Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube [email protected]
One of legendary football coach Roy Barreto’s daughters, Tamara, has described her father as a very different person at home from the no-nonsense figure that players and supporters knew on the touchline.
Roy Barreto died in Portugal on Monday evening at the age of 72 after a long illness.
Away from the glare of football stadiums, media attention and the demands of coaching, Tamara said her father was a kind, loving and patient man who lived his life guided by his Catholic faith.
“My dad behind the doors of publicity was a kind, loving and patient gentleman,” said Tamara.
She said family always came first for the veteran coach.
“Dad always put us first and until his death, he told us he would do anything for us to his detriment – which he did!”
Tamara said her father preferred a peaceful and simple life away from football and cherished the time he spent pursuing his personal interests and being with family.
“Dad enjoyed peace, a slow pace of life and enjoyed his art work and time to read. Dad absolutely adored his grandchildren, Zachary age 14, Maia age 10, Jack age 8, Conor age 6, Ally age 2. Our dad had the most incredible general knowledge, he could expand on any subject discussed – totally amazing. Dad was very religious and based his later years all based on his Catholic faith and lived his life by his faith,” she said.
Barreto’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from the football fraternity, with many remembering him as one of Zimbabwe’s finest coaches and a passionate servant of the game.
Funeral arrangements were expected to be finalised on Thursday afternoon, with indications that he would be cremated and his remains interred in Portugal.
