FRANCISTOWN: Zimbabwean international, Mandlaenkosi ‘Sukunyetsa’ Sibanda is back in the country to play for ambitious Orapa United FC on a one-year deal.
The towering attacking midfielder had gone back to his native Zimbabwe and joined How Mine FC on a six-month deal.
Under the tutelage of former Gaborone United coach, Luke Masomere, Sibanda did not get enough game time at the club. It is against this backdrop that the lanky midfielder decided to cross the border and revive his career. Sibanda quietly sneaked back into the country and headed for the diamond-mining township of Orapa to reunite with his former coach at ECCO City Greens, Maxwell ‘Malume’ Moyo.
Kenanao Nkape, Orapa United chairperson said the talented and popular Sukunyetsa signed a one-year deal with an option of a renewal a couple of weeks ago.
“It is true that we have signed Sibanda. He has signed a one-year deal with us and there is a possibility of renewing the contract after its expiry,” said Nkape. The club hopes that Sibanda brings along his scoring boots. Nkape said Orapa United has been playing good football and creating clear-cut scoring opportunities that go to waste because the strikers lacked the composure. He hailed Sibanda, a former ECCO stalwart as an experienced player who will help his side to get goals. Nkape said Sukunyetsa is expected to form a deadly combination with sleek winger, Patrick Lenyeletse and Lovemore Murirwa upfront. After the capture of Sibanda, Orapa United now has a frontline of former ECCO strikers. The other ex-ECCO man in the Orapa attack is promising Mogomotsi Samson.
“Our expectation is that Sibanda will form a dream partnership with the likes of Lenyeletse and some of the players he once played with at ECCO,” said Nkape.
