We are embarking on a journey that will take us across the breath and width of Mashonaland West, with our prime focus on teams that are based in our province.

This journey starts in the dormitory town of Chegutu, which is the home of Chegutu Pirates, nicknamed,’ Dzinza, Sugar Malaga’.

Chegutu Pirates is a team that plies its trade in the Northern Region Soccer League and it was formed in 1963 as a community football club.

Pirates have been playing D1 football for a cumulative 38 years and there are years during which they failed to stand the heat in D1, and got relegated to D2.

The club finished the season on 5^th position last year and during the 2014 season they attained 3^rd place position, which was quite a remarkable feat.

Speaking to Mash West Times sport, the Secretary General of the club, Mr Brian Nkiwane thanked Chegutu Municipality for the massive support that it always avail to Chegutu Pirates,year in year out.

“Chegutu Pirates could not have been what it is today if council was not rendering support.Imagine,council has already paid our affiliation fees, for this coming season, thereby setting the pace for us to start preparations for the new season”, said Nkiwane.

The Secretary General also commended council for embarking on a project to give a facelift to Pfupajena stadium, the home of Pirates, which had most of its sections dilapidated, thereby forcing the NRSL leadership to condemn the stadium and directed Pirates to look for an alternative venue, up until renovations were done.

Council has responded in earnest to enable Pirates to return back to its fortress and has so far reconstructed the perimeter wall and also renovated the changing rooms, to meet minimum Zifa standards

“Our council has committed funds and human resources to spruce up the stadium. We are also going to make sure that the stadium gets an uninterrupted water supply, so as to improve on hygiene during events and football matches, that attract thousands of fans, when Pirates is playing, “added Nkiwane.”

It has not been smooth sailing for Pirates, since inadequate funding, effects of covid 19, poor infrastructure and a myriad of negatives weighed down on the performance of Pirates.

The Chegutu community has, `a never die attitude`, when it comes to their treasured club.

Mr Bright Tembo, who was recently elected to steer the Pirates ship, as Chairman said, “We are proud to boast of a community that soldiers on even in the toughest of times. Individuals do render a lot of support to the club covering some needs that are not satisfied by our council.”

“Our fans are waiting for the start of our league, with expectations high, we will definitely be playing in Pfupajena Stadium this season, since our newly elected executive is working hand and glove with our council to make our stadium suitable once more, to host NRSL matches”

The Chairman said that Pirates is a giant that is on the verge of awakening, and he promised their fans that the newly elected executive will walk the talk on rebuilding the team, in its quest to gain promotion into the PSL.

The new executive is also tasked to rein in its club supporters who, at times are accused of isolated acts of violence and hooliganism.

Chegutu Pirates produced some football greats and among them were Earnest Gava, Moses, Milanzi, Prince Matore,Justice Majabvi, Raphael Manuvire to name just a few.