The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
RECENTLY launched Zifa Matabeleland South Division Two side, Habane Pirates have managed to attract the backing of the community in Esigodini as it guns for a spot in Central Region Division One League next year.
The relaunched Pirates are at home to Favec in their opening league tie at Mphelele Stadium this afternoon.
Speaking at the launch ceremony last week, various speakers that included local councillor Phathisani Ncube and Sports and Recreation Commission District Co-ordinator, Busani Ncube welcomed and put their weight behind the quest for Division football and called on the community to take a more proactive role in the club.
The club’s executive and sponsors were also applauded for their efforts to develop football in Habane.
Councillor Ncube said he and his colleagues in council were committed to improving sporting amenities in the township beginning with an upgrade of the existing Mphelele Stadium and the construction of a new multi-discipline sports arena.
He said land has already been set aside for the project and work would soon begin.
The Zanu-PF councillor added that efforts were underway to ensure supply of water to Mphelele Stadium.
“My Town Council colleagues and myself are committed to making sure that we provide adequate infrastructural development in football to help Habane Pirates achieve its dream of Division One football.
We are working towards building a new sports arena but before we do that we will make sure that Mphelele Stadium is improved,” Councillor Ncube told the estimated crowd of 300 who turned up for the launch.
The Guest of Honour and SRC official, Ncube echoed the councillor’s sentiments while applauding the executive and the UK-based pair of Franklin Sibanda and Thembani Mpofu who are funding the club.
He paid tribute to local businessman, Bigboy “Manucho” Ngwenya who runs two butcheries in Habane for augmenting the club’s finances despite the current challenging economic conditions.
“The executive has done well to bring semi-professional football to Habane.
They have proven to be very efficient and organised and now just imagine how much more they can achieve with our help,” Ncube said of the club’s executive.
Ngwenya committed to continuing to support the club’s sponsors.
The club has previously been home to Premier Soccer League campaigners like championship winning Canaan Nkomo who achieved the feat with Chicken Inn and Talent Machimbirike who plays for Bulawayo Chiefs.
