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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
HE was one of the outstanding players for Tsholotsho Football Club as the team put up an admirable show in their maiden season in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, yet his other undying passion is carpentry.
Butholezwe Ncube, who controlled the Iziqholo ze Zhwane midfield like a veteran, has love for playing with wood.
The 23-year-old revealed this in an interview on Wednesday, saying it all started at Magwegwe High School where woodwork was one of his favourite subjects. He was so serious about carpentry, that he made tables and chairs in his neighbourhood of Magwegwe North where he grew up and still resides, until those who got him into the craft left for South Africa.
“I used to be a carpenter. I started it at school, Magwegwe High School where I did woodwork. I could make tables and chairs, it is something I did, I haven’t done it for a long time though but it’s something that is still in me,’’ said Ncube.
The dreadlocked midfielder finished his Ordinary level studies in 2010, wrote eight subjects but due to financial challenges he was unable to collect his results, something he plans to do now that his money situation has improved. He describes himself as an average student who was good in English and Woodwork.
Born on 29 April 1992 at Luveve Clinic he did his primary education at Mazwi in Magwegwe North before proceeding to Magwegwe High School. Given lots of encouragement by members of his community who saw his potential, he pursued a football career by turning out for Railstars at Under-15, Highlanders at Under-18 and Besesa, a team that was coached by his mentor at Tsholotsho FC Lizwe Sweswe, at the same age group.
Some of the players who were his teammates at junior level are Kudakwashe Mahachi, Marvellous Nakamba, Knox Mutizwa, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Ayanda Ncube, all of whom are at Highlanders. In 2011, Ncube joined Tsholotsho FC who were in Division Two then, helped them gain promotion to the Zifa Southern Region Division One in 2012 and eventually into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League the following year. He began his football career as a striker before he switched to a defensive linkman role where he has adjusted well.
“I started off as a striker up to Under-18 then was changed to defensive linkman in Division Two. I struggled a bit to adjust but now enjoying playing in that position,’’ said Ncube.
On his maiden season at the top, the midfielder described it as being tough but he believes the coming in of veterans Joel Luphahla, Danisa Phiri and Sizabantu Khoza helped them a lot in surviving relegation.
“It was tough for us but bringing in seasoned guys gave us the confidence that really helped us a lot. I missed some matches through a knee injury, I did not score any goals the whole season. In all the matches I played, I started off in the first 11. It was crucial for us to survive, even though it was tough especially in our first season at the top level,’’ said Ncube.
His most memorable match this past season was the 0-0 draw against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium where he is convinced he put up an exceptional display on that day.
He was pitted against former Highlanders midfielder Masimba Mambare and came out tops as they frustrated DeMbare in their own backyard.
Voted the Tsholotsho FC Player of the Year at the club’s awards ceremony, Ncube’s exploits did not go unnoticed as three local teams were said to be after his signature but he is not moving as yet as he is still contracted to Iziqholo zeZhwane.
“I was approached by three local teams but I cannot leave Tsholotsho because I still have a contract expiring at the end of 2016,’’ he disclosed.
Ncube has dreams of playing in the Absa Premiership where he supports Kaizer Chiefs but wants to join a smaller club when an opportunity avails itself. A Manchester United fan, the dreadlocked midfielder also has wishes to display his skills in the English Premiership.
Locally he grew up supporting Highlanders, a team he endeavours to represent at first team level if a move outside the country does not materialise.
He is grateful to his only surviving parent, his mother Tecla Moyo who has played a huge part in his career. He revealed that his mother took a keen interest in what he did in that she pushes him to attend training sessions.
The third born in a family of five, made up three girls and two boys, Ncube lost his father in 1997.
On his aspirations regarding football this year, Ncube expressed the desire to be in the top eight halfway into the season and then finish in the top 10.
Nicknamed Mayinya after former Railstars striker Thomas Chimenya because he loved dribbling as a junior player, something he has discarded for basic play, Ncube went through the hands of junior coaches such as Ali “Baba” Dube and Mandla Mpofu at Railstars and Dumaza Dube at Highlanders.
While he continues to dazzle in the middle of the park for Tsholotsho FC, Ncube’s undying passion for playing with wood will always live in him and who knows, after hanging up his boots, that may be his next destination.
Bongani Ndlovu