Eastern Region mourns Mabhena

THE football fraternity in the Eastern Region at the weekend plunged into mourning following the death of its former chairman, Piraishe Mabhena who died on New Year’s Day.

He was 42.

Mabhena, who also served as a national Zifa board member (competitions) under the Philip Chiyangwa-led administration, was laid to rest at his rural home in Mberengwa on Monday.

At the time of his death, the football administrator, whose sober analysis of issues made him a rare breed in a game known for maladministration, was the chairman of the First Instance Body — a Zifa committee responsible for inspection and licencing of match venues and facilities.

Zifa Eastern Region vice-chairman, Simba Wisdom, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague.

This is something we least expected especially at a time when we are all awaiting to see the end of Covid-19 and have a safe return to football action.

“It is sad that he will not be able to contribute to the development of the game he dearly loved when action finally resumes. We hope and pray that his family finds comfort in the Lord.”

Former Mutare City Rovers official, Benjamin Chindima, said: “I met Mabhena in 2016 during the Mutare City Rovers/Mutoko Traders Division One title decider in Mutoko.

“From there, he became like a brother to me. He told us together with Isdore Bingura and former mayor, Tatenda Nhamarare that you don’t have to stop at anything to realise your football dream.

“By then I was chief of protocol for the team and rose through the ranks to become the club’s chief executive. I am greatly distraught by his death and he will be dearly missed.

He was a good person in general, top of the range football administrator and he helped a lot of players and administrators in realising their dreams. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”