Zimbabwe Striker Tino Kadewere Threatens Female Journalist During Training Session

By Pamela Kapekele On September 9, Zimbabwean footballer Tino Kadewere verbally assaulted and threatened journalist Yvonne Mangunda during a media training session in Johannesburg. The incident took place at Orlando Stadium, where the Zimbabwe national soccer team was preparing for their World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. Kadewere, 29, who plays for Greek side Aris Saloniki, became enraged over a social media post in which Mangunda had criticised his recent performances for the national team. Witnesses say the forward angrily gestured at Mangunda from a distance before approaching her, encouraged by teammates including Knowledge Musona. He allegedly poked her in the chest several times while hurling insults and threatening to beat her. Zimbabwean football administrator Sharif Musa, ZIFA official Kudzai Chitima, and national team manager Clement Matawu later mediated a discussion between the two, after which Kadewere apologised to Mangunda. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of female journalists covering football in the region, with calls for stronger accountability measures from both ZIFA and the Confederation of African Football.