Mercedes Benz’s tagline is ‘best or nothing’ and its ironic that one of the best right backs in Zimbabwe was named Mercedes Sibanda, writes renowned sports journalist, Fanuel Viriri.
He had a mean demeanor and was a macho man so they nicknamed Rambo after Slyvester Stallone’s iconic series of action movies Stallone stars John J. Rambo, a Vietnam war veteran.
The mean machine would be at one stage be touted as the best right back in Africa. That is a big achievement for this showman who was ahead of time.
The jet-propelled right back, Sibanda was skillful, tough as nails and he would venture upfront taking on opponents and aiding the attack.
Inevitably he became the second right-back to be crowned the Soccer Star in 1987. Following hard on the heels of another right back James Takavada who scooped the gong in 1984 while playing for Ziscosteel.
Despite his talent, Sibanda had on and off the field naughtiness typical of a Kasi boy punctuated with a goofy smile.
Sibanda is a Highlanders throughbreed having joined Bosso’s Under 14 youth in 1979 and rose through the ranks to play in the hugely successful Highlanders Under 18 team known as Liverpool.
As his stock rose Sibanda made it into the Matabeleland Under 18 team and inching close to the Zimbabwe Under 20 squad and secured his seat in that team.
He played alongside Clayton Munemo, Joshua Mhizha, Paul Gundani, Sydney Zimunya and Boy Ndlovu.
He made his debut for the Highlanders senior team in 1984. The following year he part of the Young Warriors in the Cosafa Cup in Botswana in 1985.
The following year he was in top form for Bosso and swept all silverware.
Debate still rages up to this day that he should have been crowned Soccer Star in 1986 as he had a brilliant season but the award went to Moses Chunga.
In the Warriors he rubbed shoulders with three generations of footballers in Misheck Chidzambwa Ephert Lungu, Enerst Mutano, Oliver Kateya, Henry McKop, John Phiri, Madinda Ndlovu, Peter Ndlovu, Adam Ndlovu Ephraim Chawanda, Benjamin Nkonjera, Norman Mapeza, Alois Bunjira ans Shepard Muradzikwa.
He scooped several titles and trophies with Bosso and was a vital cog.
Sibanda and Rahman Gumbo had stint in Denmark in 1989 with Rander FC but was released due to displinary problems.
Sibanda was the first choice right back for Reinhare Fabisch’s Dream team.
In 1991 Rambo could have joined Mamelodi Sundowns but deal collapsed after he failed a medical test.
At the twilight of his career he played for Blackpool in 1998 before retiring.
He passed away in 2002 after a long illness.