BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

AFRICAN lithium company, Prospect Resources (Prospect) has received subscriptions for 4,84 million new ordinary shares at 20 cents per share to raise US$968 000 before costs for working capital.

The Australia Stock Exchange-listed firm says the new shares will be issued on Monday next week and the proceeds of the placement will be used as working capital in line with its announcement of December last year.

Prospect executive chairman, Hugh Warner said “the March 2020 quarter has a number of key initiatives with a clear focus on advancing the Arcadia Lithium project through: off-take discussions of the premium ultra-low iron petalite product for supply into Europe, Japan and Korea; discussions with Uranium One Group; and project finance discussions with Afreximbank.”

The company said whilst it had previously advised of its intention to offer a rights issue to shareholders, it was determined that a small placement was a more prudent funding mechanism.

“This is because of the rapid rise in Prospect’s share price over the last 30 days (53% rise) and the expected continued revaluation, due to the positive global sentiment for lithium in general and the corporate activities previously announced,” it said.

“It was deemed that fixing a rights issue price now may mean a significantly larger dilution to shareholders who are not able to participate in the rights issue due to financial reasons or their jurisdiction.”

Prospect achieved a critical milestone in its development plan for Arcadia Mine when it entered into a project finance debt facility with Afreximbank in December last year.

The regional bank is expected to arrange and manage the primary syndication of a US$143m project finance debt facility, out of which it is proposing to fund US$75m of the facility.

Prospect said the US$143m facility should be sufficient to fund 90% of the project costs for the Arcadia Mine.

Arcadia lithium project is one of the largest hard-rock lithium resources in the world, with about 808 000 tonnes of the resource located on the outskirts of Harare.
It represents a globally significant hard rock lithium resource.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

SEVERAL Premier Soccer League sides, including Harare giants Dynamos and Caps United are embroiled in an intriguing battle for the signature of former Maritzburg United centre forward Junior Zindoga.

The 21-year-old sensation, who had a stint with Djurgardens in Sweden, was on the books of the Absa Premiership side, having signed a one-year deal which has since run out, prompting potential suitors to scramble for his services.

Besides Dynamos and Caps, Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side Ngezi Platinum Stars are also reported to be threatening to beat the Harare giants to his signature, while army side Black Rhinos have also shown interest in securing the services of the player ahead of the start of the new season.

The player’s manager Gibson Mahachi confirmed that there was heightened interest in the rising star by domestic clubs with Djurgardens – previously home to Nyasha Mushekwi – also reported to be monitoring the player with a view to bringing him back on board.

“I can confirm that there is so much interest in the player from several clubs both locally and abroad. Dynamos and Caps are among local clubs interested in the player. Right now, we are weighing options to see what is best for the player. He is now a free agent following the expiry of his one-year contract with Maritzburg United. The club in Sweden (Djurgardens) is also monitoring him, so we are looking to seal a deal for the player soon,” Mahachi said.

The former St George’s College striker — a product of BNC Academy — just like Belgium-based Warriors captain Knowledge Musona has not played for any club in the local league. He was nurtured by Bhekimpilo Nyoni at his academy before Mahachi gave him the platform when he organised a six-week attachment for him at Djurgardens in Sweden in 2018. He then took him to South African Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns where he trained with them for about two months before signing a contract with Maritzburg United.

Dynamos and Caps have this season gone head-to-head for the signature of the best talent available locally in a bid to bolster their squads and dominate the domestic football scene. Yesterday, Dynamos beat Caps to the signature of Hwange goalkeeper Taimon Mvula.

Some of the players at the centre of the transfer battle include Chapungu pacey forward Ian Nyoni and Triangle’s Trevor Mavhunga, among others.

The Glamour Boys have already sealed deals with former captain Partson Jaure, who was on the books of Manica Diamonds, Nkosi Mhlanga, a midfielder, who has been playing for Yadah and two Prince Edward High School products Tanaka Chidhobha and Lennox Mutsetse.

On the other hand, Caps have reportedly brought on board Harare City forward Tatenda Tumba and Yadah’s Leeroy Mavhunga as they seek to build a squad to make up for the disappointment of failing to land the championship last term.

BY SPORTS REPORTER

Herentals have begun the process of rebuilding a team that will compete for the top honours in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) after escaping relegation on the final day last year.

Herentals had a brilliant debut season in 2018 which saw them finish the league race on sixth place ahead of giants Caps United, Dynamos, Harare City and ZPC Kariba.

But last year was a different script as the Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva-coached side struggled to win matches, drawing half of them which sucked them into the relegation dogfight.

It seemed all but over going into the final match of the season as they travelled to in-form Bulawayo Chiefs needing nothing short of a win to survive.

Striker Blessing Majarira scored the only goal of the match that made sure the team stayed afloat.

“We are focusing on reshaping the team and fight for a better position for 2020. We do not want to fight relegation like we did last season, so we are bringing in fresh blood,” Herentals secretary Fainos Madhumbu said.

Herentals have already lost promising youngster Tino Benza to United Kingdom-based Future Lions Academy while Kelvin Bingala has moved to Lumwana Radiants in the Zambian Premiership.

They are also likely to lose Young Warriors’ Juan Mutudza with Dynamos believed to be the frontrunners to land the striker.

“Tino is joining a European team, Mutudza is leaving and Bingala is now in Zambia. For us, it is an indication that we develop our players well.

“As a result, Clinton Jim is joining from our Division One team which is our developmental side. Another player is coming in from a Division One team in the Central Region,” Madhumbu said. Herentals are understood to be chasing the signature of former Mushowani Stars kingpin Clemence Zimondi.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

REIGNING Zimbabwe champions FC Platinum could be left decimated following the departure of another key player, Never Tigere, for Tanzania where he joined Azam FC.

The midfielder had established himself as a key player at the Zvishavane-based side and was instrumental in the championship race last term with his contribution helping them to win their third straight championship in history.

Although FC Platinum have had a disastrous performance in the Caf Champions League in which they have not registered a single victory, Tigere’s individual effort in the African safari attracted the attention of Tanzanian football giants Azam who have handed him a one-year deal.

Azam confirmed in a statement on their website: “The Azam FC leadership is pleased to inform you that it has completed the registration of Zimbabwe’s international midfielder, Never Tigere, on a one-year contract.

“Tigere’s registration was done after a proposal by the technical team who followed him in several matches he played for FC Platinum in the Champions League this season.”

Tigere will link up with former Highlanders utility player Bruce Kangwa and the pair of Donald Ngoma and Obrey Chirw, who were formerly with FC Platinum.

FC Platinum, who had off-loaded Cameroonian international Albert Eonde, before recalling him in the face of a player exodus, have also severed ties with goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, Mkhokheli Dube, Charles Sibanda, midfielder Devon Chafa while Baroka FC striker Rodwell Chinyengeterea has also left the club following the expiry of his loan deal on December 31.
Tigere did not play in the one-all draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League group match played at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.

The Zimbabwe champions have, however, responded by raiding the market, acquiring three players — Last Jesi, Stanley Ngala and Soccer Star of the Year first runner-up Ralph Kawondera.
While Jesi and Ngala have already featured against Al Ahly, with the former scoring for the home side, Kawondera is unable to feature for them in the African safari as he had already played for Triangle in the Confederation Cup earlier in the season.

BY DANIEL NHAKANISO

RISING Zimbabwe cricket star Tarisai Musakanda is facing a hurdle to rebuild his reputation after recently being sacked by Australian club New City for not notifying them after being convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 25-year-old top order batsman, who moved to New South Wales, Australia, three months ago, recorded a 0.098 reading, almost twice the legal limit, on December 15 before being charged and convicted of a drink driving offence.

After the incident, Musakanda, who has since returned to Zimbabwe after the episode, reportedly did not inform his club about the matter, but told the Albury Local Court in New South Wales that he had consumed the alcohol during the club’s Christmas party.

This enraged New City, who pride themselves as a family-oriented club. The club said at no stage did Musakanda inform the club he had been charged and convicted and they first knew of the matter when an article appeared on The Border Mail’s website.

“Musakanda’s behaviour is not representative of the values we hold dear at the New City Cricket Club. We as a club take the responsible service of alcohol very seriously. Musakanda was only at the club function for a relatively brief time and at no stage was he served alcohol while intoxicated. All our bar volunteers have a responsible service of alcohol qualification,” club president Chris Green said in a statement.

Green said the club was incredibly disappointed and hurt that Musakanda linked the club’s function with his drink driving offence.

“The fact that he didn’t tell us was probably one of the biggest issues, but we would have been there to support him, but the fact he said he did it at our junior Christmas party is just not true and highly damaging,” Green said.

“We have put a lot of work into our junior programme and for that to come out is just not right … it doesn’t align with our values.”

“I went and spoke to him when we terminated his contract and I asked him straight out (about his 0.098 reading) and he told me it wasn’t (done) at the club, he went elsewhere afterwards,” Green said.

Once touted as the future national team captain due to his obvious talent and work ethic, Musakanda has played one Test, 15 one-day internationals and six T20 internationals for Zimbabwe.

The drink driving offence and subsequent acrimonious departure came at a time Musakanda was New City’s highest run scorer in Cricket Albury-Wodonga Provincial competition.

He had 400 runs at an average of 57.14, with one century and three 50s. Green said they were left with no choice, but to sack Musakanda despite his good on-field performances.

“For us this year, it’s been about changing of the culture, not necessarily on-field performances, we think if we get the culture right, players will come and the on-field performances will come over the next two to three years. So when something like this happens, it’s got to be about the culture first and that’s why we have been so strong in our reaction,” he said.

Musakanda is one of the several Zimbabwean cricketers who have recently moved to Australia in search of greener pastures.

Former Zimbabwe opening batsman Solomon Mire has been based in Australia for over a decade. He played for different clubs, including a stint in the lucrative Big Bash League in late 2013.

Mire is now involved in coaching after retiring from international cricket three months ago at the age of 30.

Other Zimbabwean cricketers who have recently moved to Australia include Tinashe Panyangara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, the Mpariwa brothers Tawanda and Tony, Tafadzwa Tsiga and Taurai Muzarabani.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

ZIMBABWE has not been invited to the United Kingdom-Africa Investment summit opening on Monday next week, dealing another blow to the government’s re-engagement efforts with the international community.

The summit, which is expected to be hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, brings together businesses, governments and international institutions across Africa.

Contacted for comment yesterday, Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, George Charamba played down the snub saying the UK was a sovereign country which could invite anyone for the summit.

“Is it a must that Zimbabwe must attend that summit? UK is a sovereign country and they invited countries that they like to attend that summit. As for the Commonwealth, it is not decided by one country,” Charamba said.

Analysts view the snub as a message to the Zimbabwe government that the diplomatic relations with the UK government were not all that rosy.

UK-based economics professor, Steve Hanke wrote on his Twitter handle that the British government snubbed Zimbabwe because the country did not respect property rights and public safety.

“On January 20, the UK will host the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London. Zimbabwe was not invited. Is Zimbabwe open for business? No! Without strong property rights and public safety, foreign investment is impossible to come by,” Hanke said.

When the late former President Robert Mugabe was ousted in a military coup in November 2017, the UK initially embraced President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, but recurrent human rights abuses by the Zanu PF government have again strained the two countries’ relations.

Dozens of African heads of state, among them South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari and Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta – have confirmed attendance at the London summit being held at the same time as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

BY SIMBARASHE SITHOLE

ANDY Muridzo’s ‘rebel’ dancer Marbel “Quantum” Bure, who abandoned Jeetaz band last year, has re-joined her old paymaster, NewsDay Life & Style has established.

Quantum is now doubling as a member of Jeetaz and Bark bands, which was formed by a group of rebels who deserted Jeetaz. Although Quantum confirmed the developments, she was not keen to share the details.

“I am doubling (in) my duties, but I am not at liberty to share much with you,” she said.

Muridzo said all Bark band members were welcome to work with him as he now considered himself a father figure to them.

“Bark members are welcome in my band because they are my children. They chose to go their way and as a father I gave them my blessings and whoever is willing to work with me is welcome,” he said.

Bark band acting manager, Fedelis “Famba Nyika” Nyikadzino, confirmed that while Quantum was still their member, she was now working with Jeetaz band on a part-time basis.

“She is still with us, but currently we are on break and she told us that she will be working with our former boss on a part-time basis,” he said. Meanwhile, Jeetaz band will be performing at East Point in Harare every Wednesday.

BY PRECIOUS CHIDA

XTRATIME Entertainment is set to launch a new comedy festival featuring local and international jesters, which will run from August 7 to 9, NewsDay can reveal.

Preparations for the Sekerera Harare International Comedy Festival are already underway.

“We will have a host of Zimbabwean comics based in and outside Zimbabwe performing at the festival. We will also have comedians from the African continent and the world participating at the festival,” Xtratime entertainment director Tongai Mbidzo told NewsDay Life & Style yesterday.

Mbidzo said line-ups and the programme will be released in due course because they were currently negotiating with the targeted comedians.

The festival, to be held annually, is expected to provide local up-and-coming comedians opportunities to showcase their talents.

“This is huge for the Zimbabwean upcoming comedians and the Zimbabwe entertainment scene to be granted an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean comics and international acts during the three day comedy festival in Harare,” Mbidzo said.

He said a series of comedy shows with Zimbabwean and international comedians will be hosted monthly as a run-up to the festival.

Mbidzo expressed confidentce that the festival will be a success considering their vast experience in hosting comedy shows.

“We are optimistic and confident that the festival will be a huge success and welcomed on the Zimbabwean entertainment scene. We are experienced in the comedy game and its high time we level-up by planting an annual permanent smile on Zimbabweans, hence the Festival name Sekerera,” he said.

Xtratime Entertainment has previously hosted comedy nights in Harare, with some heavyweight comedians, namely Anne Kansiime (Uganda), Barry Hilton (South Africa), John Vlismas (South Africa), Alfred Kainga (USA), Carl Joshua Ncube, Q Dube, Long John, Doc Vikela, Goliath and Goliath (South Africa) Gonyeti, Farhan Esat, Tinaye and Baba Tencen.

by STAFF REPORTER

POLICE have banned an MDC event in Mbare where party leader Nelson Chamisa was today expected to make announcements regarding his position on participation in future talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a statement, deputy party spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said police claimed the event could not proceed because they were busy with the schools that are opening this week.

He said the MDC national leadership met and decided against confrontation with the police.

“For fear for their lives against this brutal dictatorship, and given what this regime has done before, we have decided to postpone the Agenda 2020 event to next week on Tuesday at a venue to be announced,” Tamborinyoka said.

“But this does not mean that we are complying with the dictatorship. We have given the regime due notice of all our constitutional activities and they have denied us the chance to exercise our democratic rights.

“This is a peaceful event, a mammoth event on this year’s national calendar that is set to be attended by ordinary people as well as diplomats in which the party will lay to the people its agenda for the year, including its programme of action as well as the party’s programme of activities for the year.”

He said the MDC noted a disturbing trend where the police were routinely proscribing the party’s events and treating the party as a banned organisation.

“We have postponed the event because the regime was budgeting for a clash, for blood and for violence and as a party we will not sacrifice the lives of innocent Zimbabweans,” Tamborinyoka said.

“I reiterate that we are reviewing the position of whether we should continue to comply and co-operate with unjust laws and unjust requirements that are inimical to democracy. We have postponed our event because we do not want any sideshow.
We want to give Zimbabweans a chance to hear the party’s calendar of critical targets for the year that will address the key challenges affecting the ordinary people as well as the party’s plan to rescue the nation out of the current morass.”

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Blessmore Chishaka last night said he would seek clarification from the police regulatory authorities.