ZiKeeper humbled by Magaya

CAPS United legend, Edmore ‘ZiKeeper’ Sibanda, was thrilled by Prophet Walter Magaya’s gesture to honour the late George Chigova with a huge portrait on the wall of the Heart Stadium, which was officially opened by President Mnangagwa yesterday.

A former Warriors goalkeeper, Chigova died last month after enduring a lengthy battle with heart problems.

He had stints with Gunners and Dynamos in Zimbabwe, and Polokwane City and SuperSport United in the South African Premiership.

Sibanda was among the invited guests who graced the commissioning of Heart Stadium yesterday in Waterfalls.

Zikeeper fought back tears as he glanced at the framed picture of Chigova.

He told Zimpapers Sports that the frame helped him to feel important.

“I want to thank Prophet Walter Magaya for recognising Chigova in such a brilliant way. I never expected that he would honour him by hanging his picture on the walls of Heart Stadium.

“Chigova never played for Yadah, but this just goes to show how passionate Prophet Magaya is when it comes to local football. He treats every footballer like his own son.

“Goalkeepers rarely get the credit they deserve and when one of us is remembered like this, it makes us feel valued and I believe with this recognition, Chigova can now rest assured that his legacy lives on,” said Sibanda.

He is currently working on completing his coaching badges adding that he narrowed down his vision to being a goalkeepers’ coach.

“This game gave me almost everything I have in my life and it was because of some of the people who shared their knowledge with me.

“I guess I will be selfish if I prefer not to share my experience and all the information which I have gathered with the upcoming breed of goalkeepers.

“It’s really difficult for any goalkeeper to be given the task to coach a team in PSL, that’s why I chose to work with goalkeepers and I also believe I have more to offer in this department,” he said.