Chronicle EditorTobias Mandoreba in Hwange
ONE of the finest dribbling midfielders ever to emerge from Hwange town, Malvern “Jayiro” Longwe, has come out of semi-retirement and is training with Hwange FC ahead of the team’s participation in the 2018 edition of the Zifa Southern Region Division One league campaign after last year’s relegation from the elite league.
Longwe (34) left the soccer mad Hwange community baffled after spending the whole of last year inactive in the game which gave him stardom after illuminating the scene with some dribbling and goal scoring prowess from 2002 to 2009 in his first stint at the miners.
“I am ready to resuscitate my career after a rest to “recharge” my batteries.
“That was a personal decision and I now feel fresh and ready to earn my place in the team on merit not on past perfomances.
I would be gratified if I could be able to contribute towards the team making a quick return to the Premier league,” said Longwe.
Longwe left Hwange for Motor Action at the end of the 2009 season and was part of the championship winning Motor Action side of 2010 under Joe Antipas.
He retraced his foot steps back to Hwange but stints with his former club and ZPC Hwange in 2013 and 2014 left him unsatisfied resulting in him joining Blanket Mine in 2015 for two years before last year’s sabbatical.
Hwange fans will also warmly welcome a pledge to continue serving at the club by loyal son Gilbert Zulu who is soldiering on.
“I am still eager to play for the team despite the unfortunate incident of dropping from the top league.
I am part of this project to see Hwange back at the top because that is where we rightfully belong,” said Zulu, who in the past played alongside the likes of current coach Nation Dube, Witness Munkuli,Chenjerayi Dube, Salimu Milazi,Mailos Phiri, Abu Milazi and Aleck Nyoni to name a few.
Zulu is now aged 35 and has been playing for Hwange from 2003.
Last season regular players who include goalkeeper Taimon Mvula, Shepherd Gadzikwa, Obert Moyo, Andrew Chuma, Gerald Ndlovu and Clayton Phiri are part of the squad currently conducting pre-season training.
Former Highlanders and Chicken Inn defender Felix Chindungwe has also set his sights on joining Chipangano. — @tobymandox
Online Reporter