Exactly eight years after Nichrut FC disbanded, Shurugwi’s football dreams appear to have received a second wind.
Nichrut FC, disbanded in November 2018 shortly after being relegated from the Premier Soccer League to the Central Region Soccer League.
However, hope is on the horizon for the small mining town of Shurugwi as Shurugwi FC joins the Central Region Soccer League, eyeing a PSL spot in the long run.
The Midlands town is known for its stunning scenery, including the Boterekwa escapement and gorges, and for the notorious gold-panners (makorokoza) more than anything else.
In football, Shurugwi has also produced top footballers. Names like Gibson Homela, James Takavada, Kingstone Rinemhota, Asani Nhongo, and the late Joseph Machingura quickly come to mind.
Zimasco FC, owned by the local chrome mining company, nurtured these talents. But Nichrut FC was the only team from Shurugwi to briefly make it to the PSL.
With hope, key stakeholders from Shurugwi including Nicholas Gara who owned Nichrut FC have thrown their weight behind Shurugwi FC.
Club chairman Godknows Maketo outlined Shurugwi FC’s ambitions as they prepare for their Central Region Soccer League debut.
“Nichrut FC paved the way, and we’re standing on their shoulders. They showed us what’s possible, and we’re eager to follow in their footsteps – not just to match their achievement, but to surpass it. We’re building on their legacy,” Godknows Maketo told Fanzone.
“Our community’s passion for football is what drives us. We’re not just a team, we’re a movement. The love and support we get from the people of Shurugwi is what keeps us going. We’re accountable to them, and we’re committed to making them proud.
“This first season in the Central Region is about growth and learning. We’re new kids on the block, and we will take it one game at a time. We’re focused on developing our skills, building a strong team dynamic, and laying the foundation for future success.”
