Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE football fraternity has once again been plunged into mourning following the death of Sheasham midfielder Frankson Bushiri in a car accident yesterday.
He was 34.
The midfield workhorse was driving alone into Gweru from Kwekwe direction, along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, when his car veered off the road and crashed into a tree.
He died on the spot.
The impact was so bad the vehicle split into two, with the left side and bumper left hanging on the tree while the right side moved about 10 metres further.
It was so graphic that police details who attended the scene collected some of the remains by putting them into a plastic bag.
An eyewitness, who refused to be named, said, “The driver failed to negotiate a curve and hit the tree. What followed was too horrific for the eye.
“The vehicle separated into two, with the side of the driver overlapping forward for about 10 metres. He was crashed . . . It was so disturbing.”
ZIFA said, “We are deeply sorry to the Bushiri family following the passing on of talented midfielder Frankson Bushiri who was affectionately called Warrior for his work ethic and commitment to duty.
“Football is poorer without one of its stars. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all football stakeholders and the player’s family . . . ” Sheasham said, “ . . . Our deepest thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with his beloved family, friends, and all who held him dear during this time of immense grief and loss. We pray for God’s comforting strength and peace to surround them. May his kind soul find eternal rest.”
Bushiri was the fifth born in a family of seven and cut his football teeth at FC Platinum Under-19 in the Central Region Soccer League. He would go on to play for FC Platinum senior team in the Premier Soccer League, Shabanie Mine, Buffaloes, Manica Diamonds, TelOne and Chapungu (both on loan from Sheasham).
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa, who arrived at the Gweru side when the Wi-Fi Boys were fighting relegation in 2024, described Bushiri as “a quiet young man who was very reserved outside the field of play but a beast in the game.”
Family spokesperson Farai Bushiri said the family was devastated following the player’s death.
“The family is still in shock . . . We are still in a state of confusion, and everything isn’t making any sense.” Bushiri is survived by his wife Emmaculate (nee Sadiki), and five children. Mourners are gathered at Number 1337, Mandava Township, in Zvishavane. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
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