*Monday 10 February 2025* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaatWAaBadmi3bUGfI3K *HEADLINES* *Divorce Cases Surge In Zimbabwe..* *…As Mjolo ends in tears: Man cuts girlfriend’s privates for cheating as cheeky Norton woman pours hot cooking oil on cheating hubby’s face* *Job Sikhala Details His Arrest And Release In Penhalonga* *Cluster Houses Turning Harare Into Ghettos* *Zimbabwe loses vital health reporting support as Internews’ HJN shuts down* *All set for national hero’s burial today…where all the drama takes place* *Pressure to formalise businesses intensifies* *Dodging US Sanctions Like a Pro: Huawei’s Billion-Dollar Comeback* *Liverpool KO turns FA Cup upside down* *Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou 'disappointed' by FA Cup exit as pressure mounts* *Marcus Rashford makes debut in FA Cup* *Barcelona beat Sevilla despite red; close gap on Real Madrid* *Barcelona decline offer to sign Joao Felix* *Manchester United and Aston Villa were both ready to offer 70m euros (£58.3m) for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez in January, but the 21-year-old Spain forward was not interested in a move* *Arsenal are interested in signing Portugal forward Diogo Jota, with Liverpool willing to sell the 28-year-old for the right fee because of the number of games he has missed with injury* *Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Crystal Palace's 27-year-old France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose deal with the Eagles runs out in 2026* *NEWS IN DETAIL* _*Divorce Cases Surge In Zimbabwe..* Zimbabwe has witnessed a stark surge in divorce cases in 2024, with 3 214 cases recorded across the country compared to 2 149 in 2023. Of these, only 1 562 divorces have been finalised, underlining the growing strain on families and the judicial system. The capital Harare leads both in filings and finalisations. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recorded 1 945 divorce cases in Harare, of which 996 have been completed. Bulawayo follows with 825 filed cases and 383 finalised divorces. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Other regions recorded significantly lower figures with Masvingo High Court having 179 cases filed and 70 finalised, while Mutare High Court handled 157 cases which were filed and 78 completed. The High Court in Chinhoyi had 108 filed and 35 finalised. Counsellors and social commentators are calling for urgent measures to address the rising divorce rates, pointing to infidelity, social media misuse, poor communication, lingering grudges, and gender-based violence (GBV) as key drivers. The president of the Council of Churches in Africa, Bishop Rocky Moyo said the statistics represent far more than numbers. “These figures embody the heart-wrenching stories of families torn apart. Whether due to modern life pressures, financial strains, or communication breakdowns, the causes of these divorces are complex and multifaceted,” he observed. Dr Moyo outlined several contributing factors, noting that many divorces stem from infidelity, financial difficulties, lack of intimacy, and unresolved disputes. He warned that divorce can leave lasting emotional scars, feelings of unhappiness, anger, and long-term personal turmoil. “Praying and connecting spiritually from day one can lessen cases of divorce. When couples are united in Christ, they understand each other better. Marriage is hard work and requires effort from both sides,” said Dr Moyo. He also stressed the importance of community support and open dialogue. “As we reflect on this alarming trend, deeper discussions around mental health, relationship education, and support systems for couples are essential,” said Dr Moyo. He said behind each statistic lies a story, a family and a community feeling the ripple effects of these changes. “As Zimbabweans grapple with this reality, it’s essential to foster environments where love, understanding, and communication can thrive, ultimately leading to healthier relationships and, hopefully, happier families,” said Dr Moyo. Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) regional director, Ms Sethulo Ncube, highlighted that gender-based violence remains a significant factor. “In our work handling women’s affairs, we see that most divorces are linked to GBV, infidelity, or financial concerns. While some disagreements can be resolved, often the outcome is divorce, a situation that adversely affects children who end up caught between parents,” she explained. Chronicle _*…As Mjolo ends in tears: Man cuts girlfriend’s privates for cheating as cheeky Norton woman pours hot cooking oil on cheating hubby’s face*_ A Norton man is fighting for his life in hospital after his wife allegedly scalded him with hot cooking oil during a domestic dispute sparked by accusations of infidelity. The incident, which occurred on January 27, 2025, highlights a disturbing trend of domestic violence cases fuelled by jealousy and suspicion. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest of the assailant, 40-year-old Melody Tambudzai, who is now facing an attempted murder charge. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “Police in Norton arrested Melody Tambudzai (40) for attempted murder which occurred at Makava village, Chivero, Mhondoro on January 27, 2025,” said Nyathi. “The suspect allegedly poured boiling cooking oil on her husband’s face whilst he was asleep. The victim sustained facial burns and is currently hospitalised in Norton.” Police investigations have revealed that the couple had a long-standing history of domestic disputes centred around infidelity issues. This incident follows another shocking case of love gone wrong in Chitungwiza, where a jilted lover was recently sentenced for a brutal attack on his girlfriend. In that case, 23-year-old Innocent Sean Jiyengwa was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he cut his girlfriend’s private parts with a knife. The incident occurred after Jiyengwa saw his girlfriend, Kuzivakwashe Dzimba (25) of Unit L in Chitungwiza, in a car with another man whom he suspected of being her lover. Chitungwiza Magistrates Court Judge, Alois Midzi, initially sentenced Jiyengwa to 24 months, but suspended six months on condition of good behaviour. He was convicted of domestic violence, contravening Section 3(1) (a) ARW Section 4(1) of the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 5:16. Prosecutor Malvin Mwendera told the court that on the evening of December 29, 2024, Jiyengwa witnessed Dzimba sitting in a car with another man, triggering his rage. Jiyengwa reacted by jumping onto the bonnet of the car and smashing the windscreen in a fit of anger. After being allowed into the vehicle, Jiyengwa proceeded to physically assault Dzimba with punches and slaps. He then forcibly took her to her home, where the violence continued. The assault culminated in Jiyengwa using a kitchen knife to cut a piece of Dzimba’s private parts. “After removing me from the car, he told me to go to my house where he beat me with household items such as pots, pans and plastic chairs. After that, he told me to lie on my back facing the ceiling and then cut some flesh from my private parts. I am in great pain and emotional distress because people in the community are now calling me a prostitute who messes with men,” Dzimba recounted in court. Dzimba explained that the man she was with in the car was a friend of Jiyengwa who was simply returning a jacket she had forgotten at his house on Christmas Day. She further testified that she managed to escape while Jiyengwa was outside searching for another weapon to inflict harm, and she immediately reported the incident to the police. Dzimba also stated that Jiyengwa tore her clothing, leaving her with only her underwear, and stole US$193 from under her bed. Medical documents detailing Dzimba’s injuries, including photographs taken shortly after the assault, were presented as evidence in court. Jiyengwa admitted to the physical assault, stating, “I admit to the offence of assaulting the complainant with my hands and a stick, but I did not take her money.” _*Job Sikhala Details His Arrest And Release In Penhalonga*_ National Democratic Working Group chairman Job Sikhala, a well-known political and civil society activist, has spoken out about his arrest on Saturday in Penhalonga, Manicaland, alongside 40 fellow activists. According to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Sikhala and his group were charged under Section 7(1)(b) of the Maintenance of Public Order Act, which pertains to holding a public gathering without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). In a statement posted on X early Sunday morning, Sikhala revealed that he was released that same night along with 39 others, but their chief national organiser, Joelson Mugari, remained in custody. Wrote Sikhala: I have been released with 39 other leaders from different constituent groups who constitute the National Democratic Working Group(NDWG) national leadership.NDWG is a social justice movement whose objective is to engage citizens in a consultative process about their country. It is not a political party. The 8th of February 2025 was a calendar date for its leadership meetings that happens after every 3 months. The meeting was purely an executive meeting to deliberate on the progress made on the consultative process that is happening throughout the country. The meeting was at the Beat of the Forest Resort in Penhalonga. Initially, a Toyota Hilux double cab with dark windows arrived with 5 members of the CIO led by Muvhangeri, whose home area is Buhera. They arrived & parked at the premises & engaged with the NDWG Chief National Organiser Democrat Engineer Joelson Mugari. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. After some around 5 minutes they left. A few minutes later, another vehicle a Toyota Hilux without number plates arrived with members of the Police Intelligence (PI) formerly PISI & members of the CID Law & Order led by Ngweme. They were dropped & left, & again, Engineer Joelson Mugari engaged them to seek their mission. While he was engaging them, 3 truckloads of riot Police & AK47 wielding police officers descended on the venue led by a plain clothed officer called Shonhiwa. Shonhiwa stormed into the venue & screamed, “Beat & catch everyone here. Rush & close that other exit entrance.” The AK47 wielding & baton stick holding police officers started assaulting some members and kickedthem around. I remained calm seated on the couch next to Dr Wurayayi Zembe. Then, the other AK47 wielding police officer pointed his gun at Dr. Zembe screaming, “I am going to shoot you.” Dr Zembe remained calm and watched the drama. This happened right next to me. After some minute or so, Engineer Joelson Mugari called me to tell me that the Officer Commanding wants to talk to me. I went at the eastern entrance where he was standing at the door. I stretched my hand to greet him so as to hear his story. He arrogantly tucked his hands into his pockets and said, “Don’t greet me. Ndakarombaka ini. Ko mhepo dzangu dzikazokubata?” He then talked to Dr. Zembe and Dr. Zembe told him that he knows his village in Gutu and where he comes from. He then belowed to me, “I have invited you to tell you the charge you and these people are facing. We are charging you for contravening Section 7 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act(MOPA) for having this gathering without police authority. I felt a laugh in myself on how 41 people could have been said to have contravened that section when it does not say so. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Secondly, MOPA does not sanction the notification of executive meetings. It’s like ZANU PF seeking police clearance to hold its Politbro meetings. The law only talks of holding public meetings, processions or demonstrations on public places. The meeting we held was in a bush at Beats of Forest and wondered how it turns to be a public place. Secondly, they are mistaking the National Democratic Working Group(NDWG), to be a political party which it is not. We were then commandeered to get into waiting pick up trucks under heavy and torrential rains. Mutare was heavily raining today. Rains pounded on us from Beats of Forest to Penhalonga Police station around 12 noon. We all got wet that we looked like ramshackles when we finally arrived at Penhalonga Police Station which was a distance. All our phones were switched off and we were asked to sit down on some dirty floor. Recording of each individual’s details took about 3 hours. We were suddenly told that we are no longer handling your case and you must be taken to Mutare Central CID Law and Order. At the CID Law and Order we were not asked to plead to any charge but they took Engineer Joelson Mugari, Dr. Wurayayi Zembe, Nyabeze and myself for interviews. To be continued…….. _*Cluster Houses Turning Harare Into Ghettos*_ Concerns are growing over the potential transformation of Harare’s low-density suburbs into high-density areas within the next five years, reportedly driven by councillors approving cluster housing developments in exchange for kickbacks from developers. The City of Harare has not allocated stands for cluster house development in the past seven years, creating a policy vacuum that councillors are allegedly exploiting for personal gain. Reports indicate that councillors are involved in the technical assessments of sites for cluster houses, despite lacking the necessary training. They conduct site visits and inspections, raising concerns about potential bribes from developers eager to commence their projects. Mr Addmore Nhekairo, the director of housing at Harare City Council, said: “I am not allocating any such stands for cluster homes. “As I indicated, these are the formerly big stands, which individual owners are now applying to subdivide into clusters.” He acknowledged the possibility of councillors’ extorting funds from developers. However, he emphasised that the proliferation of clusters is, in his opinion, a needs-driven occurrence where people are desirous of accommodation. Residents from suburbs such as Mt Pleasant and Groombridge have expressed their opposition to the new cluster housing policy. They demand that the council first upgrade existing infrastructure before any further developments. Their concerns include the impact on sewer and water systems, as well as the availability of essential services like schools. Added Mr Nhekairo: “The town planner is now mindful of the concerns of residents and the impact it is having on not only sewer and water reticulation infrastructure but also the availability of ancillary facilities like schools.” The ongoing developments pose a significant threat to the character of low-density suburbs in Harare. Residents are urging the city council to prioritise infrastructure improvements and address the governance issues that have contributed to the current situation. In Newlands, there are concerns that the mushrooming of apartments accommodating many families is resulting in increased demand for electricity, causing faults most of the time. With more people in Newlands, the drilling of boreholes has also increased, leading to the water table going further down. Some residents say they have raised the issue with council but nothing has been done so far. Herald _*Zimbabwe loses vital health reporting support as Internews’ HJN shuts down*_ The Internews Health Journalism Network (HJN), a global program supporting health journalists, has announced that it will be suspending operations due to a funding freeze resulting from the US government’s recent aid suspension. In a statement, Megan Miller, Internews Global Health Director and lead for HJN, explained that the network’s activities will be put on hold from February 7, 2025, onwards. “After working tirelessly with our fellow development organizations in an attempt to push back against the funding pause, we do not believe the current program review process, funding freeze, or policy environment will change fast enough for an immediate reversal,” Miller stated. “As a result, Internews and the support team here at the HJN have had to make some tough decisions on how to proceed given these unprecedented and uncertain times. With a heavy heart, I’m writing to say that HJN activities will be in hibernation from Feb 7, 2025, onwards. “Rest assured that Internews remains committed to the future of the HJN and will work tirelessly to reinstate the network as soon as it’s possible to do so. “Our website will remain active and open and houses so many helpful tipsheets, information and support documents that can help our amazing members in this period of hibernation.” The HJN aims to support and empower journalists to produce high-quality, accurate, and informative health reporting. The network provides training, mentorship, and resources to health journalists worldwide. _*All set for national hero’s burial today…where all the drama takes place*_ All is set for the burial of National Hero, Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu, today at the National Heroes Acre. President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the burial. Mourners are expected to be seated by 7am. Buses to ferry mourners from the provinces had been organised by late yesterday, setting the stage for a huge send-off. The former Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairperson and a distinguished civil servant, Cde Chigudu, died last Wednesday and was declared a national hero by the President on Friday. Yesterday, mourners gathered at Chigudu Village in Chiendambuya, Makoni North in Manicaland, to pay their last respects to a man whose legacy as a war veteran, public servant and lawyer will be remembered for generations. Many people suspended their busy schedules to honour Cde Chigudu’s life, with some along the way to his rural home ululating and waving at the hearse as his body was taken to his village by road. It was not airlifted because of rains in Harare and nearby areas. He was described as a forthright, unwavering, and goal-oriented leader. _*Pressure to formalise businesses intensifies*_ In a significant move towards economic stabilisation and growth, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu has expressed strong support for efforts to formalise the informal sector. The push is part of broader measures outlined in the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement announced last Thursday, aimed at enhancing Government tax revenues and stabilising the economy. Last week, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube announced measures to rein in a burgeoning informal sector that was threatening the survival of formal businesses. The Monetary Policy emphasises the need for both the informal and formal sectors to align, creating a more cohesive economic environment. Dr Mushayavanhu is advocating the integration of informal businesses into a system that includes dual currencies, bank accounts, and electronic payments, which is essential for achieving the Government’s economic goals. Under the new regulations, items on a list of commonly smuggled goods will be presumed smuggled unless merchants can provide valid customs clearance. This initiative places pressure on businesses to ensure compliance and legitimacy in their operations. Government will implement a presumptive retail-level VAT that manufacturers must collect when selling to small or informal businesses lacking tax clearance certificates. This measure restricts wholesalers from engaging with unlicensed entities, further pushing informal businesses towards formalisation. The introduction of elevated presumptive taxes presents a significant challenge for unregistered businesses, with a quarterly tax liability of US$9 000 for an unregistered tuckshop, compelling owners to register with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) to avoid such hefty charges. In alignment with the 2025 Monetary Policy, Dr Mushayavanhu has laid out specific conditions for small businesses seeking formalisation, including mandatory bank accounts to manage financial transactions effectively. Acceptance of a dual-currency point-of-sale (POS) system is now required, allowing customers to choose their preferred currency during transactions. These conditions are designed to facilitate compliance with tax regulations while encouraging a smoother transition into the formal economy. To support small businesses, both Prof Ncube and Dr Mushayavanhu have ensured that minor electronic transactions will not incur taxes or bank charges. For transactions under US$5, there will be zero POS fees, and transactions below US$100 will face no banking fees. This strategy aims to alleviate the financial burden on small businesses and encourages the use of electronic payments. As formal sector retailers push for a level playing field, they are likely to encounter fierce competition from newly formalised small businesses. These family-run or one-person operations typically have lower overhead costs and can thrive alongside larger supermarket chains by focusing on high-demand items and fostering strong customer relationships. The pressure for formalisation is mounting in Zimbabwe’s business landscape. The 2025 Monetary Policy not only highlights the need for compliance among informal businesses but also sets the stage for a more structured and competitive economic environment that benefits all stakeholders. Herald _*Dodging US Sanctions Like a Pro: Huawei’s Billion-Dollar Comeback*_ US sanctions imposed on Huawei, intended to cripple the Chinese tech giant, appear to be losing their power. Despite massive restrictions on accessing US technology, Huawei has found a way to thrive in spite of them, pulling in a staggering $118 billion in revenue in 2024. This figure, while representing a decline from previous highs, shows that the company has managed to adapt and survive in a US-forced challenging environment. While not matching prior highs, the $118 billion was still an impressive 22% increase over 2023 revenues. Huawei’s success was mostly due to its investment in domestic chipmaking, supply chain adjustments, and strong consumer demand in China. The company captured a 16% share of China’s smartphone market, surpassing Apple in domestic sales, thanks to smartphones with domestically produced chipsets. The company’s Mate 60 smartphone, powered by a China-made 7nm chip, while falling short of the 3nm Snapdragons and Apple chips, shows Huawei can still innovate without US tech. Huawei’s smart car solutions unit also significantly contributed to revenue growth through partnerships with Chinese automakers, providing advanced technology for electric vehicles. Specifically, it focused on autonomous driving software, in-car operating systems, and advanced chips to power next-generation electric vehicles. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Huawei is boosting its AI technology by adding DeepSeek’s R1 language model to its cloud service. This helps them depend less on Western tech. Their chip, the Ascend 910C, performs at about 60% of Nvidia’s H100 GPU in certain tasks, showing Huawei is making progress in AI hardware. While it’s not yet as good as U.S. technology, it’s still enough to move forward. The Chinese Market Is Rising Huawei’s success story isn’t an isolated incident. A broader trend is emerging where Chinese companies are finding ways to work around US tech restrictions. They are achieving this through a combination of strategies, including: Developing indigenous technology: Faced with limited access to foreign components, Chinese companies are doubling down on research and development, creating their own alternatives. Turns out self-reliance can create a decent domestic tech ecosystem. Who would have thought? Strategic partnerships: Chinese companies are forging alliances with non-US suppliers, diversifying their supply chains and reducing dependence on American technology. Focusing on the domestic market: With a massive domestic market, Chinese companies can often sustain growth even without significant international expansion. Huawei, for example, has leaned heavily on its domestic sales to weather the storm. State support: The Chinese government’s backing plays a crucial role, providing financial and policy support to strategic industries, enabling them to overcome obstacles posed by sanctions. The case of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI research company, is the best example of this. While details remain limited, DeepSeek’s reported advancements in large language models, seemingly achieved without reliance on US-developed GPUs, suggest a growing capability within China to innovate independently. Of course, we have heard rumors that DeepSeek actually had access to thousands of Nvidia (US) chips that it should not have had access to. The rumors say they couldn’t come out and admit they somehow had the hardware. However, even if that’s the case, the fact remains that they still found a way to get the job done—whether by optimization or by bypassing sanctions and gaining access to prohibited tech. Either way, Chinese companies are working around sanctions. It appears sanctions have not led to the downfall of Chinese tech giants. While sanctions may have slowed their growth in certain areas, they have also acted as a catalyst for innovation and self-sufficiency. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The long-term impact of these restrictions remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Chinese companies are not only surviving but finding ways to thrive in a world where access to US technology is no longer guaranteed. Zimbabwean Sanctions The resilience of Chinese companies raises questions about the power of sanctions as a tool of economic warfare and highlights the growing technological prowess of China. It also shows that the Zimbabwean government has no feet to stand on. For years, we have heard that our economic woes were because of sanctions. Let’s say that sanctions are actually to blame—then what? Some countries are facing even stiffer sanctions but are thriving. So, it’s not a question of sanctions but rather of leadership and setting the economy up for success in spite of sanctions. So, whether or not sanctions are to blame for Zimbabwe’s woes, it is still a Zimbabwean government failure. _*Liverpool KO turns FA Cup upside down*_ This weekend, the magic of the FA Cup was akin to the sorcery of an episode of "Stranger Things." It was an Upside Down in which the biggest teams in England's grandest division fell victim to -- or survived narrow escapes -- against seemingly no-hopers from the lower leagues. The FA Cup's fourth round gave us plenty of dramatic highlights and delivered various narratives from across the board. From six-goal thrillers and penalty shootouts in a Championship matchup to absolute bangers that caused mayhem in the stands, there was something for everyone. Let's begin with the struggles from the top of the Premier League table. If Nottingham Forest lose to Exeter City on Tuesday, that will mean the current top four (Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest and Chelsea) of England's top flight will be out of the competition. The Premier League sides that are still in don't look dominant, so there's a chance -- not a great chance but a chance nonetheless -- that a team from the lower leagues could reach the final. It's highly improbable, but never say never. Plymouth Argyle earned a historic victory over Arne Slot's Liverpool, Leyton Orient led against Manchester City for 40 minutes before eventually losing and Tom Brady's Birmingham City fought extremely hard before succumbing to Newcastle United. We'll see if League Two's Doncaster Rovers can create more magic Monday against Crystal Palace. In an all-Premier League affair Sunday, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio made their Aston Villa debuts as Unai Emery's side won 2-1 against Tottenham Hotspur. Villa are now in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 10 years. The oldest knockout competition in the world seldom disappoints. Best match: Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool Plymouth Argyle are at the very bottom of the Championship. They have conceded more goals than any other team in the top four divisions of English football (63), and what did they do Sunday? They won 1-0 against the leaders of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. _*Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou 'disappointed' by FA Cup exit as pressure mounts*_ Two cup exits in a three-day span have left Tottenham staring at the prospect of another trophyless season and manager Ange Postecoglou facing perhaps his biggest crisis in his time at the club. A 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday came on the heels of an exit from the Carabao Cup semifinals after a 4-0 second-leg thrashing at Liverpool on Thursday. "Obviously disappointed we don't progress," Postecoglou told the BBC. "It wasn't a great start, that's the last thing you want, and we really struggled to get some control. Then we had an enormous chance at 1-0 we didn't take to equalise. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. "We got a better grip of the game but unfortunately fell short. When you go a goal down it gives the opposition momentum and confidence. You want to wrestle control early and we didn't do that." With Tottenham languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the team's only chance of a first piece of major silverware since 2008 lies in winning the Europa League. Spurs have advanced to the round of 16 of the second-tier European competition. In September, Postecoglou put pressure on himself by saying in an interview: "I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year [with a team]. Nothing's changed." He was referring to spells at Australian clubs South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, Scottish giants Celtic and also with Australia's national team, which won the Asian Cup in his second year as coach. Postecoglou has only a few months left of his second campaign at Tottenham, where he started so promisingly -- the team was undefeated and top of the Premier League after 10 games of his first season -- but has imploded, leaving question marks over the Australian's style of play. Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries this season as the games came thick and fast in a number of competitions, and at least now has gaps in the schedule for more rest before recovering key players like Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven. "This group of players has done an unbelievable job for 2 1/2 months. An unbelievable job," Postecoglou told a post-match news conference. "Can't praise them highly enough for the effort they've put in -- a small group of players playing twice a week since the middle of November. _*Marcus Rashford makes debut in FA Cup*_ Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford made his debut for Aston Villa on Sunday, as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Rashford joined Villa on loan just before the close of the January transfer window. He will stay with the Villains until the end of the season having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim. The forward hadn’t featured competitively since United’s Europa League trip to Viktoria Plzen on December 12. _*Barcelona beat Sevilla despite red; close gap on Real Madrid*_ Barcelona earned a hard-fought 4-1 win at struggling Sevilla on Sunday thanks to goals by Robert Lewandowski, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Eric Garcia to edge them closer to the top of the LaLiga standings. The win lifted third-placed Barca to 48 points, one behind Atletico Madrid in second and two adrift of leaders Real Madrid after the capital rivals drew 1-1 on Saturday. Lewandowski gave Barca the lead from close range in the seventh minute but Ruben Vargas hit right back to equalise for the home side from a quick counter one minute later. Lopez came off the bench and put Barca back in front two minutes after the break and Raphinha extended their lead in the 55th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box. Five minutes later, Barca were reduced to 10 men after Lopez was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Djibril Sow, but the visitors held off Sevilla and managed to score their fourth through Eric Garcia's header in the 89th minute. _*Barcelona decline offer to sign Joao Felix*_ Barcelona declined an offer to sign Chelsea's Portugal forward Joao Felix in the January transfer window before the 25-year-old sealed a loan move to AC Milan until the end of the season. *Manchester United and Aston Villa were both ready to offer 70m euros (£58.3m) for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez in January, but the 21-year-old Spain forward was not interested in a move* *Arsenal are interested in signing Portugal forward Diogo Jota, with Liverpool willing to sell the 28-year-old for the right fee because of the number of games he has missed with injury* *Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Crystal Palace's 27-year-old France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose deal with the Eagles runs out in 2026*