By Trevor Makonyonga and Romio Takundwa
The country’s soccer supporters community yesterday paid their respects to the late Zimbabwean football legend, Misheck “Scania” Chidzambwa.
Friends of the Warriors and the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association in celebrating the late former Warriors player coach’s life said his immense contributions to the game should not be ignored.
In an interview with Bustop TV at the burial of the late football icon, Friends of the Warriors Secretary General, Zivanai Muwashu said Chidzambwa’s earned a place in the Hall of Fame of Zimbabwean football.
“Misheck Chidzambwa was a humble and an assuming coach who we believe added value to the Zimbabwe soccer body. He had so many achievements. He was the captain when we won the CECAFA trophy. He was the first guy to get the Cosafa tournament trophy. It is only an average person who can ignore such a fete.
“As Friends of the Warriors we are honored to have had such a character in our football. FIFA calls us the owners of the game without supporters there is no football, without supporters there is no entertainment. We really value the players and those guys on the field. We mourn with the Chidzambwa family and as you saw we went all the way to Mhondoro to pay our last respects.”
Friends of the Warriors donated a number 4 branded national soccer team replica jersey inscribed Chidzambwa.
The Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association through its Spokesperson Chris Romario Musekiwa described Chidzambwa as a fatherly figure who facilitated players interaction with football fans.
“Coach Chidzambwa was a fatherly figure to players as he would also interact with supporters .He was very humble. Zimbabwe football will never be the same without legends like Misheck ” Scania” Chidzambwa, David “Yogi” Mandigora whom we laid to rest two weeks ago.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Chidzambwa, family, friends and relatives. May the good Lord grant them strength and comfort during this time of grief.”
Misheck Chidzambwa who died on Thursday 24 June was laid to rest at his rural homestead in Mukarati Village in Mhondoro, yesterday.
It has been a dark fortnight for football following the departure of the two legends, David ‘Yogi’ Mandigora and Misheck ‘Scania’ Chidzambwa.