By McGeorge Mbare
CENTRAL Region Soccer League Division One debutants Vhembe Stars Academy have appointed Gibson Makhanda as their new first-team manager.
In a statement dated 9 October 2026, the Beitbridge-based outfit confirmed Makhanda’s appointment, replacing Kelvin Mahoro, who has been reassigned to oversee the club’s junior teams.
“Subject : Appointment oF team manager for senior team: Gibson Makhanda.
“This memo serves to notify all members of the Executive and Technical Staff of the recent appointment of Mr Gibson Makhanda as the first team’s Team Manager with immediate effect,” the club’s statement reads.
According to the club, outgoing first-team manager Kelvin Mahoro will take charge of all junior teams, from the Under-19 side down to the youngest age groups.
Mahoro had served as Vhembe Stars Academy’s team manager since the club’s inception, making his reassignment a significant change within the club’s management structure.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the Beitbridge outfit, which has made several changes in its technical department in a bid to improve its fortunes.
Vhembe Stars Academy have changed three senior coaches in the space of one season and the latest management reshuffle signals the club’s determination to turn its campaign around.
The Division One debutants currently sit 16th on the league table with 22 points, a position that has seemingly fallen short of the executive’s expectations as the club battles to avoid relegation.
With their place in the league at stake, Vhembe Stars Academy will be hoping that Makhanda’s appointment brings stability and helps steer the team towards survival.
The club’s recent changes underline its determination to remain in the Central Region Soccer League Division One, as the Beitbridge side continues its fight to secure its status in the country’s second-tier football competition.