Bush Bucks FC, also known as Imbabala, is returning to its ancestral home in Mthatha this coming season, with more fire.
This was confirmed by the chairperson of the team, Sturu Pasiya.
Bush Bucks relocated to East London around 2001, after struggling to get support from both municipalities in Mthatha and at the time the ground was the burning issue.
The relocation at the time was caused by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality’s decision to demolish the Mthatha Independence stadium, which was used by the club as its home ground.
Imbabala is one of the historic teams in South Africa since its establishment in 1957, producing the best players; at the time the team was attracting thousands of supporters. In 1998, they reached the Coca Cola Cup final, playing against Free State Stars.
The team’s relocation to East London at the time symbolised the fall of sport in Mthatha, as Imbabala was the only source of hope for Mthatha sport lovers.
Pasiya said they had a huge hope that this time around, things would go according to their plans as they have already started engaging different stakeholders, including SAFA and municipalities.
“Since arriving here, we’ve been well received by all structures including the municipality and local football association. I am excited that we are coming back because this thing was also driven by the premier of the Eastern Cape who was concerned after moving this team to East London and also our supporters have been complaining, asking us to return back to home.”
Pasiya said home is the best place to be and ancestors should be happy wherever they see the team coming back home in Mthatha.
Bush Bucks is currently competing at ABC Motsepe League but the chairperson said they have confidence that they have a strong team to take them to the championship title in the next two coming seasons ending up returning to GladAfrica Championship league if things go according to their plans.
Bush Bucks is going to use the Mthatha Stadium as home ground and the Rotary Stadium as an alternative stadium.
Pasiya said they are eyeing revitalising sport in Mthatha and by the end of July there is a big tournament coming up which will include all major sports codes to make Bush Bucks a catalyst for sport in Mthatha.
The team has already started engaging with the media.
SAFA OR Tambo president, Sandile Nowalaza, also welcomed the return of Bush Bucks to their ancestral home stating that it would encourage young stars to work harder.
