Zibusiso Dambo left with teammate Chrispen Machisi after winning the title with Bulawayo Chiefs
By OnSport Reporter
In the competitive landscape of Zimbabwean football, few achievements are as distinctive as the record of Zibusiso Dambo.
The midfielder has engineered promotions for three different clubs: first as a youngster with Quelaton in 2011, then with Arenel Movers in 2023, and most recently as the charismatic, battle-hardened leader who helped guide Bulawayo Chiefs to the next level.
This unique accomplishment marks him as a natural leader on the pitch, a player whose vision and grit have become a coveted asset for teams with ambitious dreams.
OnSport Magazine (OM) sat down with the man better known as “Nani” to explore the mindset of this hardworking midfielder and the deep-seated drive behind his consistent success.
OM: Zibusiso, thank you for your time. Let’s start with your roots. Tell us about where you’re from and your family.
ZD: My name is Zibusiso “Nani” Dambo. I was born on the 2nd of June 1992 into a family of five. I grew up in the streets of Mpopoma, where I attended Lukanyiso Primary School and completed my secondary level at Mpopoma High School.
OM: When did you discover your love for football, and what made you decide to pursue it seriously?
ZD: Back in the day, being a ghetto kid meant we would turn anything into a ball—the streets were our pitch. No fancy fields, just barefoot football, dodging cars, and making memories. That’s when I realized I actually loved the game. Discovering that my father was also a football lover cemented my decision to pursue it.
OM: Who nurtured your talent in those early days?
ZD: Fortunately, I found support from incredible mentors like Teacher Mr. Moyo, Coach Arnold Macheza, and Gugulethu Hadebe. They nurtured my talent and encouraged me to take football seriously. Their guidance was pivotal in shaping my skills and passion for the game.
OM: Was there anyone who doubted your path?
ZD: My grandmother was initially opposed to my passion for football. She often expressed concerns about the rough nature of the sport and strongly believed in academic success. Her disapproval only strengthened my resolve, fueling my determination to pursue the game despite her reservations. That experience instilled in me a sense of resilience and perseverance—qualities that have served me well beyond the football pitch.
OM: Walk us through your professional career path.
ZD: I started with Zimbabwe Saints juniors, then moved to the Ajax Hotspurs School of Soccer Excellence. From 2011 to date, I’ve played for Quelaton FC, ZRP FC, Arenel Movers FC, NUST FC, Zimbabwe Saints FC, and now Bulawayo Chiefs.
OM: With three promotions, you have many achievements. Which one stands out as the one you’re most proud of?
ZD: One of my proudest moments was when our Arenel Movers team became ‘Invisible Champions’ in 2023. We defied expectations and worked our way to the top. It showed me that hard work, teamwork, and belief can turn ‘invisible’ into ‘unstoppable’.
That Arenel team was very strong. It was no surprise that we went unbeaten the entire season. We had players like Aaron Ngwenya in goal, Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Jaravaza, Reason Sibanda, Leeroy Ndlovu, Irvine Munkombwe, and Ricaldo Sibanda, among others. Most of these guys went on to play in the Premiership. We just faced off-field challenges in the PSL; otherwise, I believe we could have caused some real upsets in the top flight.
OM: Which players influenced your style and mentality in midfield?
ZD: Players like Tinashe Nengomasha and Claude Makelele were massive influences. Their midfield mastery, work rate, and reading of the game inspired me to push harder and be more tactical.
OM: Which team do you support?
ZD: I am a Chelsea FC supporter.
OM: What does a typical day look like for you during the season?
ZD: I prepare for the training session, and afterwards, I come back home to wind down, prioritizing recovery above everything else.
OM: How would you describe yourself off the pitch, and how do you relax?
ZD: I am an introverted person. Outside of football, I’m all about vibing with friends and chilling with family. Sometimes I catch a movie or explore new places to eat.
OM: What’s on your playlist to unwind?
ZD: I listen to Reggae music.
OM: What’s your favourite meal?
ZD: Rice and beans.
OM: Your nickname is “Nani.” What’s the story behind it? I find it interesting because your style of play contrasts with the famous winger Nani that many know.
ZD: (Laughs) The story goes back to my junior club days. My teammates started calling me Nani because my style on the pitch was quick and agile, similar to the former Portugal and Manchester United winger. As I grew and my game evolved, the style changed, but the name stuck. Now, most people know me by that name.
OM: What is your deepest source of motivation?
ZD: Being an orphan motivates me profoundly. And now, my wife and my child bring even more motivation during every high and low.
OM: How would you describe your personal philosophy in football and life?
ZD: My philosophy? I live by “effort and attitude.” In sport or life, if you put in the work and stay hungry, good things happen. I believe in giving maximum effort, staying positive, and learning from every outcome—win or lose. Respect the game and the people around you. It’s about enjoying the journey, pushing limits, and growing.
OM: What is your ultimate ambition in football?
ZD: My ambition is to keep winning, to keep leading teams to success, and to leave a legacy as a player who made a difference wherever he went.
OM: If you weren’t a professional footballer, what do you think you’d be doing?
ZD: Hmmm, tough one. If I wasn’t playing football, I would probably be coaching or working in sports development. Staying connected to the game is a must.
OM: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
ZD: My coach told me, “Consistency is key, but attitude is everything.” That stuck with me—work hard, stay humble.
OM: Finally, what’s your advice for young midfielders aspiring to lead their teams?
ZD: To young players: believe in yourself, work hard, and stay humble. Enjoy the game and learn from every moment. Surround yourself with good people—coaches, teammates, family. And don’t fear failure; it’s part of growing.