AYSA mourns loyal servant Manene
A SOMBRE atmosphere hovered over the famed Aces Youth Soccer Academy in Harare this week following the death of one of the club’s longest serving coaches, Emmanuel Manene.
Manene, who was fondly known as ‘Coach Manu’, collapsed and died at his home on Tuesday evening.
A man famed for his passionate for junior football development, Manene dedicated 24 years of his life to shaping careers of young footballers, some of whom grew to become international stars, and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable coach, mentor, and friend,” said AYSA co-director Nigel Munyati in a statement.
“During his tenure with AYSA, Coach Manene exemplified the true spirit of leadership, dedication, and passion for the beautiful game.
“His unwavering commitment to the development of our players and the values of teamwork and sportsmanship has left an indelible mark on the Academy and the countless lives he touched.”
Many of the country’s top talents such as Knowledge Musona,
Khama Billiat,
Donovan Bernard,
Abbas Amidu and the late George Chigova, and ex-Mighty Warriors players like Violet Bepete, Eunice Chibanda, Rufaro Machingura, Daisy Kaitano and former captain Marjory Nyaumwe all passed through his mentorship.
“Beyond his coaching prowess, Coach Manene was a source of inspiration and guidance to all who had the privilege of working with him. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support created a legacy that will continue to shape the future of our academy for years to come.
“As we reflect on Coach Manu’s remarkable contributions and the profound influence he had on generations of athletes, we celebrate his life, his achievements, and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Manu’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May they find solace in the memories of a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to nurturing talent and building champions on and off the field,” said the AYSA statement.