The Sun 09 -14 May 2023 Est: 2003 The Sun 10 September 2023 Battle lines in Gweru's upcoming mayoral race have been drawn among CCC councilors amid strong interference from the party leadership who have a preferred candidate against the will of the elected councilors. CCC took a clean sweep in the city's 18 Wards in the recent Local Government elections held simultaneously with Presidential and House of Assembly elections. With incumbent former mayor Alderman Hamutendi Kombayi having lost in the elections together with a number of former councilors, the city looks forward to having a new mayor. Incoming councillors are Mercy Mangwanya (Ward 1), Faith Chuma (Ward 2), Aaron Mumvana (Ward 5), Lovemore Choto (Ward 6) and Hlupheko Marufu (Ward 7), Martin Chivhoko (Ward 4), Danny Ndava (Ward 14). Others are Jackos Manyanga (Ward 8), Nyaradzo Madzikure (Ward 9), Admire Paradza (Ward 10), Kumbirai Rutsvara (Ward 11), Augustine Mutusva (Ward 13), Munyaradzi Prosperity Chikwira (Ward 15), Phillimon Mawere (Ward 16), Norest Dzivakwe (Ward 17) and William Mazango (Ward 18). Due to its overwhelming victory in the city, the CCC also contributes the bulk of the women quota councilors including Sipiwe Kundiona, Miriam Magaya, Ronah Masocha and Olivia Chakauya. Zanu PF will have one representative Fortunate Mlambo. Clrs Chivhoko and Ndava are the Ward 4 Clr Chivhoko has been widely touted as a possible choice if the incoming councilors who make up the electoral college are to have their way “ To page 2 Know your Councillor See full list on Page 12 Martin Chivhoko signing his oath as Ward 4 Councilor before City of Gweru Acting Town Clerk Livingston Churu during the swearing in ceremony
The Sun 10 September 2023 2. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper www.thesunnews.co.zw two councilors who retained their seats from the 2018 to 2023 crop. The others failed to come back as it was generally believed that they had presided over the collapse of service delivery in the city as the provision of water went to its lowest. The City of Gweru has been notorious for poor service delivery as evidenced by erratic water supplies, noncollection of garbage and pothole-infested roads. The Midlands capital city is surviving on the edge and it's a miracle that no waterborne disease has hit Gweru. Ward 4 Clr Chivhoko has been widely touted as a possible choice if the incoming councilors who make up the electoral college are to have their way, but that is unlikely as past mayors have been dictated by CCC president Mr Nelson Chamisa. Former Mayor and now Gweru Urban legislator Dr Josiah Makombe, a senior member of the CCC in Gweru as well as Mkoba North legislator Mr Amos Chibaya who is the CCC national organiser are expected From Page 1 to have a say in who will be the next mayor of Gweru. Vote buying concerned councilors in such a poll cannot also be ruled out as what happened during the past when Kombayi came to the helm after allegedly greasing some councilors' palms. Clr Chivhoko also became the face of resistance after challenging Alderman Kombayi for the mayor's position after the recall of the thenmayor Josiah Makombe in December 2021 by MDC-T leader Mr Douglas Mwonzora. Clr Chivhoko faces stiff competition from CCC senator Mr Sesil Zvidzai's wife Clr Girlie Zvidzai who won in Ward 3 and former mayor Tadious Chimombe of Ward 12. The Zvidzai family is allegedly close to Mr Chamisa due to Mr Zvidzai's seniority in the CCC party. He once served as deputy minister of Local Government during 2008-2013 in the Inclusive Government. Clr Chimombe insiders allege will fancy his changes because of his previous stint as mayor between 2008 and 2013. Clr Chimombe received a golden handshake of a Toyota Prado as an exit package. Contacted for comment, Clr Chivhoko said they are waiting for the party directive. Asked to comment on what he would do if chosen by the party for the position he said, "I will serve the people with dignity. Service delivery will be at the core of my rein." Clr Zvidzai said it is the citizens who will decide on the best individual to occupy the Gweru mayoral seat when the time comes. "It is not about the positions at the moment but the focus is on provisions of quality water, good roads and other services," she said. Clr Chimombe was not answering calls by the time of going to print. Gweru Residents and Ratepayer Association (GRRA) director, Mr Cornelius Selipiwe urged CCC to conduct internal interviews to determine who will become the mayor of Gweru. "CCC has to conduct interviews because I am advocating for the imposition of a candidate so that at the end of the day, we hold the party accountable. The challenge we might have is that those with money will end up winning even if they don't have the qualities to be the mayor. If the party has an internal process or interview, then residents will be able to blame the party," he said. Mr Selipiwe said it was unfortunate that the electorate just elected councilors because of a political party they belong to and not because of individual qualities. "The current crop or the elected councilors we have are kind of prone to manipulation because I know them and they are broke like me, so if they are allowed to vote, they will vote with their stomachs and that is why I want CCC to impose a candidate. We want a kind of a mayor who will work closely with residents and the technocrats at the townhouse for the development of the city," he said. City of Gweru spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee said the orientation date for the elected councilors hasn't been set yet. Newly Elected Ward 10 Councillor Admire Paradza Newly Elected Ward 7 Councillor Hlupeko Marufu Newly Elected Ward 12 Councillor Tadious Chimombe
The paper that digs deeper ADVERTORIAL 3 0
The paper that digs deeper ADVERTORIAL 4 The Sun 10 September 2023
The Sun 10 September 2023 The paper that digs deeper ADVERTORIAL 5.
The Sun 22 August 2023 The Sun 18 August 2023 SPEACIL EDITION The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 6. The Sun 10 September 2023 The Sun Twitter page @SunGweru website www.thesunnews.co.zw Facebook The SUN Newspaper Following the release of the new petroleum prices by ZERA effective on the 7th of September 2023 citizens and economic experts have said it will cause price hikes in basic commodities. Diesel rose from $1,65 to $1,76/ per liter while petrol rose from $1,61 to $1,65. The maximum price for diesel in Zimbabwean Dollars (ZWL) is 8160.44 per liter and petrol is 7648.14 per liter. ZERA released the news on its Website, Twitter and Facebook handles on 7 September where it read, ' Please be advised of the fuel prices for diesel and blend effective from 7 September 2023. The prices are for September based on M-1 and they will be effective up to 4 October 2023. The public and transport operators are advised that the blending ratio is at E20. Operators may all sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place as provided for by the fuel pricing regulations ZERA hikes fuel prices Stakeholders are advised that the petroleum price releases by ZERA can be verified on the official ZERA website, Facebook or Twitter handle. Gweru residents who spoke with The Sun said there is no valid reason for this and it is going to affect the prices of goods in shops. 'What is the reason for this it doesn't affect us who don't have cars, it's going to affect us because we will see price rise in basic commodities, said one resident Petronela Chamboko Motorists who operate the local routes said that the rise in fuel prices is going to affect how they charge their fares. 'After the increase in fuel prices, we are forced to increase the fares to meet so that we make returns on the money used to buy fuel', said one conductor for Mkoba Kombis Thabani Nkata. The price for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is pegged at $1.60/ ZWL7414.08 per kg in the other statement released by ZERA on its social media handles. Gweru magistrate Ms Beaulity Dube has further remanded Chirumanzu constituency losing CCC candidate Patrick Cheza (50) in custody to Tuesday next week for bail ruling. Cheza appeared before Ms Dube who was standing in for presiding magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe who was said to be away at Gweru magistrates court facing one count of inciting public violence. Ms Dube said while the defense noted that the eightday postponement of the matter was unreasonable, she could not deliver the bail ruling judgment since she was not privy to the case or contents of the record. "The defense had indicated that they wanted the bail ruling latest tomorrow but I have seen that the record has 218 handwritten pages, this court can't deliver the ruling on behalf of Mr Mahwe, it's left with no choice but to postpone the matter to a date when Mr Mahwe will be available. So the bail ruling is postponed to next week Tuesday," she said. The losing CCC candidate handed himself to the police in the company of his lawyer Mr Esau Mandipa of Mutatu and Mandipa Legal Practice following the arrest of his supporters CCC candidate in custody who assaulted Deputy Minister for Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi after her son Mr George Chengetai Rwodzi was involved in an accident with a vehicle belonging to the accused. Prosecutor Mr Taurai Mabuto told the court that on August 24, at around 1:20 PM, Cheza was driving along Charandura- Chaka dust road when he arrived at a road traffic accident involving his motor vehicle and the other vehicle that was being driven by Mr Chengetai Rwodzi. Upon arrival, Cheza allegedly shouted at the top of his voice at Dep Min Rwodzi demanding to know why she wanted to kill CCC supporters yet she had won the just-ended harmonized elections. Cheza who was allegedly in control of Master Chidyiwe, Elias Maduveko, Deligull Sinyemba, Courage Mugova, Tonderai Mangau, Tinashe Muzvondiwa, Lovemore Paridzira, Toga Chimhari, Chris Mutovani, Onsimo Gumbu and other nine persons shouted in vernacular language "ngaarohwe" meaning to say beat her. Cheza, the court heard, allegedly incited Chidyiwe, Maduveko, Sinyemba, Mugova, Mangau, Muzvondiwa, Paridzira, Chimbari, Mutovoni, Gumbu and nine other persons who charged the deputy Minister with iron bars, logs and knives. The accused who was at that moment visibly angry raised his right hand in a challenging manner to dep Minister Rwodzi and continued shouting at her that it was time for CCC members to discipline her since they had been troubled by Zanu -PF members for a long time Acting in common purpose, the court heard that Chidyiwe who was putting on a red T-shirt violently tripped the Deputy Minister with his right foot at the same time trying to stab her in the face with a knife. Whilst the complainant was lying on the ground and crying for help Maduveko, Sinyemba, Mugova, Mangau, Muzvondiwa, Paridzira, Chimbari, Mutovoni, Gumbu and the other 9 accused persons joined in and indiscriminately kicked her several times with booted feet all over her body back. The accused persons stopped attacking her when her security aide fired one shot into the air. Dep Minister Rwodzi sustained serious injuries and is currently admitted to a hospital where she is receiving treatment. The other accused are in custody facing public violence charges. Patrick Cheza
The Sun 10 September 2023 7. ADVERYORIAL The paper that digs deeper
The Sun 10 September 2023 8. ADVERTORIAL The paper that digs deeper
9 LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 10 September 2023 To advertise in The Sun Get in touch with our Marketing Dept on 0714 165 677 or 0542 229555 www.thesunnews.co.zw Tanyaradzwa Chigumbu ChatGPT, a groundbreaking chatbot and cutting-edge technology developed by Codeway, has been making waves in the tech world and beyond. This innovative chatbot has been transforming the way people communicate, interact, and access information in unprecedented ways. ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that uses natural 0 processing (NLP) to understand human queries. Its advanced algorithms allow it to learn from every conversation, making it smarter and more intuitive with each use. ChatGPT can answer questions, provide recommendations, and even engage in casual conversation with users, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. One of the most significant impacts of ChatGPT has been its role in enhancing accessibility and inclusion. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, ChatGPT has made it easier for people with disabilities to access information and engage in conversations online. The chatbot's ability to understand and respond to natural language has also made it easier for nonnative English speakers to communicate effectively in English. In addition to its accessibility benefits, ChatGPT has also had a major impact on the business world. The chatbot's ability to provide real-time customer support and personalized recommendations has helped companies improve customer satisfaction and increase sales. ChatGPT's data analytics capabilities have also enabled businesses to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences, allowing them to tailor their marketing strategies more effectively. ChatGPT has also been instrumental in advancing the field of machine learning and AI. Its sophisticated algorithms and advanced NLP capabilities have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of language processing and understanding. ChatGPT's success has inspired a new generation of AI researchers and developers to explore the possibilities of NLP and machine learning, paving the way for further innovation in the field. Overall, ChatGPT has had a profound impact on society and technology. Its userfriendly design, accessibility benefits, and business applications have made it a valuable tool for individuals and companies alike. Its advancements in AI and machine learning have also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the field, inspiring new innovations and breakthroughs. As ChatGPT continues to evolve and improve, it is clear that its impact will only continue to grow in the years to come.
The Sun 10 September 2023 10. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper www.thesunnews.co.zw Staff Reporter A Gweru businessman, Dr Victor Wasara recently donated groceries to Batanai Old People's Home in Senga as part of his company's corporate social responsibility. Trevor Dollar also pledged to repair the fence at the old people's home and to host a breakfast in the coming days with colleagues from the Lions Club. Groceries donated are worth hundreds of dollars, and include sugar, rice, mealie meal, refreshment drinks, soap, cooking oil, Colgate, biscuits Speaking during the handover ceremony, Trevor Dollar Director, Dr Wasara said the donation is part of the company's social responsibilities and urged other corporates not to abandon the elderly. Batanayi relies on donor funding for its operations. "We wish to be partners with meaningful impact at CITY OF GWERU REGIONAL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT (CHAPTER 29.12) NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF USE IN TERMS OF SECTION 2663) OF THE ACT Notice is hereby given of an application to carry out the following development on Stand 2053 Gwelo Township, Dodger Grey Street, Northlea,Gweru. It is proposed to establish a Bed and Breakfast on the above mentioned property. Stand 2053 Gwelo Township is in the Low Density Residential Zone in terms of the operative Gwelo Municipal Town Planning Scheme wherein the establishment of a Bed and Breakfast may be permitted through the Special Consent of the Local Authority. The application plans and any special conditions which the Local Planning Authority is likely to impose, in the event that this application being favourably considered may be inspected in the City Planning and Development Control Section during normal office hours. Any person wishing to make objections or representations relating to the application must lodge them with the undersigned within one month of the date of the first insertion of this notice. The Acting Town Clerk City of Gweru P.O. Box 278 Gweru 2nd Advert Batanai. We heard there are elderly people at the institution and we bought groceries to last them at least a month. We will bring more donations on top of what we have today. We are part of the community and it's our responsibility to assist," said Mr Wasara. Batanai Old People's Home board matron, Mrs Catherine Chirayi said the donation came in handy for the institution. "We had been praying for such items to assist our elderly and they have been responded to just in time of need. We were lacking food and the groceries are very much appreciated," she said. Driven by a passion for serving and improving livelihoods, and a love for others; this is not the first time Dr Wasara has engaged in charity. Victor, as many call him, has done voluntary work, including drilling boreholes, giving food to the needy, and working as a Gideon distributing Bibles in Chiwundura. Selfless serving is not new to him as he has also been a founding Chair of the St. Tabeth Orphanage in Gokwe which has seen rapid development through his resourcefulness. Dr Wasara has been on the Mayor's Cheer Fund Board of Trustees as treasurer where they carried out a number of voluntary projects around the city and has previously worked with City of Gweru Mayors and council in the past years. "I have a passion to serve the community. I have been in the Mayor's Cheer Fund for the past ten 10 years as its treasurer. I have worked with mayors and the councillors for long so I have a good idea of the needs of the people of Gweru," he said in an interview conducted with him earlier this year. The business mogul is also associated with the Zimbabwe Prisons Correction Services (ZPCS) where he works as a Chaplain and is not a man of words only but he has proved it through actions as he goes out to reach those in need. He is one of the board members of the Midlands Aids Service Organisation (MASO) where he serves as a chairperson. Gweru businessman, Dr Victor Wasara (in the middle) with some of the beneficiaries of Old People’s home
The Sun 10 September 2023 The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 11. CITY OF GWERU REGIONAL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT (CHAPTER 29.12) NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF USE IN TERMS OF SECTION 2663) OF THE ACT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in terms of Section 40(3) of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) that an application to carry out the following has been lodged with the undersigned. It is proposed to subdivide Lot 29 of New Christmas Gift to establish a mixed use Residential Urban Development Scheme with a total of 2808 stands. The details of the proposed development are tabulated below. PROPOSEDUSE NUMBER OF STANDS AREA COVERED Residential Medium Density Residential (400-600m2 ) 2 314 1 129 260 Villas 217 97 004 Cluster Housing 11 274 359 Flats/Apartments 4 56 743 Commercial Suburban Commercial Retail Shops 89 64 706 Petrol Filling Station 4 12 356 Hotel 1 20 803 Lodge 1 9 150 Events Centre 1 52 146 Institutional Secondary School 1 112 519 Primary School 3 108 589 Hospitals 2 24 300 Churches 4 10 811 Creches 4 11 350 Clinic 1 6 016 Community Hall 1 2 980 Youth Centre 1 6 508 Police Post 1 2 805 Mixed Use (Economic Corridor) Mixed Use Businesses 145 322 919 Open Space and Recreation Active Open Space 1 5 403 Passive Open Space 70 432 Sports Club 1 40 022 Bio Digester 1 12 557 TOTAL 2808 Lot 29 of New Christmas Gift falls in the Medium Density Residential & Rural Land Zones in terms of the operative City of Gweru Master Plan. The establishment of the mixed use residential development on the abovementioned stand requires the Special Consent of the Local Authority. The application and plan may be inspected in the City Planning and Development Control Section of Engineering Services Department, Gweru City Council Offices during normal working office hours. Any person wishing to make objections or representations relating to the application must lodge them with the undersigned within one month of the date of the first insertion of this notice. The Acting Town Clerk City of Gweru P.O. Box 278 Gweru 1st Advert
12. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 10 September 2023 KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR Clr Girley Manka Zvidzai - Ward 3 Clr Norest Dzivakwe - Ward 15 Clr Siphiwe Kundiona - Proportional Representation Clr Phillemon Mawere - Ward 16 Clr William Mazango - Ward 18 Clr Ronah Masocha - Proportional Representation Clr Mirriam Magaya - Proportional Representation Clr Aaron Muvhana - Ward 5 2023 PICTURES BY TUNGAMIRAI MASHANDURE
14. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 10 September 2023 KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR Clr Sibongile Chakauya - Proportional Representation Clr Kumbirayi Rutsvara - Ward 11 Clr Fortunate Mlambo - Proportional Representation Clr Hlupeko Marufu - Ward 7 Clr Jackous Manyanga - Ward 8 Clr Mercy Mangwanya - Ward 1 Clr Tadious Chimombe - Ward 12 Clr Augustine Mutusva - Ward 13 2023 PICTURES BY TUNGAMIRAI MASHANDURE
14. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR The Sun 10 September 2023 Clr Munyaradzi Chikwira - Ward 17 Clr Danny Ndaba - Ward 14 Clr Nyaradzo Madzikura - Ward 9 Clr Lovemore Choto - Ward 6 Clr Martin Chivhoko - Ward 4 Clr Rutendo Chuma - Ward 2 Clr Admire Paradza - Ward 10 PICTURES BY TUNGAMIRAI MASHANDURE 2023
15. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 10 September 2023 Nkosiyethu Ncube Midlands's multi-award-winning visual artist Keith Zenda is in South Korea showcasing at the African Contemporary Art Exhibition which commenced on the 25th of August and will run until the 10th of September. Keith who developed his artistry at the age of six has been consistently producing artworks that tell a story about Africa. Zenda's rural background is his source of inspiration, hence he is working on giving back to the rural community by building an Art Centre in Lower Gweru Makepesi business center, a move aimed at promoting art in the remote parts of the nation. "We hosted the Climate Change art competition graced by the Honorable Ambassador of Australia and other art workshops with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, local and international artists, mentorship programs with the grassroots artist," Zenda informed this reporter. The award-winning has sold his artwork to both local and international art collectors and is famous for his artworks like "hari yaputsika(The Broken Pot), The Drum Beat, The Prey,Beetles and The Feud just to name a few. Currently, Zenda is at Sang Myung University Future Centennial Hall in Seoul, South Korea for the African Contemporary Art Exhibition where he will award art lovers an opportunity to witness him do some live painting. Ecstatic Zenda expressed exultation for his participation in the exhibition. "I really feel honored to represent at the first ever African Contemporary Art Exhibition in Asia, not only Zimbabwe but Africa as a whole and getting so much respect and recognition," said Zenda "It's not something I expected to be getting recognized as a renowned visual artist," he added Zenda's art was well received and accosted at the Visual artist represents Zim in South Korea exhibition. "The opening went well with a great number of people in attendance, my art was celebrated in an outstanding way and some of the artwork was sold on the day of the opening," he said Such exhibitions are key to the cultural exchange and they promote cultural tourism. "I am connecting with some South Korean artists whom I will invite to Zimbabwe to do a workshop and exhibition," Keith said. Zenda further went on to give words of encouragement to upcoming artists. "I want to say to other upcoming artists just keep on working hard, more practice and persistence you will go far," said Keith. He went on to urge Zimbabweans to support and promote visual arts. "Zimbabwean people, the government, the leaders and the business people have to support and promote visual art because visual arts plays an important role in building the economy and also in bringing tourism," added Zenda Keith shared with this reporter the importance of buying and collecting artwork so as to preserve Zimbabwean art for future generations. "Art is a way of recording our history but now art is been bought by foreigners, its been taken out of Zimbabwe to other countries and it will be difficult for us to buy those artworks back when they are more valuable," Zenda said Two brothers die in mine shaft Grace Nicole Amana All is not well for the Zondo family in Mberengwa after the tragic passing of the two brothers who suffocated in a shaft at Peak Mine. Thamsanqa Zondo (30) and his brother Dumisani Zondo (23) both of Village Madumezwe under Chief Mapiravana were retrieved from a mine shaft at Peak Mine in Mberengwa on the 5th of September 2023 at around 0001 hours. The incident was confirmed by Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko. Circumstances into the matter are that Thamsanga and Dumisani and Cornelius Hove (23) a male counterpart were on duty at the mine. It is alleged that Thamsanqa Zondo was lowered into a 40-metre mine shaft and upon reaching the underground, he shouted for help. Cornelius Hove was then lowered into the mine shaft to investigate what had happened, but before he reached underground he experienced difficulty in breathing and he signaled to be uplifted back to the surface. Later in the night Dumisani Zondo decided to enter into the mine shaft to rescue his brother but failed to return back to the surface. Cornelius Hove went on to alert other miners who formed a rescue team and retrieved the two bodies from the shaft. A report was made to the police and investigations are underway. Inspector Mahoko encouraged members of the public with interests in mining to approach the Ministry of Mines and guidance on safety equipment and legal requirements necessary for human safety. Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko www.thesunnews.co.zw
The Sun 10 September 2023 www.thesunnews.co.zw Paul Pogba reveals he considered retiring from football last year Paul Pogba has admitted he considered retiring from football amid the alleged extortion plot against him and his family in 2022. The Juventus midfielder’s brother, Mathias, was charged and detained for three months by the French authorities for trying to extort £11 million from the star. Mathias published a video online accusing Paul of placing a curse on Kylian Mbappe via a “so-called Muslim deep in witchcraft” practice. In an interview with Al Jazeera’s Generation Sport, Pogba admitted that the saga impacted him, and he considered retiring from football. He said: “Money changes people. … It can break up a family. It can create a war. “Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore. “I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me – not for the fame, not for the money.’ Sometimes it’s tough.” Pogba also struggled with injuries and missed almost the entire 2022-23 campaign, having returned to Juventus for a second spell following the expiration of his contract at Manchester United. ZIFA NC sets dates for Warriors coaching job interviews The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee has set the dates for the interviews for the Warriors coaching job. The NC advertised the vacancy last month and over a hundred coaches from around the world applied for the job. The list has now been shortened to just ten candidates, who are expected to be interviewed this week. The ZIFA NC expects to finish the recruitment process in the following week before announcing the new coach, possibly, ahead of the CHAN Qualifiers which start on 22 September. The Mighty Warriors and all junior national team coaching job interviews will also be done this week. A technical committee, appointed by the NC, is in charge of the recruitment process of all the coaches. Neymar takes swipe at French Ligue 1 Neymar has claimed that the Saudi Arabia topflight might be better than the French Ligue 1. The Brazilian star joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal last month after leaving French giants PSG but hasn’t yet played for his new club. He spent six seasons at PSG, but struggled with injuries in a majority of those seasons. During a press conference with the Brazil national team, Neymar was asked how the quality differs between Ligue 1 and the Saudi Pro League. The forward responded by taking a swipe at his previous league. He said: “I guarantee you the football is the same. The ball is round, there are goals. And with all the names in the Saudi League today, it might be better than the French league. “I want to win titles for Al Hilal, my head won’t change much. Everyone said the same when I went to France (about competitiveness), and it was the place I was hit the most in my life.” Neymar’s most-recent match for Brazil was the World Cup quarterfinal loss to Croatia. He left Qatar with doubts about his future in the national team and did not play the Selecao’s first three games this year. Now Neymar’s doubts seem to be over. “After a lot of pressure from family and friends (to return to the national team) you start giving value to everything you did,” Neymar said. “When you are with your people, your family, they put you in your place and make you see it is worth to continue being happy by wearing Brazil’s shirt.”