Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub

“NEW Ninja Assassins, Let the Games Begin”, declared Castle Lager Premier Soccer League returnees Bulawayo Chiefs, when they unveiled another set of new arrivals on their Facebook page yesterday.

The Ninjas are not only back in the top-flight league, but they are also returning to rule the local football social media streets.

A video of their new players, dressed like ninjas in a Kung Fu movie, is trending across various platforms, igniting fan interest ahead of the 2026 season, which kicks off on March 7.

Interestingly, Chiefs will play fallen giants Highlanders in a Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields in their opening match of the season.

And it looks like Bulawayo Chiefs’ veteran coach, John Nyikadzino, is assembling a team that could raffle feathers in the elite league this season, amid talk that the club is back to financial stability after a season in the Southern Region Division One League. Nyikadzino has been tasked with making sure the 2022 Chibuku Super winners do not go back to Division One.

The former Chapungu United gaffer has so far made 10 new signings, including 14-year-old Dwayne Musona, who has joined the Ninjas from Mutare-based Majesa Academy.

The former GreenFuel trio of Blessing Kagudu, Denzel Mapuwa and Clive Rupiya and Busi Mathe (Bikita Minerals) were also unveiled yesterday.

The 26-year-old Rupiya, who can play as a winger, has some commendable Premiership experience, having also turned out for CAPS United and Harare City.

Mapuwa and Kagudu are Legends Football Academy prodigies who have been capped at national Under-17 and Under-20 levels, with the former also featuring for the Warriors at the 2024 COSAFA Cup in South Africa.

Also unveiled at Chiefs yesterday is unheralded 30-year-old midfielder Maxwell Murimi who joined from Buhera side Deportivo La Murambinda.

Former Chicken Inn top scorer Brian Muza, Kelly Shiyandindi (Hwange), Elvis Moyo (Scottland) and Melikhaya Ncube (Highlanders) are already part of the 2026 Bulawayo Chiefs ensemble.

“We are happy we managed to get the players we desired.

“Their presence will help us achieve our set targets,” Nyikadzino told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

Bulawayo Chiefs started their preseason on Monday.

“Preparations for the preseason started last week with medicals and fitness tests,” added Nyikadzino.

Bulawayo Chiefs are making a return to the Premiership after a season in the Southern Region Division One league. They were relegated from the Premiership at the end of the 2024 term. Two years prior to their demotion, Bulawayo Chiefs had won the Chibuku Super Cup, their biggest achievement to date.