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Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
ARIEL “Mangoye” Sibanda has declared his love for Highlanders, both on and off the pitch, which could be a significant boost to Bosso and their hopes of a fine dance led by the veteran shot stopper who has had a massive 15 years of service in the black and white camp.
Sibanda has worn no other jersey except the Highlanders strip and has kissed no other club badge except the famous “Siyinqaba” inscribed shield and arrow logo.
As such, it is not chameleonic caution to mention that after spending a decade and half with Bosso, adjusting to a new club locally or in a new country will be difficult for the former Warriors goal minder.
“Hard work and discipline have kept me this far at Bosso but most importantly it is how the club has treated me that has continuously cultivated my love for the Bosso badge. I have been treated with lots of respect and will always be grateful.
However, my stay at Bosso has had ups and downs but mostly ups and I would love to win the championship with the club before I move or look to other areas,” said Sibanda who has been named as Soccer Star of the Year finalist three times.
At the age of 33, Mangoye, a 2012 Zimbabwe’s Goalkeeper of the Year, is not thinking of retiring soon.
“33 years, I am that old, has Gianluigi Buffon retired?” quizzed Sibanda with laughter.
Buffon is planning to retire in June 2023 at the age of 45.
“Tapuwa Kapini is still playing. However, I’m happy with how the young goalkeepers at Highlanders have responded. The future is bright.
I think almost all goalkeepers I have worked with at Bosso have been brilliant and they all gave me fierce competition to be where I am. It’s because of them,” said the former Embakwe High School student who is no doubt one of the most experienced keepers in the land.
Sibanda had an epic 2018 season, keeping 16 clean sheets from 28 league games he has played for the Bulawayo football giants.
The following season, he came close to breaking his own record, producing 14 clean sheets in the process making four penalty saves.
He has failed to convert from 12 yards on two occasions and that was in 2015 and in the just concluded 2021/2022 season.
In 2015, Sibanda had his effort saved by Tafadzwa Dube, then with Harare City, at Barbourfields Stadium. This season had his penalty attempt saved during their match against Whawha in Gweru.
It is Mangoye’s consistency in Bosso colours that has kept his admirers talking good about him and as Chronicle Sport, we say cheers to Bosso 15 Mdawini! – @FungaiMuderere
Online Reporter