adminThe Hwange veterans will lock horns with veterans from the resort town of Victoria Falls in a curtain raising encounter.
Nyoni, who is idolised in the soccer crazy Hwange community for his sterling 15 years service in the coalminers’ shirt, is expected to take soccer fans down memory lane when he takes to the field in the former Hwange players’ line up.
Joining Nyoni in the field of play will be players like Milos Phiri who left the playing field at the end of last year, Taboniso Ncube, Jabulani Ngwenya, Takesure Chinyama, Eddie Chitato, Richard Nyathi, Lefasi Nyathi, Witness Munkuli, James Phiri, Carrington Gomba, Jabulani Ngwenya and Amon Mukozho.
Hwange team manager Tennant Chilumba and head coach Nation Dube are also expected to play in the former players team against the players they are mentoring.
Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year finalist Nkosana Siwela is expected to lead Chipangano as they slug it out against former players. In-form goalkeeper Petros Mhari, Gerald Ndhlovu, Aaron Katebe, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Gilbert Zulu to mention a few are also expected to give the former players a tough time.
The testimonial match organiser Weekly Mwale, said what they did was simply to honour a great player who left an indelible mark in Hwange as far as football is concerned.
“We want to say thank you to Alick for the role he played in the development of Hwange Football Club. As you know there are a lot of players who left the team to seek greener pastures but he decided to stay with the team despite the numerous offers, some from beyond our borders,” said Mwale.
Nyoni said he was happy that such a tournament was organised in his honour.
“I am the happiest man at the moment because it is an honour to have such a tournament in my honour after serving for such a long time.
“It’s a pity my number one hero, Fred Moyo, the Colliery Managing Director, won’t be around as I wanted to give him my jersey as a tribute for his unwavering support towards my career.” said an elated Nyoni.
In the match pitting the Hwange veterans, soccer fans will expect to see some yesteryear magic from players like Vitalis Kamocha, Weekly Mwale, David Phiri, Kenny Ngulube, Stanley Nkomo, Paul Utete, Charles Nsomba, Perekai Mapanga, Lowani Nyathi, Petros Chungwa, Mafa “Igwe” Ngwenya and Isaac Chuma.
Morgan Dube and Clemence Bonda are expected to lead the onslaught from Victoria Falls.
To prove that he is keen to pass on the baton to upcoming soccer stars, Alick Nyoni successfully organised an Alick Nyoni football tournament at Chenje Stadium in Jambezi in July where six teams
namely Gavhu United, Highlanders, Chenje Stars, Sikumbi United, Marathon and Sacred Bullets participated in the round robin tournament.
It is surely set to be an emotional match for Alick “Rico” Nyoni who donned the Hwange jersey at the age of 17 years in 1995.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter