By OnSport Reporter
Talent alone is not enough. For Reason “Ribhe” Sibanda, it is the relentless combination of hard work, discipline, and dedication that is finally paying off.
The forward finished as Highlanders’ top scorer in the 2025 season and he won the player of the month award twice, carrying the team through a turbulent campaign where they battled relegation. His performances did not go unnoticed by those who matter most.
“Right now, I feel he’s the best player in the league,” once said former Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu during the season. “He’s consistent, helps us aerially, creates, defends, and scores. He’s close to being a complete player, and we hope he maintains the momentum.”
From the dusty grounds of Ajax Hotspurs to the high-pressure stage of Barbourfields, OnSport Magazine (OM) sat down with the Njube-bred striker, Reason Sibanda (RS), to discuss his breakout season, his inspirations, and what drives him to be that “complete” player.
OM: Reason, thank you for talking to us. Let’s start from the beginning. Where did you grow up?
RS: I grew up in Filabusi and did my primary level there. I later moved to Bulawayo, where I finished primary school at Mtshede Primary School. I then went on to Mpopoma High, where I finished my O-Levels. I was born on the 4th of April 1999.
OM: When did football stop being just a game and become a passion?
RS: I started playing soccer ekasi with other kids. Then I moved to Ajax Hotspurs as a junior, and that’s when I started to truly love it. I gained even more confidence playing for my school, Mpopoma High.
OM: Who saw your potential early on and helped nurture it?
RS: At junior level, Teacher Mpofu at Mtshede was the one pushing me because he saw my abilities. Then at Ajax, Sphambaniso Dube did a great job. He helped me a lot, took me as his own child, and encouraged me to do better every single day.
OM: Who were the players that made you dream?
RS: Players like Luis Suárez, Robert Lewandowski, and the GOAT, Lionel Messi made me dream.
OM: Walk us through your career path to Highlanders.
RS: I started playing for Ajax at junior level, then got promoted to play for their Division Two team while I was still under 18. I played for their Division One side as well. Then I moved to Arenel Movers in Division One, and we were promoted to the Premier League. I moved to Highlanders FC in 2024, was loaned to Bulawayo Chiefs for half a season, and came back to Highlanders in 2025.
OM: What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
RS: There are two. When I was playing for Highlanders against Yadah this year at the Heart Stadium, I scored a brace and helped my team win 2-0. The second goal was a masterpiece. I received a long ball with my back to goal. I knew where the goal was and once the ball bounced, I turned and volleyed the ball to the top corner.
Also, when I was at Arenel Movers, I scored a brace against ZPC Hwange, who were direct rivals with us at the time and we were promoted ahead of them in 2023. Those were big moments.
OM: You played through significant pain this season. What was your biggest setback?
RS: My biggest setback was this year (2025) playing for Highlanders when I had injuries—my ankle and my nose. I had to play with a plaster on my ankle and a protective mask on my face because I was still recovering. It was a tough period.
OM: Despite that, you achieved a lot. What are you most proud of?
RS: Winning the league with Ajax Division Two unbeaten, then winning the league again with Arenel Movers unbeaten, where I scored 8 goals and had many assists. At Highlanders, winning the Players’ Player of the Month award twice in a year and being the club’s top scorer with 8 goals and 6 assists—though I feel I could have done even better.
OM: Who is your biggest sporting influence?
RS: Locally, it’s Khama Billiat. Internationally, it’s Lionel Messi.
OM: And your favourite team?
RS: Arsenal is my favourite team.
OM: What does a typical day look like for you during the season?
RS: Waking up, doing home workouts, going for team training, then coming back home to relax. Sometimes I play Xbox to unwind.
OM: How do you switch off from football completely?
RS: Outside of soccer, I love spending time with my family and watching movies.
OM: What’s your favourite meal?
RS: Pap and fish.
OM: You’re often called “Reebo.” What’s the story there?
RS: (Smiles) They call me Reebo, taken from my name, Reason.
OM: What is your deepest motivation when you step onto the pitch?
RS: I play soccer because I love it; it’s my most favourite thing to do. I also play because I want to secure a better life for me and my family.
OM: How would you describe your personal philosophy?
RS: I am a quiet person, but when it comes to work, I am a hard worker and I’m consistent. I’m also good at communicating with everyone when I’m playing soccer.
OM: What is the ultimate dream you’re chasing?
RS: My ultimate goal is to play abroad.
OM: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
RS: I got the best advice from my mother. She told me never to give up on my dream. Sometimes what seems like a setback in my eyes may be a blessing in disguise.
OM: Finally, what’s your advice for a young player in Njube or Bulawayo with big dreams?
RS: Work hard and never give up on your dream. Be patient and always give your all when playing—it doesn’t matter if it’s a big or a small game.