'My blood is black and white through and through' says Bruce Kangwa

Highlanders FC star Bruce Kangwa who recently tied the knot has said his blood is black and white and remains committed to the Bulawayo giants despite an enticement to join his wife in Canada.

In an interview before leaving for his honeymoon in Victoria Falls on Wednesday, Kangwa put to an end to speculation that he would be leaving the club.

"My blood is black and white through and through and that will not change. I am staying put at Highlanders for now. Since I have tied the knot it's no longer about me but about us and I haven't sat down with my wife to decide what the future holds in terms of either of us shifting base. She might move here or I can join her there but that is something that we will discuss after our honeymoon," said Kangwa.

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

Kangwa has a running contract with Bosso and is eyeing more silverware with the club.

"My marriage is a good start for my year and since I have a running contract with Bosso, I want to help them win trophies during my stay. When the time comes for me to join my wife, should that happen, I will do so having notified the club because Highlanders has been a good home for me.

"I am in no hurry to go overseas because my relationship with Amanda has survived despite the long distance because of the trust and the undying love we have for each other. She has been supportive and wants to see me win major trophies with Highlanders and after solemnising our union, I think the next big thing for me is to win the championship with Bosso," Kangwa said.

True to his love and commitment to his wife, Kangwa had to forgo an opportunity to play at the 2014 African Nations Championships in South Africa which begin on Saturday just to tie the knot.

The fast-paced Highlanders player impressed national team coach, Ian Gorowa and had a chance of making the squad that headed down south.  By forfeiting the Chan trip, Kangwa also gave up a chance to be spotted by numerous foreign scouts who are after raw talent at the tournament.

With Highlanders having signed left back Khumbulani Banda whose contract with How Mine ended on December 31, Kangwa said he is ready to compete for a place.

"It is good that Banda has joined the winning team and competition is always healthy. I am looking forward to the competition he brings because that will contribute in me working hard and raising my game. I know I can not sit on my laurels because I risk losing a place in the team," said Kangwa. He can also play on the left side of the midfield, a position which will pit him against Bhekimpilo "Bhaka" Ncube, among other players.

The diminutive Highlanders left wingback, impressive last season, walked down the aisle with childhood sweetheart Amanda Whitney Moyo at a colourful ceremony in Bulawayo last Saturday.

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 puzzle was finally solved on his wedding day.

Meanwhile, a host of players from Bulawayo's lower divisions flocked to White City Stadium to try their luck with Highlanders yesterday.

Ex-Bantu Rovers, East Rovers and Zimbabwe Saints utility player Thamsanqa "Magwa" Ndimande, defender Nkosilathi "Rambo" Dube, Khumbulani Sibanda who was at Bulawayo Chiefs, Black Boots' Brian Nkomo and Philani Ncube formerly with Tsholotsho Pirates trained under the watchful eyes of Mark Mathe, Peter Nkomo and Bekithemba Ndlovu.

United States-based duo of Joseph "Skippy" Ngwenya and Ray Lunga who are on holiday and former Railstars' Gedion Masiku were part of the session.