Dark cloud hangs over Zim football
CONDOLENCE messages continued to pour in yesterday as the nation battled to come to terms with the death of former national team goalkeeper George Chigova and Dream Team legend Rahman Gumbo.
The two former national team players from different generations died about five days apart from suspected heart ailments.
Gumbo died in Botswana after a suspected heart attack at the age of 59 years. His body arrived in Bulawayo yesterday and a memorial service will be held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre this afternoon (2pm).
He will be laid to rest tomorrow at the Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo.
Former national team manager Sharif Mussa, who worked with both on different occasions, said Zimbabwe had lost committed men.
“It is with great sadness and sorrow that I have learnt of the deaths of two of the greatest Warriors of their generations, George Chigova and Rahman Gumbo within days of each other.
“Just when we still coming to grips with the news Rahman’s sudden death in Botswana, then we were hit by the news of the passing of George in South Africa.
“I wish to express my hearty condolences to the Chigova and Gumbo families, ZIFA, the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwean football family at large.
“What is even more tragic is that both men have been taken away from when they had still plenty more to offer to the game.
“I was privileged to have worked with them in their capacities as player in the case of George and coach in Rahman’s case in their various stints with the senior national team and I found them to be both committed men who gave their all for the cause of the Warriors.
“Our football continues to be the poorer by losing some of its very valuable assets whose experience and input was no doubt needed especially now as the Warriors return to the international fold,” said Mussa.
PSL chairman Farai Jere said it was painful to lose two football legends inside one week.
“Indeed, death has no shame. How can it show its grim face on our nation again while we are mourning the iconic Rahman “Rush” Gumbo who passed away in Botswana over the weekend?
“We have lost two football legends inside a week. It’s painful.
“A few months ago Chigova was reported to be unwell but news that the 32-year-old was on the mend gave us hope of seeing him back between the sticks, making those jaw dropping saves that defied his huge frame and gravity too.
“Sadly, this was not to be as the former Gunners and Dynamos goalkeeper passed away on a day the Warriors were set to make their long-awaited return to international football away in Rwanda.
“A (two-time) Premier Soccer League title winner, Chigova will be remembered as a gentle giant and a fine goalkeeper who remained humble as he rose from the nursery of Aces Youth Academy to the dizzy heights of being the Warriors number one goalkeeper,” said Jere. Zimbabwe Football Stakeholders Forum chairman Francis Zimunya Nyamutsamba also expressed grief.
“The country has been robbed of versatile and vibrant coach and player who both had so much to offer as we enter a new era in football.
“We were looking forward for their participation in leadership during this new football dispensation, but the Almighty God has made His call,” said Nyamutsamba.
He also saluted Government for awarding Gumbo a State-assisted funeral.
“In the same vein we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Government for awarding Rahman Gumbo a State-assisted funeral.
“May this spirit of unity, patriotism, and togetherness continue to prevail in the future as we honour our Legends.
“As Football Stakeholders and Legends we are more committed than ever to ensure that the current efforts to transform our football so that we achieve our Football Development Strategy as per our Vision 2030 in fulfilment also of the government’s NDS 1 and 2 are realised,” said Nyamutsamba.