By McGeorge Mbare
Central Region Soccer League Division One side Vhembe Stars Academy has unveiled five major signings as they look to secure maximum points and survive relegation.
Vhembe Stars Academy Secretary-General Foster Abekie and Vice Chairman Felix Venge unveiled Benedict Sithole, Tony Saunyama, Takunda Madzwimbo, Morris Musamba, and Jayden Matende at the Ziyah Media studio.
Former Dulibadzimu United forward Sithole joins Vhembe Stars Academy from Premier Soccer League side Manica Diamonds.
Sithole won the Central Region Soccer League Division One title in 2025 with Hard Rock FC, was named in the league’s Best 11 and scored 14 goals in the entire 2025 season before joining Manica Diamonds in January.
Former Dulibadzimu United goalkeeper Saunyama, famously known as Marainho joins Vhembe Stars Academy from Matobo FC.
Musamba signs for Vhembe Stars Academy from Botswana Premier Soccer League side Black Lions.
Central midfielder Matende comes from Zambezi Academy and central defender Madzwimbo joins from BN Academy in the Northern Region.
Speaking at the unveiling, Secretary-General Abekie said he believes the new signings’ experience and passion for the game will play a crucial role in the team’s success.
Abekie also said that every club has the zeal to win and his main objective is for the club to finish among the top teams.
One of the major signings,Sithole said he is happy to return home and hopes to help his new team move up the table and survive the relegation battle.
“I’m happy to come back home. I’m willing to get more wins and help my local team,” said Sithole.
Saunyama said he is back to help his home team survive, get proper results and make a name for himself.
“I’m happy to come back in Beitbridge and fight for my new local club . We want proper results and maybe become one of the best goalkeepers in the league,” Saunyama said.
The new signings come ahead of Vhembe Stars Academy’s match day 18 clash with Tongogara FC on Saturday, July 29, 2026.