Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN football coach Zimiseleni Moyo has expressed satisfaction after successfully steering Zambian side Jumulo away from relegation in what has become another important milestone in his growing coaching journey.
The 41-year-old tactician joined the struggling club in November last year when survival hopes were rapidly fading, but managed to guide the team to safety through determination, tactical discipline and belief.
He joined the team while it was on position 15 in an 18 member league with a paltry nine points only to help them conclude the season on number 10 after amassing 42 points, 24 behind eventual winners Makeni All Stars.
“It’s a team (Jumulo) I joined while facing relegation in November last year,” said Moyo.
The achievement adds to Moyo’s growing reputation for rescuing troubled teams, having previously performed a similar role at Kafue Eagles.
“In 2024 I was interim head coach for Kafue Eagles. I took them from relegation to top 10. Unfortunately after I left, it went back to relegation and was demoted,” he said.
Despite the pressure associated with survival battles, Moyo says his biggest motivation in football goes beyond results and trophies.
“I love good football and my biggest motivation is changing lives of youngsters, seeing them make a positive impact ezimulini zabo (their families) and being impactful humans emphakathini (society),” he said.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Moyo enjoyed a playing career that took him through several local clubs before crossing into Zambia where he eventually featured in Caf Champions League football.
“I am 41 years old. Locally I played for East Rovers FC development side and Railstars FC up to Premiership. My last teams were Motor Action and Tsholotsho FC,” said Moyo.
The Caf B Licence holder was later scouted by Zesco United, one of Zambia’s football powerhouses, in 2010.
“Thereafter I was scouted by Zesco United, the Zambian champions, and joined them in 2010. In Zambia was my highest playing Champions League football first with Zesco and later on Zanaco,” he said.
While surviving relegation has brought satisfaction, Moyo admits his ambitions now stretch far beyond merely avoiding the drop.
“It’s been good turning a side from a relegation team to fight its way out, but now I would love to fight for a championship because as a player I achieved that. So I would love that experience as a coach and would love one day to lift the championship,” he said.
Moyo also revealed that one of his biggest football inspirations dates back to his childhood days as a ball boy during a memorable Highlanders and Young Africans of Tanzania champions league clash.
“My biggest lifetime motivation was a game I watched as a ball boy, Highlanders versus Yanga in the Champions League when I was young. I would love to take Bosso to that stage one day and not just to compete but to win it because with such passionate fans it’s very possible,” he said.
On his ambitions for next season, the Zimbabwean mentor was direct and pushy.
“In simple terms, to fight for the championship. So it will be good with a team whose ambitions align to that,” said Moyo.
With his stock continuing to rise in Zambian football circles, Moyo’s latest achievement could yet open doors for even bigger opportunities as he pursues his dream of becoming a championship-winning coach. — @FungaiMuderere
