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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
TRAGEDY struck the Arcadia community following the death of England-based former footballer and philanthropist Charlie “Maskiri” White at the weekend.
White, who played his football for erstwhile top-flight clubs Arcadia United and RioDairibord, passed away in his adopted home country over the weekend, after a battle with cancer of the colon.
He was 64-years-old at the time of his death.
White made his name at Arcadia United in the then Super League in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He has been described as a gentle giant, a coach, a mentor and a philanthropist. Football was his passion, with English Premiership side Arsenal closest to his heart.
He had a strong passion for junior football development and had also groomed his son Mikaeel White to become a footballer. He also helped ZIFA locate some of the UK-based hopefuls for potential integration into the national teams.
Arcadia United product Shaune Charters said he remembers White mostly for his commitment to junior football development.
“Charlie had a soft spot for junior football development. Up to the time of his death he was sponsoring youngsters in Harare and Bulawayo. I am also told that he was also helping football development in Gweru.
“Every time we spoke, he would mention something about helping junior football and would not hesitate to fork money out of his pocket for this cause,” said Charters.
Two years ago, White and a number of ex-Arcadia United luminaries had joined hands with the community in an ambitious bid to resuscitate the club through a project dubbed “Vision 2020 — Arcadia United Revival.”
Together with former Arcadia United players like Carlos Max, Charlie Jones, Labani Kandi, Charters, Simon Finch and the diaspora community, they managed to put together structures and had a team affiliated to the ZIFA Division Two League to kick-off the dream.
Unfortunately, the dream crumbled.
Former Arcadia star Jones, who is now chief executive at CAPS United, said White’s death was a big blow to the community.
“This is sad news and it comes as a shock to most of us because we didn’t know he was in this condition. I had known him for a long time, from his playing days at Miekles, RioDairibord and then Arcadia United, where he also coached the development sides.
“He committed himself to this cause and he oversaw the integration of several younger players into the Arcadia senior team.
“I can say he was a gentleman, who had the community at heart. His death is a great loss to the community. He has been actively involved in many development projects in the community.
“Two years ago, before Covid-19 struck, we came together to try and resuscitate Arcadia United and we worked together well,” said Jones.
Former Arcadia United player Philip Zulu, who is now doing football development work in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, said he learnt a lot from White’s guidance.
“Rest in Peace my brother Charles White, a great friend, a total football man and above all, my mentor. Our brotherly love for football shall remain the same in my heart. You taught me so many things in life and every chat we had shall be a reminder of the good times we had.
“It is so painful to really think that you departed without saying, “Goodbye Phil.” Football has lost a gentle giant, a legend and media sports journalist,” said Zulu.
The Moslem community, where he was an adherent, also paid tribute to White, in recognition of his love for football and philanthropic work.
“He always wanted to help in team building, restoration of Arcadia United to its former glory, donating balls, kits and accessories.
“Most recently in the discipline of basketball he had a helping hand in refurbishment of the courts in Bulawayo and Mutare. Charlie had the community at heart, he tried to unite people, truly a remarkable gentleman with a genuine heart.
“We have lost a community leader. To his wife Siba White, Mikaeel White, Rayaan, all the family friends and community at large, we send peace prayers and blessings at this most sad and difficult time,” said the community statement.
White is survived by two sons, two step children and two grandchildren. White is expected to be buried this afternoon at the Luton Vale Cemetery in Luton, England.
Online Reporter