Sports
Mwaruwari To Make Chippa Debut
Former Zimbabwe international Benjani Mwaruwari is being cast as a possible saviour for struggling Cape Town club, Chippa United as they battle relegation in their debut season in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League.
Mwaruwari, who made his name in South Africa before embarking on a European adventure that took in successful spells in Switzerland, France and England, is expected to make his debut for Chippa United when they host top of the table Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium today.
It comes just a week after the signing of the 34-year-old, who last played a match just over a year ago, and is seen as a last-ditch effort by the relegation-haunted side to get themselves to safety.
“”I’m excited to have a striker like Benjani in the team”
Mwaruwari, voted the best player in South Africa in 2001 when he emerged as a goal-scoring sensation at Jomo Cosmos, went on trial at SuperSport United before the start of the season in July.
Coach Gavin Hunt enthused about his ability at the time but said the Pretoria club they could not afford Mwaruwari’s salary demands.
Just over six months later Mwaruwari returned to South Africa from his Bulawayo base to try out at Ajax Cape Town, who were also enthusiastic about his ability but said he was too unfit to be effective immediately and that they could not afford the time needed to get him ready.
But struggling Chippa United had no hesitation in jumping in and their coach Wilfred Mugeyi signed Mwaruwari up on a short-term contract without even seeing him train.
“I’m excited to have a striker like Benjani in the team,” said Mugeyi, who played alongside Mwaruwari in the Zimbabwe national side.
Mwaruwari left South Africa for a successful spell in Europe with Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland; French side AJ Auxerre, and English clubs Portsmouth, Manchester City, Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers.
His new team are a far cry from the glamour arenas of Europe, playing their football at Philippi Stadium in Cape Town’s shanty town.
They made a fairytale rise from the third tier of South Africa football to the top flight in two seasons but have won only three times in 20 matches.
Chippa have 16 points at the foot of the PSL, 27 points off the leaders Chiefs.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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