Matabeleland North Div Two, Chibs FC target Div One

The domestic football mother-body have in the last two seasons expressed worry over underwhelming referees whose officiating has sparked controversies in matches across different leagues.

Tobias Mandoreba, Hwange Correspondent

Ambitious Zifa Matabeleland North Division 2A league outfit Chibs FC have set their sights on qualification into the Zifa Southern Region Division One league next year after roping in the services of seasoned former Hwange FC head coach Nation Dube to lead their ambitious project.

Chibs FC president and owner Brian Chibaya, a former football player himself, made a bold declaration in an interview that he will leave no stone unturned in the quest to gain promotion at the end of the season.

“I have a big dream for football in Hwange, hence I decided to go for an experienced coach like Nation who is tried and tested and I am confident that he will cruise through. I will give them all the necessary support to achieve their mandate.

“I am happy with the preparations we have done in the pre-season and I can declare today that in 2027 Chibs FC will be playing in Division One. After that, we then start to set our sights on the elite league as nothing is impossible in football with sound administration and adequate resources injection,” said Chibaya.

Nation Dube will be deputised by ex-Hwange player Munyaradzi Mungadze and Gift Banda as assistant coaches. Isaac Nyirenda is the team manager, while George Chivhunga is the fitness coach.

Some of the youngsters who have impressed during Chibs FC’s pre-season friendlies and are expected to be key in Dube’s plans include Mandlenkosi Nyoni, Precise Maliko, Eddington Bondera, Able Ncube, Francis Mbewe and Arnie Mushamboza.

Chibs FC start their campaign at their Chilisa home ground against Ingagula FC on April 4 2026, followed by fixtures against Prison FC (away), Mpumalanga Chiefs (home), Super Diki (away) and Real Diki (home) to set the tone for their target after opening five games.

Other teams competing in the 2A league are: Bagdad FC, Hwange Prison, Boabab Rovers, Hwange Reserves, Ingagula FC, DRC United, Lusumbami FC, Lwendulu United, Mpumalanga Chiefs, Madumabisa Kidsnet, Real Diki, Madumabisa United, Super Diki, Makwika United and Vegas FC.