Online Reporter
Noel Munzabwa, Zimpapers Sports Hub Correspondent
MIDLANDS football is reeling from yet another tragedy. Barely have the tears dried over the passing of FC Platinum Under-19 player Perfector Shoko, when the community is once again plunged into mourning.
Just two days after Shoko’s death, former Zimalloys goalkeeper and long-time team manager Joseph Banda passed away on Sunday at Bethel Hospital in Gweru following a short, stress-related illness. His death comes only days after the loss of respected grassroots coach Sama Musekiwa.
The province has endured a heartbreaking run of losses in recent months. Three months ago, former Chapungu defender and coach Tawanda Marimo died, followed soon after by ex-Zimalloys player Morris Mathonsi.
George Maburo, Banda’s former teammate and colleague at Zimalloys, confirmed the news.
“It is true that our team manager Joseph Banda passed away on Sunday at a local clinic after a short illness. He will be greatly missed for his long-standing dedication to the game, which he extended by encouraging his sons to follow in his footsteps,” said Maburo.
Born on November 10, 1969, Banda guarded the Zimalloys FC goalposts from 1988 to 1996, earning employment at the company. Under coach Wonder Chaka, he shared the pitch with Obert Muroiwa, Thomas Chimombe, Ronny Zhuwawo (late), Peter Banda (late), Richard Ngoro, Kuda Mukosi, Alex Kaunda, and Peter “Madhiri” Musa. The team reached the first round of the Zifa Cup in 1992, bowing out to ShuShine FC.
As a youth, Banda played for Mkoba’s Chipembere Juniors under the late Mudhara Charuma, helping the side reach a national Under-16 final against a Harare-based team.
In 2003, Banda returned to Zimalloys as team manager alongside the late Beaven Gwamure, guiding a squad that included Maburo, Collen Madungwe, Joseph “Sanyo” Chibodo, Ephert Ndlazi (late), Desire Dube (late), Morris Mathonsi (late), Lawrence Chikomo (late), Emmanuel Mangena, Brain Nhamo, Ishmael Mapuwei, and Calvin Mtwanzi. He also managed a Central Region select side coached by the late Willard Khumalo.
Football ran deep in the Banda family. His sons — striker Givemore, defender Arnold, and goalkeeper Joseph (Jnr) — have all followed in his footsteps onto the pitch.
