Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
IN a remarkable achievement, Gwanda Pirates, established just nine months ago, clinched the league title in their inaugural season in the Zifa Matabeleland South Division Two League.
This extraordinary feat has brought unity and pride to the Gwanda community, attracting attention from across the country and growing their social media fan base.
The team’s commitment, resilience, and enthusiasm for the sport have paid off, sending the mining town into celebratory raptures and writing a remarkable piece of history.
Gwanda Pirates’ impressive following has brought life to underutilised venues like Phelandaba Stadium and Egodini Grounds.
The team’s success has inspired many communities in outlying areas of Matabeleland South, showing that dreams can be turned into reality. Gwanda Pirates’ navigation of the challenging football terrain is a testament to the power of football to change lives.
In their championship quest, Gwanda Pirates held off stronger teams like Mawabeni FC, who finished second and will be promoted to Division One. Fondly known as “Ezimnyama Ngenkani”, Gwanda Pirates have built a strong connection with their fan base, selling replica jerseys that are in high demand.
To celebrate its achievement, the team held its first awards ceremony, recognising outstanding players and individuals behind the scenes.
Awardees included Target Sibanda (Defender of the Season), Mike “Smola” Chikovore (Most Consistent Player), Themba Moyo (Goalie of the Season), Perfect Ncube (Goal of the Season), Emmanuel Ngwenya (Most Disciplined Player), Fidelis “Marcelo” Denhere (Most Improved Player), Mthulisi “R Manqiza” Sibanda (Finder of the Season), Phakela Moyo (Top Goal Scorer), Terrence Kunene (Playmaker Award), Bhekimpilo Moyo (Young Player of the Season), Target Sibanda (Players’ Player of the Season), Phakamela Moyo (Chairman’s Award), Mthulisi “R Manqiza” Sibanda (Fans’ Player of the Season) and captain Themba Moyo (2024 Player of the Season).
Team chairman Guqukani Mpofu praised the players for their milestone achievement during the crowning ceremony at Egodini Grounds after edging Jesse Mine 2-0.
“I am delighted to acknowledge the exceptional talent and dedication shown by our award-winning football players this season. Their achievements are a testament not only to their individual skills but also to the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence that drives our sport.
“Each of these names now stands as an inspiration to aspiring players and a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work and determination,” said Mpofu.
He said they could not have done it without the support of their fans and urged them to continue supporting the team financially and emotionally.
“We applaud our fans for the commitment that they had throughout our maiden season as they helped boost the morale of the team. As we head to Division One, the league is more expensive than Division Two, and since this is a community team, we urge them to be geared up as we will need more support from them.”
Gwanda Pirates vice chairman Josias Mabhena said: “As a team, we are a united force that started nine months back. We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We thank the executive, players, and our fans for being a combined force, and we look forward to competing in Division One next season.”
Gwanda Pirates coach Yolam Ngwira said he will do his best to ensure the team goes to the top-flight league.
“I know expectations of people are very high, but if we continue working the way we did in Division Two, I know we will do well,” said Ngwira.
“I can’t promise that we will go to the Premiership but I know there are talented players in the team who are hungry to succeed and better their careers. My advice to the players is that they should be exceptional to make the cut for this year’s team because where we are heading is tough,” he said.
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