Chandamale dies, Mutasa reflects
GIANTS Dynamos say they have lost one of their remaining pillars following the sudden death of one of their founding fathers and long-serving board member Owen Chandamale.
Chandamale passed away at Parirenyatwa Hospital yesterday afternoon.
The 77-year-old football administrator, who was also the chairman of ZIFA Harare Province, was admitted in hospital early this week with a suspected bout of malaria.
The Glamour Boys board chairman Bernard Marriot-Lusengo, who has been a close friend and colleague, yesterday said they learnt of Chandamale’s death with a deep sense of sorrow and shock. The Dynamos board has been robbed of three key members side since 2012 when they lost their former chairman Richard Chiminya and his deputy Freddy Mkwesha (2015).
“We are still in shock. The family is still in shock as well. We will give an update on the funeral arrangements after all the consultations are done,” said Marriot.
Chandamale took over from Robson Rundaba as director of finance in 2014 and had been working closely with members of the board that included vice-chairman Shacky Chitimbe, Charles Gwatidzo, Noel Musariyarwa, Lazarus Magwenzi, Fred Muzuva, Moses Mafusure, Bernard Chidziva and Harare lawyer Farai Nyamayaro who was recently appointed to replace secretary Mthokozisi Nkosi.
Chandamale, who made his debut as a player for Dynamos in 1965, has also served the Harare giants in different capacities, including being the director of coaching where he spearheaded their development programmes. He was a qualified coach. Chandamale was also the chairman of the ZIFA Harare Province from 2000 until the time of his death.
Dynamos executive president Kenny Mubaiwa said the club had been left poorer following the death of one of its founding pillars.
“He was a father figure. We have worked with him from long back, together with the likes of Richard Chiminya and Freddy Mkwesha, and I must acknowledge they made my work as president of this club bearable.
“Without doubt, this is a great loss to Dynamos. It’s unfortunate death continues to rob us of some of our founding fathers,” said Mubaiwa.
ZIFA president, Philip Chiyangwa, yesterday extended his condolences to the Chandamale family and the DeMbare fraternity as he joined them in mourning the death of the veteran coach and administrator.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Chandamale, our Harare Province Chairperson, General Assembly member, and one of the founding fathers of Dynamos.
‘‘This is a huge loss, not only to the Chandamale family, but to Dynamos and the football fraternity at large.
“He discharged his duties diligently both at the province and at Dynamos and will be fondly remembered as a gentleman who was ready to impart all his football wisdom to the new breed of administrators.
“To Dynamos, we say soldier on and to the Chandamale family we say please find comfort in the good arms of the Lord during these difficult moments. We are indeed with you. May His Dearest Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.’’