The Sunday News
Mandla Moyo
SOCIAL soccer in Bulawayo will never be the same again after its last surviving founder member now part of the board of directors Chris “Zvidobi” Mhlanga decided to call it a day by stepping down from active administration of the league.
Mhlanga, a man with a rich football history that dates back to the 80s after noticing that men and boys from around Bulawayo were lying idle hence ended up engaging in illegal activities assisted by his friends, came up with an idea to form a league that will keep them busy and also offer entertainment to the city’s communities.
The league was to be known as the Bulawayo Social Soccer League, targeting mainly those aged 28 and above.
Ever since then the social landscape in the city has never been the same again, the league has constantly grown to date, and it is probably the biggest social league in the country with an affiliate of 50 teams pooled into two groups.
From the early years there was a umbilical code that joined this man with the world’s most beautiful game, football, having played for Highlanders as well as working as a player-coach in the 70s.
Along his football journey he has had a number of stints with teams like Rufaro Rovers where he showcased his talent alongside the likes of Shepherd Murape in addition to Dynamos where he played alongside one of Zimbabwe’s prolific goal scorers of all time George Shaya.
During his tenure as the chairman of the league which spans over seventeen years he displayed rare leadership qualities as well as visionary administration.
Mhlanga, a sales manager by profession like a true salesman sold his idea to companies like Ingwebu, Astra Paints to name but a few resulting in substantial sponsorship of the league. He played for Mthala in Mpopoma in the social soccer league.
In addition to that he was also able to run a lot of tournaments in association with these companies all for the benefit of the league and the community in general. As a result of his work to take the BSSL brand to another level, the league has decided to host a tournament to show their appreciation which has humbled him.
“I feel humbled by what the league has done for me, I also thought it wise to pass the button to the next crop of leaders while I am still fit. It is my hope that they will even do much better than me and attract more sponsors for the league since they are community teams with limited resources. Even when I pass on I will lie on my resting place knowing that I left the community with something to treasure and feel proud of,” said Mhlanga.
To him “social soccer is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life,” he always believed that.
As he calls it a day Mhlanga has decided to pass the button to others whom he hopes will even take the brand to another level and also partner with co-operates for among other organisations.
As a result of his immense contributions a cup tournament featuring all teams of the league is on the cards.
A total of fifty two teams are going to be thrown into the hat then paired into fifteen groups from which the two top teams will go on to join the sixteen teams chosen by Mhlanga.
The winner will walk away $300 better off plus shields, while the first runner up will get $200 in prize money. The last two runners-up will get $150 and $100 respectively.
Proposed draw according to proximity
Glenkara, Edgars, Siyabangena, Zobha (Somhlolo 1), 70 Comb, Nkulumane, Fundukulinda, Legends, Celtics, Zinwa( Emganwini 3), Makweee, NJC, Tigers, H Valley ( Mazai 4), Mthala, Skippers, PataPata (Bango 5), FC Stars, West Comm, Iminyela, Pelandaba ( Ndola 6), Congo Chiefs, Mayihlome, Real Shwelele, Shwelele (Inyathi 7), Matshobana, Lobels, Pioneer (Matshobana 8),Bombers, FC Zonke, Man U (Esporweni 9), Brotherhood,Njube Crackers, Mabuthweni ( Desert 10), Masters, Finance, 94 Strivers, Fireworks (TM Cowdray Park 11),Old Timers, P Crackers, Santos, Robert Sinyoka (Pumula North 12), CreamTata, Wembley, FC Pirates(Lobengula YC), Zulu Chiefs, Real Magwegwe, Bullets, Magwegwe Stars (Marisha 14), VuleVale, Gwabalanda,Khami (Magwegwe West 15).
