Andrew
Sports Reporter
FOR the past two seasons, Bulawayo Chiefs barely survived relegation.
Only last term, they survived the chop on the final day of the season, finishing 13th with 41 points and just a point above the drop zone.
However, they could end the current season celebrating a number of milestones. It is now 10 years since Bulawayo Chiefs were formed in the border town of Plumtree, before migrating to Bulawayo.
They are now in their third season in the top-flight and will play their 99th Premier Soccer League match when they face city rivals Highlanders in a Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
They will clock 100 games in the league when they play Herentals next weekend. That 100th league fixture will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the Chibuku Super Cup final between Chiefs and Herentals.
Coincidentally, both Bulawayo Chiefs and Herentals made their Premiership debut in 2018.
They both fought relegation in 2019, finishing the season tied on 41 points, one above the red zone.
Fortunately, unlike last season, The Ninjas, as Bulawayo Chiefs are also known, are virtually safe from relegation, having accumulated 41 points and are at least 10 clear of the drop zone going into the last four games of the 2021/2022 season.
Chiefs are also walking with a spring in their step after making it to their maiden cup final appearance in only their third season in the top-flight.
Previously renowned more for their wit on social media, which earned them the moniker Twitter kings, Bulawayo Chiefs are now tricky customers for opponents on the field of play.
They beat ZPC Kariba, Highlanders and Black Rhinos on their way to their maiden cup final appearance.
“This achievement is testimony and revelation that determination pays. It is now a stepping stone to greater dreams as a team,” the club’s media and marketing officer, Thulani Javas Sibanda, told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“Anything is possible as long as you commit to it.
“This achievement will definitely make us a different club next year, as we will aim higher without any doubts.” Bulawayo Chiefs are an ambitious side, who have also lured some of the best players in the land, including Kelvin Madzongwe, who featured for the Warriors at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon in January.
Bulawayo Chiefs are also home to the famous Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis, former Warriors player Perfect Chikwende, ex-Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum Stars roving defender MacClive Phiri and forceful striker Obriel Chirinda.
Highly rated midfielder Mthokosizi Msebe, who burst onto the scene this season, and tough-as-teak centre-back Malvin Mkolo are also on Amakhosi’s books. Warriors trialist Farau Matare, Billy Veremu, Lucky Ndlela, Hughe Chikosa and Ben Nyahunzvi are also earning a living at Bulawayo Chiefs.
When the club was formed in Plumtree 10 years ago, the idea was to offer football opportunities to marginalised and yet talented boys.
That was back then, when the team was still known as Plumtree Chiefs.
But when the team moved to Bulawayo and adopted the name Bulawayo Chiefs, it assumed a bigger profile.
With strong financial backing, Chiefs soon became a team of choice for a number of players from across the country. They can now even attract a coach from Europe, Nilton Terroso of Portugal, who is currently out of the country.
Their social media presence, especially on Twitter, where they have over 77 000 followers, has also won them more support and sympathy.
“Inasmuch as it might be hard for others to believe it, our social media fan base really propels us to do better,” said Sibanda.
“Even our players care about how our social media fans feel. When we win, we celebrate with them.
“When we lose, we keep our heads up for them. Our social media fans are our true Ninjas, who make us who we are.”
Bulawayo Chiefs also have a developmental side in Division Three, which is coached by former Warriors striker Agent Sawu.
They have a women’s side, Bulawayo Chiefs Queens, also known as Amakhosikazi, who are unbeaten in the Southern Region Women’s Division One league.
Several sponsors have also fallen in love with Chiefs.
“Our vision is to be one of the best competitive sports team in Zimbabwe, a team that produces talented professional footballers,” said Sibanda.
For now, Chiefs have every reason to have some fun in the sun.
Online Reporter