At 17, Siyanda Zimba is writing history between the posts
Some goalkeepers wait years for a breakthrough moment. Siyanda Zimba had two in one week.
The 17-year-old Bikita Chida Athletic Club shot-stopper first helped Pamushana High School make history.
On July 31, 2026 in Bulawayo, Pamushana won the 2026 NASH Under-17 football championship, beating Manicaland’s St Mathias Tsonzo 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
It was dominance from start to finish as Pamushana went through the entire national tournament unbeaten and didn’t concede a single goal in open play.
Zimba, already capped at Zimbabwe U17 and U20 level, was the anchor. 1-0 wins over Zezani and Rudziwi, a 3-0 penalty shootout win vs John Landa, a 1-0 semi-final defeat of hosts Mzilikazi, and then the final drama vs Tsonzo.
Days later, Zimba switched from school jersey to club colors and did it again.
At Lithium Stadium, Bikita Chida Athletic Club stunned PSERSL championship dark horses Grand Legacy FC 1-0. The teenager was voted Man of the Match.
The road hasn’t been straight. Zimba started playing aged 6 in junior teams in Makokoba before joining Tigers FC in Bulawayo.
He was signed by former Bikita Chida coach Oscar Muvhimi but didn’t get a game before Muvhimi was sacked in April.
Everything changed when Chris Mwanza arrived.
“It was coach Mwanza who gave me my first Division 1 start. It was a Munhumutapa Cup game against Destiny Stars FC,” Zimba told Fanzone.
He has now featured in 6 games for Bikita Chida, with results including wins over Grand Legacy and GZU, and a recent 2-0 win over Chivhu FC.
“Coach Mwanza has been patient with me and I am very happy with the opportunity that he has given me to showcase my talent,” he said. “My teammates have made the atmosphere easy and enjoyable.”
It’s a dream he’s chased since childhood. “It has been my dream to play Division 1 football and my other dream was to play in the Premier Soccer League at sixteen but fate had other plans for me.”
Inspired by his older brother Romeo, who also plays in goal for Nkayi United, Zimba has had support through the spotlight.
“My older brother is the one who has been managing my affairs. A lot of people always enquire about me and at times the attention is too much but my brother has been managing it very well while I concentrate on my schoolwork.”
With 4 clean sheets already and Form 4 O’Levels coming later this year, Zimba is setting targets. “In the future when the season ends I’m expecting to achieve more than 15 clean sheets when given the opportunity. I also hope to make that dream move in the Premier Soccer League or maybe overseas.”
Off the pitch, he’s using his platform. Zimbabwean society has been bedevilled by the drug and substance abuse scourge and Zimba shared a special message to the young generation.
“Drugs are a danger to society, I urge my fellow youths not to engage in such a dangerous activity that kills a generation. We should remain focused and keep on working hard because perseverance reaps dividends.”
“Football is not for the weak. You need to work very hard and have a strong mentality. And don’t let fame get into your head,” added Zimba.
