'Raw Meat' Sibanda dies

Zimbabwe's football fraternity is mourning the passing of legendary former Warriors and CAPS United defender Charles "Raw Meat" Sibanda, who died in Harare yesterday afternoon. He was 70.

Sibanda passed away around midday at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital, his son and family spokesperson, Charlton Sibanda, confirmed.

"My father passed away around 12 noon at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare," said Charlton.

The funeral wake will be held at Farm 43 in Marirarangwe, along Mubaira Road in Mhondoro.

Born and raised in Mbare, Sibanda attended Nharira Primary School before joining CAPS United in 1977, the year the club was promoted to the Super League.

Two years later, under the guidance of the late legendary coach Ashton "Papa" Nyazika, CAPS United clinched their maiden top-flight championship title. The team went on to dominate the local football scene, famously winning the ZIFA Cup four consecutive times - a feat that remains unmatched.

At CAPS United, Sibanda formed part of a golden generation that included Stanford "Stix" Mtizwa, Stanley Ndunduma, Shacky Tauro, Joel Shambo, and Duncan Ellison, among others.

Former Warriors captain Moses Chunga said Sibanda's nickname - "Raw Meat" - perfectly described his uncompromising defensive style.

"You could tell by his nickname what kind of defender he was - a no-nonsense player who was also a cool, humble guy off the field. May his soul rest in peace," said Chunga.

Former ZIFA and Dynamos chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze also paid tribute to Sibanda's immense contribution to Zimbabwean football, both as a player and an administrator.

"Sibanda was a great footballer who played club and national football in the 1970s and 80s," said Mashingaidze.
"He was part of the great CAPS United team that won the Castle Cup between 1980 and 1983, earning the nickname Cup Kings. After retirement, he coached several clubs, including Air Zimbabwe Jets and Circle United, before moving to England and later returning home."

Sibanda also served in several key football governance roles, including the ZIFA Electoral Committee (2010–2014) and the ZIFA Restructuring Committee set up by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), which paved the way for the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee ahead of the 2025 ZIFA elections.

Sibanda's talent earned him a place in the Zimbabwe national team, where he was capped 44 times. He featured in the Warriors' 1980 World Cup qualifier against Cameroon in Yaoundé, lining up alongside greats such as Sunday "Mhofu" Chidzambwa, David Mandigora, Graham Boyle, and Oliver Kateya.

Renowned junior football coach Zivanai "Man ZIFA" Chiyangwa, who worked with Sibanda at Arcadia United, described him as a mentor and father figure.

"I worked with him at Arcadia United for two years. He was a hard worker and very respectful. I have lost an uncle, a coach and a mentor - a true legend of the game," said Chiyangwa.

Charles "Raw Meat" Sibanda leaves behind a rich legacy as a fearless defender, a humble leader, and a lifelong servant of Zimbabwean football.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.