“I had actually spent two seasons with Sporting Lions when Railstars, another Bulawayo-based side, came knocking in 1997 and I grabbed that chance with both hands. The move signalled a brilliant career for me and I became part of the club That season. I really enjoyed the big duels we had with clubs like Dynamos, Caps United and Highlanders on our way to the top.”
After a great season with Railstars, his defining moment came when he was lured to the then cash-rich Delma Lupepe-owned, Amazulu. He attributed his success on the pitch and that of other yesteryear footballers on the dedication they towards the game.
“We really played for the love of the game back then. That is what made competition stiff at Usuthu and ensured that who made it really made a difference to the team. I played against the more talented former national goalkeeper, Muzondiwa Mugadza and that competition made me pull up my socks.”
Sibanda, now 35, starred alongside other former football greats like Ronald Sibanda, Thomas Banda, Matambanashe Sibanda, Sikhumbuzo Banda, Norman Nkomani, 
Saidi Saidi, Misheck Makota and Taurai Makukutu.
He was part of the team that won the Madison Trophy and OK Cup in 2002, having ended as BP Cup runners-up in1999, Madison Trophy runners up in 2000, Premiership runners-up in 2001 and 2002 and Dairyboard Cup runners-up in 2002.
It was no surprise that the agile goalkeeper represented Zimbabwe at national Under-17 level and had a trial with the senior national team.
“Unfortunately, I could not play for the senior national team because of the abundance of talent in the country at that time,” explained Sibanda.
After four seasons with Amazulu, Sibanda returned to Harare to focus on a family business, after his official retirement in 2003.
“In 2003, I retired, taking charge of the family business and doing some coaching,” he said. “There are many youngsters who need guidance from former professionals. I conduct my coaching sessions randomly around Highfields.”
He is looking forward to an opportunity to coach junior national teams one day.
Post published in: Football