JOHANNESBURG — The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has issued a formal statement following an unsettling incident involving Warriors forward Tinotenda Kadewere and prominent sports journalist Yvonne Mangunda during an open media training session at Orlando Stadium.

By Tongai Mwenje

The altercation reportedly stemmed from Kadewere’s frustration over recent criticism surrounding his form, which has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Many have questioned his inclusion in the national squad, arguing that his performances have dipped and that younger talent should be given a chance. During the session, Kadewere allegedly confronted Mangunda, accusing her of speaking negatively about him and, according to eyewitnesses, appeared ready to physically assault her before being restrained.

In response, ZIFA released a statement on September 9, 2025, expressing deep regret over the incident and making its stance clear:

“ZIFA strongly condemns any form of abuse towards the media. Journalists are a vital part of the game, and we are committed to ensuring they carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.”

The statement confirmed that Kadewere has since apologised to Ms. Mangunda and that an amicable understanding has been reached between the two parties. However, disciplinary procedures are underway, with both team management and the Association involved in addressing the matter.

“We take full responsibility for upholding the highest standards of conduct within our teams and reaffirm our commitment to respectful engagement with all stakeholders,” ZIFA added.

The incident has sparked wider conversations about player accountability and the role of media in shaping public perception. While Kadewere remains a key figure in the Warriors setup, the episode underscores the need for professionalism and mutual respect between athletes and journalists.

As the Warriors prepare to host Rwanda this afternoon,they will be hoping to secure their first win as they remain winless and in sixth place.

The Chibuku Super Cup made its long-awaited return to Nyamhunga Stadium today, with ZPC Kariba booking their place in the next round after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chicken Inn.

The two sides could not be separated after 90 minutes, finishing 0–0 in regulation time. The contest was eventually decided from the spot, where ZPC held their nerve to win 6–5 on penalties. ZPC converted six of their seven attempts, while Chicken Inn missed twice, including the decisive kick that sealed their exit from the tournament.

This weekend’s fixtures come after the initial Round One matches were postponed when Nyamhunga Stadium was unavailable due to Heroes Day celebrations. With the venue now ready, fans were treated to a tense and competitive encounter.

The action continues tomorrow, with Herentals set to face Highlanders in another highly anticipated clash at 15:00 hrs.

Full-Time Result:ZPC Kariba 0–0 Chicken Inn (ZPC won 6–5 on penalties)

Grimsby Town’s fairy-tale victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup has been marred by controversy, as the English Football League (EFL) confirmed the club breached competition rules by fielding an ineligible player during the second-round tie.

The League Two side, who stunned United with a dramatic 12–11 penalty shootout win at Blundell Park after a 2–2 draw in regular time, have been fined £20,000 by the EFL. Half of the fine—£10,000—has been suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The breach centers around the registration of midfielder Clarke Oduor, whose paperwork was submitted at 12:01pm the day before the match—just one minute past the official deadline of 12:00pm as stipulated in the Carabao Cup rules. The club self-reported the error after discovering the oversight following the match.

What the Carabao Cup Rules Say

Under Carabao Cup regulations, all players must be properly registered by the deadline set ahead of each fixture. Failure to comply can result in:

• Expulsion from the competition
• Match forfeiture
• Financial penalties

In this case, the EFL Board, acting as the Management Committee of the Carabao Cup, opted for a financial sanction rather than overturning the result, citing Grimsby’s transparency and lack of intent to deceive.

“The Board further noted the Club’s non-compliance was not deliberate,” the EFL stated, adding that Grimsby has since taken steps to prevent similar errors in the future.

Despite the administrative misstep, Grimsby will retain their place in the next round of the competition. However, the club remains under scrutiny, with the suspended portion of the fine set to be activated if another breach occurs before the end of the season.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale for clubs across the league, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to registration protocols—even down to the minute.