Tuesday, June 27, 2006

MY PICK FOR THE LAST FOUR

My score went down this time around. Out of eight of my choices of teams to advance into the quarter finals of the World Cup, I scored a 62.5. Well, it's still a pass. Germany, England, Argentina, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Ukraine and France are through to the quarter finals.
I did not count on Portugal, Ukraine and France being part of the decisive stages, but hey, you win some and lose some.

How did it happen that Ghana had to face Brazil in the second round? Why couldn't they be drawn to meet Ukraine or Ecuador or Sweden? Anyway, its now water under the bridge. Africa will revenge on home turf, I tell you.

So, who is gonna be in the semis? My pick in highlights: Germany (home advantage will count here and the score will be 1-0 or win on penalties) vs Argentina, England (luck of the draw, nothing else, a one goal margin or penalties) vs Portugal, Italy (experience, three goal margin in full time) vs Ukraine and Brazil (its not Stade de France, but Brazil will exact revenge with a 3-0 win) vs France.

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Sunday, June 25, 2006

I TOLD BECKHAM TO BEND IT AND HE DID

I may be thousands of miles away from Germany, but I guess telepathy worked.

Remember my instruction to Beckam and the rest of the Queen's boys to make sure I don't retire my expensive England shirt yet? Well, Beckham bent it like only he can. It was a classic Becks curling free kick that hit the mark.

Most importantly though, I get to wear my shirt for one more week and with our next opponents being Portugal, I will definitely wash it after we go through to the semis on Saturday ready for two more big matches and big-time celebrations come July 9th.

But, Mr. Sven Erickson, how about a sampling of young Walcoat?

Wimbledon is here and guess who is still around, none other than Andre Agassi. They, of course, do not tip him to win. They all believe Roger Ferder will triumph again. I say it is going to be my man RRRafael Nadal.

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MINISTER WHO THREATENS DEATH IS HIMSELF DEAD

In Shona they say: "Wafa wanaka" (loosely translated - It is no use blaming the dead).

Human decency requires that I pay my condolences to the Jokonya family for the passing of the late Zimbabwe Minister of Information and Publicity, Tichaona Joseph Benjamin Jokonya, who was found dead in a hotel tub in Harare on Saturday morning.

However, we must move on and in that regard my concern is for my journalist colleagues back in Zimbabwe. They must be wondering - with much consternation - who is next?

Before Prof Jonathan Moyo, the worst authoritarian propagandist since Hitler's era, the question was more pleasurable because even though they were all from the same tainted Zanu PF cloth, they (Nathan Shamuyarira, Witness Mangwende, Joyce Mujuru, Chen Chimutengwende) had considerable respect for the noble profession.

When Jokonya replaced the 'Mad Professor', early last year, we all were hopeful that his international exposure as Zimbabwe's representative at the African Union and the United Nations would compel him to respect human rights in general and freedom of the press in particular.

You, valued readers of this blog, will recall that a couple of weeks ago Jokonya, on what was to be his last press conference, threatened death to Zimbabwean journalists working for western media.

“You know what the end of a traitor is?” he asked the assembled journalists then.

“The end of a traitor is always death. The unfortunate thing about a traitor is that you are killed by both your own people and the person whom you are serving," he warned.

Well, thank God none of the journalists are dead yet and one hopes Jokonya's replacement will not act on that 'writ' - but we should never count on it. Ever since the Information minister's office moved from Liquenda House to Munhumutapa, closer to President Robert Mugabe and his CIO, the treatment of jourmnalists has been deplorable to say the least.

Anyway, is it gonna be Mugabe's spokesman, George Charamba or Jokonya's insufferable deputy, Brighton Matonga or somebody completely out of the current circle of journalist-haters?

Is the new minister going to take us to the pre-Mad Professor era or will he/she perpetuate the torment of the press?

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Friday, June 23, 2006

MY WORLD CUP SECOND ROUND WINNERS

If I was writing a World Cup prediction exam, I would have scored a 75 percent, so I am happy with myself and so I will give you another prediction.

Of course, I am talking about which teams advanced to the second round. Remember I tipped the groups as follows; Group A: - Germany and Ecuador
Group B: - England and Sweden
Group C: - Argentina and Ivory Coast/Holland
Group D: - Mexico and Portugal
Group E: - Italy and Ghana
Group F: - Brazil and Japan/Australia
Group G: - France and South Korea/Switzerland
Group H: - Spain and Tunisia/Ukraine.

But, I am sure you will agree with me that the fact that Ivory Coast is not among the last 16 is only because in Group C, any team could have gone through. As for South Korea, the whipping boys of the group, Togo traded them in to a very unconvincing France. Tunisia - well - they are used to it and for Japan - I dont know why I chose them in the first place.

So off to the knock-out round, starting tomorrow, Saturday June 24, 2006. Here is how it will go, my winners are highlighted; Germany vs Sweden - Ecuador vs England - Argentina vs Mexico - Holland vs Portugal - Italy vs Australia - Brazil vs Ghana - Switzerland vs Ukraine and France vs Spain

The romantic performances by Ecuador and Ghana will certainly end in the second round. The two teams are still learning and the experience of their opponents will count this time around. the same goes for Ukraine.

Australia, Mexico and Portugal are perennial non-achievers and this year will not be any different for them.

As for France, they have not yet recovered from whatever they are suffering from. They have all the stars, the experience and all that, but still, something is wrong. They squeezed into the second round, and their luck will run out just there.

Let the knock-outs begin.

Hey, tennis lovers, Wimbledon is just around the corner, Monday to be precise. watch out for my man, RRRRRRafael Nadal and my girl, Venus Williams, don't count her out yet.

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Wednesday, June 21, 2006

OF THE MAVS, OILERS AND ENGLAND

Well, what can I say? That Dwayne Wade guy is just something. He got us. I wish he had that flue for long or that his injured knee had stayed injured until the end of the series. I mean it in a sporting way of course. What a party pooper he is.

Anyway, I still maintain my distant love with Dirk and the gang. Getting to the finals was a big achievement on its own, so I am happy with that.

The Oilers too did not make it in the house of champions. They were turned away at the door, but again, they did more than expected and all Canucks are happy.

As for me, I still have my England at the World Cup. Word of advice to Sorenson and the boys. “Guys, no more chancy win. I bought an expensive England shirt, which I have not worn enough yet. I do not want to store it away by this weekend.” We may have lost Owen but in Rooney, Crouch, Gerrard and Lampard, we have all the firepower to reach Berlin.

Oh, Nadal, get ready for Wimbledon.

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Friday, June 16, 2006

MUGABE TO CONFISCATE PASSPORTS?

Okay, things are really getting out of hand in Zimbabwe. One person intimated to me last week and I thought it was just a baseless rumour. Then today, another person from a different part of the country and who does not know my first source, told me the same thing.

My two, very reliable, sources told me that President Robert Mugabe’s government is planning to confiscate all passports and keep them at the Registrar-General’s office at Makombe Building in Harare.

No official justification is being given yet. However, Mugabe personally complained in a recent speech that many Zimbabweans are deserting the country (remember – “ko munoti Zimbabwe yacho ndeya vaMugabe vega here?”—“Do you think Zimbabwe is mine alone?”)

The country is bleeding. A combination of bad politics, backed by a militarized socio-economic system, has driven a sizeable chunk of Zimbabwe’s professionals and generally those of the productive demography out of the country.

It is not inconceivable then, that our dear leader and his people may have decide to curb the exodus by taking away citizens’ means of international travel.

After all, this is the same government that has decreed that passports will only be issued a year after one has applied. Further, there is going to be an exit visa, if it is not already in force.

Ha-a, veduwe, chiiko chapinda mumusha?

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SOWETO UPRISING

Who could ever forget the picture of a grieving junior high school student, Antoinette Pietersen, running down a street of Soweto alongside a tearful Mbuyisa Makhubu who was cradling the lifeless body of Antoinette's 12-year-old brother, Hector, who had just been shot by Apartheid South Africa’s brutally racist police?

Yes, I am talking about the massacre of South African children, about 200 of them, who had dared protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in black schools.

This happened 30 years ago, today June 16th. The South African Consulate in Toronto is hosting a cultural event to commemorate Youth Day on Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Mel Lastman Square. Lets all go and listen to survivor, Charles Mtombeni while we eat pap, biltong, boerewoers (sp) and dance to kwaito, umbaqanga, marabi and kwela.

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GO ENGLAND, MAVS AND NADAL, GO

SOCCER - I admit, they did not play as well as I would want. Peter Crouch and Frank Lampard worsted chances, but the tallest man on the pitch finally delivered. Then, it was Steven Gerrard’s turn in injury time. Need I say it? Well, it was a typical 20-yard drive only Gerrard can deliver and we are in the second round.

The not-so-good performance is a good thing as far as I am concerned. It puts the necessary pressure on the team as it prepares for the tough matches ahead. I told you from the beginning and I repeat it now, “we are going all the way to Berlin.”

BASKETBALL – I am not gonna be denied the NBA championship. I have already budgeted to by a fan’s replica cup with “Dallas Mavericks” engraved on it. So, Avery, Dirk, Terry; I am angry at you for letting Shaq and them level up the series. The loss in Game 3 particularly was inexcusable.

Now, you boys need to deliver on Sunday and wrap it up on Tuesday. I do not feel like coming back to the American Airlines Centre to whip your behinds.

TENNIS – My man, Nadal is on the roll at Queens (he is in the quarter finals). This is just warm up for Wimbledon, of course, and he is one man I know is gonna deliver.

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Thursday, June 15, 2006

MOBUTU SEEN IN TORONTO

MOBUTU SEEN ON THE STREETS OF TORONTO

I knew I was not dreaming or hallucinating but I still pinched myself to be certain, and the pain was real, so I looked again and he was there. None other than Mobutu Sese Seko.

Of course, the former dictator of Zaire died a few years ago in exile after being deposed by current Democratic Republic of Congo president, Joseph Kabila’s father, the late Laurent Kabila. If people really meet after death, I wonder what those two say to each other.

I was approaching a bus stop along Carlton Street in downtown Toronto when I saw, among the dozen or so people waiting for the bus, a young man of the same build and even looks as a young Mobutu soon after taking power in Zaire in the 1960s.

The young man was resplendent in Mobutu trademark gray flannel pants, a matching checkered shirt and old-fashioned scarf round the neck (despite the high temperatures). To complete the impersonation, the young man topped it all with a leopard skin hat in the same triangular shape only ever worn by Mobutu. The only thing I did not see as I got on the bus, was an imitation of the staff that Mobutu and other African politicians of his era used to carry around as a symbol of authority.

I had to rush, so I did not have the time to talk to the young man, but I am certain he has a hell of a story to tell.

Anybody know this guy? Please give me his contact.

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Tuesday, June 13, 2006

MUGABE’S PROPAGANDA CHIEF THREATENS JOURNALISTS WITH DEATH

Just picked up this unbelievable piece of news from Zimbabwe. A news alert I received this morning stated that Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information and Publicity, Dr. Tichaona Jokonya has threatened Zimbabwean journalists working for western media with death.

Addressing a press conference in Harare on Monday, Jokonya asked: “You know what the end of a traitor is?”

Of course, everybody knew, but to be certain his audience, of mostly journalists, understood beyond any doubt, he answered himself thus: “The end of a traitor is always death.”

“The unfortunate thing about a traitor is that you are killed by both your own people and the person whom you are serving," he said.

This is the latest in a series of threats against journalists by government officials since Prof. Jonathan Moyo was in charge of the ministry.

Such threats should not be taken lightly because they have long proved actionable by the Zanu PF government using its proxies of death; i.e. the army, the police, the CIO, the Green Bombers and the war veterans.

Since 2000, many Zimbabwean journalists have died, been maimed, exiled and jailed all because they were deemed traitors by a government that should, itself, be charged as a traitor regime.

What shocks me is that this threat comes from a man whose background is in diplomacy at the very senior level. Jokonya was Zimbabwe’s permanent representative at the United Nations. What a shame!!!!!!

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Monday, June 12, 2006

GOOD SPORTING WEEKEND

I really had a good sporting weekend, thank you. My World Cup Soccer team, England won their first match of the competition, always a moral booster.

My favourite NBA basketball team, the Dallas Mavericks, is leading the Finals 2-0.

My best tennis player, Rafel Nadal, won the French Open Championship.

What more can a man want, as far as sports are concerned, that is.

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Friday, June 09, 2006

MDC TORONTO - WHATS UP WITH THE RESIGNATIONS?

I am becoming careful what I say about MDC Toronto. The last time I said my piece of mind as a Zimbabwean with a right to express concern on the goings on in a political organization that supposedly represents all Zimbabweans, I was labeled a prostitute, unclean, enemy of the people and an inquiry was supposed to have been launched to investigate me.

Well, in these times of terrorism and other evils, a person with the kind of labels bestowed on me is wise to seal their mouth lest the next thing you know all security departments in Toronto are on you.

However, my journalistic stubbornness is gnawing at me. I just want to say once again:
There is something going on in the MDC Toronto executive.

Recently, the Secretary-General and her deputy resigned. People who criticize or seek answers are still being told to “shut up”. Surely an explanation is needed. Would somebody please tell me what is going on?

Talking about terrorism, a lot is going on, here in Canada, in Iraq and elsewhere. One thing clear though is that “GOOD WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH OVER EVIL”.

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WORLD CUP SOCCER - MY ENGLAND SHIRT

Well, the World Cup has begun in earnest. I bought my England supporter’s shirt and I will wear it each day my team plays. Naturally, I am elated that both Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and David Bekham are fit and ready to play. I can’t wait for Saturday.

It looks like Group A has already been decided. It is going to be Germany and Ecuador. If things change, then I pledge to … well, nothing because I really do not care if any of the teams in the group advance or go home.

I must admit though that there is just something gratifying in seeing an underdog team turn the tables.

Here is my prediction for the teams that will advance from the other groups:

Group B: - England and Sweden
Group C: - Argentina and Ivory Coast
Group D: - Mexico and Portugal
Group E: - Italy and Ghana
Group F: - Brazil and Japan
Group G: - France and South Korea
Group H: - Spain and Tunisia.

BASKETBALL – Go Mavs.
TENNIS – Nadal, Nadal, Nadal.


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US$1 MILLION OFFER I WONT ACCEPT

I am as poor as a church mouse and I welcome any financial help. But when someone I have never heard of e-mails me offering more than US$1 million for helping them repatriate some money from another country into Canada, then I would rather die poor.

Some of you might already know what I am talking about here. There is an old scam that usually originates from west African countries, particularly Nigeria, and it comes in a letter similar to the one I received and I reproduced below.

I want to warn you all to forego this “wonderful gift” and stay poor, at least you will keep the little you have. If you entertain any such offers, conmen will wipe you clean.

Enjoy the letter:

Mrs Mariam Sankoh
Tel: +225 06 29 12 08 12
BP 2114 Abidjan 12 COTE D'IVOIRE.

Assalamualaikum.

I am Mrs Mariam Sankoh, the wife of former minister of agriculture of the Republic of Sierra Leone and also diamond and gold merchant. Honourable, Paul Chieck Sankoh who died in December 4th 2002 in free town, Sierra Leone, as a result of political crisis in Sierra Leone.
I am writing you in absolute confidence primarily to seek your assistance to transfer of our cash of eleven million, five hundred thousand united state's Dollar($11.500.000dollars) now in custody of security and finance company here in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire West Africa to your private account pending on our arrives to your country.

SOURCE OF MONEY:-
My late husband, honourable Paul Chieck Sankoh, a native of FALABA DISTRIC in the northern province of Sierra Leone, owned a large field of diamond and gold plantation before he became minister for griculture and later died in the peak of the civil war between the rebels force of Major Paul Koromah and the government.

To transfer this boxes containing the money to you through diplomat courier services in your name to your country. To make a good arrangement for a joint business investment on our behalf in your country and you will take care of the investments until my son finish his studies in UNITEED KINGDOM.

Once you receive one of the boxes, you will put hand inside the box and send money for me to claim the remaining two boxes. Then when you receive the box from the diplomat you will lodge the money little by little to your bank account until me and my son arrival your country.
Most importantly, the security company officials do not know the exact contents of the boxes, because it was declared as family valuable documents.

The whole documents issued after deposit is in my son’s name and under his care. Our assurance is that your role is risk free, I accord this transaction the legality it deserves and for mutual security of the fund, the whole approved procedures will be officially and legally processed with your name as the bonfire beneficiary of the above mentioned boxes. In return, me and my son have agreed to offer you 10% of the transferred sum, while 5% shall be set aside for incidental expenses (internal and external) between the parties in the course of the transaction, and the remaining 85% is for the family investment.

Lastly, I plead with you to keep this transaction strictly and confidential. Please try to reach us as soon as you get this letter. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon. You can reach me through this private email address :(http://ca.f880.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=mariam200100@yahoo.com&YY=11410&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b)God bless you.

Mrs Mariam Sankoh

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Sunday, June 04, 2006

WORLD CUP - MY MONEY IS ON ENGLAND

Okay, its World Cup time again. Zimbabweans love their soccer and we will all be glued to the small screen and watch every one of the 64 matches if we could.

This is the time when temporary divorces are declared because "Dad" can't be bothered about anything else because it is World Cup time. The time when employees take vacations to go nowhere but to their favourite couch to slouch and watch soccer. If one cannot get a vacation then they will simply feign illness on the days their favourite team will be playing.

Anyway, since this is my blog, I want to tell you which team I will support and why.

If Zimbabwe or Canada were at the World Cup, I would support them as numbers one and two in that order, but they are not there.

Now, if I were to go the patriotic way, I would support Angola because they are the nearest to Zimbabwe. Next, I would support Ghana because they are our legitimate in-laws (politics aside - this is soccer). Then I would support Ivory Coast for they are the most exciting African team so far and I tip them to go beyond the first round. If I have to, I will also support Togo and Tunisia in that order.

Oh, I could also go the Third World way and support the likes of Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguay or be safe and go along with the obvious favourites, Brazil or Argentina or even France because they have Thierry Henry, the best striker in the world in my book and, of course, he plays for my favourite English team, Arsenal.

However, I put my little money on England. In my view England will win it this time. Their organization, player depth and grounded manner remind me so much of France in 1998. They are a really rounded team this time with every department well represented.

In Goal Paul Robinson beats the best on offer. The back line of Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, John Terry, Gary Neville et al, is as rock-steady as they come.

Then the mid. Oh, my God. Just Imagine a midfield marshaled from the centre by Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and from the wings by skipper David Beckham and Joe Cole.

In front, forget Wayne Rooney and even Michael Owen. Peter Crouch is on fire, young Walcoat wants to prove a point, Jenas and others are also hungry to prove their potency. And, of course, Gerrard and Lampard hammer them in just like the best of strikers.

It is going to be England all the way in my living room.

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