Lulu takes ex-Bulawayo City striker to Botswana

Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
Ex-HIGHLANDERS gaffer, Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu made good use of the festive season break to take former Bulawayo City forward Jacob Mloyi to join Botswana Premiership side Masitaoka.

Mpofu was home for a few days over the festive season and when he returned to his base in Botswana, he took with him Mloyi, a product of the Young Flying Stars Academy founded by Collin Nyambiya.

“I had a mini-break during the festive season and I can confirm that I took along Jacob, a former Bulawayo City player who is also a graduate of Young Flying Stars Soccer Academy. I have a very young squad and my wish is to see the team avoid the dreaded chop,” said Mpofu.

Asked about Mloyi’s football abilities and capabilities, Young Flying Stars Academy director, Collin Nyambiya said: “He is a strong and pacey forward. He scores for fun. I reckon he will go places. He has an athletic body and skill.”

Last year, Mloyi tried his luck at Botswana’s Nico United, now coached by former Bulawayo City mentor Philani “Beefy” Ncube.
At Masitaoka Football Club, Mpofu signed a one-year contract with an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

He became the latest Zimbabwean coach to work in the Botswana top-flight after the likes of Max Moyo, Luke Masomere, the late Willard Khumalo, Barry Daka, Raphael Phiri, Paul Moyo, Madinda Ndlovu, Rahman Gumbo, Shepherd Murape, Clever Hunda, Ezekiel Mpofu, Roy Barreto and Bongani Mafu.

Gumbo, a former Highlanders and Warriors coach was recently fired by Sua Flamingoes and he is now with Botswana Premier League side Morupule Wanderers on a two-year contract.

Morupule Wanders confirmed Gumbo’s arrival in a statement last week on Thursday.

Morupule, who are eighth on the log after the opening nine rounds of matches in the Botswana Premier League backed Gumbo, who has a wealth of experience of coaching at a higher level in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana to bring success to the club.
Mpofu’s Masitaoka squared off against Extension Gunners in Lobatse last night. — Follow on Twitter @FungaiMuderere