Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY promoted Zifa Southern Region Division One side Blackrock, based in Hwange’s Sinderella suburb, believe strong performances could open the door to sponsorship opportunities.
At the moment, it’s a hand-to-mouth operation, but the youthful owners, coach Mthulisi Maphosa, and the players are dreaming big. Still, they’re staying grounded, believing sustained good football and positive results could attract corporate backers to support their ambitious Division One campaign.
“Basically, when we got promoted, we told ourselves we wouldn’t focus too much on results. Now, we’re actually talking about the championship. At this point in the season, we thought we’d be around eighth, but here we are at the top of the log,” said club manager Lloyd Chiyembekeza, after Blackrock were awarded a walkover against Ajax Hotspurs on Saturday, a result that temporarily pushed them to the summit before Bulawayo Chiefs reclaimed top spot with a win to reach 23 points.
Pending the outcome of the disciplinary issue surrounding the walkover, Blackrock sit sixth with 19 points, behind second placed Nkayi United on 22.
Chiyembekeza said he’s proud the team is providing a platform for schoolboys to showcase their talent.
“Our team was promoted to the Zifa Southern Region last year, and we’re happy with how we’re playing, especially promoting young footballers. Most of our players are students or very young. We’re playing very well,” he said.
Asked how the club intends to sustain its season, especially considering that several teams from Hwange and Matabeleland North, including Rufaro Rovers, Iwisa, and Binga United, have previously failed to complete their campaigns, Chiyembekeza admitted the journey is tough.
“For now, we can go the distance, but the challenge is we don’t have a sponsor. We’re hopeful that, with the way we’re playing, someone will come on board soon,” said the Blackrock manager, who is also one of the directors bankrolling the project from his own pocket.
“Blackrock is one of the top teams in the league, and the Sinderella community is rallying behind us. Our home games are always packed,” Chiyembekeza added.
Sinderella, part of the Hwange Colliery community, has historically played second fiddle in football terms to neighbouring Lwendulu, Madumabisa, and Makwika.
In the 1980s, the suburb produced DR Hendry, while revered former Wankie and Railstars dribbling wizard Andrew Banda, as well as Gerald Ndlovu, who starred for Blackrock two decades ago, also hail from there. Mabinga’s Joseph Chirwa is another notable name with roots in the suburb.
The club was initially formed in Lwendulu in 1995, with Tichaona Mufandaedza and medical practitioner Dr Paul Nyathi among the founders. Mufandaedza, a former Hwange FC manager, still serves as technical director.
In 2019, Blackrock relocated to Sinderella after facing space challenges in Lwendulu while the Old Ground was under renovation.
“There were issues with that facility, and we engaged Sinderella community leaders who welcomed us with open arms. Since then, they’ve supported this dream and appreciated that we’re keeping their youth meaningfully engaged, promoting wellness, raising awareness against social ills, and helping them build futures through football,” said Chiyembekeza.
After spending much of the 2023 campaign in the top three, the club management resolved to push for promotion. They eventually finished runners-up to Makwika in the Division Two B League of Matabeleland North, completing the season unbeaten.
Chiyembekeza and Mutengwa Shiringinyayi are the main funders of the club, supported by Mbongeni Ncube, Desmond Nyandoro, and founding figure Mufandaedza, who remains the cornerstone of the project.
“Football needs money. With sponsorship, we can do even better. I believe that one day you might see us in the Premiership. But that’s not the immediate goal, we want to grow, develop our coaches, nurture players, and build the brand so we become a team of choice in the region, delivering results for our constituency,” he said.
He added that the Division One league has been a perfect platform for their squad, which averages 17 to 24 years of age, to become a credible talent outlet for the province.
Blackrock FC Technical Team
Coach: Mthulisi Maphosa
Assistant Coaches: Isaac Nyoni, Tinashe Ncube
Physical Trainer: Fred Milazi
Goalkeepers’ Trainer: Smart Mwandera
Team Medic: Matengu Mutabani
Admin Intern: Mbaluleza Munkombwe
Technical Advisers: Tichaona Mufandaedza, Mwangala Chuma
