Zim in DRC for Sarpcco Games

with the official opening ceremony that was preceded by a soccer match between hosts DRC and Namibia at the Kenya Stadium.
The DRC started the campaign on a losing note after being thrashed 3-1 in a thrilling match watched by a capacity crowd that included TP Mazembe owner Moise Katumba. Three brilliant goal by Joseph, Kamere and Christians were enough for Namibia to get three points.

Goalkeeper Nona Yengo was brilliant between the posts as he kept the marauding Namibia strikers at bay with top drawer saves and was the reason the scoreline looked respectable. DRC scored their face saver through a penalty by Penenge Kouako.
The Zimbabwe delegation arrived on Saturday afternoon after a journey of 1 000km that took them through Zambia, faced challenges that included language barriers, accommodation that looked like pigsties, no running water and shortages of food.

However, coaches of the soccer, netball, athletics, darts, chess and volleyball teams are confident that they will retain the gold medals they won in Malawi in 2009.
John Ncube, the soccer coach said by the time they play their first match against Namibia, the players would have recovered from the effects of the long journey.

Ncube said he was satisfied with the condition of the pitch at the Stadium delaKenya and that it would suit their type of play, as they are used to playing on artificial turf at Rufaro Stadium.
The Black Mambas mentor said he had brought the strikers who will deliver the goals like Sebastian Mutizirwa and Peter Kachirika.

Philip Mangwiro, the netball coach, is oozing with confidence. He said he hoped the few injured players in the team would recover in time of their opening tie today against Namibia at Joseph Kabila Omnisport Stadium.

Shooter Mavis Mutizwa, Jessy Muti and Felly Arifuati are the players rushing against time to be fit and yesterday the trio were doing light training.
Mangwiro said the court was slippery and he would recommend to the management that they buy suitable tackies for the players. His main threat is from Swaziland and Zambia but he fancies his team’s chances.

The volleyball coach Thompson Winston said his players are ready for the tournament and would want to reclaim the gold medal they won in 2007 in Zimbabwe but lost in Malawi to Botswana.
Thompson indicated that they brought a team with experienced players and those making their debut at the Sarpcco Games. The notable newcomers include Redioss Mhetu, Shadreck Chihokoyo and Elvis Mananga.

The men’s volleyball team will bank on the experience of their key player and veteran Deas Sakala, a national team player who has participated since the inception of the SARPCCO games in 1999 in South Africa.

Darts mentor Alex Mavhunduke said the preparations have gone according to plan and feels the players are raring to fly the Zimbabwe flag high. He is confident that they would defend the gold medal they won in Malawi in 2009.

The squad has two members from the team that participated in Malawi in Lloyd Muza and Tinaye Makado.