Gerald Sibanda, Sports Reporter
IN a difficult environment to really show one’s full potential as a goalkeeper, Njabulo Sibanda is an example to younger goal-minders that they should remain patient and work hard.
The 24-year-old is yet to make a Premier League appearance with any team.
He was signed by Chicken Inn in 2019 just after the Covid-19 lockdown and has had numerous loan spells with the latest one being with Southern Region Division One outfit Mainline Football Club of Plumtree.
His progress was hampered by an injury after a fine start to the season which had seen his side in the top three.
“It was a good start to the season after a good pre-season. The coaches at Chicken Inn had told me to go to Mainline to gain more experience and game time which was a good idea,” said Sibanda.
“The pre-season preparations were very good. We played the likes of Highlanders and even though we lost the match, I had some encouraging words from coach Brito telling me that I was a good goalkeeper and I should keep on working hard and was very encouraging to me. We also played my club Chicken Inn and after another good performance, I got good comments from my best coach who is the goalkeepers’ coach at Chicken Inn, Energy Murambadoro.
“After a couple of league matches, we found ourselves in decent positions on the log but unfortunately I picked up a serious injury at training and everything changed. I am happy and grateful though with the exposure I am getting, I just believe that I am on the brink of greatness and when a chance comes I will do my best to make full use of it.”
He also opened up on having to train with his role model, Donovan Bernard who is said to be attracting interest from foreign clubs after good performances with the national team in the 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers during the recent international break.
“My role model is Donovan Bernard, I believe he is the best in the country and it is clearly visible with how things have been going for him in the national team against one of the best teams in Africa, Nigeria. I am very grateful that I get to train with him and closely engage with him, it is a dream for me,” said Sibanda.
The hardworking and energetic goalkeeper is also a tertiary student at Westgate Industrial Training College doing Science and Technology Development.
He is hoping to balance his academics and football, something he dearly loves.
He has also attracted interest from teams such as Zifa Southern Region Division One side ZPC Hwange and a Botswana Premiership side and believes it is only a matter of time before he fulfils his dream of making it to the top.
