Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ all conquering class of 1998-2002 will tomorrow travel to Sipepa in Tsholotsho for a match against a Tsholotsho Select side as part of the Sipepa Sports and Cultural gala at Sipepa High School.The event is set to light up the Tsholotsho business centre and would be graced by the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Jonathan Moyo while his Cabinet counterpart, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa will be the guest of honour.

Sipepa is Moyo’s home village and is in Tsholotsho North where he will represent the ruling Zanu-PF party in a by-election set for June 10.

Besides the football match, there will also be netball as well as live musical performances by renowned artistes.

“This is a big and rare opportunity for the people of Tsholotsho in general and Sipepa in particular to see for themselves the team that took the football landscape by storm. Almost all members of that squad will be there, including the coach Rahman Gumbo and manager Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda,” said spokesman of the team Zenzo Moyo.

The legendary former Bosso gunman will rekindle his once fierce striking partnership with Thabani Masawi.

Indications are that the then team medic Emmet Ndlovu, who is the Highlanders secretary-general, was still being consulted to see if he can be part of tomorrow’s celebrations.

Gumbo will drive from Botswana to take charge of the boys that he led with distinction resulting in him being one of the most respected coaches even beyond Zimbabwean borders.

Moyo said tomorrow’s trip and eventual match in Sipepa was not only aimed at celebrating Tsholotsho’s sporting and cultural day, but to also thank their Sipepa fans for the support that helped shape their careers.

Bosso legends set to descend on Sipepa include former midfielders Blessing Gumiso and Alexander Phiri, defence stalwarts Dazzy Kapenya and Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu, wingers Sizabantu Khoza and Gift Lunga Jnr, right backs Simon “Doink” Sibanda and Melusi “Mabaleka” Sibanda. United Arab Emirates-based Noel Kaseke is in the country and is likely to be part of the team.

Former goalkeeper Edmore “MaMkhwebu” Sibanda is likely to miss the match as he is now with the Hwange Juniors, who have a league match tomorrow.

Two guest players, Hebert Dick and Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda will also feature in the match.