Alive and kicking Zvenyika Makonese signs for Shabanie

ZVENYIKA MAKONESE marked his return to the domestic Premiership yesterday when he signed a deal to join Shabanie Mine – just two days after a shameless Facebook hoax led a top South African football website and many other news websites including Bulawayo24 to report that he had died in a road accident.

The Zimbabwe international defender, who has captained the Warriors in a football career that started at Gaths Mine, has spent the last seven years in South Africa.

Makonese's last club was Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, who won the Treble in South Africa last season, with the giant Zimbabwean defender not featuring much in their campaign.

Pirates offloaded Makonese when the former Warriors vice-captain's contract ended on June 30 and the defender had set his sights on reviving his career at FC Platinum.

The Premiership leaders, however, settled for Highlanders captain Gilbert Banda in a three-man race for the central defensive role that featured Makonese and former CAPS United defender Charles Manjera.

Makonese, who had made up his mind to return home after suffering a media onslaught in South Africa that targeted his private life, decided to sign for his old club Shabanie Mine.

The deal comes just two days after KickOff, the leading South African football website, were sold a Facebook dummy and reported that Makonese had died in a car accident while driving back to Johannesburg.

KickOff and us (Bulawayo24) apologise yesterday to Makonese and his family after the player's agent advised that the Zimbabwe international was alive and well.

Yesterday Makonese signed for Shabanie.

"We have signed Zvenyika and have actually sent our representative to the PSL to have him registered," club chairman Webster Chitono said.

Makonese said he was delighted to rejoin the club that gave a platform to make his Premiership debut under then coach Moses Chunga.

Makonese is expected to be the central figure in the Shabanie Mine team, which lacked a natural leader in their pack. Shabanie Mine relieved coach Arnold Jani of his duties on Wednesday last week and brought back their former player Luke Masomere, to takes charge at the asbestos miners.

Shabanie also brought back former national team player Jani Milanzi into the fold. Milanzi made his mark with Eiffel Flats and Mhangura where he became a household name. He will be assisting Masomere together with Elvis "Chuchu" Muuya. Former secretary-general Chengetai Phiri also bounced back into his old position on Saturday.

Phiri quit the executive when he was re-assigned and Edmore Chandakasarira was appointed the club secretary-general. Chandakasarira, who was relatively new in the Shabanie fold, did not last long. He left the club without even submitting a resignation letter amid reports that he has found employment elsewhere.

Shabanie collected a big point in Mutare on Sunday when they drew 1-1 with Shooting Stars. They are expected to continue with their fight to stay in the top-flight when they play Zimbabwe Saints next weekend.

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