Trophies too far, relegation battle first – ‘Nyanga’, ‘Mbazo’
By Chris Dlamini
“Let’s set realistic goals,”
This is the big call made by the club’s former defender and now legend, Jerry ‘Mbazo’ Gamedze who seemed to agree with their coach, veteran Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe.
The duo, in separate interviews, gave statements that were contradictory to the team’s new co-Managing Director (MD) Mlamuli Mabuza who is also a businessman and former Khubutha legislator.
The latter, in his address to the Wanderers supporters during a recent meeting at Manzini Library, said they were expecting to make an impact and were not going to be relegated as they return to action in the 2025/26 season.
The ‘Weslians’ spent last season battling for survival in the courts as they successfully challenged their relegation.
“We are in a fresh start with players having not played last season. We learned a lot from the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup as we saw that our team played well in the first half then faded. It’s because we’re just starting afresh and practice makes perfect.
“Going forward, I believe Wanderers cannot play by themselves but needs everyone who calls themselves Wanderers on board to support in every way possible if we are to build the team again. We can’t expect trophies yet there are too far,” he said.
Hlophe gave his honest assessment of the situation without a doubt. He appealed to all their supporters to not just be there to watch but to go beyond that in rendering support.
Meanwhile, the team’s former defender and captain, Gamedze, well-known as Mbazo, shared similar sentiments.
“I heard the MD say we won’t be relegated but I believe we need to set realistic goals. Wanderers just returned as a new team after spending last season in the wilderness.
“We can only target fighting relegation first for the entire first round, then try finishing in the top 8 or 6 even,” he said.
He said they were coming from the wilderness, which was going to take quality players to sustain the team.
“We are still trying to ensure the players we have can sustain the team in terms of fighting relegation, which is our primary objective in the first round,” said Gamedze.
He also said it was only in the 2026/27 season that they could expect to challenge for honours after they had seen their players’ quality in the upcoming season.
Gamedze further appealed to all the team’s supporters to rally behind it and even contribute crucial equipment like soccer boots to the players.
