Zimbabwe Saints F.C.

One of the oldest clubs in Zimbabwe, it was formed in 1931 by a merger of several teams which had their origins from Shona speaking areas but based in Bulawayo. The name Mashonaland United FC was used up until 1975 when nationalist leaders such as Dr Herbert Ushewokunze and Dr Joshua Nkomo (both late) felt tribal names were causing divisions among African people. It then changed its name to Zimbabwe Saints Football Club. Some of its early players include the late Vice President of Zimbabwe and the patron of ZIFA, Honourable Joseph Msika. The "Chauya Chikwata" as it is nicknamed was one of the best-performing teams in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League in the 1980s and early 1990s. Famous for its youth development, the club has been home to some of the more notable footballers from the Zimbabwean national team. The most famous class of 1988 coached by Roy Baretto went on a 23-game unbeaten streak to capture the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Championship in style. They were also losing semi-finalists of CECAFA Club championships in 1988. It went on to play in the CAF Club Champions Cup in 1989 and was eliminated in the quarter-finals. In-club fighting has been the major cause of the club's decline. The club was demoted 2 times in 2004 and 2006. In 2007 a new executive led by seasoned administrator Elliot Manduna was elected into office. Since then the club was on a rebuilding exercise. It introduced a development side in Division Two.

Merger

On Saturday 31 January…

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League: 2 1977, 1988 Zimbabwean Cup: 3 1977, 1979, 1987 Zimbabwean Independence Trophy: 1 1989 Southern Region Division One: 1 2005