Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RONALD PFUMBIDZAI has a special birthday!
He shares the same birthday with Jesus Christ and will celebrate this special day on Wednesday.
Pfumbidzai is one of many footballers born on Christmas Day, including his former teammate at CAPS United, Devon Chafa.
The Scottland FC left-back says this Christmas will be more special because of an “exceptional” achievement during the year.
“If I look back, coming back to Zimbabwe from the South African Premiership to play for a Division One team was a difficult decision.
“People talk a lot, some said ‘Ronnie is done’; haters predicted doom for me, saying this and that.
“But I soldiered on and went on to help Scottland FC gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League (PSL),” Pfumbidzai said with an aura of vindication.
Pfumbidzai, who turns 30 on Christmas Day, signed for Scottland FC on July 31 after parting ways with Betway Premiership side SuperSport United.
“On the day that I signed for Scottland FC, I had a conversation with the team’s representatives.
“They told me they wanted to gain promotion into the PSL, and I promised them I would help them achieve that feat. Now, I am proud I managed to do it,” said the former Warriors left-back.
He added: “I am also proud because I managed to silence the doubters and haters. I must enjoy this Christmas.”
Pfumbidzai is one of the players who will be retained at Scottland FC when they make their PSL debut next year.
Veteran centre-back Lincoln “Bhadra” Zvasiya also looks set for another Premiership dance next season.
The Scott Sakupwanya-owned side has been on a massive recruitment drive that has seen them sign scores of star players.
Apart from snatching championship-winning coach Tonderai Ndiraya from Simba Bhora, Scottland FC have also targeted reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tichaona Chipunza and goalkeeper Talbert Shumba.
The Mabvuku side have already signed Kingsley Mureremba from CAPS United and the Highlanders duo of Peter Muduhwa and Ariel Sibanda.
Scottland FC are also swimming in millions of dollars after unveiling a US$1,5 million sponsorship deal with Sakunda Holdings.
“This is a very good project and the club is being run in a fantastic way,” said Pfumbidzai. Scottland FC have given a lifeline to a number of youths.
“Right now, they have started building a stadium in Mabvuku, which will bring Premiership football to the doorstep of people there.
“There are a number of young boys in Mabvuku and elsewhere who dream of playing in the PSL.
“They will be encouraged when they see a state-of-the-art stadium in their backyard.
“I just pray that more people will come forward and start projects like Scottland FC. I thank club owner Sakupwanya for giving us a platform.”
Pfumbidzai is already looking forward to the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season. He last played in the local league back in 2017, before he moved to Bloemfontein Celtic in South Africa.
He won the Castle Lager PSL title with CAPS United in 2016 and played in the CAF Champions League the following year.
Pfumbidzai was also voted one of the best 11 players in 2016, when his teammate Hardlife Zvirekwi won the Soccer Star of the Year award.
“It’s almost eight years now since I last played in the local league,” he said.
“One thing that you miss when you play away from home is the freedom.
“The joy of playing in front of your family and friends. I am looking forward to a return to the Castle Lager Premiership with Scottland FC. When I joined them, I wasn’t fully fit, but I am now sharp and ready.”
Before he can think of the 2025 season, Pfumbidzai has to enjoy the Christmas and New Year holidays.
“I am not an outgoing person, so I guess I will be at home doing some braai with friends and my younger brothers.
But one thing is for sure, I want to enjoy this special Christmas,” he said.
