MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY- ....Finally, The Toure brothers lift Afcon title.

The sight of Ghana forward Abedi “Dede”Ayew bawling like a baby at the end of the 2015 Afcon tournament final was heartrending but such is the nature of the sport that the great Brazilian Pele once described as ‘the beautiful game.’

Football can be beautiful but it can be cruel too, and very cruel for that matter.

Imagine the different feelings that were at play among both sets of players when the Ghanaians were two up during the penalty shoot-out.

We all saw how even the usually unexcitable Avram Grant pumped his fist in the air when it seemed like Ghana were on their way to lifting the title.

But alas, after a couple of misses the tide swiftly turned and the Ivorians, who had appeared downcast after falling behind, had the last laugh at the end of the day.

And while everyone with a heart felt sorry for Dede, those who have followed the African game in the last decade could not help but feel happy for the Ivorians, especially the Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya.

Kolo Toure

The Elephants have over the years earned themselves a reputation for choking when it mattered most for the way they always flattered only to deceive despite the massive talent in their ranks.

Sunday’s victory should therefore be an example to all of us how is pays to persevere.

A lot of people, myself included, had long dismissed the Toure brothers as Afcon failures after they alongside their equally talented teammates that include the legendary Didier Drogba, Aruna Kone, Didier Zokora, Bacary Kone and Aruna Dindane had since 2006 been faltering when it mattered most. 

But like we have always been told that it does not matter how many times you fall but what matters is the ability to pick oneself up and forge ahead, the Toure brothers soldiered on and finally struck gold in Equatorial Guinea.

Kolo and Yaya, who turn out for Liverpool and Manchester City respectively in England, could have easily quit international football and concentrated on their highly paying careers at club level after experiencing heartbreak with their national team but they hung in there and their resilience has paid off.

Ivory Coast skipper Yaya Toure hoists aloft the Afcon trophy

The experience of the Toure brothers can serve as an example for the heartbroken and disappointed Dede Ayew and this is the advice that Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard told journalists during his post match interview that he had imparted on the Marseille star.

The thing about penalties is that the losing team will feel a lot of pain.

It is never nice to lose a match on penalties but Dede should not lose heart and instead realise that penalties are like a lottery and luck was not on their side on Sunday.

Ghana played very well throughout the tournament and since their squad is dominated by youngsters; their time to lift the trophy may come in forthcoming editions.

As the son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele, Dede may be under pressure to surpass the exploits of his father but time is still on his side and he and his team mates should take heart because they are still young and they will compete for the Afcon and World Cup titles in the coming years.

Andre 'Dede' Ayew takes instruction from Ghana coach Avram Grant

So I feel that the Toure brothers are a great example of never giving up.

They finally won the Afcon title after losing it six times, yes guys six times.

And to cap it all Manchester City talisman Yaya led his team to victory as the team’s captain.

Never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard you fall, pick yourself up and try again.

Take failure as God’s way of saying not now my child, later, or this is not part of the great plans I have you

Go out there and do your Best and God will handle the Rest for you.

God Is Love

Emma
(pics courtesy online)

FULL HOUSE(S) AT QINISO PREMIERE

If I were to be asked to describe the premiere of Lenni Mdawini's movie Qiniso that premiered at Rainbow Cinema in one word I would say it was HOT.

The Ndebele word Qiniso means truth in English and so in the spirit of the movie’s theme I will tell nothing but the TRUTH in this review of the premiere which took place on Saturday night.

Raisedon Baya and Priscilla Sithole

With Awande Mpofu

The HOT people of Bulawayo came in their numbers and were dressed to the nines.

I came into an already packed foyer when I made my way into the cinema complex just after six o’clock.

And it was HOT, literally speaking.

The air conditioning system must have been out of order and in a matter of minutes I was already sweating like I was in a sauna.

I quickly spotted the refreshment area and made a beeline for it but upon getting there I was told the drinks were for VIPs only.

I wasn’t on the VIP list and neither had I bought a VIP ticket but I was not going to walk away without getting some refreshment.

So I told the girl who was manning the refreshment area that I am the HOTTEST blogger in Bulawayo and that qualified me to be a VIP.

I don’t know if she was a good sport or she was just not in the mood for a hot and flustered blogger making a scene but she sportingly played along and after some banter I left with a glass of juice in my hand.

And on my way back to my hubby – who was my cameraman for the day by the way – I grabbed a Lalani Lodge flyer that I used to fan myself as we waited for proceedings to get underway.

Red carpet moment with hubby

The poster had said the premiere would start at 6 pm but we only made our way into the City 3 cinema after more than an hour and a half later.

Technical glitches inside the cinema saw another half an hour going by with proceedings only getting underway around 8 pm.

They say the early bird catches the early worm and those who were quick to make their way into the cinema – including me of course – got seats while hordes of other premiere goers found their selves standing.

                                                                                                                And the situation was further compounded by the fact that there were technical problems with the projector and the attempt by the organisers to provide some entertainment to keep the crowd occupied fell flat until they brought in comedian Ntando van Moyo – The General (he was the MC at my wedding by the way).     

Nowhere to sit.....

The Master of Ceremony for the night was Donna Ncube, a well spoken young lady who did her best to contain the crowd.

Donna

Remember how it was back in the day at the cinema, whereby you would have that one or two individuals who would make or pass funny comments? 

This was no exception, but mostly it was all fun and harmless jokes aimed at Donna.

Everyone was so eager for the movie to start and at some point before Ntando came to the rescue, a section of the crowd started chanting movie! movie!..... and this while some entertainers were going through their act.

I won’t mention their names – lest I kill their vibe kkkkk.

Ntando van Moyo - The General to the rescue

A trailer of another Lenni Mdawini flick entitled Jane the ghost preceded Qiniso the movie. Yes that is right, Jane the Ghost.

And if you grew up in Bulawayo then you know pretty well the tales of this ghost. This trailer brought back memories in my mind, the days of Jane the Ghost were days when most people were still home and life was all sweet, before our people left in droves for other countries.

After the eight minutes long trailer, Qiniso the movie then started rolling.

We find a female journalist (played by Bokani Nleya), who has been assigned by her no nonsense boss (played by Gilmore Tee) to investigate the death of a top Bulawayo lawyer who was murdered by someone close to him.

This is what happens when the cameraman is your husband...

The story is told in flashbacks by the journalist who first discusses it with her boss and then narrates it to a colleague and then tells it to the taxi driver who ferries her around the city as she battles with work and relationship issues.

In the story, the lawyer, Nkosana Dube, is found murdered with two ladies, his wife and her cousin being the prime suspects.

 The two ladies and Dube’s brother give their versions of what transpired and this ends up making the story very intriguing as we now have more than one version of the TRUTH but as one tries to work out who is telling IQINISO and who is lying, a spirit medium and the detective working the case weigh in with their own versions of what could have happened.

So for those of you who watch the SABC 2 soapie Muvhango you will agree with me on that the spirit medium reminded us of the great healer of Thathe, Mulimisi, kkkkkk.

This medium had the whole house roaring with laughter, am not sure what he was on about but he was speaking in some weird language kkkkkk.

 So now the medium also comes up with his own theory of events of the day Nkosana Dube was murdered. This was were the movie won me over because when the journalist was narrating the story to the taxi driver I was like yeah yeah now I know who killed Nkosana Dube between the two cousins named Zanele and Nanetti,  Nanetti being Nkosana “s wife.

But I won’t spoil the movie by telling you all about it. 

Well, my opinion of the movie is that it is a very great and promising start considering that this is our first movie in Bulawayo and I say Kudos guys.

Great acting skills from Lady Tshawe, who played the character of Zanele. She will go places if she keeps at it. (A lil' bit of vicks would have done the trick on the crying scenes though).

Now the picture quality was a bit poor, am sure that next time that is something that can be improved.

My biggest worry was that the sound was not aligned to the movements of the lips. It was more like that of the Telemundo channel, and those that watch Telemundo know what I am on about.

I also think that the use of sub-titles would have been welcome if the movie is to reach a wider audience.

 Other than that there is nothing I can take away from this movie, I personally believe that if they were working on a bigger budget it could have been a 9 out of 10 for me. But all the same I give it an 8 out 10, and a lot of people I spoke with seemed to have had the same sentiments as I.

So to the writer and director Lenni Mdawini and to all the actors and actresses this is only the beginning, this was a teaser of what you guys are capable of doing with the right financial aid and  proper  equipment.

You may have felt a bit HOT under the collar when things where not moving on Saturday but please do not throw in the towel; keep pushing because the talent is there hey!

All you need is people to see the potential and invest in our film industry.

Journalist Letwin Nyambayo, right, and Tarisai Madenga 

And l would love to say Oh Beautiful Kings and Queens what a turn out, you came in your numbers to show support to this movie. May it not stop here but let us continue to support our brothers and sisters.

It was wonderful seeing UMTHWAKAZI OMUHLE coming out in a full show of support and l couldn’t help but smile and say ‘this is my city and I am amongst my people tonight.’

#RISEBULAWAYO!!!!!!!

God Is Love

FASHION FRIDAY - HANDBAGS

A lovely handbag can turn your look from drab to fab in a matter of minutes. Be it bright colours or subtle colours, handbags are a great way to accessorise your outfit.

 These babies come in all shapes and sizes, but while the right handbag can transform u into a glamorous IT GIRL in a flash, a wrong handbag can easily ruin your look. You know what I mean right? OK, like carrying a bag that is meant to be worn with casual outfits and then you take it and decide to rock it with a formal outfit or vice versa, that is a NO, NO, NO.

Personally I love handbags hey, but my love for shoes is beyond. I do buy bags but I get bored easily and if I carry a bag three or four times, that’s it. I feel like I have had it for years then its like on to the next one. 

Recently saw a clutch bag on the Style network that is designed like a novel, yes like a novel, then the inside it has built in mirrors. That is a great way to make people not chat you up when you travelling, just open your fake novel handbag and pretend to be reading kkkkk.

If I saw this clutch bag in a shop I would totally buy it, but we haven’t been blessed with it yet, so I will patiently wait for it. But while we wait for it to hit the African shops we will make do with what we have hey.

 You know you have that handbag that is the flavour of the month right? Like THE handbag that when you carry you feel like you carrying a million bucks?

Well my current flavour of the moment is this brown baby. Bought this handbag in South Africa, was at Sandton mall minding my own business, and there it was at a shop window.

And I promise you guys it was love at first sight, she was calling my name begging me to take her home with me. And of course I had not budgeted to buy her, but what could I do? It was love, so I ended up buying her instead of the groceries I had intended to buy, much to the dismay of my mum.

She is a beauty but Lord have mercy about the inside kkkkk, don’t judge yall I know I am not the only one who has the inside of her bag looking like a hot mess. Got my hand-lotion, my small wallet, and yes every mom will agree with me, it’s now a habit to carry baby wipes with me everywhere I go.. Just realised how badly I need to clean the inside of this baby of mine.

The white one is my second favourite bag, yes that is art work done by my princess, and no I did not get mad when I saw this priceless artwork, I have the option of cleaning it with a wet cloth but I won’t. This is my favourite because every time I carry it, I feel like my angel is right besides me. So now even when she is not with me, I just look at this bag and I am consoled...

Ok ladies comment with a picture of your favourite handbag and the inside too, don’t be shy now kkkk

Till the next Fashion Friday, stay fabulous!!!!

God Is Love

Emma

MODERN WOMAN

                                                           

Mary Sibanda (32) has been married to Brian Ndlovu for the past 12 years and they have two daughters. Mary is a house-wife and often feels inferior when she goes out with her working class girlfriends.

But instead of just wallowing in her insecurities and resigning herself to a life of forever wilting like a flower in the September heat when in the company of her friends, Mary has now decided to go back to school and better herself.

She is now attending night school and is preparing to re-write all the subjects that she did not pass when she sat for her O’Level examinations back in secondary school.

And ever since she went back to school her daughters’ school work has greatly improved as she is now able to assist with their school work.

As a young girl, Mary’s aspirations revolved around growing up and getting married and settling down to raise her kids just like her mother had done with her and her siblings.

Her wishes did come through as by the time she turned 20 she got married and two lovely baby girls followed soon after that.

 But while her mother could afford to be a stay at home mom while her father provided for the family, the reality is that in Mary and Brian’s case their finances never seem to balance.

By going back to school it is clear that it has since dawned on Mary that during these days of financial uncertainty there is more to life than getting married and having babies as a family can find it hard to make ends meet with just one salary.

SO! like, our mothers and grandmothers grew up at a time where all you had to do was go to school, learn how to cook and clean the house. And if you were blessed enough to get someone to ask for your hand in marriage then you were the envy of the other girls. Well that time has come and gone, we thank the good Lord for that, no disrespect to our mothers but times have changed, the modern woman to me is no longer the same woman she was during their time.

Women nowadays have to master the art of multi-tasking to survive in a man’s world. We should strive to be better than our mothers, to be more accomplished and avoid all the wrong turns that they took, follow in their footsteps but at the same time make them finer prints.

 And I am so happy because this year I have seen a lot of ladies getting JOBS, going back to school and getting their careers in order. In my own suburb I know quite a number of  ladies who went back to school and passed their O’Levels and now they are at colleges and doing great.

What I have noticed is that this pursuit of a better life and a career has brought us ladies together, helping each other out with school work and life problems in general.  That sisterhood whereby there isn’t no time for gossiping, people are busy helping each other out with getting their act together. Remember those days when our moms would wake up early to sweep the yard and while they were at it they would find some time to exchange the latest township gossip? Well those days are long gone (thank God for that).

I recently saw a quote by the director of Google Eric Schmidt that says; ”find a way to say yes to things, say yes to invitations, to meet new friends”.

Schmidt says it’s how you get a new job, or even your spouse. This is very true child! Please don’t complain about men shortage when you always cooped up in your house. Surround yourself with strong, successful women and believe me they will push you to do something great about your life.

The pull her down syndrome should not exist in your world. If you see someone succeeding do not hate but look closely and try to see what they are doing right and aspire to be better yourself.

 An idle mind is the devil’s workshop and sociology tells us that the environment that we grew up in shaped who we are today.

So pause and ask yourself what kind of example are you setting for your kids and those of close family and friends?

 You might not know it but there probably is a girl who looks up to you, who is watching your every move and copying what you doing. Think about it, growing up was there no girl whom you looked up to and admired from a distance? Be it because of the way she dressed or the way she walked or the way she carried herself?

We need more girls who run the world, girls who will grow up to be leaders and wonderful wives and mums.

I would like to believe that the modern man does not want to marry a wife to whom getting married is the pinnacle of her aspirations.

As a result I always tell any young girl who cares to listen that they should excel in their studies as that will provide the springboard for them to excel in life.

 Education is EVERYTHING!!! And no-one can take that away from you.

So ladies, wake up every morning with an attitude to do better than yesterday, and strive to be an even greater person tomorrow.

And remember ladies, its 20-FIX-IT!!!! Go ahead and fix it ladies don’t get left behind; come December we will reflect and say 20-FIXED!!!!

God Is Love

Emma

(pic courtesy online)

All set for Qiniso Premiere

THE stage is set for the premiere of Bulawayo’s first full length movie entitled Qiniso to be held at the Bulawayo Centre on Saturday evening.

A lot of interest has been generated about the flick with social media platforms awash with excitement from Bulawayans and who can blame the city of Kings and Queens’ citizens for taking pride in one of their own.   

We have become a city that revels in South African productions as if we are a province of South Africa and it is refreshing to see people rallying behind a local production for a change.

Lenni Mdawini

This is a movie written and directed by Bulawayo’s very own Lenni Mdawini (can somebody give it up for Pumula East) who says his motivation is to tell the story from his region, country and continent.

“I dream of creating an original film industry in Zimbabwe. Sacrifices have to be made and I am prepared,” Mdawini said.

He added: “I started dreaming of making films with my friend Melusi Mnkandla when I was in Form Five. Qiniso was written early last year and the script only took three days to finish. It is my show of respect to Akira Kurosawa who made Rashomon in the early 50s.”

Oh by the way! I went to school with Lenni at Ingwegwe Primary and I feel I should identify him by his proper name which is Learnmore Sibanda so that our peers can recognise him and also claim to have rubbed shoulders with him in his formative years like I just did kkkkkk.

 I am soooo glad another one from the class of 2001 (footballers Peter ‘Rio’ Moyo and Thabani ‘Mickey Dread’ Kamusoko where also in our stream) is putting my township and my city on the map.

And I hope and pray that Qiniso the movie will be a runaway success and be an example to my fellow Bulawayans that dreams can come true.

This can only be possible with overwhelming support from the citizenry of the city of Kings and Queens so let us turn out in our numbers for the launch and recreate those red carpet moments that we always marvel at on international television.

The stars in this film include NAMA nominee Philani A Nyoni, poet and actress Lady Tshawe, Gilmore Tee, Thorne from the hip – hop group KLAP, gospel musician and actor Hanne Nkalanga and fashion designer Annie Maliki.

So make your way to Bulawayo Centre this Saturday for a night filled with lights, camera, red carpet moments and cocktails!!!

Do not miss out.

Let us create our own stars Bulawayo.

God Is Love

Emma

Motivational Monday

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

                                                               Jackie MGIDO

So on 31 January Vault Cosmetics launched in Bulawayo and I got the chance to do a brief one on one interview with the lovely Jackie Mgido so she could tell me more about her dream and how the journey has been.

 Oh my dear Lord this was a big deal for me. I am a big advocate for women going out there and achieving their dreams and excelling.  I must admit however, that being in the presence of an internationally acclaimed make – up artist made me nervous but the fact that she was very humble and down to earth eased my nervousness away kkkk.

And this is how it went:

Q. Who is Jackie Mgido?

A. Jackie is a simple Zimbabwean woman, who had a dream and decided to do make up for us by one of us.

Q. Ok, so why make up. Why not shoes, or handbags?

A. Well growing up I had a lot of insecurities, there were a lot of things I didn’t like with the way I looked so I thought I could correct it with make-up.

Q. So Jackie you started your make-up way back when make-up was frowned upon, did that have a negative impact on your dream?

A. Not exactly, my father also was not a big fan of me applying make-up, but I was so good with it that I would put it and he would not even notice that I was wearing any. That motivated me even more to pursue my dream

Q. How do you manage to be this humble when you have worked with big stars such as Jamie Foxx and John Legend?

A. ....(chuckles) well  there is no other way, I don’t know no other way, kkkk I mean  I have always been grateful, and I feel like if you grateful and God has given you something there is only one other way to be and that is being grateful.

I felt so motivated after my chat with Jackie and I hope you will feel the same after reading this.

And guys, there is no reason for you not to go after your dreams.

Our biggest fear is that it has never been done, what if I fail? What if it all goes wrong? Well what if it all goes so right and you achieve your wildest dream?

Take this simple Zimbabwean lady who had a dream and despite all the challenges, she went after her dreams and today she is the face and brains behind the Vault Cosmetics brand.

Go ahead yall and do your thing and while you at it don’t forget to walk into a Truworths Store and get VAULTED!!!!!!

God Is Love

Emma

Bosso held in not so friendly encounter

By Sakheleni Nxumalo

Highlanders.....(0) 1

Chapungu........(1) 1

THE use of excessive force in what was supposed to be a friendly encounter by Chapungu United players against their Highlanders counterparts nearly spoilt this pre-season encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Even Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino was not impressed by his charges’ conduct during the drawn encounter in which Tongai Magwendere was on target for the visitors while Highlanders got their goal from Ozias Zibande.

“Basically I am very happy with my team’s performance considering that it’s almost a new team but I am not happy with the kind of behaviour that my players expressed on the field of play.

“It’s not good to get two red cards in a single match and that’s one area that I think I have to work on, the discipline part,” Nyikadzino told journalists in his post match interview.

The airmen were so physical in their approach and it was no surprise when they finished the match two men short.

Overzealous defender Smart Muchabaiwa was shown a straight red card by referee Philan Ncube for a violent tackle on Arnold Ndiweni in the first half while Hillary Mugoniwa was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in added time.

Ndiweni had to be stretchered off the field of play and Knox Mutizwa came in as his replacement.

Chapungu were first to find the target on the half hour mark when Magwendere scored from close range off a Mugoniwa corner kick.

The set piece came about after former How Mine linkman Edmore Muzanenhamo failed to clear his lines and was dispossessed by Chapungu forward Gift Phiri who charged at goal before letting loose an effort that Highlanders keeper Ariel Sibanda punched out of play.

Highlanders could have gone to the break on level terms but teenage striker Thomas Chideu failed to convert from the penalty spot after Magwendere had handled a Julius Daudi free kick inside the Chapungu penalty box.

The young striker hit his effort hard and low but Chapungu keeper Stephen Roy Mazingi dived to his left and palmed the ball away for a corner which Highlanders failed to utilise.

And with a minute to go before half-time, Mazingi again denied Chideu when he rushed off his line to clear a dangerous looking through ball that the youngster was chasing with the Chapungu defence in sixes and sevens.

After the break Zibande came in for Mlungisi Ncube and he went on to draw Highlanders level on 72 minutes when he struck from a few metres out off a Mutizwa corner kick that prior to the goal forced Chapungu keeper Mazingi into a couple of top drawer saves to deny Bruce Kangwa and Chideu.

Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.

“It’s a positive work in progress. We got good players in there but we also have got young players in there,” Mafu said.

“We have a positive future I think. There is a lot to correct but I am happy and I think its something that we can shape and get ready for competition.”

The Highlanders coach said he was looking forward to the return from injury of seasoned players that include Eric Mudzingwa and Welcome Ndiweni to guide their less experienced team mates.

Bosso is not lacking in experience though as they managed to retain quite a number of their seasoned players who include first choice keeper Sibanda, defenders Felix Chindungwe, Innocent Mapuranga, Webster Chingodza and Bruce Kangwa – who has since been pushed further up field to play as a left – link, midfielders Simon Munawa, Valentine Ndaba and Rahman Kutsanzira.

Teams:

Highlanders

Ariel Sibanda, Marshall Machazane, Julius Daudi, Felix Chindungwe (Douglas Sibanda 68), Lindelani Ncube, Simon Munawa, Edmore Muzanenhamo (Tendai Ngulube 68), Arnold Ndiweni (Knox Mutizwa 39), Bruce Kangwa (Godfrey Makaruse 80), Thomas Chideu (Ashton Mhlanga 80) and Mlungisi Ncube (Ozias Zibande 46).

Chapungu

Stephen Roy Mazingi, Smart Muchabaiwa, Hillary Mugoniwa, Moenda Muchingami, Blessing Zabula, Marvelous Dikinya (Maxwell Mavhuto 80), Lawrence Mapuya (Ranganai Sibanda 89), Gift Phiri (Nhlanhla Ncube 61), Rodwell Mhlanga (Abton Chekai 80), Tongai Magwendere, and Tendai Mukambi.