shloboe boe
Brandon Moyo, Brandonmalvin9@gmail.com
Newly promoted Division One side, Mawabeni FC, have registered two venues as their preferred choices for home matches as they begin preparations for their maiden appearance in the country’s second-tier division.
The club’s chairperson, Mpumelelo “Mbesuma” Nkomazana, confirmed that they have registered Habane Stadium in Esigodini and their own Mawabeni Grounds, which is set to undergo development and renovations in the coming weeks. Nkomazana said they will soon begin work on their home ground, which they managed to turn into a fortress during their Zifa Matabeleland South Division Two days.
“As we begin to prepare for Division One, we have enlisted two venues as our preferred home grounds.
Obviously, we wanted to play all our home games here in Mawabeni, but we also enlisted Habane Stadium as our alternative home ground. We are looking to start some developments at Mawabeni Grounds. We want to fence around the entire ground, prepare the pitch and build changing rooms for teams to ensure that our home truly becomes a home that meets the required standards,” said Nkomazana.
The community-run Mawabeni FC were promoted to Division One after finishing second in the Zifa Matabeleland South Division Two. They were runners-up to Gwanda Pirates, with only two points separating them at the top of the standings. Founded in 2019, Mawabeni FC are keen to follow in the footsteps of Stars United from the same district, which played in Division One and made a good account of itself in the 1990s.
In a bid to bolster their squad ahead of Division One, the ambitious side held trials over the weekend, where 16 new players were enlisted into the squad. The trials were conducted by Johannes “Tshisa” Ngodzo, Mawabeni FC head coach, Nkosi Moyo, Morris Mukwiti and Nhlanhla Mtshinda Moyo. The trials were open to all aspiring footballers aged 18 to 25. At least 30 players turned up to try their luck at Amawab’amahle and on Sunday, 16 were selected.
The team, comprising both new and old players, is expected to officially start training today as part of their pre-season preparations. In February, a four-team tournament will take place, pitting Mawabeni, Gwanda Pirates, Nust, and Eagle Life FC in Gwanda. The four teams were all promoted to Division One. Apart from that, the ambitious side also has a number of friendly matches lined up as they look to have a memorable first season in Division One.
Players selected from Mawabeni FC trials include
Thabo Simela (right-back)
Privilege Ncube (right-wing)
Singabenkosi Sibanda (left-back)
Abiola Zhou (centre-back)
Promise Fuzane (left-back)
Ronald Maridzo (defensive midfielder)
Tyrone Jerot (goalkeeper)
Kingdom Moyo (attacking midfielder)
Thabiso Masoha (left-back)
Ronald Moyo (right-wing)
Future Mabhena (goalkeeper)
Bonginkosi Dube (right-wing)
Muzingaye Mahlangu (centre-back)
Prince Ngondo (defensive midfielder)
Lwakhiwe Mpofu (striker). — @brandon_malvin
