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49 Students Graduate as Black Belts in Zimbabwe Taekwondo Breakthrough

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Forty-nine students graduated with internationally recognised black belts under the World Taekwondo Federation at a colourful ceremony held at Epworth

Forty-nine students graduated with internationally recognised black belts under the World Taekwondo Federation at a colourful ceremony held at Epworth Local Board on Saturday.

The event was attended by Vice President of the World Taekwondo Federation, Tommy Sithole, and President of the Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association, Benson Zwizwai, among other officials, instructors, parents, and community members.

Zimbabwe Taekwondo Coach- Master Kembo, World Taekwondo Federation VP Tommy Sithole, and ZTA President Benson Zwizwai pose with the graduated students.

Addressing the graduates, Sithole commended the students for their discipline, commitment, and passion for the sport, while also highlighting the persistent challenge of inadequate funding for sports development in Zimbabwe.

“We have seen immense talent among these students, who clearly love their sport and put in the effort,” Sithole said. “However, there is a need to support parents who are struggling to fund their children’s participation. Due to limited resources, some instructors are now using their own money to assist students instead of receiving adequate support from associations.”

He added that the high number of graduates was a clear indication of the untapped potential within Zimbabwe’s sporting community if proper investment is made.

Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association president Benson Zwizwai congratulated the graduates, describing the achievement as more than just a certificate.

“This is a major milestone in taekwondo. With a black belt, you are now eligible to compete at the world championship level,” Zwizwai said. “For an athlete to participate in the World Taekwondo Championships, they must hold at least a first dan black belt. Without it, participation is not permitted.”

Zwizwai noted that the graduation marked significant growth for the sport locally. He revealed that Zimbabwe previously had only seven taekwondo masters nationwide, but the latest ceremony added seven more masters following the graduation of fourth dan candidates.

     4th Dan graduates

Of the 49 graduates, 38 attained first-dan black belts, four achieved second dan, and seven were awarded fourth dan, officially qualifying them as taekwondo masters.

“For one to be recognised as a master, they must have qualified for the fourth dan. I would like to congratulate all those who achieved this level today,” Zwizwai said.

Epworth Taekwondo Club master Kashiri, who also recently graduated as a fourth dan, expressed gratitude to the Epworth Local Board for hosting the ceremony. He encouraged students to remain disciplined and committed to excellence.

 Master Willard Kashiri (MIDDLE) Holding the 4th Dan Certificate

“Let us continue to work hard and raise the Zimbabwean flag high on the global stage,” Master Kashiri said.

The graduation ceremony was hailed as a major boost for the growth of taekwondo in Zimbabwe and a testament to the country’s rising talent in martial arts.

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Highlanders in Chaos: Players Stage Strike Over Unpaid Salaries as Club Crumbles

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Highlanders in Chaos: Players Stage Strike Over Unpaid Salaries as Club Crumbles

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – The once-mighty Highlanders Football Club has been plunged into a fresh abyss of turmoil, as players staged a dramatic protest over unpaid salaries, effectively sabotaging crucial preparations at a pivotal stage of the season. This latest act of defiance exposes a deepening crisis at Bosso, painting a grim picture of mismanagement and neglect that threatens to derail the club entirely.

According to a damning report by The Chronicle, the entire Highlanders squad reported for training on Wednesday but defiantly refused to participate in the session. Instead, they opted for a coordinated sit-in, a stark and public display of their profound frustration over outstanding wages. This is not merely a minor grievance; it is a symptom of a systemic failure.

This incident is far from isolated. It marks a continuation of a festering crisis that has gripped the Bulawayo giants. It is understood that not only the players, but also members of the technical team and even office staff, are owed at least two months’ salaries. Such chronic financial instability is utterly unacceptable for a club of Highlanders’ stature and history.

The Chronicle further reveals that this ongoing standoff has utterly decimated morale within the camp. The squad, once a symbol of Bulawayo pride, is now a hotbed of discontent, their patience worn thin by repeated delays in payment. How can a team be expected to perform when its basic needs are ignored, and its professionals are treated with such disdain?

Predictably, this internal chaos has translated directly onto the pitch. Highlanders have endured an abysmal start to the current campaign, managing a solitary win in their opening ten matches, with the majority ending in frustrating draws. This dismal performance is not merely bad luck; it is a direct consequence of a leadership vacuum and a blatant disregard for player welfare.

As the Bulawayo giants limp towards their Sunday fixture against Triangle United, one must ask: What hope is there for a positive result when the very foundation of the team – its players – are in open revolt? The Highlanders faithful deserve answers.

They deserve accountability. This club, a national institution, is being systematically destroyed by those entrusted with its care.

The time for platitudes is over; urgent and decisive action is needed to rescue Bosso from the brink.

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Ferguson Hospitalised as Manchester United Edge Liverpool FC in 3-2 Thriller

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Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at Old Trafford shortly before the club’s match against Liverpool FC.

Sources at the club said the move was purely precautionary and not an emergency.

Ferguson was taken from the stadium by ambulance, and officials remain optimistic that he will recover quickly and return home soon.

Despite the concern surrounding Ferguson, Manchester United delivered an exciting performance on the pitch, defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a dramatic English Premier League clash.

Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo played a key role in the victory, scoring crucial goals that helped secure the win. The result also confirmed Manchester United’s qualification for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season.

Under the guidance of new coach Michael Carrick, United have shown remarkable improvement.

Since taking charge, Carrick has led the team to victories over several top sides, including Manchester City, Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, and Aston Villa.

The win over Liverpool adds to a growing list of impressive results, raising hopes among fans that Manchester United are returning to their former glory.

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CAPS United Stumble as PSL Title Race Heats Up

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The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) has once again delivered a weekend brimming with unexpected turns and strategic maneuvers, echoing the intricate dynamics often observed in diplomatic circles.

As the dust settles on Matchday 10, the title race, much like regional power plays, remains a finely balanced affair, with every point and every goal carrying significant weight.

Saturday’s fixtures, particularly the clash between CAPS United and Bulawayo Chiefs, served as a potent reminder that in football, as in foreign policy, complacency can be a costly misstep. The Chiefs’ stunning 1-0 victory over the league leaders, secured by Panashe Shoko’s 70th-minute penalty, was not merely an upset; it was a strategic masterstroke that has injected fresh impetus into the championship chase. This result, much like a well-executed diplomatic gambit, has reshaped the immediate landscape, forcing the frontrunners to re-evaluate their positions.

Equally noteworthy was Hardrock FC’s emphatic 6-1 demolition of Hunters. The league’s newcomers are proving to be a formidable force, their consistent performance akin to a rising regional power asserting its influence. Their aggressive play and clinical finishing suggest a team not content with mere participation, but one actively vying for a seat at the top table.

Today’s Encounters (Sunday, May 3, 2026)

Today’s matches are poised to further define the contours of the league. The encounter between Chicken Inn and Dynamos is particularly significant. Dynamos, currently sitting fourth, have an opportunity to capitalize on CAPS United’s stumble and advance their own claims. In the PSL, much like international relations, seizing such moments is paramount. A victory here would not only secure crucial points but also send a clear message of intent to their rivals.

Similarly, Ngezi Platinum’s fixture against Manica Diamonds, and Scottland’s battle with Simba Bhora, are more than just games; they are strategic engagements where teams must balance ambition with pragmatism. Scottland, currently third, has a chance to solidify their position and perhaps even challenge for the top spot, demonstrating the constant jostling for advantage that characterizes both football leagues and geopolitical arenas.

The Shifting Sands of the Standings

The current league standings reflect a fascinating blend of established powers and emerging contenders. CAPS United, despite their recent setback, still hold a slender lead, a testament to their overall consistency. However, the gap has narrowed, and the chasing pack is now breathing down their necks. The top five teams are separated by a mere five points, indicating a highly competitive season where every match could be a turning point.

Rank
Team
GP
W
T
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
CAPS United
10
7
1
2
12
5
7
22
2
Hardrock
10
6
3
1
16
6
10
21
3
Scottland
9
4
5
0
11
3
8
17
4
Dynamos
9
4
5
0
10
5
5
17
5
Ngezi Platinum
9
4
5
0
12
8
4
17

(Note: GP – Games Played, W – Wins, T – Ties, L – Losses, GF – Goals For, GA – Goals Against, GD – Goal Difference, Pts – Points)

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