Makonese eager to join Shabanie Mine

By Lovemore Zigara

Former Warriors’ defender Zvenyika Makonese has expressed interest in rejoining Shabanie Mine, the club that provided him a springboard to stardom.

Makonese had stints with several South African Premiership sides, among them Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, following his departure from Shabanie Mine.

After his stint across the Limpopo, Makonese returned home and has had an on-and-off relationship with the asbestos miners.

The 40-year-old defender’s last dance with the Chinda Boys was last year when he helped the Zvishavane side gain promotion into the Premiership and was among the Central Soccer League’s Soccer Stars of the Year.

Shabanie Mine chairman Elias Marufu said the club is ready to welcome back Makonese provided he impresses the coaches.

“I can confirm that Makonese wants to rejoin us and as a son of Shabanie Mine we are ready to welcome him.

“His return, however, will depend on whether the technical team requires his services or not,” said Marufu.

Meanwhile, Shabanie Mine striker Nelson Maziwisa has joined Zambian side Kabwe Warriors after impressing during a two-week trial stint.

The 2012 Golden Boot winner spent more than three weeks undergoing trials and said he was delighted to join one of Zambia’s biggest clubs.

“I will fight hard to score for my new club. As strikers, we are employed to score goals so that is my target.

“I will work hard to complement my teammates, as you know that calls for team work. I am confident that I will settle quickly,”said Maziwisa.

Marufu confirmed the departure of Maziwisa and said the club had a policy of not standing in any player’s way.

He said the striker’s move to Zambia would motivate youngsters at the club to raise their game and be noticed by foreign clubs.

Maziwisa becomes the second player to leave Shabanie following the departure of Collins Dhuwa, who was snapped by 2015 league champions Chicken Inn. The Chronicle