Bosso players seek shrine power

WHILE many footballers in Africa do turn to sorcery and fetishism for a competitive edge, lathering magical-power oilments on their skin and squirrel fat (for speed) on their feet, Bulawayo giants Highlanders have turned to a local apostolic sect whose leader claimed he holds the key to the team's success.

Highlanders Football Club, led by its chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube, assistant coach Mandla "Lulu" Mpofu, captain Ariel Sibanda, defender Peter Muduhwa, midfielders Nqobizitha Masuku, Godfrey Makaruse and Bukhosi "Zakhu" Sibanda were on Sunday spotted at Johane Masowe weChishanu leader Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa's shrine located in Selbourne Park, where his congregants were attending a three-day church conference.

It was at the church conference that Dube told Madzibaba Mutumwa's congregants that former FC Platinum midfielder Winston Mhango, who has been turning out for Zambia's Kabwe Warriors, was seeking to retrace his steps to Zimbabwe and join Bosso.

Ex-Bulawayo City and Ngezi Platinum Stars holding midfielder Xolisani "Scara" Moyo, who is in the books of Manica Diamonds, was also among the Bosso family members who visited Madzibaba Mutumwa's "Holy" site.

Bosso, who last won the league title in 2006 under the guidance of Methembe Ndlovu, were supposedly finding out what exactly was hindering the club's success.

At the shrine, the players took turns to kneel before Madzibaba Mutumwa who assured them that his church was always praying for the success of the club.

With other congregants facing east and in prayer the players were overheard screaming: "Chipo Changu huya (Come my blessing)"

As for Muduhwa the visit comes after he fluffed opportunities to play outside the country, the recent one being a botched deal to Sudan.




Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa praying for some of Highlanders officials at his shrine

Sibanda, who is Zimbabwe's reigning Goalkeeper of the Year and has graced the Soccer Stars calendar twice, continuously fails to secure a move outside the country.

Stocky Masuku had an unfruitful stay at Zambian side Buildcon. Masuku joined Buildcon in January 2018 from FC Platinum, but left the side in August of the same year due to lack of game time.

Bukhosi, a former Bantu Rovers prolific goal-getter was signed by Highlanders together with Prince Dube in October 2018 after the duo had returned from unsuccessful stints at South African First National Division side, Ubuntu Cape Town FC and Absa Premier Soccer League outfit, SuperSport United.

Prince recently moved to Tanzania's Azam FC where he is enjoying his game, scoring in almost every match.

Makaruse's great football potential has been negatively impacted by injuries that he regularly picks during games.

Moyo has had his fair share of challenges hence parting ways with free spending Ngezi Platinum Stars at the end of last year.

Madzibaba Mutumwa, however, assured the players that their troubles would disappear if they committed to attending regular intercessions where the dark clouds of misfortune, that has often accompanied them, would be removed spiritually.

"Following this visit to the shrine all problems which you are facing as a player and as a team are coming to an end," declared Madzibaba Mutumwa while shaking the players' hands.

Apparently, Bosso have signed up as a bona fide member of the Johanne Masowe weChishanu leader Madzibaba Mutumwa after the church leader also donated three cars to help the club tie down their captains.

Meanwhile, strange things happened when Madzibaba Mutumwa, a fiery speaker who always claims he can hold an audience without anyone taking a breath begins preaching.

He said people should denounce all their enemies who do not want to see them prosper in life and use juju to tie them down.

"God is the power behind such signs and wonders," he said.

He rounded off his crusade with more healing sessions for the sick and casting out demonic spirits as well as helping people achieve their desires.