SD Mabaya Football Club’s chairman and chief executive officer, Sipho Dzimba, has explained his Club’s plan for this year. With an eye already on their 20th birthday celebrations in 2034, SD Mabaya FC have set the ball rolling on their plans.

Dzimba said they intend to rop in some qualified people to be part of their men’s and women’s divisions. He also mentioned that part of their plans is to set up an academy and even get their own facilities.

“We want good and qualified people who believe in the vision, mission and the guiding values of the Club. So, everyone associated with us should be part of the long-term. That’s the plan from now onwards. Remember, this year is SD Mabaya Football Club’s ten years anniversary, and we’re building from this year for Project 2034. So, effectively we’re now rolling on Vision 2034 for the Club,” said Dzimba.

“The Club needs to have its own academy which would comprise of the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 group of players for both males and females. And for this to happen then we would have to acquire our own facilities. We are done with renting and jostling for one field with other local teams. Therefore, that means we have to acquire land to construct a couple of proper soccer fields, a clubhouse, a players’ change rooms, as well as offices and even a better transportation for the coaches, staff and the players. We also have to get the players both males and females to participate in some competive leagues,” he said.

The football supremo, who is also a media specialist and entrepreneur, said they’re currently negotiating with some partners and sponsors to make these project a success. Dzimba believes that his club is among the most innovative teams in Mpumalanga that has a potential being a household soccer brand in the country. He also hinted on the idea of getting the club into the Men’s Regional League or ABC Motsepe League which he believes are competitive. “We trust that our hard work with this Club on and off the field is being noticed, and soon we will attract big sponsors to assist us on our vision,” said Dzimba.

This will obviously be a big year for the Kildare-based soccer club to reach ten years still active. “Obviously, we’re aspiring for bigger things as a Club in the country and the world. We don’t want to stagnate in one position. We are doing most of our things in the Club professionally,” Dzimba said.

The plans that have been set in motion however are not just celebratory for the Club, but they are to ensure that the team is doing well on the field.

That is why SD Mabaya have appointed senior coach, Thulani Njomane at the beginning of the season for the men’s team. His experience is proving to be worthwhile for the team as they’re currently doing well in the Ximhungwe County League. They have been a difficult team to beat League’s central stream this season. While, the Mabaya Ladies’ will be back in the Ehlanzeni Regional Women’s League when it resumes early in April. Dzimba said they are currently on the hunt of several coaching personnel for the female’s team. They will also conduct the female players’ trials at the end of February. The date will be announced in due course.

“After the tryouts for the female players, we will have a meeting with the players’ parents or guardians to iron out all the issues that have to do with the programme of action for the Ladies’ soccer this season. Thereafter, we will conduct the players’ workshop before the season kicks off,” he said.

According to the club, the aim is to ensure that by 2034 the team boasts home grown talent who will be winning trophies for the club and also get the Club into the bigger competition. Dzimba said it was his vision to see The Forces, as the SD Mabaya FC are also known, producing its own talent.

“One of my wishes, besides results, achievements and winning trophies by 2034 which is the club’s two decades anniversary, the majority of the squad must be home-grown talent. 

“We were very intentional with the recruitment process of the people we have brought in. I believe that if we use a science backed approach and mirror what we’ve studied, be it from the first team and international academies then we will yield favourable outcomes for SD Mabaya FC,” said Dzimba.

He added that in the next coming weeks and months leading to the club’s ten years anniversary in July, they will push to establish the supporters’ branches in Kildare as well as in Bushbuckridge sub-region and across Mpumalanga province. 

“The Club’s Board of Directors and I will be unveiling most of the plans that aligns with Project 2034 in the next month. This includes among others, having vibrant supporters’ branches, hosting a pageant competition, which is part of women empowerment and also establishing a Fan Experience outlet. All these will require a lot of resources but we are optimistic. We believe that Rome was not built in a day, but will use one break at the time to get SD Mabaya FC out there and be a force to be reckoned with on and off the fields of play,” Dzimba concluded.