Mzambiya thanks Matebele for lifeline

Former Orlando Pirates and national team creative winger Phenyo Mzambiya Mongala has thanked his coach Beston ‘Quicksilver’ Chambeshi together with BDF XI management for supporting him.

The army outfit, popularly known as Matebele, gave Mongala a lifeline to continue his football career following a short and unsuccessful spell at Don Bosco in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beginning of this season Matebele gave Mzambiya a 12-month contract to return from the wilderness and play again. Mzambiya, the once celebrated iconic star, formed the nucleus of the deadly Zebras that qualified for the first ever AFCON finals, which were held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Mongala was instrumental in the qualifiers as he scored decisive goals which catapulted the national side to win the AFCON group. Mzambiya rose to international stardom when playing for University of Pretoria” Amatuks’ when they were campaigning in the then Mvela league, the South African first division under the tutelage of Steve Barker now with Amazulu.

Memorably, things started to go well for Mzambiya; it was during the Nedbank finals against Kaizer Chiefs, a few years ago when Mzambiya won the hearts of the football masses as he made a mockery of Kaizer Chiefs captain Jimmy Tau with his dazzling skills and the latter left him unmarked in the pretext that he had a tussle and Mzambiya went on to score.

The Amatuks went on to win the finals after which different clubs began jostling for Mongala’s signature. However, the wheels started to go off for the winger when he signed for Orlando Pirates. He struggled for game time. The little action he was given was never enough as he was left wanting in match fitness.

Later on, Mzambiya was released and he joined local glamour side Mochudi Centre Chiefs where he assisted them in winning the league that year. They went on to represent the country in inter-continental tournament CAF Champions league where they ended in second round of the preliminary qualifiers.

Unfortunately their journey ended against TP Mazembe. Nevertheless Mzambiya together with the duo of Dirang Moloi and Jarome Ramatlhakwane caught the attention of Mazembe sister club Don Bosco.

After being on the sidelines for a while, finally BDF XI extended him an olive branch. In the past the army side has been known for reviving players careers, amongst others were Boitumelo Mafoko, Master Masitara and Ofentse Mmipi.

After the one-all draw against Orapa United at Itekeng Stadium, this past weekend Mongala told Sun Sports that his wish as his contract nears end, is for his bosses to extend it. He also thanked  them for resurrecting his career.

Mzambiya’s experience proved handy on the day as he jelled well with new recruit Patrick Kaunda, Sadiki Takunda and seasonal campaigner Kumbolani Madziba.

Mzambiya told Sun Sports that their objective is to be in the finals of the Mascom Top 8 and was satisfied with their performance as they have scored a crucial away goal which will favour them in the second   round.

Tomorrow [Thursday] Mzambiya’s experience will be tested as the army side faces relegation candidate Gilport Lions in a crucial beMOBILE premiership encounter.