Highlanders to meet defending champions

By Tichaona Sibanda
12 February 2007

Zimbabwe soccer champions Highlanders will met Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the second round of the African champions league after scraping through on penalties against Pamplemousses of Mauritius

Highlanders lost the return leg one-nil but because Pamplemousses failed to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first-leg the match was decided on penalties after both sides failed to score in extra-time, according to reports from Mauritius.

Pamplemousses’ priceless goal came from the speedy striker Andy Sophie in the 57th minute. The Bulawayo giants have now set a date with the defending champions of the tournament.

Another Zimbabwean side, Mwana Africa, also qualified for the second round of the confederations cup. Mwana won the first match 3-0 away to Mundu FC of Zanzibar and ran riot again at Rufaro, winning 3-1 to take the tie 6-1 on aggregate

Meanwhile Zimbabwe Cricket is reportedly making desperate last-ditch attempts to persuade former captain Tatenda Taibu to play for them in the World Cup.

The UK based Cricinfo reported on Monday that although Taibu, who is playing for Namibia at the moment, was not included in the provisional 30-man squad, he could still be added as there is no obligation on boards to pick from within that group.

It is understood that while Zimbabwe Cricket is strapped for cash, it has reached a deal with one of its sponsors whereby they will pay the arrears owed to Taibu, which is believed to be the main reason the player is refusing to return.

Taibu walked out in November 2005 after receiving threats against him and his family during a standoff between the country's players and the board. At the time he walked away he was owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid match fees and these have never been handed over.