Hwange turns to former players’ son for salvation

Lovemore Dube

THE signing of sons of former Hwange FC players has been welcomed and hopes are high that they will play a crucial role in the club retaining its Premier League status.

Hwange has in its books, Prichard Mpelele, Dominic Chungwa, Hamilton Gomba, Quinton Longwe and Remmington Masuku. Mpelele is the son of Mwamba who was at Hwange FC in the late 1980s but played more games for Zesa (Hwange) now ZPC (Hwange). Mwamba was a ball player in midfield while Hamilton’s father is Carrington, a former Zimbabwe international who played in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

Hamilton was de-registered because of an injury but is still in the books of the club. Remmington who has joined Hwange is the son of former midfield destroyer, Chingumbe Masuku. Remmington had a good spell in Botswana some years ago and was being monitored by South Africa Mvela League and Premiership sides.

Dominic’s father Petros, played as a defender for the team in the 1980s while Quinton is the son of former dribbling wizard, Malvern who played for Chipangano and Motor Action.

Former Hwange star, Chabuka Mwale said it was a welcome development to see more players with roots not with just the town but the club play for it.

“It’s good to see them back. I am happy for Dominic, the son of Petros who scored for us the winning goal against Bulawayo Chiefs,” said Mwale.
Another excited club supporter is Pius Mulawo.

“Hwange is not just an employer to these boys but the club is part and parcel of their family. They have known no other team better since birth. They know what is at stake in the quest to survive relegation. I am sure the boys will give their best and make sure the team does not go to the unfashionable Division One.” said Mulawo.

Both Mwale and Mulawo agree that locals tend to give more because of their natural love for the team. Local fans tend to woo fans to stadia. Their relatives, friends and neighbours tend to want to watch their own people.