A quirky footie, a flair-reeled uniqueness, a midfielder of favoured plumb, a heedful passer of the ball. All these descriptions narrow down to one man, Xolisani ‘Scara’ Moyo.
Scara, as he is popularly known in local football circles is a manifestation of football experience.
His résumé and what he does on the pitch says it all but there is one characteristic that defines Scara and that rondo.
Invented by Laureano Ruiz (FC Barcelona Academy in 1970), rondo type of football is all about keeping possession by creating close-up passes.
Xolisani has proved over the years that he is a master of Rondo and this is his story.
The 34-year-old Hwange-born and bred midfielder has had a roller coaster of a career, a career featuring tough and memorable moments. Luckily, he took time to share some of those moments at the same dishing out the genesis of his career.
Moyo grew up in a sport-loving family. His mother Florence Ncube, who is now late had sport at heart and it became obvious that Xolisani would follow in the same footsteps.
“l began to love football and sport in general because of my mother. My mother, who is now late was a passionate netball player. She loved the game a lot. Also, my brother was a goalkeeper. So I had to fit in somehow in this world of ball games,” said Scara.
Growing up in busy Ingagula, a high-density suburb of ever-sweltering Hwange where sooty football pitches were strewn here and there elevated Moyo’s love of the ball.
“I grew up in Ingagula, a crowded suburb in Hwange. I remember when I was still a young version of myself after school we always arrived late at home because we would play soccer in these patched pitches. When it was 5 pm we would go and watch ZPC Hwange training and cherish the likes of former Highlanders midfielder Winston Mhango and former Highlanders striker Cleopas Dube. All these experiences built my love for football.”
Xolisani’s professional first took centre stage at ZPC Hwange when he was just 19 years old.
“I still remember my first game against Chicken Inn it was amazing. Donning the colours of my home team at a competitive level was great,” shared Moyo on how he felt on his first competitive encounter.
Zpc Hwange won 2 nil that day and Moyo was the only scorer.
Through Chicken Inn, they saw what Hwange had also seen in Moyo, talent. The Gamecocks did not waste any time as they hastened to get his signature.
His two years at the game cocks were a step in the right direction and How Mine also saw talent in Moyo.
How Mine approached and it was there that he signed a two-year and six-month contract, joining the likes of former national team striker Simba Sithole and the gifted Menard Mpera.
Bulawayo City was his next stop. His arrival at City came when he was gunning for promotion.
“I remember when l arrived at Bulawayo City everyone was gripped with PSL promotion. Everyone wanted to play hard and push the team into promotion and surprisingly enough l was given the task of captaining Bulawayo City. I carried the armband with honour and led the team into promotion. It was a great feeling altogether,” narrated Moyo on his time at Bulawayo City.
Just like the previous teams, seasoned coach Philani Ncube had faith in the lad and believed that he could lead the team to victory.
After a stellar career stint at Amakhosi came the zenith, a move to Ngezi Platinum Stars. It was at Ngezi Platinum where he became a formidable name in local football.
His sheer vision and long-range passes helped Madamburo gain popularity in local football circles.
After a long release delay Moyo finally signed for Ngezi Platinum joining the likes of Kwekwe-based speedster Michael Charamba, Dominic Mukandi, TelOne FC left-back Marlvin Kwinjo, Edgarb Mhungu, Denver Mukamba, Devon Chafa, Kenneth Balaji, Tichaona Mbvura, Wellington Taderera, Donald Teguru, Washington Pakamisa.
It was a star-studded squad.
At Ngezi he played in the local Castle Lager league, Chibuku Super Cup, and Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Moyo’s reminisce of his Mauritius was a delight.
‘I remember when we were in the preliminary stages of the CAF Confederation Cup and we were going to play Pamplemouses. It was not the first time to played in the African Safari because I played in the continental tournament when I was at HowMine. It was an amazing feeling visiting such places.’
After playing 3 years at Ngezi Platinum Moyo went on to play for Manica Diamonds for two years under the tutelage of Johannes Nhumwa.
In 2023 signed for boys Dzenharo Greenfuel.
‘The game against Dynamos when I was still playing at Greenfield is probably the best moment in my career so far. I have played so many matches in my career but this is the best because I felt that I was in my prime. Ndaisamakika (I was untouchable). Dynamos got a penalty in that match but they failed to convert. We then managed to get a chance we convert it. It was amazing probably one of the days I will never forget,’ said Scara.
‘Yes, yes my biggest wish is to be a coach,’ said Scara.
‘I would love to upload Rondo type of football starting the backline to the final third.’
