Bulawayo Chiefs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thulani ‘Javas’ Sibanda believes their participation in Division One last year was a wake up call which gave them plenty of lessons ahead of their return to the PSL.
The Bulawayo-based side was relegated at the end of the 2024 season but immediately returned to the country’s top-flight after winning the Southern Region Division under the tutelage of John Nyikadzino.
Chiefs, the social media kings of Zimbabwean football, left football lovers in stitches throughout the course of their participation in Division One last year, calling “accidental” and posting images of dusty pitches they played in there.
“We brought a valuable lesson in Division One and that lesson is; if you are not serious you will come back and struggle in these pitches,” Sibanda told Fanzone.
“That (participation in Division One) was a wake up call. Each game has to be taken seriously and planning must always play a great role.
“Team spirit is very important, resources are very vital, but most importantly never just lose games without fighting to the last second,”added Sibanda.
Chiefs are returning to the PSL in what might potentially be the most competitive season ever, but Sibanda insists Amakhosi are unfazed by the challenge.
“We believe we recently won in what is the most difficult competition in the country- Division One. It is a league where 18 clubs fight tooth and nail for just one ticket,” said Sibanda.
“Division One is extremely intense and having passed that, we can handle whatever the PSL can throw at us. We were forged in the fires of Southern Region and we wont be push overs,” declared Sibanda.
Nyikadzino will be aiming to oversee a successful season at the helm of Chiefs and Sibanda believes the veteran coach is ready for the challenge.
“Coach Nyikadzino has been clear in his wishes for the squad and we have made sure he gets all the arsenal he needs,” Sibanda said.
“We have made additions to the bulk of our squad that we retained from Division One. We brought in amongst others Melikhaya Ncube, Brian Muza, Kelly Shiyandindi, Clive Rupiya, Blessing Kagudu, Maxwell Murimi, Keith Busi Mathe and Nkosilathi Ncube.
“My message to the Bulawayo Chiefs supporters is; brace yourself to see a very improved Bulawayo Chiefs in all aspects. Both on and off the pitch.”
