Picture Credit: Ezra Tshisa Sibanda
Nkayi United Football Club has declared its intention to challenge for promotion to the Premier Soccer League following a strong showing in the 2025 Southern Region Division One season, a message that dominated the club’s end-of-season awards and dinner ceremony held in Nkayi.
The ambitious rural outfit concluded the campaign in third place out of 18 teams, an achievement that underlined the club’s rapid rise despite narrowly missing out on the league title. Bulawayo Chiefs emerged as champions, with Hwange finishing runners-up.
Addressing players, officials and invited guests, Chief Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi was introduced as the club’s new patron, a development seen as a major boost for Nkayi United’s community roots. The traditional leader challenged the squad to raise its standards and channel mental toughness and consistency into results on the pitch as the club eyes top-flight football.
Former Zimbabwe Warriors and Highlanders star Madinda Ndlovu added his voice to the evening, delivering a message centred on discipline and personal responsibility. He encouraged players to remain focused on their careers and avoid off-field distractions that could derail their progress.
Club owner Dr Brilliant Ncube, who also heads Kingdom Blue Funerals, used the occasion to outline Nkayi United’s long-term ambitions. He revealed plans for heavy investment ahead of the 2026 season, including a proposed US$1 million sponsorship package aimed at strengthening the squad and technical structures.
Dr Ncube stressed that promotion is no longer a distant dream but a clear target, noting the strides the club has made in just two years of existence.
The ceremony doubled as a celebration, with music and cultural performances providing entertainment late into the night, reflecting the growing bond between the club and the Nkayi community.
Buoyed by strong leadership, increasing financial muscle and widespread local support, Nkayi United now appear poised to mount a serious challenge for Premiership football in the near future.
