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The match had been pencilled in for yesterday afternoon at Chinotimba Stadium.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Billie Dube confirmed the accident which he said happened around 1.20am on the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road.
“We received information of an accident that took place around 1.20am involving Peter Ndlovu of Bulawayo who was driving a silver BMX X5 registration number NUBBY23GP from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls. Adam Ndlovu and Ms Tshili were the two passengers in the vehicle,” he said.
Insp Dube said on approaching the 417km peg, the vehicle burst its front left tyre and veered off the road before uprooting trees.
“The vehicle went to the left side of the road where it hit a tree and landed on its right side. The female passenger died on the spot with no visible injuries while Adam sustained a broken left arm, head injuries and died on the way to the hospital.
“Peter sustained a cut on the right knee, left sheen and forehead and was admitted at Victoria Falls District Hospital before he was transferred to Mater Dei hospital in Bulawayo,” said Insp Dube.
Around 4.30am at the Victoria Falls District Hospital, a Chronicle news crew found scores of people including Highlanders Legends team members gathered outside. A brother to the Ndlovu brothers, Marko was also present.
Other former Highlanders players at the hospital were Douglas Mloyi, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Willard Khumalo, Netsai Moyo, Thabani Masawi, Nkosana Gumbo, Melusi Sibanda, Alexander Phiri, Simon Sibanda, Jerry Sibanda, Rahman Gumbo and Zifa board member Morgan Dube.
Victoria Falls Mayor, Councillor Nkosilathi Jiyane was also present, together with other politicians who included the MP for Hwange West, Gift Mabhena. Some tour and adventure operators were also at the hospital.
Chronicle also visited the scene of the accident and observed that after veering off the road, the vehicle uprooted three big trees. Three uprooted trees and branches were scattered all over the wreckage. There were blood stains on the doors and windows while the steering wheel was protruding through the sunroof and the engine was squashed.
In an interview at the scene, Rahman Gumbo, a former Zimbabwe senior national team coach, said he was at a loss for words following the death of Adam.
“I am stunned, shocked, I am at a loss for words. I thought we would play the match today for the people of Victoria Falls. God, I just do not know, dying at such a tender age when he was still learning the ropes of coaching.
“The country has lost a good person and a good coach, I have lost a brother. We thank God for Peter’s life because from where I stand, no one should have survived this accident,” he said.
Some villagers from Lupinyu said they heard a loud bang around 1:20am before coming to rescue the passengers.
“I am only hearing it now that Adam and his brother Peter were the people we pulled from the wreckage. At the time I thought we were just helping some strangers,” said a villager from Lupinyu. Adam cut his teeth at Highlanders in the early 1990s before going on to play for a number of European and South African clubs.
Adam and Peter were part of the late Warriors coach Reinhard Fabisch’s Dream Team in the 1990s.
Zanu-PF national chairman, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo offered his condolences to the Ndlovu family following Adam’s death. Speaking from Mangaung, where he is attending the ANC elective conference, Cde Khaya Moyo said Ndlovu’s death had come as a shock even to South Africa’s soccer loving community.
“I was shocked to learn about what befell the Ndlovu brothers and cannot believe it. I am here in Mangaung attending the ANC 53rd elective congress and learnt with shock of the demise of Adam Ndlovu in a tragic car accident.
“Why this tragedy befell the admired Ndlovu family and took the life of one of Zimbabwe’s soccer geniuses is in God’s hands.
“The football fraternity and all Zimbabwe soccer lovers no doubt remain in utter bewilderment. The nation is in shock. May the good Lord accord Peter, the Zimbabwe soccer jewel, a speedy recovery and render the Ndlovu family strength and staying power.
“Everybody is shocked here in South Africa as people are trying to come to terms with the tragedy because it is difficult to believe.
“The Lord remains our shepherd and we will continue praying with the family,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in his message said: “I am deeply saddened at the passing on of soccer legend, Adam Ndlovu, who was taken away from us in the horror crash that left his young brother, Peter, in hospital.
“I wish Peter a speedy recovery. Adam and Peter were part of our national football Dream Team in the 1990s and have continued to impart their skills to other young Zimbabwean footballers.
“They have made a significant contribution to our culture in Zimbabwe.
“My prayers are with the Ndlovu family, the football fraternity and the nation at this sad loss.
“On behalf of my office, my family and on my own behalf, I join with so many others who knew Adam, in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing.”
Senator David Coltart said: “My prayers are with you Peter, be strong.”
Online Reporter