Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Highlanders and Zimbabwe midfield maestro Honour Gombami says he was “over the moon” after Belgian First Division side Cercle Brugge paid tribute to him and fellow countryman Vusa “Sgcebhe” Nyoni in a special ceremony before a packed stadium.
The two Bosso and Warriors legends were paraded at the centre of the pitch before Cercle Brugge’s league match against Kortrijk on May 3, a symbolic honour recognising their contributions to the club during their playing days.
Nyoni, like Gombami, also starred for the Belgian side during his European stint.
“It was a great honour being invited to the centre of the pitch and introduced to the home fans. It was an acknowledgement of our contribution to the club,” Gombami told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“The atmosphere and the raucous applause from the terraces, it was something else.”
Unfortunately for the home crowd, it wasn’t a fairy tale result on the night, as Cercle Brugge were beaten 2–0 before a capacity 29 000-strong crowd. The loss complicated their push for a second place finish, with just two games remaining in the season.
Gombami enjoyed three impressive seasons at Cercle Brugge before a serious injury cut short his European adventure. He eventually hung up his boots in 2012 after failing to recover fully.
A product of Bulawayo’s vibrant junior football scene, Gombami rose through Division Two sides before joining Highlanders, where he quickly emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation, playing alongside stars like Clemence Matawu, Johannes Ngodzo, and Nyoni.
At Highlanders, he earned his stripes by breaking into a talent laden midfield that included Charles Chilufya and Richard Choruma. Gombami stood out for his box-to-box energy, tireless work rate, and clean tackling.
His game combined pace, intelligent dribbling, well timed runs, and a rocket shot from distance, all delivered with calm efficiency.
Respected by teammates and fans alike, Gombami was the ultimate team player, willing to throw his body on the line in service of the badge.
He is widely regarded as one of the finest linkmen ever to don the black-and-white stripes of Bosso, with many memorable goals to his name.
Now retired, Gombami lives with his family in Belgium, still carrying the spirit of Bosso wherever he goes.
