Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Highlanders midfielder Geoff Wheeler is paying tribute to the legendary Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda and other Bosso greats from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
For Wheeler, it’s about more than nostalgia. It’s about keeping the spirit of those golden days alive.
Rambo, known for his hard tackles and electric energy, passed away in 2002 at only 37. Wheeler recalls the glory days playing alongside him and the late Benjamin Konjera.
“In 1994, when I arrived, I immediately got a sunbath and was called Red Makhiwa. I had a glorious time at Highlanders,” Wheeler said, proudly wearing the number 7 jersey from the 1994 BP League Cup campaign.
Wheeler fondly remembers those times. “We played Rambo, we played Benji,” he said.
Rambo had a standout 1986 season, scoring spectacular long-range goals and mastering free kicks with teammate Willard Khumalo.
Highlanders won every major cup that year except the league title.
In 1988, after being named Zimbabwe Footballer of the Year in 1987, Rambo helped Highlanders sweep trophies including the Independence Trophy, Heroes Cup, Castle Cup, and Rothmans Shield.
Their only miss was the Chibuku Trophy final against Zimbabwe Saints.
He was key to Highlanders’ first Premier Soccer League title in 1993 and the 1994 BP League Cup win.
Wheeler also shared lighter memories. “I remember going to the grocery store with Adam Ndlovu. We told Lovemore we needed pasta because we were in camp.
Lovemore came back with one can of pasta and said Chef Moyo made it work for the whole team,” he chuckled.
Nicknamed “Fish Monger” during his time teaching at Founders High School, Wheeler earned the name delivering fish on his bicycle around town.
Now in his 27th season as head coach of Wesleyan University men’s soccer team in the US, Wheeler has built a record-breaking program with multiple NCAA and conference tournament appearances.
A Dartmouth graduate, Wheeler captained his college team to Ivy League titles and NCAA Elite Eight appearances before playing professionally in Zimbabwe and the US.
Wheeler holds a USSF A coaching licence and directs the East Coast Soccer Academy.
His love for Bosso and the memories of teammates like Rambo remain a driving force in his life.
