Bulawayo PSL teams ready to take off

Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub

BULAWAYO Chiefs have vowed to compete in 2026 and much will depend on what they do during the off season.

In an interview yesterday, Chiefs chief executive officer Thulani “Javas” Sibanda said this season would be about growing the brand on every front. On the pitch, he wants the club to blossom at the same pace as its corporate reach and fan appeal.

Sibanda said the pursuit of big name players shows exactly where the club is headed.
Brian Muza, Dwayne Musona, Elvis Moyo and Melikhaya Ncube are among a list of players linked with Bulawayo Chiefs.

Yesterday, Sibanda confirmed that Muza and Musona have already signed. He said the move is part of a deliberate effort to shake off the small team label.

“We want to be an attractive brand in 2026, a brand of choice to the fans and the corporate sector. We do not want to stay a small football brand hence our decision to go for big name players so that we can play good football and attract the best players in the land to compete with the best.

“We want our good football to attract corporates to our club and also have an appeal to the fans. Fans like good football and we have to play the football that grows and inspires confidence in the brand’s appeal,” said Sibanda.

Muza is rated among the best strikers in the country, while Musona is an up and coming youngster arriving from Mutare football academy, Majesa.

Muza has spent the last three years at Chicken Inn and has opted to seek a new challenge.
Ncube from Highlanders is believed to have chosen Bulawayo Chiefs in order to play alongside Victoria Falls homeboy Malvin Mkolo, a key figure in the Ninjas’ camp.

Sibanda could not confirm other arrivals or departures, including Blessing Munkuli, who is keen on a return to Highlanders. Munkuli, the younger brother of anchorman Darlington “Da” Munkuli, can operate at left back or in midfield.

“Most if not all our targets, will be disclosed to you between Wednesday and Thursday when we will have finalised with the players and their respective clubs. We look forward to the season of growth of the Bulawayo Chiefs brand,” said Sibanda.

He said the delay in releasing some players is linked to the fact that coach John Nyikadzino is yet to assess the squad, with training scheduled to begin this week.

Highlanders, the city’s most successful club, are expected to move swiftly this week with the confirmation of their new technical department.

Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the club understands the pressure that comes with expectation.

“Yes, the season will start on the first weekend of March, we have to start working. We are still finalising on a number of things and we will announce soon who will be coaching Highlanders,” said Mnkandla.

Bosso appear ready to break new ground and are set to announce Benjani Mwaruwari as technical director, with Thabo Senong, the South African expected to come in as head coach. Mkhokheli Dube is set to be among the assistant coaches, while Tembo Chuma will handle goalkeepers.

The club is also set to appoint an analyst, a role recent coaches worked without, despite most Premier Soccer League sides now relying heavily on data as a technical tool.

Mnkandla remained guarded on player movements.
“On players we have not finalised anything. We hope to be done soon with the list of players who will be at the club,” said Mnkandla.

The Bosso chief executive officer confirmed that offers have been tabled for want away players Melikhaya Ncube and Andrew Mbeba.

Mbeba is linked with Hardrock and Scottland, while Ncube is attracting interest from Bulawayo Chiefs.
Ncube’s frustration centres on a monthly salary of around US$300, far below what some junior players earn, despite their slim chances of breaking into the first team.

“We tabled offers for the two and they are yet to respond or even to bid us farewell if they are leaving,” said Mnkandla.

Reward Muza has also been linked with a move to FC Platinum after falling out of favour with former coach Pieter de Jongh.

On Sheppard Mhlanga and another possible arrival from FC Platinum in a loan or swap deal involving Mckinnon Mushore moving to Zvishavane to work with coach Joel Luphahla, Mnkandla said no decision has been reached.

“FC Platinum has given us a list of players for a loan/swap deal since Mckinnon still has a running contract with us. There is no word at the moment about the players at the right time, we will advise,” said Mnkandla.

With growing calls for a younger goalkeeper to take over from four time Goalkeeper of the Year winner Ariel Sibanda, Mnkandla said the veteran remains under contract.

He said the club will speak to Sibanda to assess his desire and energy levels. If he still wants to compete, he will stay. If not, the club will consider a suitable role for a man who has given 17 years to the Bosso first team.

Chicken Inn president Lifa Ncube on Friday said he wants his club to be counted among Zimbabwe’s heavyweights. He said that status is earned through results on the pitch.

The Gamecocks have appointed two-time league championship winner Tonderai Ndiraya as head coach, assisted by Naison Muchekela and Fortune Ncube.

They have dismantled the previous technical team led by Joey Antipas and are banking on a change in fortunes.
“We want new energy, we want to return to a top of the table club, we want to go back to a club that excels in soccer business by selling players, we hope these coaches will deliver on our mandate. We will appoint the other members of the technical team soon,” said Lifa.

Chicken Inn could be strengthened by the signing of Peter Muduhwa, while Ncube also confirmed that Michael Charamba, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Brendon Rendo and Itai Mabhunu have renewed their contracts.