This is the side that produced “Dream Team” stars like former captain Ephraim “Rocky” Chawanda, hitman Agent “Agira” Sawu and defender Melusi Nkiwane and a new generation of yesteryear stars like Muzondiwa Mugadza, Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, Mlungisi Ndebele, Butholezwe Mahachi Joel Luphahla and Matambanashe Sibanda.
When the tide began to turn against them, the slogan was changed to “Chaenda Chikwata” as Saints began to play yo-yo team shuffling between the PSL and the first division.
Not only are Saints still playing in the First Division now, after they were relegated last season, but they face the danger of dropping further down to the unfashionable third division next season.
They sat on 12th position in the 17-team log of the Southern Region Division One League, with 10 wins, seven draws and lost 13 of their games, with just two remaining.
Former players raised concerns this week over the continuing trend at a side that drew multitudes to its home games and competed with Highlanders, Dynamos and Caps United for league honours just a decade ago.
Most blamed the worsening fortunes on poor management, which has failed to steer the club clear of the murky waters. Mugadza, now based in the UK, cited the appointment of unqualified former players to senior technical positions as one of the major problems.
“Saints need to do away with the unskilled former players who fill its management and technical departments,” he said. “This notion that former players have to take charge is nonsense. If there is a better qualified man to do the job, then they should take over. It seems to me people who wore the blue and white shirt in the past think they have an automatic right to be administrators, but it hasn’t worked and has as it has contributed to our downfall,” said Mugadza, who starred for the club before he left to join Amazulu in 2000.
He also blamed Bulawayo-based business people for failing to fund the club. “You may now think the club is cursed. The financial big wigs are staying away from the club, but this could be because of its management woes. In my last visit to the club house, I was greeted by an appalling state of affairs – less than 10 footballs, no bibs, no cones, and these are just basics. After talking to fellow former players to help, none appeared willing.
“I love Saints and they will remain in my heart no matter what happens, so it pains me that they are now failing to remain afloat. The mere thought of them getting relegated again just didn’t cross my mind. They belong at the top of Zimbabwean soccer.”
Former fullback, Nkosana Gumbo, said simply: “What is happening is very sad. The club really needs some divine intervention.”
Former stylish midfielder, Mlungisi “Styx” Ndebele challenged administrators to focus on uplifting the status of the club.
“When you are tasked with something you are expected to deliver, so the management must do something – rather than just witness the club wither away. They must start running a campaign to save Saints from its continued woes.”
The same sentiments were shared by former national team star, Ronald Sibanda, who also blamed management, while Bulawayo-based broadcaster and sports commentator, Muziwethu Hadebe, doubted that the club would be relegated at the end of this season, but said they should fight for their place in the apex of local soccer.
“They recently drew with log leaders Bantu, a team chasing the title, but they had also done well in their last few games before that one, so that should push them to survive,” said Hadebe.
Post published in: Football
Its just a matter of time, Saints will definitely spring back under new leadership…we will rise again!