adminRay Bande in Mutare
MUTARE Premiership side Buffaloes plunged into mourning ahead of tomorrow’s league encounter against Chiredzi following the death of club patron Brigadier-General Elias Bandama.
The 3 Brigade commander, who loved the Buffaloes project with a passion as he rarely missed their home matches as well as the team’s key away assignments, died at West End Clinic in Harare on Thursday.
3 Infantry Brigade public relations officer Captain Luke Mafere confirmed Bandama’s death and football fans in Mutare described it as a sad loss not only to Buffaloes but also the entire sporting community. Zifa Women Football board member Cecilia Gambe described Bandama’s death as a very big loss to the football family in Mutare.
Buffaloes FC executive committee member,Ticha Zikai said Bandama’s death will make life more difficult for them.
“He is one person who made work easier for us as an executive. His death is not only shocking but certainly makes us quake in our shoes as we imagine life without him. No doubt, he loved football with a passion.”
Buffaloes, who experienced a slump in form last month, will be out to continue with their recovery after collecting six points in their last two outings.
Harare City will also be out on a rescue mission as they seek to end the first half of the season outside the drop zone when they host Hwange at Rufaro tomorrow.
City have been rising steadily from the bottom of the table following a poor start this year. Assistant coach Masimba Dinyero, who is holding fort in the absence of Bigboy Mawiwi who is attending a Caf A Licence course, said they were looking forward to another successful outing following last week’s 2-1 win at Chiredzi.
“We are preparing seriously for this game because Hwange are like wounded lions at the moment.
“They have been losing a lot so we have to be careful. But I am happy with the progress that we have made so far especially after that bad start. We hope to continue in the same vein,” said Dinyero.
Harare City are likely to miss their livewire Talent Chawapiwa who is expected to take a fitness test later today.
Fixtures
Today
Harare City v Hwange (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Mandava)
Sunday
CAPS United v Dynamos (National Sports Stadium), Black Rhinos v How Mine (Rimuka), Buffaloes v Chiredzi (Sakubva), Triangle United v Chapungu (Gibbo), Highlanders v Bantu (Barbourfields)
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