Bikita Minerals find temporary home at Sakubva Sta...

Bikita Minerals find temporary home at Sakubva Stadium

Philemon Jambaya

Bikita Minerals, the newcomers to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, are gearing up for their first season in the top flight. However, their home ground, Lithium Stadium, is currently undergoing renovations to meet league standards. As a result, the “Lithium Boys” will be setting up temporary camp at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare for the 2024 season.

Bikita’s journey to the PSL wasn’t without its challenges. A legal dispute with Tenax regarding promotion from the Eastern Region Division One delayed their official entry. Now confirmed, they are eager to prove their mettle against established teams.

Their first match at their adopted home ground, Sakubva Stadium, will be played on Sunday against Yadah FC, a team featuring the legendary Khama Billiat. Interestingly, Sakubva Stadium is already the home base for Mutare’s own PSL team, Manica Diamonds. This unique situation makes it a shared stadium for the season.

While playing away from their home turf, Bikita Minerals remains focused on the bigger picture.

Renovations at Lithium Stadium have already begun, with the club aiming to complete them before the season ends. The upgraded stadium will boast a capacity exceeding 2 000, meeting the PSL’s requirements.

Bikita Minerals represents a growing trend in Zimbabwean football – the rise of rural-based teams in the top league. They join the reigning champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars from Mhondoro, in showcasing the depth of talent beyond the country’s major cities.

With a passionate fan base back home in Bikita and a temporary foothold in Mutare, Bikita Minerals are poised to make a splash in their debut PSL season. Their journey from a rural team to a premier league competitor is a testament to their dedication and the growing strength of Zimbabwean football.