Faith Ndou
RUSAPE-Masvingo United Football Club goalkeeper Valentine Chibwana capped off a remarkable season on Sunday after being crowned Golden Glove winner at the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League Soccer Star Awards held at Crocodile Motel in Rusape.
The event which was graced by ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele as the guest of honour, recognised outstanding performers across the league and Valentine stood tall among them, literally and figuratively.
For the 30 year old shot-stopper, the award is more than just a trophy; it is a dream fulfilled.
Valentine helped Una Una to finish the table on a respectable third position for the first time in many years.
“Thanks, I’m really happy and appreciate being recognised as the best goalkeeper in the league,” he said, reflecting on the honour with humility.
And his numbers speak loudly. Valentine played 29 matches, producing an incredible 19 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals, a record built on discipline, focus and sheer determination.
“I’m a hardworking person. I focus on my strength and I don’t allow any goal to pass through my line,” he said with confidence.
A Calling Born at 12
His journey into goalkeeping was not by chance.
“At 12 years, being a goalkeeper… I was born with it. I just felt it in me from the moment I started playing soccer,” Valentine shared.
Football runs in the family too. His father was also a goalkeeper who became his earliest inspiration.
“My father motivated me most since he was a goalkeeper as well,” he added.
Valentine’s style between the posts mirrors that of his role model, Liverpool FC and Brazil star Alisson Becker.
“I appreciate Alisson. He’s calm, humble and hardworking with great saves,” he said.
Those same traits defined Valentine’s season, composure, communication, concentration and consistency.
Roots, Rise and Resilience
Valentine’s football journey began at Mkwasine Primary School before moving on to Gwindigwi Secondary School where his talent blossomed. His senior career started at Bikita United in 2012, playing Division Two football until 2015.
In 2016, he joined Bikita Minerals FC helping the side move from Division Two to Division One in 2017 and later playing a part in the club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League in 2023.
He had a stint with Masvingo United FC in 2022, returned to Bikita Minerals during their promotion season and was back at Masvingo United FC in 2025 where he delivered his finest season to date.
Despite this major milestone, Valentine says he is far from done.
At 30, he still dreams big.
“My short-term goal is to play in the Premier Soccer League and my long-term goal is to play for the national team and play abroad.”
And to aspiring goalkeepers watching his rise, his advice is simple yet profound.
“Keep focused, work hard, learn new skills and never lose hope.”
A Golden Season for a Golden Keeper
Valentine’s Golden Glove triumph is not just a celebration of his current form but a testament to years of persistence, passion and personal growth. Masvingo United Football Club have found a gem in their goal but the nation might just have discovered its next big goalkeeping star.
