Mercedes Nkila Sibanda (4 February 1966 – 3 September 2002) was a Zimbabwean footballer who played as a right back for the Zimbabwe national team. He was considered one of the best right backs to ever play for Highlanders and the Zimbabwe national team, and one of the best African right backs during his playing days.
Career Club career Sibanda was named the Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year in 1987, having been a runner-up previously in 1986. Two years later, he had a brief trial at Randers FC in Denmark, alongside teammate Rahman Gumbo, but were both reportedly dropped for their lack of discipline. In 1991, Sibanda nearly signed for South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, but failed a medical.
Sibanda retired in 1999, but came out of retirement for six months to play for Blackpool.
International career Sibanda made 53 appearances for the Zimbabwe national team, scoring two goals.
Personal life During his playing career, Sibanda gained the nickname "Rambo", named after the character played by Sylvester Stallone, because of his muscular calves and biceps.
Sibanda was reported to have been ill in 2000, and died in Bulawayo on 3 September 2002, at the age of 36. He is survived by his four children. In 2021, a new tombstone for Sibanda was unveiled.
He was the cousin of former Zimbabwean international footballer Willard Khumalo.
Career statistics Scores and results list Zimbabwe's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sibanda goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Mercedes SibandaNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 13 November 1988 Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre, Malawi ? 2–1 1988 CECAFA Cup2 22 November 1995 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa 1–1 2–2 Friendly
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