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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE government has saluted the football exploits of Willard Mashinkila Khumalo, who died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals on Sunday morning at the age of 49.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa said Khumalo was a true football hero whose exploits touched even people beyond the country’s borders.
“Willard, Madinda Ndlovu and Tito Paketh were the first Zimbabwean players to play in Germany and that shows the immense talent that the trio had. At Highlanders, Willard was one of the youngsters promoted to the first team,” said Minister Langa.
“He also represented the country while still a pupil at Northlea High School. On behalf of my Ministry and indeed the government, I would like to pass our sincere condolences to the family, Highlanders as a club, and the nation at large.”
Minister Langa said he still had vivid memories of Khumalo’s father promising him a car if he scored against Dynamos in the Chubuku Trophy final in 1984.
“He did it and his father bought him a white VW. Recently I went with Willard to Sipepa in Tsholotsho together with other Highlanders legends and he showed a great appreciation of grassroots football,” Minister Langa said.
Some of Khumalo’s Dream Team teammates have also sent in their condolence messages to his family, Highlanders and the nation.
Ephraim “Rock of Gilbratar” Chawanda
Having known him since my first year in the national team back in 1985, having played with him in the most successful regional select team for Matabeleland, having captained him in the legendary Dream Team, it’s hard to let go of the bubbly (and) always cheerful and larger than life midfield maestro cum central defender. Then again, we all believe that there is a better place than this earth that we live on, and so must envy those that depart ahead of us. I celebrate you my dear brother. I celebrate every moment that we spent together. I guard jealously the good memories that we created. Go well my dear brother, rest in peace Willard Mashinkila Khumalo.
Bruce “Jungleman” Grobbelaar
RIP Willard Khumalo, former teammate of the Dream Team, Highlanders, Tshilamoya Bosso! We will mourn your death but we will honour your life with us from now until we meet again with all the greats in football in heaven. Condolences to your family and the football fraternity. Hamba Kahle!
Rahman Gumbo
Willard, you were not well, yes, but your death has truly left me devastated, I still can’t believe that you are no more. I was not expecting you to do that. You were more than a teammate to me; you were me and I was you. I think I will only believe that you are really gone when I finally see your body because for now, this is still a dream to me.
Madinda Ndlovu
It’s a known fact that Willard has not been well for some time and people might probably not want to hear this kind of message, but for me, usephumule. He has been saved from the pain he has been through. I don’t think Willard enjoyed his life from the moment he started being unwell. I remember while at Taffic here in Botswana, he would go for days missing from training as he sought medication for itshukela (diabetes) and it was so heartbreaking to see him going through such pain. It’s just that ukufa yikufa.
Willard is someone who contributed immensely to the development of our sport. He is a product that blossomed like a rose from the Highlanders’ juniors and the mark he has left will be very difficult to beat. We have lost someone that could have been a pillar in our football. We grieve with the family.
Paul Gundani
I knew Willard when we were still playing in the provincial Under-18 squads back in the days. We also played together in the national Under-20 right up to the senior national team and I later convinced him to come and coach Lancashire Steel. Even when we formed the Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe, he is one guy we consulted extensively and his death to me is devastating. It’s like the world has collapsed. I know we must die as mortals but not now. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Norman Mapeza
The nation has lost a true hero and legend of the game. To me he was like a brother, never looking down upon anyone and always full of jokes when we were in camp. His contribution to Highlanders and the nation at large is there for all to see. My sincere condolences to his family and the Highlanders fraternity.
Carlos Max
Willard’s death is not only a loss to his family and Highlanders, but a big loss to Zimbabwean football as a whole. I had the pleasure of playing alongside him at national team level and against him at club level and I must say he was a gentleman of the game. Whenever I came to Bulawayo, he was one guy who would take me around town and I will miss that. It’s sad that MaWii is no more.
Meanwhile, platinum miners, Mimosa Mine, have pledged to take care of Khumalo’s burial costs.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu