adminWaroowa, as Ndiweni is known by hordes of football fans, cut his football teeth at Iminyela ground alongside lanky Highlanders midfielder Eric Mudzingwa with whom he played with at Bosso in 2010 before moving to Masvingo United for the just-ended Castle Lager Premiership season.
Ndiweni went to Induba Primary School before proceeding to Msiteli High School.
“When I growing up in Mpopoma, playing football was a culture for young boys. With our mates, we used to laugh at those who did not know how to play football and we played the game in the dusty streets. We played money games with guys from the nearby suburbs like Pelandaba and I was happy to be part of the school teams both at primary and secondary,” said the soft spoken midfielder whose ball artistry and wizardry is undoubtedly from the top drawer.
Ndiweni, a visionary player in the mould of former Zimbabwe Saints, Amazulu, Dynamos and Warriors midfielder Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, played for a number of teams in Mpopoma before he decided to go and try his luck at Highlanders.
“When I had played for various teams in and around my hood, I thought of trying my luck at Highlanders. Just like any other player who was born in Bulawayo, I always wished to don that black and white jersey of which I’m glad I have achieved,” said Ndiweni.
Ndiweni was in the Highlanders setup from 2008 playing second fiddle to a number industrious midfielders that include his close friend Joel “Josta” Ngodzo.
“I was at Highlanders since 2008 and I am glad I rubbed shoulders with a number of experienced players. I learnt a lot at Bosso though I did not have enough game time. In 2010, I played second fiddle to my friend Josta and I respect him. I was never frustrated but I had to move to Masvingo United for the 2011 season in search of game time. I did my best at Masvingo United and what makes me more happy is that at one time I was handed the captain’s armband,” he said.
Mkhuphali Masuku, who is Ndiweni’s former mentor at Bosso, speaks highly of the young midfielder’s football capabilities.
“Waroowa is a great upcoming footballer. He is a complete player. He can win possession, pass the ball, command other players and even score goals. He is a visionary player, a great ball distributer that every coach will wish to have in his team,” said Masuku
Ndiweni had a brilliant season at the now relegated Yuna Yuna scoring some decisive goals that include his glorious bending free kick that sank league champions Dynamos at Mucheke Stadium.
At the moment, he is trying his luck at FC Platinum with a number of players that include Highlanders captain Gilbert “Gidza” Banda, Motor Action’s Allan Gahadzikwa and Cliff Sekete.
“I was invited for trials at FC Platiunum and I have been giving out all what I have. I hope and pray something positive will come my way. I’m not under pressure at all,” said Ndiweni.
He missed to be among the 2011 Soccer Stars of the Year finalists by a whisker. He was disqualified as he had picked two yellow cards during the course of the 2011 Premiership season.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo