RETURNING Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda reckons he will build a stronger side to compete in the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season despite the club losing the majority of its key players.
The Ninjas did not renew Johanisi Nhumwa’s contract after he joined the club last year and saved it from relegation and have entrusted the side back into the hands of Sibanda, who has left the club four times before, only to return in their time of need.
Bulawayo Chiefs have lost almost all of their key players that include skipper Malvin Mkolo, Billy Veremu, Kim Joe Sibanda, Ben Nyahunzvi, Felix Moyo, Mthokozisi Msebe, Ayanda Ncube, Mandla Gasela and goalkeeper Issah Ali among others. Sibanda yesterday said he has invited a number of players from the Southern Region Division One side and he is confident he will build a better side compared to last season.
“Most of the players have not come back and others have joined other clubs. It is actually the whole team because 80% of the players have gone. But I built this team and identified the players that have gone. I will identify again. I will actually build a better and stronger team. Bulawayo Chiefs will be stronger than it was,” he said.
“The southern region is a hub of talent. Players only need to be identified and I am doing just that. Most of the players come from this region and I will build a team that will compete and people should not think about relegation even without the players that have gone. The team will not be in shambles. We will raid Division One clubs and come up with a strong side.”
Sibanda was sacked at Triangle last season, four games before the close of the programme before the Lowveld-based side was relegated.
Meanwhile, The Ninjas have announced a new kit sponsorship deal with Exclusive Management Company.
This was announced by the club’s secretary general Dumisa Mantula Sibanda yesterday.
- Sibanda vows to rebuild a strong Bulawayo Chiefs
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“Bulawayo Chiefs FC is delighted to announce that Exclusive Management Company will be the official kit sponsor for the upcoming 2024 season. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for both organizations and sets the stage for a successful and mutually beneficial collaboration. We are thrilled to welcome Exclusive Management Company as our official kit sponsor. Their commitment to excellence and passion for supporting local sports aligns perfectly with our club's vision and values,” Mantula said.
Exclusive Management, a marketing concern, is owned by former Chiefs media officer Thulani ‘Javas’ Sibanda and the two organisations recently entered into a partnership.
