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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
LUKE Jukulile was popularly known as Luke Petros during his playing days as a footballer. He made his name as a feared striker before the turn of the millennium at Lancashire Steel and his fine talent saw him winning a contract with Kaizer Chiefs.

Several caps with the Warriors also came along the way.

There was a time when Jukulie had a stint at CAPS United in 1996 and the then Makepekepe coach Steve “The Dude” Kwashi used to refer to the player by his father’s name, Petros.

And the name Luke Petros came about.

“My real name is Luke Jukulile, but people often call me Luke Petros. Kwashi knew my father Petros and he referred to me by that name and people ended up calling me Luke Petros.

“When I went to South Africa at Kaizer Chiefs, I used the proper surname Jukulile, but it created confusion and some people even accused me of trying to change my identity.

“But I have learnt to accept the names and live with them,” said Jukulile.

Now basking in the glory of leading Zifa Central Region Division One side Hwahwa into the Castle Lager Premiership, Jukulile said his dream is to help the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services build a strong football team in the top flight league.

Hwahwa becomes the first side owned by ZPCS to win promotion into the elite league.

In fact, ZPCS could end up with a headache if Flame Lily win promotion from the Northern Region where they are running neck-and-neck with Gunners.

Jukulile would like to cap a good season with a victory over Midlands State University today so that they complete their season unbeaten at home.

“We are playing MSU on Saturday at Hwahwa and would want to win that game. It’s our final game of the season and we should end on a high note,” said Jukulile.

Hwahwa won promotion after gaining an unassailable 55 points with one match to go. Their nearest rivals MSU are on 51 points and can only finish on 54 if they win their last match.

“I have never worked with such a team of players, executive and supporters who are as dedicated as this.

“Everyone gave their best and we really enjoyed our season.

“Our immediate focus is on the final game and then maybe take a short break. We are not setting big targets for ourselves in the Premier League next year.

“It will be our first season and survival would be crucial. The executive will decide the home ground, but it could be Mkoba or Ascot since the current stadium at Hwahwa might not meet the required standards,” said Jukulile.

Known by the nickname Midlands Destroyer, Jukulile hopes to beef up his squad before the 2015 Premiership season begins and his catchment is mainly from the ZPCS teams.

“We are not just a team from Central Region, but now represent the organisation. I just hope Flame Lily will also win from the Northern Region.

“I think I should be talking to the ZPCS sports officer and other coaches like Lloyd Mutasa, our boss Nesbert Saruchera (Flame Lily coach), Tenax and Ntabazinduna so that we build one strong team.

“We have to sit down as ZPCS coaches and see how we can have a competitive side,” said Jukulile, a former Mhangura player.