Online Reporter
By Noel Munzabwa
THE Midlands football fraternity has plunged into mourning again − barely two days after the death of FC Platinum Under-19 player Perfector Shoko.
Former Zim Alloys goalkeeper and team manager, Joseph Banda, died at Bethel Hospital in Gweru on Sunday. Renowned grassroots football coach, Sama Musekiwa, died last week.
In the past three months, the province has also lost former Chapungu defender and coach Tawanda Marimo and Morris Mathonsi, another former Zim Alloys player.
George Maburo, who worked with Banda, said:
“It is true that our team manager Joseph Banda passed on on Sunday at a local clinic after a short illness.
“He will be greatly missed for his lengthy dedication to the game,” said Maburo.
Born on November 10, 1969, Banda played for Zim Alloys FC as a goalkeeper between 1988 and 1996.
He ended up being employed by the company.
He also played for the team, which was under the guidance of Wonder Chaka, and included the likes of Obert Muroiwa, Thomas Chimombe, Ronny Zhuwawo (late), Peter Banda (late), Richard Ngoro, Kuda Mukosi, Alex Kaunda and Peter “Madhiri” Musa.
At youth level, he played for Mkoba-based Chipembere Juniors coached by the late Mudhara Charuma and the team reached the final where they played Harare Under-16 and lost.
In 2003 Banda was appointed ZimAlloys team manager.
The team was coached by the late Beaven Gwamure and it had the likes of Collen Madungwe, Joseph Sanyo Chibodo, Ephert Ndlazi (late), Desire Dube (late), Morris Matonsi (late), Lawrence Chikomo (late), Emmanuel Mangena, Brain Niggaz Nhamo, Ishmael Mapuwei and Calvin Mtwanzi.
His sons − Givemore Banda, Arnold Banda (defender) and Joseph Banda (goalkeeper) − followed in their father’s footsteps to play the game at a decent level.
Mathew Masinge