Madzongwe, Ballotelli surface at Nkayi United

THEY say age is nothing but a number!

After an impressive past season that saw him putting on the captain’s armband and helping Bulawayo Chiefs make a quick return the country’s elite football league, it seems Kelvin Madzongwe, who is in his late 30s, is refusing to throw in the towel.

Madzongwe, a holding midfielder who has previously played for Njube Sundowns, Chicken Inn, FC Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs, was spotted playing a practice match in Nkayi United colours against Highlanders’ first team at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Arena on Saturday.

“It was sort of a trial run for Madzongwe among other players and all I can say is that Madzongwe impressed our coaches. He has been recommended to come on board,” said Nkayi United sports director, Liberty Nduna.

“From my office, I have made a formal offer to Madzongwe who is yet to respond to it,” added Nduna.

Madzongwe, was scouted by the Boston University Terriers, and from 2010 to 2014 studied Communications and Marketing relations at Boston University while playing for their university side.

He returned to Zimbabwe to continue his football career, where he played for Bulawayo City and FC Platinum where he also wore the captain’s armband.

If his move to Nkayi United materialises, a number of Zifa Southern Region Division One sides that include Hwange, Talen Vision, Casymn and Mainline, among others, are likely to face stiff competition.

Last season, Nkayi United missed Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotion by a whisker after playing the better part of the 2025 season on a gear up only to be beaten to the championship by the John Nyikadzino coached Bulawayo Chiefs.

Madzongwe’s move to Nkayi United comes at a time when the club has confirmed that the bustling ex-Highlanders and Hwange striker Cleopas “Balloteli” Dube, is now in their camp.

“We have already signed Ballotteli and we think he is going to give us what we need as a club. He was also there when we played against Highlanders in those practice matches. We are looking forward to bring in more players,” said Nduna.

Dube is a seasoned player, who has also had playing stints in South Africa and Botswana.

He began his footballing at ZPC Hwange, a club he left in 2013 to join Highlanders, before being loaned out to Bulawayo Chiefs.

In 2014, Dube joined South Africa National First Division side Witbank Spurs. He also played for Baroka and Stellenbosch and Witbank Spurs. — @FungaiMuderere