*Evening News Round-up: Sunday 1 June 2025* *Headlines* *Anti-Mnangagwa Activist Fights Extradition From South Africa* *ZiG Reserves Surge To Nearly US$700 Million, Strengthening Currency Stability* *Over 50 Cement Trucks Stranded At Chirundu As Importer Seeks High Court Order Over New Tax* *Govt Cracks The Whip On Examination Impersonators* *Man, 39, Killed By Vicious Pitbulls Left To Roam By Owner In Harare’s New Bluffhill* *“Owner Was Rude & Ignored Warnings” – Residents React To Deadly Pitbulls Which Mauled Neighbour To Death* *Relief As Man Who Killed Mutare Socialite Gets Life Sentence* *Courtney Jongwe Shines At Miss World, Makes Top 40* *China Accuses US's Hegseth Of 'Vilifying' Remarks At Security Forum* *Scottland FC Misses Out On Record Bonus* *'Kwinji 15' Makes History, Becomes First Female CAF-certified Instructor In Zimbabwe* *Paris Saint-Germain Wins The Champions League For The First Time* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Anti-Mnangagwa Activist Fights Extradition From South Africa* A South African court last week became the stage for a dramatic and tense confrontation as Zimbabwean activist Nyokayemabhunu, also known as Wellington Masiiwa, fought extradition back to Zimbabwe. The case, which has drawn wide attention, highlights the fraught political relations spilling over national borders. Masiiwa has been held in custody in South Africa since April 13 on charges of violating immigration laws, specifically contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act for being in the country without a valid visa or permit. His supporters claim the charges are a pretext in what they describe as a politically motivated extradition attempt by the Zimbabwean government. Last Thursday and Friday, Masiiwa appeared before the Randburg magistrates' court where the prosecution and defence presented spirited arguments. After hearing submissions, the magistrate postponed judgment on the bail application until June 10. However, the court proceedings themselves were overshadowed by a violent and chaotic protest outside the courtroom. Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals, voicing strong support for Masiiwa, clashed with Interpol officers who had been present to assist with the extradition process. Protesters hurled shoes and insults, chanting anti-Zanu-PF slogans, forcing uniformed Interpol officers to retreat amid the chaos. South African police struggled to contain the crowd as tensions escalated. One protester captured on video shouted, "We know who sent them! Interpol is just a hit squad now!" This incident has sparked outrage among civic society groups and activists who accuse Interpol of colluding with the Zimbabwean regime. Critics argue that the law enforcement agency is being used as a tool to suppress dissent. South African-based Zimbabwean activist Kudzai Saruwaka condemned the handling of the case, alleging political interference by Harare. Saruwaka claimed Zimbabwe's intelligence operatives are covertly operating in Johannesburg, targeting activists and fabricating evidence to justify arrests and extraditions. "We are dealing with a regime that wants to eliminate anyone seen as a threat to the Mnangagwa family dynasty," Saruwaka said, warning that South African courts must resist becoming instruments in Zimbabwe's internal political conflicts. The Zimbabwean government's extradition request accuses Masiiwa of fraud related to a residential stand sale in 2014. During court proceedings, Zimbabwe's deputy prosecutor general Nelson Mutsonziwa assured the court that Masiiwa will not be charged with political offenses if extradited. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the June 10 hearing when the magistrate is expected to decide on Masiiwa's bail. The case has become a flashpoint, exposing the deep political rifts between activists and the Zimbabwean government, while raising concerns about the role of South African institutions in the region's contentious political landscape. *ZiG Reserves Surge To Nearly US$700 Million, Strengthening Currency Stability* Zimbabwe’s reserves backing its structured currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), have surged to nearly US$700 million, marking a significant milestone in efforts to stabilise the local currency. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) announced that reserves have grown from US$276 million at the time of ZiG’s launch on April 5, 2024, to US$683 million as of May 29, 2025. This increase means that the RBZ now holds more than enough reserves to fully cover both ZiG currency in circulation and all ZiG-denominated bank deposits. According to central bank governor Dr John Mushayavanhu, the reserve base is made up of US$352 million in gold holdings, US$258 million in cash and nostro balances, and other reserve assets. This level of reserve backing exceeds the original 100 percent coverage target set at the currency’s introduction, reinforcing ZiG’s long-term sustainability. He highlighted that the strong growth in reserve assets was not only a sign of the currency’s credibility but also a result of increased foreign currency receipts and stronger gold prices on the international market. "The recent rise in global gold prices has added value to our gold holdings, improving our reserve position and supporting the ZiG framework," he said. The RBZ stated that as of the end of May, reserve money in circulation amounted to ZiG4.723 billion—equivalent to around US$173 million—which remains fully backed by the reserves. In addition, ZiG-denominated bank deposits, which stood at ZiG16.99 billion, are also fully covered. This has pushed the reserve coverage ratio well beyond the targeted 100 percent, further enhancing public confidence in the currency. The interbank foreign exchange market has also remained stable, with the narrowing gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates cited as a key indicator of progress. "The premium between the formal and informal markets is now within acceptable international benchmarks," said Dr Mushayavanhu. "This points to improved confidence and predictability in the ZiG." The RBZ is also preparing to introduce a new series of higher denomination ZiG banknotes, including ZiG10, ZiG20, ZiG50, ZiG100, and ZiG200. These will be rolled out gradually based on demand. The process of procuring and producing the notes is underway, and the public will be updated on progress. Efforts to promote wider use of the local currency are also being intensified. The central bank said enforcement of point-of-sale (POS) machines for businesses and tax requirements mandating partial payments in ZiG are part of broader measures to strengthen domestic currency demand. Specifically, the directive requiring taxpayers earning 50 percent or more in local currency to settle half of their quarterly tax obligations in ZiG has played a role in increasing demand. This, in turn, has contributed to exchange rate stability, which is critical in anchoring inflation expectations. The RBZ reiterated its commitment to monitoring international market developments and maintaining a robust reserve framework that safeguards the currency’s credibility. *Over 50 Cement Trucks Stranded At Chirundu As Importer Seeks High Court Order Over New Tax* More than 50 haulage trucks laden with white cement have been held up at the Chirundu Border Post after the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) began enforcing a newly introduced 30 percent surtax on imports, Augutich Investments (Pvt) Ltd told the High Court in Harare on Thursday. In an urgent chamber application filed under case number HCH2500/25, Augutich argues that the surtax, introduced via Statutory Instrument 50A of 2025 on May 16, directly contradicts existing trade rules under the Customs and Excise (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) (Suspension) Regulations, 2000, which exempt goods imported from fellow COMESA member states from duties and surtaxes. ZIMRA began collecting the levy on May 21, the company says, even on consignments purchased and in transit before the amendment took effect. The retroactive application, Augutich contends, amounts to an "unlawful and unconstitutional" financial burden. "Sometime in the year 2000, the respondent caused the promulgation of Customs and Excise (Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa) (Suspension) Regulations, 2000, which provide for the exemption of duty / surtax on goods imported and exported between member states of the Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa hereinafter referred to as ‘COMESA or The COMESA regulations,’" wrote Augutich CEO Levy Mashingaidze in his founding affidavit. He added, "With the coming into effect of the COMESA regulations and with the passage of time, the applicant being an importer of white cement and other cement related product would over the years import cement from Zambia for purposes of resale in Zimbabwe. With Zambia being a COMESA member state, the applicant would import the cement duty or surtax free in accordance with the COMESA regulations." Augutich began importing cement from Zambia in 2020 under a Ministry of Industry and Commerce licence, most recently valid through February 2025, the affidavit states. In September 2024, the firm purchased 70,000 tonnes of cement from Chilanga Cement Plant in Zambia. "The applicant has over 50 haulage trucks now stuck at Chirundu Border Post due to unforeseen tax obligations," Mashingaidze said. "The hired trucks are charging demurrage of US$200 per day per truck due to the delays. This amounts to approximately US$10,000 per day." He warned that if the levy is not suspended, Augutich could incur US$2.9 million in additional costs over the next year. In a certificate of urgency, lawyer Gift Nyandoro of Hamunakwadi and Nyandoro Law Chambers argued that the retrospective enforcement violates fundamental legal principles. "The law is being applied with retrospective effect. The applicant has no other remedy than to seek this court’s intervention to suspend the implementation of the new surtax on cement already purchased," Nyandoro wrote. Augutich is seeking two key orders from the High Court which are a temporary interdict preventing ZIMRA from enforcing the 30% surtax on cement already in transit or purchased before May 16, 2025. The company is also seeking a final declaration that SI 50A of 2025 is inconsistent with Zimbabwe’s COMESA obligations and therefore invalid. The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion—named as the respondent—has not yet filed a formal response. Government officials have previously defended the surtax as a measure to protect domestic cement producers from cheap imports, but critics say the abrupt change undermines investor confidence and regional integration while at the same time driving up local construction costs and disrupting the entire building materials market. *ZimLive* *Govt Cracks The Whip On Examination Impersonators* THE government is cracking the whip on exam cheats, amid revelations some private schools are fuelling impersonation of candidates. Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Honourbale Torerayi Moyo, says they are currently conducting investigations over some cases forwarded to the ministry. "We have received reports that people are practicing malpractices. There is a multiplicity of malpractices that are being done in our schools, especially at independent colleges. A bona fide candidate will not be sitting for an examination, but somebody has been paid to sit on behalf of the real candidate, such as language and mathematics. We are warning such individuals to stop that and the law will be applied without fear or favour," he said. *zbc* *Man, 39, Killed By Vicious Pitbulls Left To Roam By Owner In Harare’s New Bluffhill* A 40-year-old man from New Bluffhill in Harare has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide after his pitbull attacked a man in the street and killed him, police said. Mike Mupinga’s dogs have been a menace for local residents for years, ZimLive has heard. National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Mupinga had been charged with culpable homicide over the death of Samuel Machara, 39. The arrest “stems from an incident where his pit-bull dogs allegedly attacked and mauled Machara to death,” Nyathi said. “The body of the victim was found near the suspect’s residence with dog bite wounds. The body was referred to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for postmortem,” he added. Mupinga has several pitbulls, ZimLive heard. “He keeps them in a house with half a durawall. We complained but he ignored us,” said one neighbour. “It was teeming with dogs in that house, but there are not as many now because they have been killing each other.” Another neighbour revealed that when a house helper from the neighbourhood was bitten by the dogs, Mupinga paid for her treatment and got her a nurse to stop her filing a police report which would have led to the dogs being put down. Other locals said friends were too scared to visit them because of the notoriously vicious dogs which roam freely outside. Pitbulls are banned in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Other countries have restrictions on pitbulls, including keeping them leashed and muzzled in public spaces. Journalist Maynard Manyowa is familiar with Mupinga’s pitbulls. He recalled: “In 2023 they chased my kids. Last year they killed another dog. Owner was rude when we pleaded with him. His dogs move around as a pack at night and cause real terror. They have killed people’s cats, dogs and chickens. “This isn’t the first attack on people either. Council and some authorities came in 2024 in response and took away some strays. Some were taken. But owner claimed they were not strays. I have no kind words for the owner.” Former Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe said: “I have called the SPCA and they have taken four dogs from the property – two pitbulls, one rottweiler Hungarian mastiff.” In May 2022, John Gavhera from Selborne in Bulawayo was killed by his own pitbulls after jumping over the wall to gain access to the house, having forgotten his house keys. In March 2023, a nine-year-old girl died from injuries sustained in a pitbull attack in Harare’s Whitecliffe neighbourhood. In the same month, a 68-year-old security guard died from a pitbull attack at business premises along Sherwood Crescent in Waterfalls, Harare. *NewZW* *”Owner Was Rude & Ignored Warnings” – Residents React To Deadly Pitbulls Which Mauled Neighbour To Death* Residents of New Bluffhill in Harare say a tragedy long feared has finally come to pass — and they are blaming the arrogance and indifference of the pitbulls’ owner. A 39-year-old man, Samuel Machara, was mauled to death by pitbulls on Saturday morning. The dogs allegedly belong to Mike Mupinga, 40, who was later arrested for culpable homicide. According to witnesses, Machara’s body was discovered just outside the Mupinga residence. Police confirmed visible dog bite wounds, and the body was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for post-mortem. “On 01/06/25, ZRP Mabelreign arrested Mike Mupinga (40) in connection with a case of culpable homicide… his pit-bull dogs allegedly attacked and mauled Samuel Machara (39) to death,” — Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) “We Begged Him to Secure the Dogs – He Told Us to F* Off”** Several residents have taken to social media, expressing shock, anger and frustration — not only at the incident, but at what they say was a long pattern of the owner’s rude behaviour and neglect. “Apa he keeps them pane half durawall. We complained but he ignored us,” — @SamanthaMtomba. “You know him very well, very rude and it’s disgusting,” — @BlueTee98 Neighbour Maynard Manyowa, an investigative journalist, recalled his own terrifying encounter with the same dogs. “I know the house. It’s not just one dog. In 2023 they chased my kids. Last year they killed another dog. Owner was rude when we pleased with him. His dogs move around as a pack at night and cause real terror. They have killed people’s cats, dogs and chickens. And isn’t the first attack on people either. I think council and some authorities came in 2024 in response and took away some strays. Some were taken. But owner claimed they were not strays. I have no kind words for the owner.,” — @iAmKudaMaynard He added: “The dogs are like a wolf pack at night. And the owners are just arrogant and tell everyone to F off. It’s a surprise it has taken this long for tragedy to strike. Given their dogs move as a pack at attack people the entire neighbourhood..” “A disaster waiting to happen” Others in the neighbourhood echoed the view that Mupinga had been warned repeatedly. “Those pitbulls were always out. They weren’t tied up, and we feared this day would come,” — Local resident, Bluffhill Another neighbour, who declined to be named, said: “We’ve seen the dogs loose many times. We warned Mike to secure them, but nothing was done. Now someone has died.” Zimbabwean politician and journalist Ibbo Mandaza added, “Incredible that this fiend has been on the loose for so long with his killer dogs.” — @ibbosnr CrimeWatchZW was one of the first to break the news: “A pitbull has killed a man in his 30s in New Bluffhill. The dog has a tendency of jumping the half durawall. Residents have raised concerns before.” Journalist and local resident, Simiso Mlevu, revealed that the dogs had bitten a maid in the past. “Zake zaluma uMaid… wamdingela a helper waze waphola elokhe esendlini.”-@mlevu28 She also added that despite repeated warnings in the past, the owner of the deadly pitbulls was never bothered. “Worse keeping them pamba isina peri-meter wall. Residents have been complaining, and the man is never bothered.” “We are not safe. We need protection.” Former Harare City Deputy Mayor Kudzie Kadzombe confirmed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had intervened. Four dogs — two pitbulls, a Rottweiler and an Angarian Mastiff — were reportedly removed. “The owner claimed they weren’t strays. But the dogs were known in the area. There are pictures of them roaming. We are not safe,” — Concerned resident Another local wrote: “These dogs are not for the suburbs. What if next time it’s a child?” The tragedy has sparked national debate about pitbulls and dog ownership. Many are demanding tighter laws. “Owners of these dogs are always getting away with it. Precious life lost just like that. Why isn’t the law working?” — @McdouglasNyaks1 Others questioned whether influence or wealth allowed Mike Mupinga to ignore past warnings. “Why the law is not working? Is it because some people who do these crimes are rich?” *Legal consequences await* Mupinga is now facing charges under Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23, which provides for life imprisonment or a fine for culpable homicide. The Bluffhill community, however, says it shouldn’t have come to this. “This was avoidable. But he never listened. We begged him. Now it’s too late.” — Neighbour, name withheld. *Relief As Man Who Killed Mutare Socialite Gets Life Sentence* JUSTICE has finally been served, providing closure for the family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of murdered popular Mutare hairdresser — Yvonne Mitchell Mafuta — after her killer was imprisoned for life. The murderer, Thulani Mhlanga (40) — who was the victim’s boyfriend — was held accountable, and will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the gruesome crime. This life sentence, handed down by Justice Isaac Muzenda on Tuesday at the Mutare High Court, marked the end of a harrowing chapter for Mitchell’s grieving family, friends, and a community that followed the case with keen interest, heartbreak and outrage since the tragedy happened in January last year. Mhlanga confessed in court to fatally assaulting Mitchell in a fit of jealousy, and smashed her head against the wall three times on suspicion of infidelity. Among those most affected by the aftermath of the crime was Mr Lovebond Mutora — the taxi driver who had ferried Mhlanga to the late Mitchell’s residence prior to the brutal murder. In the weeks that followed, Mr Mutora faced suspicion and public scrutiny, particularly on the social media, despite his innocence. “This is quite relieving. The investigation process was not easy. I lost myself. People on the social media accused me of being involved. My work suffered. My family life was affected. I was confused and depressed,” said Mr Mutora. He recalled how the late Mitchell had informed him about her boyfriend’s arrival from Harare. Acting on her instructions, Mr Mutora picked up Mhlanga at Stanbic Bank after getting his number from the deceased. He transported him to her residence, \unaware of the tragic events that would soon follow. The next day, Mr Mutora was asked to buy food for the lovebirds, but when the now late Mitchell failed to contact him afterwards, he assumed all was well until the deceased’s friend later called to inform him she had been found dead. “I played a key role in assisting the police by providing crucial details, including advising them to review the CCTV footage from Stanbic Bank. The footage confirmed that I had picked Mhlanga up, and also captured him switching SIM cards, which helped identify him clearly. I was called multiple times by different officers throughout the investigation process. It was an incredibly stressful time, people accused me of being involved. Some even threatened me with violence. “My work suffered, and my family life was turned upside down. I could not function normally. I was one of the main witnesses in court. I was waiting for the judgement for a long time, and now that it has come, I feel a deep sense of relief. My family is also relieved. At one point, a lot of people believed that I had something to do with the murder. Colleagues and others judged me, and the social media was flooded with speculation and false accusations,” added Mr Mutora. “The convict told the judge that he killed her on suspicion that she had many boyfriends. He showed no remorse. But I am grateful to the police for handling the investigations professionally. They treated me fairly. Even though the process took time, with some people losing hope, justice has finally been served. It is a huge relief.” In a separate interview, Mitchell’s sister, Ms Catherine Mafuta, who attended the court session for Mhlanga’s sentencing said the family was a relieved lot. “Although we cannot bring our dear sister back, we are relieved that Mhlanga will spend the rest of his life behind bars. It is a very fair sentence, and he deserves it. It is still heartbreaking for us as a family and relatives, and it will take us forever to heal. The pain hits differently,” said Mafuta. Mitchell’s friend and colleague, Ms Alithabeloe Tlou, who is a popular city nail technician, said the sentence brought huge relief to them. “We never took the issue lightly. We felt robbed. The gap that she left is yawningly big. She will forever be missed. The sentence came as a relief to me as well as colleagues and friends, who associated with her. With the killer sentenced to life in prison, it is a relieving development,” she said. In a statement, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Honourable Gertrude Mutandi lauded the sentence. “We commend the judiciary and law enforcement agents for ensuring that justice prevailed. This case underscores the urgent need to protect women from Gender-Based Violence. This sentence sends a strong message that any brutality against women in any form is intolerable,” she said. *Manica Post* *Courtney Jongwe Shines At Miss World, Makes Top 40* REPRESENTING Zimbabwe with elegance and passion, 23-year-old Courtney Jongwe has made an impressive showing at the 72nd Edition of the Miss World pageant, earning a coveted spot among the Top 40 contestants. The prestigious event was held at HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, this Saturday, where 108 beauty queens from across the globe competed for the ultimate crown. During her journey, she stood out in key fast track events securing a place in the Top 20 for the Multimedia Challenge and making the Top 32 in the Sports Challenge. The Miss World 2025 crown was officially passed on by the reigning queen, to Thailand’s Suchata Chuangsri who is now the Miss World 2025. Suchata also earned the title of Continental Queen for Asia after capturing the hearts of judges. Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu emerged as the first runner-up, also winning the continental crown for Africa. She was closely followed by Maja Klajda of Poland, who took second runner-up and the European crown. Aurélie Joachim of Martinique completed the top four, finishing as third runner-up and Continental Queen for the Americas and Caribbean. Though she narrowly missed a spot in the Top 20, Courtney Jongwe’s presence and strong performance made Zimbabwe proud and has left a mark on the global stage. *zbc* *China Accuses US's Hegseth Of 'Vilifying' Remarks At Security Forum* China has protested to the United States over "vilifying" remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the foreign ministry said on Sunday, while accusing it of deliberately ignoring calls for peace from regional nations. China has objected to Hegseth calling it a threat in the Indo-Pacific, the ministry added, describing his comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday as "deplorable" and "intended to sow division". "Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation, vilified China with defamatory allegations, and falsely called China a 'threat'," the ministry said on its website. Hegseth had called on allies in the Indo-Pacific region to spend more on defence after warning of the "real and potentially imminent" threat from China. "The United States has deployed offensive weaponry in the South China Sea and kept stoking flames and creating tensions in the Asia-Pacific, which are turning the region into a powder keg," the ministry added in the statement. As part of Washington's longstanding defence ties with the Philippines, the U.S. military this year deployed Typhon launchers that can fire missiles to hit targets in both China and Russia from the island of Luzon. China and the Philippines contest sovereignty over some islands and atolls in the South China Sea, with growing maritime run-ins between their coast guards as both vie to patrol the waters. The ministry also warned the United States not to "play with fire" on the Taiwan question. In his speech at Asia's premier forum for defence leaders, military officials and diplomats, Hegseth said any attempt by China to conquer Taiwan "would result in devastating consequences". China has vowed to "reunify" with the separately governed island, by force if necessary. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. *Reuters* *Scottland FC Misses Out On Record Bonus* Scottland FC suffered a major setback on and off the field after failing to secure a lucrative US$180,000 winning bonus pledged by their sponsors, including prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, following a 1-0 defeat to MWOS in a tightly contested match. The defeat came with high stakes, as the players had the massive bonus riding on the game—an amount said to be greater than the league's championship prize. MWOS, under the guidance of head coach Lloyd Mutasa, extended their unbeaten run to 14 games, cementing their position as one of the league’s in-form teams. The decisive moment came from Billy Veremu, who scored his ninth goal of the season, firing MWOS ahead and ultimately securing the win. In the aftermath of the loss, criticism has erupted among Scottland FC supporters, with many blaming the excessive financial pressure placed on the players. "Those players have so much pressure because of such winning bonuses, which are over the amount given to the winning champion," lamented one fan, suggesting that the promise of such large sums may have negatively impacted the team's focus and performance. Meanwhile, internal frustrations have also surfaced within the Scottland FC camp. Darlington Gatsi came to the defense of one of the players, blaming tactical decisions for the defeat. "Nathan is a winger. He's not a striker. He was playing as a striker," Gatsi pointed out, expressing discontent over the coaching choices that saw Nathan fielded out of position. While MWOS celebrated their on-field success, there is growing anticipation in camp as well. Players were promised a shopping trip to the United Arab Emirates, with each set to receive US$2,500 for the excursion. However, the trip is yet to materialize, and it remains unclear when or if the pledge will be fulfilled. *zimbabwenow* *'Kwinji 15' Makes History, Becomes First Female CAF-certified Instructor In Zimbabwe* MIGHTY Warriors head coach Sithethelilwe "Kwinji 15" Sibanda has become the first female Confederation of African Football (CAF) instructor from Zimbabwe in history after attaining her certificate. Kwinji recently completed her CAF Women Instructor Development Programme early this month and will now train other coaches under CAF. According to CAF, Kwinji 15 can now deliver coaching courses up to CAF B. "We are delighted to confirm that Instructor Sithethelelwe Sibanda participated fully in both the online and in-person phases of the programme. "Based on her performance and evaluations conducted by CAF-appointed technical experts, Instructor Sithethelelwe Sibanda has demonstrated the competence and readiness to deliver CAF coaching courses up to the CAF B License level and to assist in the delivery of the CAF A License course," read part of CAF’s letter to ZIFA. Sibanda is the only Zimbabwean female coach with a CAF A licence, and her latest elevation is a milestone in her ever growing coaching career. The former Mighty Warriors midfielder led the history making Zimbabwe senior women’s football team as an assistant coach at the 2016 Rio Olympics. *NewZW* *Paris Saint-Germain Wins The Champions League For The First Time* At long last the club that was transformed by Qatari billions and bought and sold a succession of the world's greatest players in an extravagant bid to get to the top has its hands on the big one. European club soccer's grandest prize has a new home after PSG thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in Saturday's final in Munich. The trophy that not even Lionel Messi, Neymar or Kylian Mbappe could deliver to the French club was finally claimed by Luis Enrique, the Spanish coach who has overseen PSG's shift from the era of galactico signings to one of genuine team-building. Fitting then that Desire Doue, the 19-year-old French forward emblematic of the club's new generation, was the chief inspiration on a balmy night. He and substitute Senny Mayulu became the third and fourth teenagers to score in a Champions League final, following Patrick Kluivert in 1995 and Carlos Alberto in 2004. Biggest win in a Champions League final Doue scored twice and set up another goal in little over an hour on the field before being substituted in the second half. "I don't have words," Doue said. "But what I can say is, `Thank you Paris,' we did it." Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added to Doue's double as PSG recorded the biggest win in a final in the Champions League's 70-year history. "It's pride, it's everything, it's exceptional," striker Ousmane Dembele said. "It's a first for PSG but especially good since we did it in style. We went to Liverpool, to Aston Villa, and played great games. We deserve it and so do the fans." Now PSG can truly sit alongside the royalty of European soccer. Not by virtue of turnover or merchandising, but on the merits of its achievements on the field. The Champions League is the ultimate barometer of the continent's elite clubs and up until now PSG has been a flashy contender that always came up short. That all changed at Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich, one of the titans of Europe, and a fitting stage for PSG's crowning moment. Not least because it was against Bayern that it lost its only other Champions League final in 2020, leaving Neymar in tears in an empty stadium in Lisbon where fans were locked out because of the pandemic. On this occasion, thousands of PSG supporters were there to revel in the moment, waving flags, lighting flares and drowning out their rivals from Inter, many of whose supporters left the stadium long before the final whistle. They'd been partying in the streets of Munich throughout the day, but that was nothing compared to the scenes of joy when Marquinhos held the trophy aloft in front of teammates, with fireworks and golden confetti exploding behind them. Marquinhos was emotional at the final whistle. "I have nothing left, I have given everything," the captain told broadcaster Canal Plus. "I love this team, he fans are proud of us. Make the most of it guys, I love you." PSG truly delivered when it mattered after so many setbacks in this competition. If there were any nerves from Luis Enrique's players it did not show as they dominated Inter from the start. For PSG, this moment has been 14 years in the making since it was bought by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011 and, awash with newfound riches, started targeting marquee signings to speed up its route to the top. In came superstars Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham and Edinson Cavani. The ante was further upped with the arrivals of Neymar for a world record $262 million, Mbappe and finally Messi, allowing PSG to field possibly the richest array of forwards ever assembled, but still no Champions League trophy to show for it. It was the departure of that last stellar trio over the past two years that appears to have been the turning point, with a greater focus on the team rather than a collection of stars. Not that PSG's transformation hasn't come at a cost. It may make for a nice narrative that PSG has eschewed the big spending approach of before to organically assemble a team to beat all-comers from across Europe. The opposite is true. While it may be without the marquee players of the past, this is still one of the most expensive squads in world soccer. The win will also raise more questions about nation state involvement in soccer and so-called sportswashing, given Qatar's lavish backing of PSG in enabling it to conquer Europe. It's victory comes just two years after Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City won the trophy, again against Inter. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund owns Newcastle, which will return to the Champions League next season with ambitions of its own. *AP*