Bosso star weds

HIGHLANDERS' star player Bruce Kangwa traded the soccer jersey for an immaculate black suit, white shirt and red tie with a matching rose on the left top jacket pocket as he walked down the aisle with childhood sweetheart Amanda Whitney Moyo at a colourful ceremony in the Bulawayo suburb of North End.

Kangwa showed his undying love for Amanda throughout the season, and that was evident in his warm-up jerseys which were emblazoned with his sweetheart's middle name, Whitney. For those who wondered why Whitney was printed on the back of the left back's warm-up jersey, the jig-saw puzzle was finally broken yesterday.

The diminutive Highlanders left wingback, so impressive the whole of last season, had every reason to smile, as he captured his long-time love, a development that went a long way in compensating for a forgettable season in which he missed out on several accolades on the football front through "misfortune''.

Kangwa missed out on the Soccer Stars of the Year accolade due to a rule that suspends players who accumulated six yellow cards, and he could certainly have bagged several honours had Highlanders held their annual awards ceremony.

The left-footed player looked relaxed and exuded joy throughout the day as he held his Canada-based girlfriend's hand and one could even feel the warmth from the cool embrace and the traditional kiss as the player said "I do!''.

The ceremony which was held in an immaculate garden set-up, was, however, intermittently interrupted by rains that fell throughout the day. True to the couple's loyalty to Bulawayo, a city that has been bedevilled by water woes, the couple could not be deterred as they took that as a blessing, refusing to let their spirits be dampened by the   "worthwhile call of nature''.

Kangwa said he could not postpone the big day so that he could play at the 2014 African Nations Championships in South Africa beginning Saturday.

The fast-paced Highlanders player is one of the footballers that impressed national team coach, Ian Gorowa and he was likely to find himself in the side heading down south. By "forfeiting" the trip to Jozi, Kangwa also gave up a chance to be spotted by numerous foreign scouts after raw talent at the tournament.

"Today is my special day and I told the coach about my (wedding) plans, unfortunately I could not be part of the team. I believe opportunities are still there for me to don the national team jersey and shine for the country,'' he said.

"However, I wish them good luck as they travel to South Africa, although I am in Bulawayo, in spirit I am with the team and pray they bring the Chan trophy with them when they return home," he added.

On his relationship with Amanda, Kangwa said they managed to "weather the storm" despite the long distance separating them.

"It is not easy to be in a long distance relationship and maintain it but I think the love we have for each other is very strong. The support of family and friends also played a crucial role in encouraging us to keep our bond strong," he said.

Amanda, in a flowing white bridal gown littered with frontal shiny adornments said they stuck to each other by "the Grace of God".

Also present at Kangwa's big day were teammates Hillary Madzivanyika, who was the best man, former Highlanders team doctor Xolani Ndlovu and Highlanders goalkeeper, Ariel Sibanda, among others.

Kangwa is among several sportspersons who have tied the knot this festive season who include, footballers Russell Madamombe, Qadr Amin and cricketer, Chris Mpofu.