation:

“We have to be honest with ourselves—it’s been a difficult period on the pitch. Despite changing coaches, we haven’t achieved the turnaround we hoped for.”

Maunganidze dismissed rumours of financial neglect, assuring that player salaries have been consistently paid, thanks to their main sponsor, Sakunda Holdings.

ALSO READ : New PSL Chairman Mupfurutsa Rejects Boardroom Rescue for Dynamos FC

“It’s unfortunate some people are pushing a false narrative. Sakunda has continued to support us. But we now have a partner who has injected additional funding to help us avoid relegation,” he added.

As part of the survival strategy, the club has revised player incentives. While Maunganidze withheld specific amounts, sources close to the club told Zimpapers Sports Hub that players will now earn between US$350 and US$400 for every win going forward.

Beyond financial rewards, the club is also working to improve player mentality. A team of psychologists was recently brought in to support the squad’s mental resilience—a move Maunganidze says is already making a difference.

“The psychologists started last week, and there’s already a noticeable shift in attitude. They’ll continue with us until the season ends.”

Whether these bold moves will be enough to pull Dynamos out of the relegation zone remains uncertain. With the clock ticking, fans and management alike will be hoping it’s not a case of too little, too late.

ALSO READ : CAF Clears Burkina Faso’s Stade du 4 Août for International Matches

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Heroes Special: Nketa Heroes Cup Roars to Life

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Nketa Constituency is set to host its first-ever Heroes Cup Celebration on Saturday, August 2, 2025, as part of the build-up activities leading to Zimbabwe’s National Heroes Day commemorations later in the month.

The event, spearheaded by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Mavunga, Member of Parliament for Nketa said the event aims to build momentum ahead of the national observance. The tournament will feature six soccer teams and six netball teams drawn from local wards.

Speaking to Hurumende News Hub, Deputy  Minister Mavunga highlighted the importance of sport in fostering unity.

“Sport brings communities together. It unites individuals and promotes peace, raising awareness on key issues affecting our communities,” said Hon. Mavunga.

He also emphasized how Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes succeeded through unity of purpose.

“Just like our heroes, who worked in unity, fought for peace and freedom, and showed immense courage in the face of the enemy—sport teaches us similar values,” he said.

“I hope this event will remind our communities of the sacrifices made by our heroes, and their courage during the liberation struggle. I also hope it will encourage our youths to stay active, develop sporting skills, and avoid drug and substance abuse.”

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavunga.

For their effort, winning teams are set to be awarded with gold medals and a trophy, silver medals for runners-up, and soccer balls for all participating teams.

Meanwhile, war veterans who are not feeling well and are bed ridden will receive special hampers in appreciation of their service.

ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson, Cde Jabulani Sibanda has been invited to attend as Guest of Honour and present the awards.

The event marks a historic  for the constituency, with organisers expressing hope that it will grow into an annual celebration of sportsmanship and remembrance.

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PSL Chair Warns: Big Names Will Not Be Shielded from Relegation

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Newly elected Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman, Isaiah Mupfurutsa, has ruled out any possibility of using boardroom decisions to rescue struggling traditional giants from relegation, insisting that fair play and meritocracy must guide the destiny of every team.

Mupfurutsa made the remarks during his appearance on Fanzone, a football discussion programme hosted by veteran sports caster Steve Vickers, amid growing concern over the precarious position of Dynamos Football Club — one of Zimbabwe’s most successful sides — currently languishing second from bottom on the log with just 11 matches remaining.

“If you have a league where we lose big clubs, it will be sad — but we cannot intervene to do manipulation,” said Mupfurutsa. “We believe in fair play. Results have to be achieved on the pitch; we cannot achieve results in the boardroom.”

His comments come as calls grow from some sections of the football community for the PSL or ZIFA to cushion legacy clubs like Dynamos from relegation — a move Mupfurutsa firmly rejected as unethical and damaging to the league’s credibility.

“We must uphold the integrity of the competition,” he said. “No team, regardless of size or history, should expect special treatment.”

Dynamos’ current struggles mark a dramatic fall from grace for the Harare-based club, which has won a record number of league titles but now finds itself fighting to avoid relegation for the first time in decades.

Mupfurutsa’s stance reflects a broader commitment to transparency and reform in the domestic league. As the new PSL chairman, he faces the immediate challenge of managing club concerns, commercial interests, and competitive fairness in a volatile football landscape.

He emphasized that the PSL will continue to promote professionalism and equal opportunity for all teams, warning that survival must be earned, not granted.

With just over a third of the season remaining, the battle for survival intensifies, and Dynamos — along with several other teams — must now rely solely on on-field performance to retain top-flight status.

 

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