Zambian Mwape Musonda making a point in the ABSA Premiership

Black Leopards dangerous marksman Mwape Musonda has been banging in the goals for his team, showing the local strikers how it’s done.

The 28-year-old Zambian forward has so far scored 8 goals in 15 appearances for Lidoda Duvha, as Leopards is fondly known, putting him in pole position in the race for the Absa Premiership Golden Boot award. Musonda’s resurgence has however been hardly smooth. During his first season in South Africa, he joined Soweto giants Orlando Pirates midway through the 2014/15 season and his stint at the club was confined to only two appearances under then coach Eric Tinkler.

Musonda believes the dire situation he experienced during his short-lived stay with the Bucs is what ultimately forced him to move on from The Buccaneers, but is delighted with how things have since turned out. In his own words, the striker alludes that, “circumstances didn’t allow me to reach my potential at Pirates and obviously a lot was expected of me, coming in as a so-to-say ‘top striker’ from a foreign country,” he said.

Seeing that his move to the Buccaneers was not bearing fruit, Musonda went on loan to Golden Arrows where his bad spell continued. He then went back to Pirates who eventually let him go, allowing him to find a new home at Black Leopards.

“The 28-year-old Zambian forward has so far scored 8 goals in 15 appearances for Lidoda Duvha, as Leopards is fondly known, putting him in pole position in the race for the Absa Premiership Golden Boot award. ”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Though banging in the goals, the former Zanaco forward concedes that there is huge room for improvement and thus he is not content with the goals he’s scored so far. One could argue that Leopards is not big a team as Pirates and perhaps that might work in favour for Musonda as the expectations are somewhat lower. Nonetheless, judging from his exploits thus far, it seems the Chipolopolo striker might well be on the brink of breaking the 15-goal duck that has remained unmatched by the league’s strikers for 7 seasons now. In fact, the last time a player scored more than 15 goals in the league was when legendary striker Siyabonga Nomvethe scored 19 premier league goals for Moroka Swallows. The lack of prolific strikers in the league is quite a concern on its own, considering how big a league the ABSA premiership is. One would expect the league to not only attract top strikers, but also produce amazing strikers from the different teams in the league. However that challenge seems not to be going away anytime soon. But that’s a story for another day.

Nonetheless, if Musonda’s exploits so far are anything to go by, he might as well be on his way of not only becoming the league’s top striker, but also breaking the long-standing 15 goal barrier. It is no surprise that his heroics have become noticed, as he was recently awarded the Player of The Month Award for December-January as his goal-scoring form helped his team rise up in the league standings. At present, Mwape Musonda looks ruthless in front of goal and if he keeps his excellent form he might as well edge closer to taking the top scorer prize home. Can he go all the way?

Black Leopards are currently 12th on the ABSA Premiership table and will need the Copper Bullets forward to stay on top of his game as they seek to move further up the table.

2018 Women's AFCON: 3 Lessons to learn from COSAFA 2018

“The players were exposed to so much pressure as the coach needed to trim the squad from 29 players to 21 players as per the requirements of the tournament. That, on its own heightened the pressure as the team members needed to prove that they are worthy of retainment.”

— Simiso Shabangu, FirstTouch Africa

When South Africa decided to call herself using the name of a region, the other countries in the Southern part of Africa then seemed to be invisible. Even those that know about this region easily associate it with Nelson Mandela.  Fortunately, the COSAFA Women’s Championship showed that Southern Africa has more incredible things to offer. This September, the tournament which is organised by the Council of Southern Africa Football Association gathered the 10 teams from Southern Africa. They also invited Uganda and Cameroon not miss out on what the South has to offer.

Our interest is beyond the wins that were accomplished here but it is deeply in the three lessons that we could derive from from the battle that these ladies fought on the field. Lessons difficult to ignore as the 2018 Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations looms.

1. In the modern day of GOATs, the old adage of teamwork prevails

Desiree Scott of Canada and Andisiwe Mgcoyi of South Africa contest for the ball during the Women's Football first round Group F Match of the London 2012 Olympic Games between Canada and South Africa, at City of Coventry Stadium on July 28, 2012 in Coventry, England.

(July 27, 2012 - Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Europe)

The tournament reminded us that if anyone is to succeed in anything they do, they should leverage the strength of other people. This was a lesson that was echoed by winner of the player of the match award in the final, Kaylin Swart, who was quoted saying “I want to say thank you especially to the girls as we could not have done it without each other..and honestly, it is a team effort.” South Africa (Banyana Banyana) walked away from the tournament with the 2018 COSAFA title and they accredited that to the fact that they were willing to close the gap for each other and most importantly, were ready to accept each other’s lesser strengths which is basically what teamwork is about.

2.  Competition Brings Out the Best in You

Ideally, this tournament is meant for the Southern part of the region, but as mentioned two nations were brought in as guest nations. They were Cameroon and Uganda. These two teams outdid the Southern teams with Cameron making it to the finals while Uganda snatched the bronze medal. Had these teams not been here, countries like Zambia would have ended at a higher position. These guest nations came in for the competition, revealing to sides like She-polopolo of Zambia that that they still had something to work on. Sometimes we dislike competition but it is losing to teams like the Cameronian team that will enable Southern African  teams to work on their weaknesses in preparation of the 2018 Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

3. Status Cannot Substitute Hard Work

Andisiwe Mgcoyi attends the Team South Africa Training Session at Sportschule Hennef on July 11, 2012 in Hennef, Germany.

(July 10, 2012 - Source: Mathis Wienand/Getty Images Europe)

More than any other country, Banyana Banyana has won the Women’s COSAFA Cup a record, five times. They walked into the tourney as undisputable favorites also boasting of Olympic Games appearances. With such an impressive track record, one could think that South Africa should have rested and not worked as hard in the 2018 edition. However, ahead of the tournament, the Banyana Banyana coach called the team to a gruelling training camp in Johannesburg from the 5th to the 10th of September. The players were exposed to so much pressure as the coach needed to trim the squad from 29 players to 21 players as per the requirements of the tournament. That, on its own heightened the pressure as the team members needed to prove that they are worthy of retainment. The hard work invested into this tournament paid off for South Africa as they were able to defend the title. Surely, yesterday’s victories do not guarantee today’s victory if hard work is eliminated from the process.

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Shonga becoming Zambia's new hero?

The road to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals, scheduled to take place in Cameroon from the 15th of June - 13 July, continued on Wednesday and throughout Thursday 11th of October 2018. Two matches were to be played on either days, before the Sierra Leone and Ghana fixture got cancelled by CAF as per FIFA’s directive. We made sure you wouldn’t miss the action and have therefore summarised all the thrills and spills below.

Wednesday: Zambia 2 - 1 Guinea Bissau

Abdul Aziz Tetteh of FC Dinamo Moscow vies for the ball with Stoppila Sunzu of FC Arsenal Tula during the Russian Premier League match between FC Dinamo Moscow and FC Arsenal Tula on March 31, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

(March 30, 2018 - Source: Epsilon/Getty Images Europe)

The Chipolopolo entered this fixture desperately needing all three points after securing just a single point from their first two matches that saw them lie third in their qualifying group, behind Mozambique and their Wednesday opponent, Guinea Bissau. The 2012 AFCON champions did take advantage of the home atmosphere and cruised to a comfortable 2-1 victory. The big FC Metz defender, Stoppila Sunzu put the hosts ahead in the first half after rising above all the Djurtus men and heading from a corner. The rising star, plying his trade for Orlando Pirates in South Africa just had to put his name on the scoresheet once again. The 21-year-old, Justin Shonga nicknamed “The Sheriff” secured the points for the Copper Bullets after receiving a defense splitting pass from the midfield allowing him to round off the goalkeeper in typical “Brazilian Ronaldo fashion” before speeding to the terraces to salute the home fans. Shonga has now scored 9 goals in 15 appearances for Zambia. Some striker he is becoming! AFCON winning goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene then gifted the African Wild Dog a consolation goal close to stoppage time as he dribbled himself allowing the marker to tap the ball into the net. Zambia and Guinea Bissau ended the night tied on 4 points together with group leaders Mozambique who play Namibia on Saturday. Come Sunday, Zambia’s resolve to resuscitate their qualifying campaign will again be tested afresh as they travel to Guinea Bissau.

Wednesday: Ethiopia 0 - 0 Kenya

Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene of Zambia scores a goal from the penalty spot during the 2013 African Cup of Nations match between Zambia and Nigeria from Mbombela Stadium on January 25, 2013 in Nelspruit, South Africa.

(Jan. 24, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

The two East African countries played out to a goalless draw ensuring group F stays wide-open to any takers. All the four teams, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Ethiopia had been sitting on 3 points gained from their first two matches and matchday 3 did not help to separate any of the teams. The goalless draw follows after the Ghana and Sierra Leone fixture was postponed by CAF. Kenya will now welcome Ethiopia on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium to close the two legged contest.

Thursday: Congo 3 -1 Liberia

One of the most famous sportsman on the African continent, once Ballon d’Or winner, FIFA World Footballer Of The Year and now President of Liberia, George Weah had to see his nation’s hopes of reaching the 2019 AFCON finals melt away like ice stacked up on the equator. Liberia would have to quickly forget the 3 -1 loss in Congo if they are to get something in the return fixture on Tuesday, 17th of October. They currently lie rock-bottom with a single point after three matches in a group also occupied by highly rated DR Congo and Zimbabwe who are are tipped to serve a key spectacle on Saturday.

What was your favorite highlight from the midweek AFCON Qualifiers? How is your team faring?

Zimbabwe beats Zambia in COSAFA Cup

The fight between Zimbabwe and Zambia about who really owns the Victoria Falls was taken to the pitch when they played each other in the COSAFA Championship which took place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. This championship is a tournament for teams in Southern Africa which is organised by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA). Zimbabwe came out victorious with a 4-2 score over its neighbour, Zambia.

Zimbabwe was on the front foot early on as a Swedish-based striker, Tinotenda Kadewere found the back of the net in the 3rd minute after pouncing on a loose back pass from the Zambian defender. Zambia came back into the game just four minutes later with Kambole finishing past George Chigova to make it 1-1. Right after the break, Kambole’s speed proved too much for the Zimbabwean defense as he raced through the left flank and finished past the helpless keeer who had tried to close him down. Ronald Kampamba failed to net the killer blow in the 92nd minute for Zambia as he hit the upright. Zimbabwe did not waste time with only 2 minutes left to play as they kicked the ball over the top and straight to Khama Billiat who shared some nice interplay with Kadewere before the young striker scored his second of the night.

After 90 minutes, none of the teams were conceding to a loss as both of them were in a 2-2 draw. The odds were really not in Zambia’s favor now after spurring an opportunity to seal the match and take the trophy home. They were made to regret that later on as Khama Billiat scored the 3rd for Zimbabwe from the penalty spot. He also scored the title-snatching goal at the 101st minute after a brilliant through ball from the 22-year old, Kadewere.

It’s not the first time the Zimbabwean national team has put smiles on their countrymen, because they have won the COSAFA Cup 6 times which is more than any other country down south. I guess it is settled. Zimbabwe is the true kings of Southern Africa, and Zambia fails to win the battle of the Victoria Falls.  

2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations : Zimbabwe readies preparations for Zambia clash

The final qualifying round for the 2018 Women’s AFCON to be held in Ghana from November to December is almost here. Despite all their challenges on late or nonpayment of salaries by the nation’s football body (ZIFA), the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe are determined to put a good show when they face arch-rivals Zambia for a spot at the finals. The Mighty Warriors coach, Sithelelwe “Kwinji15” Sibanda hopes that ZIFA will come through quickly to get their preparations underway for the two-legged tie scheduled between June 4 and June 9, 2018. Kwinji15 has also underlined the importance to play a few friendly matches to get her players into the competitive mode since the country does not have a local women’s football league. Zimbabwe eliminated Namibia, 4-0 on aggregate to set up a date with Zambia who proceeds ahead of Tanzania after an aggregate score of 4-4 because of the away goals rule.

"Qualifying for the next round means tougher matches. Zambia are taking this game seriously and they have just resumed camp up to the time we play them. Hopefully, the office (ZIFA) should get something so that we start preparing . . . we just hope they organise something soon. As always all coaches want better preparations for their team.It's always ideal to get friendly matches especially when you don't have a proper league running. At the end it will always be ideal to have, at least, a longer camp, so that we can even play local friendlies and try out some combinations. It's not the best but that's the least we can do." - Kwinji 15, Zimbabwe Senior Women’s Soccer Team Coach

The last time these two teams met was at this very stage of the 2016 tournament which was won by Zimbabwe. Zambia also got their victory over the neighbors in 2014 to qualify for the Namibia tournament.

Who will emerge victoriously and book a spot at the 2018 finals?

Zambia: First team head coach, Nyirenda, dares his employers to sack him

The Chipopolo (Copper Bullets) head coach, Wedson “Weda” Nyirenda feels underappreciated, unwanted and disrespected by the Football Association of Zambia(FAZ). According to a letter circulating in the Football House, Weda highlighted that he would not appear before the Technical team set to review his performances.

The letter reportedly obtained by Times Sports state that Nyirenda was tired of being belittled and that he would be prepared to part ways with FAZ only if they pay their dues to him.

The following is an excerpt from the reported letter....

“The past week, I have been wanting to meet you (FAZ President Andrew Kamanga) but it has not been possible due to circumstances. I want to make it clear that from inception, I was not wanted. It has been so evident in the way my office and person has been disrespected.”

— Wedson “Weda” Nyirenda, Zambia’s National Team Coach

Nyirenda was appointed head coach in January 2017 and has built a youthful Zambian team who has an attractive attacking style of play second to a few on the continent. Zambia failed to qualify for the world under Nyirenda but finished second, ahead of Algeria and Cameroon, in the group won by Nigeria. Their recent second-place finish came to the Four Nations Tournament when they beat 2-0 by South Africa in the final. He is unfortunate not to have silverware to show for his hard work but many can tell he has been building a formidable Chipolopolo side.

“I don’t think there is a need for technical review when you have already judged and made up your minds. You would be doing me a great favor if you terminated my contract. I have been injured for so long now and I am only human. We cannot go on pretending.”

— Wedson “Weda” Nyirenda, Zambia’s National Team Coach

Four Nations Tournament: South Africa wins gold medal

Bafana Bafana claimed the ultimate prize in Ndola after overcoming the hosts, Zambia, 2-0 in the final on Saturday, 25 March. South Africa booked a place in the final by narrowingly beating Angola 4-3 in penalty shootouts but after fielding a different team for the match, the visitors were fairly comfortable against Zambia. Bafana coach, Stuart Baxter was elated with his charges’ performance and will be keen to use this as a springboard to take South Africa back to glory days with the first stop being the AFCON 2019.

“This was indeed a fruitful exercise for the technical team as well as the players. We had two highly competitive opponents in a short space of time and did well in both games. We played two different teams because we wanted everyone to play, especially the kids and they really held their own in tough conditions,” - Stuart Baxter.

In a bronze medal match played on the same day, Angola beat Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties after playing out to a 2-2 in which the Warriors of Zimbabwe gave up the lead twice as they did against Zambia.

Four Nations Tournament: Zambia book a date with Bafana Bafana in the final

The four Southern African titans are so competitive up to a point that both semi-finals had to be decided on penalty shoot-outs. On Wednesday, the hosts, Zambia had to come from behind twice to force a draw with neighbors Zimbabwe. Chipolopolo eventually overcame their long-standing rivals 5-4 on penalties to set up a meeting with South Africa who also beat Angola on penalties after a hard fought 1-1 draw.

The final matches will be on Saturday when Zimbabwe will face Angola for the bronze medal with the finale kicking off three hours later.

International break: Four nations tournament in the spotlight, Nigeria-Poland friendly sold out

All eyes on Zambia’s Levy Mwanawasa stadium from 22-25 March as Zimbabwe and Angola will battle for a place in the final against Zambia or South Africa in a mini-tournament pitting the Southern African top teams. The losing teams will have to play for a third-place finish. All coaches have picked relatively strong and youthful squads for the friendly tournament as they prepare for AFCON qualifiers in September.

Elsewhere, all the 42 000 matches for the match featuring Nigerian and Wroclaw in Poland, have been sold out. The two teams will clash on Friday, 23rd of March and the fans are expected to be in full voice cheering their world cup bound heroes.

COSAFA Cup: Botswana steps down, South Africa steps up

Botswana has receded their right to host the 18th edition of the Council of Southern African Football Associations tournament. According to Botswana Football Association CEO, Mfolo Mfolo, South Africa who were last year’s hosts will come to the rescue.

"South Africa has provisionally agreed to step in and host the COSAFA cup and we are grateful for that," Mfolo told the media.

The COSAFA cup is for national team players based in their respective domestic leagues. Sixteen nations participant in the tournament and the Warriors of Zimbabwe is the most successful team with a record five titles, followed by Zambia with four.