Prominent Harare soccer team to be named Binga United
PLANS for the construction of multi-sports complex in the Matabeleland North outback community of Binga are at an advanced stage with the project's financer, Nkululeko Sibanda the executive chairman of Twalumba Holdings revealing that completion is expected within 18-24 months of breaking ground.
Speaking 3uring an interview last week Sibanda said architects for the 10 000-seater multi-purpose stadium were close to finalizing the building plans. He said once the architects are done, a ground breaking ceremony would be held at the site to mark the commencement of construction.
The Twalumba Holdings executive chairman revealed that the completion date for the stadium was expected to coincide with the targeted promotion of Sibanda's recent acquisition, Highfield Football Club. Sibanda said his ambition is for the team to be promoted into the Premier Soccer League within three years.
"I hope to have the stadium complete within 18-24 months of the ground breaking ceremony. We are almost ready to hold the ceremony and we are just waiting on the architects to complete the building plans. The timing is aimed at coinciding with my hope I that Highfield will attain promotion into the ' Premier Soccer League within three years," said Sibanda.
Once promoted into the Premiership, Sibanda intends to relocate the team to Binga and rename it Binga United. He said the only reason the team is not based there at the moment is the lack of proper playing facilities in Binga.
"I did not move the team to Binga when I first bought it because I decided that there was a need to develop the infrastructure first. Hopefully by the time the stadium is completed, we will be playing Premier League football," the businessman said. Sibanda added that the sports complex would be built with an athletics track to accommodate school's sports within Binga. Asked if plans to establish School of Excellence were still on course, Sibanda said all the ground work had been completed and the school had been registered with the Zimbabwe Football Association. The school will be run parallel to Highfield Football Club. He said his passion for sport stems from a dream to have the entire nation running away from the notion that success can only be achieved through education or the establishment of a business.
Highfield signed several big name players the most notable being Warriors legend, Peter Ndlovu and national team goalkeeper Washington Arubi. The team is campaigning in the Zifa Northern Region Division One league. The club is one of the highest paying soccer teams in the country with Ndlovu reported to be earning around $3 000 per month.
Sibanda currently bankrolls PSL side Black Mambas after signing a three year $650 000 deal with the police team at the beginning of last season and also bankrolls the annual Kujatana Kubotu Peace Half-Marathon held in Binga.
