By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) mourned the death of former Caps United gaffer Steve ‘The Dude’ Kwashi.
Kwashi died aged 67 at his home this Monday. He reportedly succumbed to Covid-19.
He will always be remembered for ending a 17-year-old league drought for Harare giants Caps United, guiding them to their first ever post-independence period league title in the year 1996.
In a statement, ZIFA said Kwashi was a legend who nurtured a lot of talent in the country and described his death as a loss to the local football family.
The country’s football mother body further said Kwashi’s legacy shall forever be cherished.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association learnt with great sadness of the passing on of legend and former coach Steve ‘The Dude’ Kwashi.
“Kwashi was a fine winger during his playing days. His ability to identify and nurture talent saw many players pass through his hands at Caps United and Black Aces.
“We shall forever cherish the legacy of the indelible mark that he left on local football,” reads the ZIFA statement.
During his stint at Makepekepe, The Dude as he popularly known in the football circles, nurtured, and recruited into the team the likes of former Warriors winger Alois Bunjira, the late Blessing Makunike and the club’s current assistant coach Steward ‘Shuto’ Murisa.
Speaking to Bustop TV, Bunjira said he was saddened by the passing on of his former coach who made played an instrumental role in his career.
“It is really sad that we have lost bla Steve, our coach, our mentor and father. He was a great influence both in my football career and life in general.
“I will forever remain grateful for his contribution in my life. I had wonderful moments with him, we worked together and won many trophies. He was a great coach who allowed me to express myself on the field of play, allowed me to be naughty and dribble past my opponents.
“We would laugh about it after match and that gave me courage to develop as a player. He will be sadly missed. May his soul rest in peace ,as we celebrate his colourful life,” Bunjira said.