Chronicle (Zimbabwe)

Zifa mourn Zhuwao

- Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter

ZIFA has joined the football family is mourning the death of 25-year-old Ngezi Scorpions goalkeeper, Pamela Zhuwao, who drowned in a swimming pool at a Bulawayo lodge on Friday night moments after her team’s arrival for pre-season matches.

Ngezi Scorpions were due to play friendly matches against Bulawayo sides Burrow Jets, Sojini, Street Set and Ubuntu at Matabelela­nd Busters grounds on Saturday, but all matches were cancelled following the tragedy.

In its condolence message to the Zhuwao family, Zifa said it was saddened by the unfortunat­e passing away of the player.

“The Zimbabwe Football Associatio­n Executive Committee and secretaria­t convey their deepest sympathy to the Zhuwao family and the football family at large, following the death of Pamela Zhuwao, a Ngezi Scorpions player. We are saddened by the unfortunat­e passing away of one of us, a member of the football family. We can only imagine how the deceased’s family is feeling in this moment of grief, but we share their sadness and our thoughts and prayers are with them. She will be remembered for her passion for the game. We will always celebrate her life. May her dear soul rest in peace,” said Zifa in its condolence message.

Zhuwao was laid to rest in her home town of Norton on Tuesday after a post mortem at the United Bulawayo Hospitals. Zim Scorpions’ manager Rumbidzai Muyambuki said while other girls were showering, Zhuwao went out and threw a floating balloon into the pool and then jumped onto it. The balloon had little pressure so it sank, resulting in her drowning, as she didn’t know how to swim.

Muyambuki said the pool is some distance from the rooms and no one heard any screams for help and by the time the other girls saw her struggling in the pool and called for help, it was too late. Zhuwao was taken out of the water bleeding from the nose and mouth and was rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. — @ skhumoyo20­00

 ??  ?? Pamela Zhuwao
Pamela Zhuwao

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