Bosso defence star Texy goes down memory lane

26 Mar, 2017 - 00:03 0 Views
Bosso defence star Texy goes down  memory lane Themba ‘‘Texy’’ Ncube

The Sunday News

Themba ‘‘Texy’’ Ncube

Themba ‘‘Texy’’ Ncube

HIGHLANDERS Football Club has over the years produced a number of defenders who have become household names.

Themba Ncube would probably rank right there with the likes of late Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda, the late Cleopas Dlodlo and Thulani “Biya” Ncube.

Themba was warmly called “Texy” as he warmed and charmed many football fanatics with his skill and pace. The name Texy became his second name, having attained it at the age of 13 when he cut his teeth in football at Sobukhazi High School. The name Texy was popularised by his childhood friend Nathan Mabhedla way back at Sobukhazi. He was born 60 years ago in Mzilikazi suburb, at a time Highlanders and Zimbabwe Saints were the big teams in the city fighting for bragging rights.

He says at that time Bulawayo was divided into two halves – the black and blue halves which represented Highlanders and Saints respectively. He kick-started his football career in his childhood suburb and as a result that helped him get noticed by coaches at Sobukhazi. Although he was a midfielder, his coach at Sobukhazi thrust him in the right back position. Growing up with a passion to turn out for Highlanders, Texy joined Highlanders Under-14 team in 1968. He rose through the ranks and eventually broke into the senior team. He explains how he broke into the first team.

Texy during his days at Bosso

Texy during his days at Bosso

“I was selected into the senior team after Highlanders broke away from the Rhodesian Premium League due to unfair treatment and that led our chairman Silas Ndlovu leaving out some of the players. Because of that I got a place and I never looked back and I became a regular,” he recalls.

His best qualities were tenacity, pace and height which made him a tough adversary. Back then playing soccer was all about passion and not for money, as is prevailing nowadays.

“Before Independence we played football for the love of the game and not to earn a living as is the case right now. These days it is a full-time job but back then we earned less and that is why we had to work elsewhere and trained in the evenings,” he remembers.

Asked to compare the quality of play between the pre and post-Independence era, Ncube was full of praise for yesteryear’s quality of football.

The former defence stalwart said back then quality players could stay in the same team for quite a long time unlike now when a player performs well then he leaves for greener pastures.

He said keeping the quality players in the league made the league competitive and enjoyable.

“During our playing days stadia used to fill up because supporters knew that they would watch quality soccer and get value for their money,” he says.

His favourite hunting ground was Barbourfields (B/F) where the electric atmosphere motivated players to give their best in the field of play.

His best line-up was of the following players, Peter “Oxo” Nkomo, Augustine Lunga, Muzingaye Sithole, Danisa Sibanda, Smart Moyo, Njabulo Mbambo, Nathan Mabhedla, David Mhlanga, Doubt Sithole, Mpilo Ndlovu and Yona Malunga. He was coached by the late James Nxumalo and describes him as a strict but lovable leader.

The undoubted highlight of his career came when he was part of the Highlanders Under-18 squad that clinched the Castle Cup after beating Sables FC 2-1 in an epic clash at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

He remembers the game when his team played against Gweru United, and the goal minder, Yona Malunga fractured a finger.
“As a result we were defeated 2- 1 in that league match when we were eyeing the championship,” he said. But he vividly remembers a thunderbolt that Nhamo Chizunza scored when his team clashed against Gweru United. “Chizunza was one striker who was nimble-footed and was dangerous in front of goal. When we played Gweru United he scored a scorcher of a goal that broke the back of net,” he recalls.

Texy is grateful to Lawrence Phiri and Isaac Banda for having mentored him and taught him to be focused. Ncube has advice for the PSL players.

“The players have to avoid drugs and alcohol as this will ruin their career. A serious player has to adopt the 3Ds – discipline, devotion and dedication and by so doing the player could achieve his ambition,” he said.

Ncube hung his boots in 1980 to pursue a Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management. He worked at Zimbabwe Border Timbers as branch manager before leaving to join Halsteds for a sales and marketing job.

He is part of the Bosso legends team that features in a friendlies, that includes the likes of Peter Nkomo, Douglas Mloyi, Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu, Barry Daka, Edward Dzowa, Chris Mhlanga, Kynote Mhlanga, Collsen Mabeza, Mark Wartson and Amini Soma-Phiri.

Ncube is married to Sifiso Ncube. He has three children, two daughters- Ayanda and Bobo and a son Awakhiwe. Awakhiwe has taken cue from his father as he plays soccer and rugby.

For his sweat Ncube is a proud owner of a house in Selborne Park and is also a devout Christian and he fellowships at Brethren In Christ Church (BICC) specialising in music.

 

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