happiness Chikwanha
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
FORMER Young Warriors manager and Monomotapa treasurer, Bekhithemba “Far” Ndlovu, has died.
He was 46.Ndlovu died on Monday evening at Parirenyatwa Hospital after losing his long battle with cancer.
He will be buried this afternoon at Warren Hills cemetery.
The football fraternity was still to come to terms with the death of Ndlovu and condolences were pouring in last night.
Debra Muchirahondo, his sister-in-law, said the family was in shock.
“Ndlovu passed away around 7pm on Monday and he will be buried tomorrow (today) at Warren Hills. He is survived by three kids two boys and a girl.
“Mourners are gathered in New Marimba,” Muchirahondo said.
Monomotapa chairman Joseph Mukoki said they had lost someone who was always there for the club.
“We are saddened by the untimely death of Ndlovu whom we used to work with at the club. He was a dedicated person who liked football and the whole fraternity will miss him.
“Ndlovu was a key figure of our management team when we won the championship in 2008, he was our treasurer, and we went on to do well in the African Champions League.
“To his family we say we are with you in these trying times and we will miss him dearly,” Mukoki said. The club also posted messages of condolence on their Facebook wall.
Ndlovu was one of the people who were sanctioned by Zifa for their alleged involvement in the Asiagate scandal and he died without the case having been finalised as, exactly a year after the association pronounced their sanctioned, Fifa are yet to endorse them.
With the sanctions only applying on the domestic front, until Fifa either endorses or rejects them, Ndlovu was one of the few people who were affected with the prominent one being Dynamos defender Guthrie Zhokinyu and former CAPS United ‘keeper Eddie Sibanda.
In sharp contrast Method Mwanjali and Thomas Sweswe, who were also punished by Zifa, are still playing for their clubs in South Africa — a year after the pronouncement of the sanctions.
Mwanjali even came and played here, with his South African club Mamelodi Sundowns this year, in friendly matches handled by Zifa-appointed officials.
The irony of it all is that Zifa will be expected to issue an International Transfer Certificate, clearing Zhokinyu to join a foreign team, in the event the defender decides to take his career outside our borders.
Last night Zifa has sent their condolences to Ndlovu’s family.
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said the national football association received the news with shock. 0
“Zifa has learnt with great shock and sorrow of the passing on of Bekhitemba Ndlovu, the former Young Warriors team manager. Ndlovu contributed immensely to the development of the game.
“Zifa and the entire football family joins the Ndlovu family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may the family also find comfort in the Lord Almighty.”
Online Reporter