Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors midfielder Esrom Nyandoro has made a personal commitment to cover the educational costs of the children of his late close friend, Richard “Dabuka Express” Choruma.
Nyandoro and the late Choruma were both raised in Mzilikazi, one of Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs.
Choruma died on December 29, 2020 aged 42.
Nyandoro, who previously turned out for AmaZulu in Zimbabwe and Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, officially launched the Esrom Nyandoro Foundation at a prestigious gala dinner in South Africa on December 13, marking a powerful new chapter in his commitment to transforming lives through education and football.
Writing on his Facebook wall on Monday, Nyandoro said:
“Dear Richard Choruma, firstly I miss you my friend. Secondly, I know you would have been the biggest supporter of the Foundation, so having said this, does it even make sense that I have launched an education fund and your children are not beneficiaries, yet you served our city and our country through the most auspicious sport in the world?”
He added:
“Forgive me for favouring football — I kicked the ball even in my dreams. During my days, I breathed football. Allow me to say, in my personal capacity, I will ensure that your children are educated fully, as per your wish. Thank you for rolling that ball on the fields with pride, thank you for sacrificing everything for football, but most of all, thank you for loving us all. I, for one, was blessed to have you in my life. Rest well, my friend.”
As part of the fundraising drive, Nyandoro made personal sacrifices by selling treasured memorabilia from his playing career.
Signed and framed jerseys have already raised R50 000, with proceeds going directly towards learners’ school fees.
One historic jersey reportedly remains on auction — the shirt Nyandoro wore when he scored a famous goal that is etched in African football history. The jersey currently carries an offer of R120 000, but has been officially valued at R200 000, with the full amount dedicated to covering January 2026 school fees.
The gala dinner brought together football stakeholders, business leaders and community partners, highlighting the powerful role sport can play in social development.
