Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a move that stirred excitement among Bulawayo football faithful, hard-running striker Farau Matare has rejoined Zifa Southern Region Division One pacesetters Bulawayo Chiefs, reigniting hopes of a stronger title push.
Once tipped for national duty, the Sizinda bred Matare returns to the Amakhosi Amahle fold after a brief and largely quiet stint with TelOne in the topflight. His move comes just days before the mid-season transfer window opens on July 1.
Matare, a former Warriors fringe forward, left Chiefs before the 2023 season to join Northern Region side MWOS FC. When MWOS secured Premier Soccer League status by acquiring ZPC Hwange’s franchise, Matare was moved to TelOne. However, limited game time prompted his decision to retrace his steps and return to Bulawayo Chiefs.
Club chief executive Thulani “Javas” Sibanda said Matare’s return was no coincidence but part of a deliberate recruitment strategy aimed at securing promotion.
“Football is a targets oriented sport. As a club, we’re approaching this transfer window with very specific objectives, and Matare fits into that vision,” Sibanda said. “He’s been brought in to address a certain need within the squad as we push for glory.”
Matare’s comeback sees him reunite with former teammates Kelvin Madzongwe, Malvin Mkolo, and Arthur “Diego” Musiyiwa, all familiar faces within the Amakhosi Amahle family. Madzongwe was with Zebra Revolution last season, while Musiyiwa and Mkolo had spells at Dynamos and Simba Bhora respectively before returning to the Chiefs’ ranks.
When asked what motivates the club to bring back its former players, Sibanda emphasised legacy and long term value.
“Bulawayo Chiefs will always prioritise the sons of the soil. But beyond nostalgia, the decision must align with what the player still offers to the club’s evolving vision,” he said. “As we write our history, we also want to shape a legacy. We want our former players to look back with pride at being part of the Bulawayo Chiefs brand. That’s how legends are built.”
Matare rejoins a side that’s flying high at the summit of the Southern Region Division One table. Chiefs hammered army side Imbizo last weekend to climb to 23 points, just one ahead of Nkayi United, who narrowly edged NUST FC 1-0.
Meanwhile, Hwange, another title contender, slipped to third after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Bosso 90.
They now trail the log leaders by three points, making this weekend’s fixtures even more critical in the title race.
On Saturday, Amakhosi Amahle will face Bulawayo Warriors at White City Stadium. Nkayi United will lock horns with Zebra Revolution while Hwange play host to Jordan Sinnot at the Colliery Stadium on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Blackrock, coached by Mthulisi Maphosa, will square off against Nust FC, and Imbizo will clash with Ajax Hotspurs, formerly Arenel Movers, at Lookout Masuku Barracks.
Talen Vision entertain Bosso 90 at Filabusi’s Mthwakazi, Mainline host Megawatt at Plumtree’s Dingumuzi, and Eagle Life face Bulawayo City at Raylton.
Victoria Falls City Herentals will play Casmyn on Wednesday at Chinotimba Stadium in the resort town.
Zifa Southern Region Division One – Week 12 Fixtures
Saturday: Bulawayo Warriors v Bulawayo Chiefs (White City), Nkayi United v Zebra Revolution (White City)
Hwange v Jordan Sinnot (Colliery Stadium), Blackrock v NUST FC (Sinderella), Imbizo v Ajax Hotspurs (Lookout Masuku Barracks), Talen Vision v Bosso 90 (Mthwakazi), Mainline v Megawatt (Dingumuzi), Eagle Life v Bulawayo City (Raylton)
Sunday: Hwange v Jordan Sinnot (Colliery)
Wednesday, July 3
Victoria Falls City Herentals v Casmyn (Chinotimba Stadium)
