Saturday 15 February 2025 *MORNING NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$25.69_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 30:USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ New members who wish to receive detailed local, regional and international news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "follow" our channel on the link below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaASRLX6mYPM2XphWy2n *For advertising inquiries call, text or Whatsapp us on +263 778 242 692* *THE HEADLINES* *Zanu PF succession battle: why you must be concerned* *The Folly of Extending Presidential Terms: A Recipe for Disaster: Etiwel Mutero* *Blessed Geza rumored to be hiding at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks* *Beitbridge Accident Shocker: Bus Had No Permit, Driver’s Retest Expired 4 Years Ago* *No child shall be barred from school for failing to pay school fees, not having a birth certificate — Government says* *Mhona says govt considering withdrawing bus operator’s licence after accident* *Address rising male suicide cases, churches urged* *Johane Masowe’s Body To Be Exhumed, 50 Years Later* *Rwandan-backed rebels take control of DRC airport as president seeks support abroad* *Trump says Russia must be re-admitted to G7 club: calls EU a 'very nasty' organization* *Trump administration lays off probationary employees, plans 'large-scale' cuts* *IGNITE SPORT* *Brighton Dismantle Chelsea 3 Nil: Chelsea Fails To Register A Shot On Target For The First Time This Season* *£1.5bn spent & no striker in sight - how did Chelsea get here?* *Xabi Alonso and Leverkusen want to prove they’re here to stay despite Bayern’s ‘dominance’* *Deschamps sees Zidane as a ‘natural’ candidate to take over as France coach* *Atletico consider Jackson move* *Paris St-Germain are interested in Liverpool's 25-year-old France defender Ibrahima Konate, who is open to a move to the Ligue 1 side* *Athletic Bilbao's 22-year-old Spain winger Nico Williams prefers a move to Barcelona, despite Premier League interest from Arsenal and Liverpool* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Zanu PF succession battle: why you must be concerned*_ SHOULD the current succession debate in Zanu PF be a concern for the church and the rest of the population, even those not affiliated to the ruling or opposition parties? The issue of succession in Zanu PF has always been a contentious one, often intensifying as the end of an incumbent’s term or retirement nears. We saw this during Robert Mugabe’s later years, when it became clear that leadership transition was inevitable. Some argue that this is purely an internal party matter, irrelevant to those outside Zanu PF or even to those unaffiliated with any political party in Zimbabwe. I strongly disagree with this simplistic view and offer four key reasons why this issue affects the entire nation. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Succession in Zanu PF is linked to Zimbabwe’s democratic struggles. Zanu PF has historically operated under a “guided” internal democracy, where succession debates are shaped by the interests of the incumbent rather than by democratic principles. This pattern has influenced opposition politics as well, where leaders such as Morgan Tsvangirai and later Nelson Chamisa made succession decisions that were not necessarily rooted in party constitutions. The failure to establish strong internal democratic traditions—both in the ruling party and the opposition—reflects a broader national governance challenge. If the main political actors are not able to establish succession processes determined by their own laws, but by other factors, the citizens suffer the consequences of poor leadership. The role of the military in politics remains unresolved. The last time Zanu PF faced a major succession crisis, it was resolved not through democratic processes but by military intervention. Mugabe’s long-standing assertion that “politics leads the gun” was disproven when the army played a decisive role in forcing his exit. This underscores a critical national question: What is the role of the military in our political system? Each succession crisis in Zanu PF revives this unresolved issue, making it a matter of national concern. The succession issue also highlights cronyism, ethnicity, and tribalism. Zanu PF’s internal succession struggles often expose the dangers of cronyism, ethnic favouritism, and tribalism—threats that extend beyond the party and into national unity. Towards the end of his rule, Mugabe was accused of positioning his wife, Grace, to benefit financially and politically while allegedly favouring a Zezuru successor. In opposition politics, similar questions arose: Did Morgan Tsvangirai, before his death, instruct that Nelson Chamisa (a Karanga) should take over instead of Thokozani Khupe (a Ndebele), despite constitutional provisions to the contrary? This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. These succession debates reveal a broader problem—appointments based on patronage, ethnicity, or personal connections rather than merit and constitutionalism. Then comes the problem of personalised politics. In both ruling and opposition parties, political loyalty is often tied to individuals rather than to principles, institutions, or policies. This personalisation of politics stifles open debate and discourages the development of strong, institutionalised governance. When political leadership is built around individuals rather than democratic frameworks, mediocrity thrives, and national progress suffers. You may ask, why does all this matter to the nation? For the reasons outlined above, Zanu PF’s internal succession challenges are not just party issues; they are national issues. How succession is handled impacts democratic governance, national unity, civil-military relations, and the quality of leadership in Zimbabwe as a whole. Addressing these challenges requires a national conversation, not just an internal party discussion. The Bible offers wisdom on leadership transitions. Consider Joshua’s transition from Moses: “Now it came to pass, a long time after the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua was old, advanced in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers, and said to them: ‘I am old, advanced in age… Therefore, be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses…'” (Joshua 23:1-6) From this transition, we learn four key lessons: ♦️ The incumbent voluntarily facilitated the succession process, recognising that his time was up and making sure it was orderly. ♦️ The process involved broad consultation with key national stakeholders, not just a few members of the inner circle. ♦️ Succession was anchored in the law (constitution), ensuring legitimacy. ♦️ Unity was built on a shared national vision and the equitable distribution of resources. These principles could inform Zimbabwe’s succession process, transforming it from being a crisis-prone struggle into an opportunity for renewal and national progress. We pray that God guides us. Reverend Kenneth Mtata is the programmes director for the World Council of Churches _*The Folly of Extending Presidential Terms: A Recipe for Disaster: Etiwel Mutero*_ The notion of extending President Mnangagwa's term has sparked a maelstrom of debate, with proponents arguing that it is essential for continuity and achieving the country's vision for the future. However, this argument is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power and undermine the democratic process. The six reasons proffered by proponents of the extension - economic revival, infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, foreign relations and investment, reconciliation and unity, and Vision 2030 - are nothing more than a house of cards, built on shaky ground and liable to come crashing down at any moment. The real reasons for extending the President's term are far more sinister. It is a blatant attempt to avoid the specter of succession, a problem that has been exacerbated by the removal of the running mate clause from the national constitution. This move has created a power vacuum, leaving Zanu PF scrambling to find a suitable replacement for President Mnangagwa. Furthermore, the extension of the President's term is also driven by corruption, as those in power seek to maintain their grip on the reins of power and continue to plunder the country's resources. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Moreover, the extension of the President's term is also motivated by a deep-seated fear of elections. Incompetent and less qualified leaders, who have grown comfortable in their positions of power, fear that they will be cast aside by the electorate. By extending the President's term, they hope to avoid the uncertainty of elections and maintain their grip on power. This is a classic case of "jobs for the boys," where those in power seek to maintain their positions, regardless of their competence or qualifications. The proponents of the extension argue that it is necessary for the country's development, but this is nothing more than a smokescreen. The truth is that the extension of the President's term is a recipe for disaster, a move that will only serve to entrench corruption, undermine democracy, and perpetuate the status quo. It is a move that will be deeply unpopular with the electorate, who will see it for what it is - a blatant power grab by those who are desperate to maintain their grip on power. In conclusion, the extension of President Mnangagwa's term is a move that must be resisted at all costs. It is a move that will only serve to undermine democracy, perpetuate corruption, and entrench the status quo. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better than this, and it is time for them to make their voices heard. The decision to extend the President's term must be made through a national referendum, allowing the people to have a say in their country's future. Anything less would be a betrayal of the democratic principles that Zimbabwe holds dear. _*Blessed Geza rumored to be hiding at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks*_ Unconfirmed reports are circulating that Blessed Geza, the prominent war veteran and Zanu-PF central committee member, is currently hiding at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks, formerly known as KG6, in the capital. This development suggests a deepening rift between the Army and Police, with the army allegedly backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is seen as the frontrunner to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Geza is facing multiple charges, including incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of President Mnangagwa, and alleged theft of three vehicles. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. His criticism of Mnangagwa has been ongoing, with Geza publicly calling for the President’s resignation and resisting the alleged plan to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office. The police have launched a manhunt for Geza, warning that anyone harbouring or assisting him to evade questioning will be liable for arrest and prosecution. “The suspect is facing four counts of criminal charges as outlined: “Theft allegations as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9 23. The suspect stole and disposed of three vehicles belonging to a complainant without his consent,” police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated. “He is also facing two Counts of contravening Section 33 (2) (a) (ii) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23, “Undermining the Authority of or Insulting the President. “One count of contravening Section 187 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23, ‘Incitement to commit public violence’.” However, if the reports of Geza’s hiding at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks are true, it would indicate that the army is providing him with protection, further highlighting the deepening factionalism within Zanu-PF. Addressing journalists in Harare on Thursday, Zanu-PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa suggested that Geza was being used by certain people within the party. “I have a lot of angst about the way he is being used by people who have a certain agenda. Comrade Geza, I do not know what other issues might be bothering you, but we, the war veterans, always remember… “I wish he would not follow fools who are misleading him. I am deeply concerned about what is happening with him,” said Mutsvangwa. _*Beitbridge Accident Shocker: Bus Had No Permit, Driver’s Retest Expired 4 Years Ago*_ In a shocking revelation, the Urban Connect bus which was involved in the tragic accident that claimed 24 lives near Beitbridge on Thursday had no route permit, and the driver had no valid retest certificate. Transport Minister Felix Mhona revealed this on Friday after visiting the scene of the Beitbridge accident. He was accompanied by Local Government Daniel Garwe and Minister of State for Matabeleland South Evelyn Ndlovu. The delegation also visited Beitbridge Hospital to check on the injured before heading to Doves Funeral Parlour to pay respects to the grieving families. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Beitbridge Accident Bus Had No Permit, Driver’s Retest Expired 4 Years Ago Speaking to journalists after the tour of the scene of the Beitbridge accident, Mhona revealed that preliminary investigations revealed that the bus driver’s retest expired in 2021 and the Urban Connect bus had no route permit. He also hinted that the government might ban Urban Connect from operating altogether. The official Ministry of Transport X (formerly Twitter) account posted: “Mhona said the responsible authorities will take action to stop such carnage, emphasising that wayward driving, which does not respect the sanctity of life will not be tolerated.” “How Did It Pass Roadblocks?”: Zimbos Outraged However, many Zimbabweans were not convinced by the minister’s statement, accusing him of using the permit issue as a scapegoat. Social media users questioned how a bus without proper documentation had been allowed to travel from Harare to Beitbridge. Here are some of the reactions: @bee87m: Finding a scapegoat. The roads are bad, it’s raining. There are so many variables and they go with route license and defensive retest. @MoreNgweny85999: That was not the cause of the accident. How can the absence of a route permit be the cause of an accident? How did the bus ply the route when we have law enforcers? You see how corruption destroys a nation. @Drake01012000: How did it pass through all roadblocks? .@iamfarffy: They will blame everything else but won’t say anything about the state of the roads @Chirorodziva4: Food for thought: Proactive preventive measures vs reactive keeping up appearances !!!! What’s better 🤔 @deemativ: Question is if everything was expired, how did the bus travel all the way from Harare to BeitBridge?. All police officers manning Roadblocks along that route must also face severe punishment. _*No child shall be barred from school for failing to pay school fees, not having a birth certificate — Government says*_ THE government has gazetted a new Statutory Instrument (S.I.), which prohibits schools from barring children from attending classes due to non-payment of fees or the lack of a birth certificate. According to S.I.13 of 2025 no child shall be denied access to education for failing to pay school fees or for not possessing a birth certificate. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “Basic education is compulsory and, if the parents of the pupil cannot afford the tuition fees and levies at a government school, the State shall assist, within the limits of the resources available to it, in providing that education. “No pupil shall be excluded from school for non-payment of any form of school fees or levies,” part of the S.I. reads. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government also said that no head of a public school shall refuse to enroll a school-aged child solely because the child does not possess a birth certificate. “No school head shall exclude a child of school-going age from enrolment at a government school solely on the ground that the child does not have a birth certificate,” the S.I. added. Meanwhile, government also said in cases where a girl who is a pupil at a school becomes pregnant, the institution’s head shall facilitate psycho-social supportive services to the girl and parent and the girl may stay in school as long as possible before giving birth and return after recovery if she and her parents choose to do so. _*Mhona says govt considering withdrawing bus operator’s licence after accident*_ Transport Minister Felix Mhona is considering withdrawing the licence of Urban Connect Bus Service after one of its buses was involved in an accident that claimed 25 lives near Beitbridge on Thursday. "Why was he racing towards the toll gate. We may have to remove them from service," he said. Mhona also asked Zimbabweans to desist from recording videos at scenes of accidents and wait for proper communication. "Let's have respect for the dead and wait for proper transmission of messages. We are likely to cause more harm than good. We will investigate causes of this accident and act," he said. He was addressing mourners at a Government led joint funeral servce of the 25 who died. _*Address rising male suicide cases, churches urged*_ Churches have been urged to take a leading role in addressing the surge in the number of male suicide cases in Bulawayo. In the same spirit, government has also been challenged to intensify social support for families and communities to promote good mental health. Domestic disputes, life challenges and feelings of helplessness are deemed the first underlying factors. Acting towards this development, a drug education, prevention and rehabilitation organisation, Rechabites Trust, has taken a step in acting towards alleviating the suicide cases among men. Trust founder and senior pastor Zenzo Siwela said men need support, and churches should take it upon themselves to extend a hand in helping men to open up on issues affecting them. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “The church has to talk about these ailments which affect men. They (men) should be given room to open up, even crying, because men bottle up and they need our support,” Siwela said. He said this initiative came after realising that drug and substance abuse was the root cause of the problem, and since it is known to be affecting the youth and children, men are not spared in the menace as evidenced by the rising suicide cases. “The trust started on drug awareness because our children were being affected. Now we have decided to include issues which can lead to addiction,” Siwela said. Meanwhile, the trust held a Men Talk at YWCA in Bulawayo running under the theme Learn, Understand and Take Action. Twelve men gathered to be taught about underlying and ignored prostate cancer signs, which men should take note of to avoid late presentation for treatment. “I was affected, one day I went to the toilet, and I could not pass urine. It was very painful. This happened the whole day, I had to be rushed to the doctor and he could not help, then I was rushed to a specialist,” Siwela said. “Again, as a senior pastor at a local church, my big brother in the Lord had a problem too. He sought help from our bishop. “That is when I saw that men are not talking about their problems, thus, taking it upon myself to initiate the Men Talk.” Siwela said prostate cancer is slowly affecting and killing men, while the church is silent, hence the gatherings will help in making men speak out, assist them get treatment and talk them against issues such as suicide. He further invited men on the next series of the Men Talk, which will be held in March. _*Johane Masowe’s Body To Be Exhumed, 50 Years Later*_ In a landmark ruling, the High Court has delivered a declaratory order affirming the inalienable rights of Peter Jack Masedza’s children to exhume and rebury their father’s remains, 50 years after his death. Masedza is known by the legion of apostolic sect members as Johane Masowe. This decision heralds a significant legal and spiritual victory for Magaga and Reuben Masedza, granting them the authority—within the parameters of established legal frameworks—to honour their father’s legacy and memory in accordance with their familial and cultural obligations. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The case stemmed from a protracted and bitter dispute with a faction of the Gospel of God Church, which had resolutely barred the Masedza brothers from accessing their father’s gravesite at Gandanzara Shrine in Makoni, a sacred burial place near Rusape. Baba Johane, a revered religious figure and spiritual guide to millions, passed away in Zambia on September 14, 1973, at the age of 59. His remains were later repatriated to what was then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and interred at the shrine. Efforts by the High Court in 2017 to mediate the feud by granting both sides equal access to the burial site proved futile, as hostilities persisted unabated. The Masedza brothers’ application asked the court to determine two critical questions: whether they had the legal right to exhume their father’s remains and whether the court could order such an exhumation. Justice Tawanda Chitapi, in his judgment, upheld the brothers’ right to exhume their father’s remains, subject to compliance with statutory procedures, but declined to grant the consequential relief of directly ordering the exhumation. “The applicants have a right to exhume the remains of the late Johane Masowe Shoniwa Masedza, which are buried at Gandanzara Shrine, Rusape, subject to their following due process,” ruled Justice Chitapi. The judge further clarified that the declaratory relief granted did not, in and of itself, authorise immediate exhumation but instead required adherence to the procedural dictates outlined in the Cemeteries Act. Justice Chitapi emphasised that the applicants’ cultural and familial assertions were well-founded, noting their insistence that it was both a traditional and moral obligation for children to bury their parents, maintain access to their graves, erect tombstones, and preserve such burial sites as enduring family heritage. The brothers’ legal counsel, Advocate Lewis Uriri, instructed by Mr Nickiel Mushangwe, argued that the denial of access to their father’s burial site had caused grave prejudice, severing their connection with their late father’s remains. Advocate Uriri submitted that Baba Johane, a devout worshiper of God, would not have wished his grave to become a symbol of worship, a shrine for idolatry, or a source of benefit for leaders of the Gospel of God Church. Opposing the application, the Church’s Deputy President, Erica Office, represented by Advocate Silvester Hashiti, argued that the deceased had expressed wishes to be buried at the Gandanzara Shrine and dismissed the application as frivolous, citing the passage of over 20 years since his death. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The judge observed that the parties had been embroiled in related litigation over the years, which explained the delay in bringing the current application. Mr Mushangwe hailed the ruling as “epochal,” describing it as a momentous decision with far-reaching implications beyond the mere administration of justice. “This ruling brings joy, relief, and a clear pathway to resolve the pernicious problem of children fighting for the right to honour their parents in death. It also carries spiritual significance, as it involves one of Africa’s religious luminaries,” he said. While the court’s order is declaratory and does not directly mandate the exhumation, it provides the siblings with the legal clarity and authority needed to proceed within the confines of statutory requirements. Justice Chitapi’s judgment underscores the importance of balancing cultural imperatives, legal procedure, and the sanctity of burial sites, while reaffirming the judiciary’s role as the ultimate arbiter in matters of justice. This ruling not only restores the dignity of the Masedza family but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between family, tradition, and the law. It lifts the shadow of conflict that had long loomed over Baba Johane’s final resting place, enabling his children to honour his memory in peace and unity. Since 1932, when Shonhiwa Masedza, later known as Johane Masowe, received his divine call to the prophetic ministry, the Gospel of God Church has been synonymous with worship in open spaces, a practice that became its enduring hallmark. Magaga now 77 years old, stood on the precipice of triumph after enduring a grueling 52-year legal and emotional battle to access his father’s burial site. His voice, heavy with both exhaustion and relief, trembled as he reflected on the journey. “This journey was unbearably tortuous, but we are happy that finally, justice has prevailed while we are still alive,” he said. For Magaga and other family members, this victory is not merely a legal milestone, but a deeply personal and spiritual reclamation of their heritage. Herald _*Rwandan-backed rebels take control of DRC airport as president seeks support abroad*_ RWANDAN-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have taken control of the strategic Kavumu airport that serves Bukavu, the region’s second biggest city, the rebel alliance and a civil security source said on Friday. The rebels have been trying to push south towards Bukavu since they seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of last month. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, would represent an unprecedented expansion of territory under the M23’s control and deal a further blow to Kinshasa’s authority in the east. “The city of Bukavu can no longer _*Trump says Russia must be re-admitted to G7 club: calls EU a 'very nasty' organization*_ U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would love to have Russia return to the Group of Seven nations, saying it was a mistake for Moscow to be expelled. Russia had been a member of the G7 club of industrialized democracies, then known as the G8, until Moscow was excluded following its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014. "I'd love to have them back. I think it was a mistake to throw them out. Look, it's not a question of liking Russia or not liking Russia. It was the G8," Trump said at the White House when he announced new U.S. reciprocal tariffs. "I said, 'What are you doing? You guys - all you're talking about is Russia and they should be sitting at the table.' I think Putin would love to be back." There was no immediate reaction to Trump's comments from Canada, which is chair of the G7 this year. _*Trump administration lays off probationary employees, plans 'large-scale' cuts*_ The Trump administration on Thursday intensified its sweeping efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce, the nation's largest employer, by ordering agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees who had not yet gained civil service protection — potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of workers. In addition, workers at some agencies were warned that large workplace cuts would be coming. The decision on probationary workers, who generally have less than a year on the job, came from the Office of Personnel Management, which serves as a human resources department for the federal government. The notification was confirmed by a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly. It's expected to be the first step in sweeping layoffs throughout the federal government. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that told agency leaders to plan for "large-scale reductions in force." Elon Musk, whom Trump has given wide leeway to slash government spending with his Department of Government Efficiency, called Thursday for the country to "delete entire agencies" from the federal government. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. "I think we do need to delete entire agencies as opposed to leave a lot of them behind," Musk said as he spoke via a videocall to the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. "If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back." 'Vast unraveling' Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University, said it seemed like the administration was "inventing new methods for destroying government capacity." By laying people off, the government will be able to accomplish fewer things. "It's a vast unraveling of what federal agencies do," he said. Thursday's order was an expansion of previous directions from OPM, which told agencies earlier this week that probationary employees should be fired if they weren't meeting high standards. It's not clear how many workers are in a probationary period. According to government data maintained by OPM, there were 220,000 workers with under a year on the job as of March 2024, the most recent data available. The firing of probationary employees began earlier this week, and it has included workers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Education. At least 39 workers were fired from the Education Department on Wednesday, according to a union that represents agency workers, including civil rights workers, special education specialists and student aid officials. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The civilian federal workforce, not including military personnel and postal workers, is made up of about 2.4 million people. While about 20% of the workers are in Washington and the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia, more than 80% live outside the capital region. Trump's initial attempt to downsize the workforce was the deferred resignation program, commonly described as a buyout, which offered to pay people until September 30 if they agreed to quit. The White House said 75,000 people signed up, and a federal judge cleared a legal roadblock for the program on Wednesday. However, the number of workers who took the offer was lower than the administration's target, and Trump has made it clear that he would take further steps to lay people off. Employees at the National Science Foundation and Housing and Urban Development Department were told this week that large reductions in the workforce, in some cases a halving of the workforce, would be coming, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authorization to discuss it. The National Science Foundation was told to expect a 25% to 50% reduction in force within two months, while the Housing and Urban Development Department was told to plan for a 50% reduction, the person said. Employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were also bracing Thursday for reductions in their workforce. The order Trump signed Tuesday stipulated that government functions not required by law would be prioritized for cuts and hiring would be restricted. With exceptions for functions such as public safety, only one employee can be added for every four who leave. In addition, new hires would generally need the approval from a representative of the DOGE, expanding the influence of Musk's team. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. *IGNITE SPORT* _*Brighton Dismantle Chelsea 3 Nil: Chelsea Fails To Register A Shot On Target For The First Time This Season*_ A brilliant goal by Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and a Yankuba Minteh double gave the Seagulls a 3-0 Premier League home win over Chelsea on Friday, a week after they knocked their London visitors out of the FA Cup. Missing strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu through injury, Chelsea dominated possession but did not manage a single shot on target as they slumped to a defeat that leaves them fourth in the table on 43 points ahead of the weekend's fixtures. Brighton moved up to eighth on 37 points. Japanese winger Mitoma broke the deadlock with a moment of magic midway through the first half, bringing down a long ball from keeper Bart Verbruggen with an exquisite first touch before cutting inside Trevoh Chalobah and curling the ball in at the far post. The closest Chelsea came to scoring was when captain Enzo Fernández headed home in the 35th minute, but he was penalised for a push on Brighton defender Joël Veltman and the goal was chalked off. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Three minutes later his side were two behind as Chelsea failed to clear their lines and Danny Welbeck poked the ball into the path of Minteh, who expertly evaded a tackle by ex-Brighton fullback Marc Cucurella before drilling it into the net. With Chelsea barely threatening, Minteh added his second in the 63rd minute, delighting the fans by cutting inside Cucurella to score at the near post. Mitoma could have had a second in the 73rd minute as Brighton made a breakaway, but he fired his shot straight at the keeper and it was easily saved. Joel Veltman also hit the post form a Yasin Ayari pass in the 85th minute. The win was Brighton's first at home in the Premier League since beating Manchester City 2-1 on Nov. 9, and Brighton striker Welbeck praised Mitoma's performance as his goal set them on the road to victory. "It was slow-motion for me. He has got an amazing first touch, he has got a tremendous ability to bring it down and kill the ball instantly. Impeccable first touch, it is incredible. What a goal," he told Sky Sports. After conceding seven goals in their last Premier League outing against Nottingham Forest, goalkeeper Verbruggen was delighted with both the clean sheet and the assist for Mitoma's goal. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. "We train it and I saw the space in behind. It was an unbelievable touch and a very good finish ... we needed to show a reaction and the boys did that," he said. _*£1.5bn spent & no striker in sight - how did Chelsea get here?*_ Before Friday's Premier League game against Brighton, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said they "need to find something different" without a genuine centre-forward currently available. After being thumped 3-0 while failing to muster a shot on target, presumably the Italian is still searching. Despite spending more than £1.5bn since the Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly takeover went through less than three years ago, a recent injury crisis has left Chelsea's squad looking remarkably threadbare - none more so than up front. How have they ended up with no fit strikers to call upon and how do they solve their problems in attack? More than £1.5bn spent - so where are all the strikers? Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players since the takeover. The Blues have forked out £445m on forwards - but aside from a now-injured Nicolas Jackson none have proved to be a high-quality number nine. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was signed for former manager Thomas Tuchel at a cost of £12m from Barcelona, but the veteran was frozen out soon after the German was sacked following a 100-day review from the ownership without a chance to prove his worth. He went on to score goals for Marseille in a sensational season in France before moving to Saudi Arabia. The only other central strikers signed were David Datro Fofana, Deivid Washington and Marc Guiu, all young players at a combined cost of just £34m. None have looked ready for the Premier League, never mind the level required to meet the expectations at Chelsea. The majority of that £445m went on Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Cole Palmer - all predominantly wingers or number 10s. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. And only Palmer has produced on a consistent basis, having been involved in a league-high 39 goals (26 goals and 13 assists) in 2024. Felix remarkably commanded an eye-watering £10m loan fee during his initial spell from Atletico Madrid in 2023, before he re-joined the club on a permanent basis for £45m last summer. He is now on loan at AC Milan. What forwards do they actually have available? Jackson has been ruled out for around six weeks with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old came off injured against West Ham two weeks ago and, although manager Maresca was initially hopeful the Senegal striker had avoided a major setback, scans have since revealed the problem to be much worse. Fellow striker Guiu, a 19-year-old who has yet to start a Premier League game, is also out injured for a period of "weeks or months" after sustaining a groin problem against the Hammers. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Mudryk has been suspended for allegedly testing positive for a banned substance. To compound Chelsea's misery, Noni Madueke seemed to pull his hamstring while setting up a big chance for Palmer at Brighton and went straight down the tunnel for treatment after coming off. Maresca said afterwards that "he will be out for a while". That all meant Chelsea's last three fit senior forwards were all on the pitch after Madueke's substitution - Palmer, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho - with academy winger Tyrique George the only attacking option able to come on in the second half. Maresca already hinted at changing his tactics for the game at Brighton because of Nkunku's struggles playing up front. The France international has been in poor form and has scored just one goal in 11 league matches in all competitions. He opted to move Nkunku away from the number nine position, where he struggled in the FA Cup tie with Brighton six days ago, effectively swapping positions with Palmer. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. But the new gameplan was disrupted by the injury to Madueke, which left Chelsea with just one player in Neto who could run in behind. As a result, the visitors were left with lots of the ball - but with no real goal threat. They completed 648 passes and had 69.4% possession at Amex Stadium but were unable to force Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into a save. Speaking after the match, Maresca told BBC Sport: "It is difficult when you don't have a proper number nine. In the last third we struggled doing things that until a week or two ago we were doing well. "This is the worst moment since I arrived but we are still there and we need to finish in the best way." It was a similar story in that FA Cup game, with the Blues again dominating possession and completing more passes than their opponents but on that occasion having just one shot on target. Chelsea's best hope is finding a way to improve Nkunku's level - but without hurting Palmer, who is also starting to decline after disrupting his excellent partnership with Jackson. Either way, in reality, for all the money spent Maresca is simply short of options. What's going on with Palmer? Palmer has failed to score in four successive Premier League games for Chelsea for the first time since joining in the summer of 2023. Despite the recent lean spell, however, his overall record this season is still strong. He has scored 14 goals and provided six assists and should still be on course to match the 22 goals he managed in 2023-24. While he has continued to churn out the numbers, though, he has been used in a slightly different - more central - role throughout this campaign under Maresca compared to previous manager Mauricio Pochettino. _*Xabi Alonso and Leverkusen want to prove they’re here to stay despite Bayern’s ‘dominance’*_ LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — How do you follow up an historic upset? That’s the question facing Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to prove they belong among European soccer’s top teams after ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign in the German league last season. Leverkusen has kept together almost all of the key players who won the Bundesliga unbeaten last year, lifted the German Cup and nearly the Europa League trophy too. Still, it faces constant questions over how long key figures like Alonso and star player Florian Wirtz might stay. Sustainable success “What we did last year was quite unique, so we had an idea that we wanted to be sustainable in our success,” Alonso said Friday. The big test comes Saturday as Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich visits Leverkusen with an eight-point lead over Alonso’s team. Alonso said Friday it’s “not a final.” Still, a win for Bayern would be a heavy blow to Leverkusen’s faltering title defense. Compared to the Bayern team coached by Thomas Tuchel that Alonso’s Leverkusen swept aside 3-0 a year ago, Kompany’s team is “another Bayern,” Alonso said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “They are destroying many, many opponents,” he added. “They win some games easily. They have this collective dominance and they have this individual quality,” listing players like forwards Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala. Alonso is unbeaten against Bayern as a coach in five games — most recently a 1-0 cup win in December — and has a habit of springing tactical surprises on his rivals from Munich. Building momentum So what does sustainable success look like for Bayer Leverkusen? Chief executive Fernando Carro argues that finishing in the Bundesliga’s top four each season, qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the last 16 is a reasonable target. “I think it would be difficult having the resources we have in mind to be able to compete every year with Bayern Munich with three times more resources, so there we have to be realistic,” he told The Associated Press on Friday. “We want to challenge them, we want to fight for the titles every year, but we know that there’s a certain fluctuation. For us, sustainable means top four.” Keeping the team together When smaller teams win big prizes, their squads are often picked apart within weeks by wealthier clubs. Not so at Leverkusen, which has kept the core of Alonso’s squad — attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, wing back Jeremie Frimpong, and indeed Alonso himself. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The coach, who stayed last year amid interest from Bayern and Liverpool and is contracted through next year, hasn’t addressed his long-term future but said Friday he feels a special bond with Leverkusen. “The team, the club, the environment, the special nights that we have had, the games in the stadium give you this energy, this top commitment to keep going,” he said. Managing director for sport Simon Rolfes says the key is to always keep the focus on new targets. “It’s important for these ambitious guys to create an ambitious environment,” he said. “They can have together success as a team but as well individually,” Rolfes said Leverkusen draws on existing players to attract new talent, saying the prospect of learning from Kai Havertz — who left for Chelsea for over $90 million in 2020 — was a factor encouraging Wirtz to join Leverkusen. In turn, Wirtz is now part of the pitch to other players, he added. “Everybody said: ‘If Kai Havertz will leave you, you will drop,’” Rolfes said. “We used it wisely to make a step up.” _*Deschamps sees Zidane as a ‘natural’ candidate to take over as France coach*_ PARIS (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps sees Zinedine Zidane as a “natural” candidate to take over when he steps down from the national team. Deschamps announced last month that he will stop after the 2026 World Cup, ending a successful reign which began in 2012 and saw France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the 2022 final. Speculation has been high — even before Deschamps made his announcement — that Zidane would take over eventually. Many see the former midfield great as the people’s choice and Deschamps does not disagree. “Zizou (Zidane) is a very good candidate, a natural and an expected one,” Deschamps said in an interview with sports daily L’Équipe published Friday. “But then again, I don’t know if he will want it.” The 52-year-old Zidane has not coached since ending his second spell in charge of Real Madrid, leading the Spanish giant to three Champions League and two La Liga titles. Zidane and Deschamps played together in midfield — as magical creator and tough enforcer — when Les Bleus won the 1998 World Cup and the European Championship two years later. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. France lost to Spain at the semifinal stage of last year’s Euros, where Kylian Mbappé broke his nose and failed to score enough goals. “But at the Euro (Mbappé) wasn’t the only one,” Deschamps said. “Most of the attacking players weren’t at their best for different reasons, and that impacted our competition.” _*Atletico consider Jackson move*_ Atletico Madrid are considering a summer move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with Aston Villa and Newcastle also monitoring the 23-year-old Senegal international Sports tit bits with Ignite Media Zimbabwe: *Paris St-Germain are interested in Liverpool's 25-year-old France defender Ibrahima Konate, who is open to a move to the Ligue 1 side* *Athletic Bilbao's 22-year-old Spain winger Nico Williams prefers a move to Barcelona, despite Premier League interest from Arsenal and Liverpool* This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.