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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
FORMER Blackpool and Motor Action board member Simeon Jamanda has died.
He was 59-years-old.
Jamanda, who for over three decades has been actively involved in several sports codes, passed away at West End Clinic on Thursday evening.
The prominent football figure was eight days short of his 60th birthday.
Family spokesperson and son to the late, Panashe Jamanda confirmed the death and said burial arrangements were still in progress.
“My father Simeon passed away yesterday (Thursday) at West End Clinic around 6pm after a long battle with a kidney problem. As a family, it’s a great loss to us as we have lost a father figure and a pillar of strength,” said Panashe.
Tendai “T Bunz” Zhakata, who worked together with Jamanda, was in a state of shock following the demise of his close friend.
“I am at a loss of words. We had become a family as Simeon was my close ally. We met some 30 years ago when we were involved in the formation of Blackpool, which came out of Dynamos United.
“It was with the likes of Joe Salif, Ronnie Chihota, Ben Muchedzi, Joe Masenda, Ginger Chigawa and Jamanda among several others that we formed Blackpool.
“With his involvement, the team managed to play in the CAF Champions of Champions where we played Al Hilal. After the collapse of Blackpool, Jamanda went on to be part of Motor Action which had Eric Rosen as the chairman and him as the vice-chairman. The team went on to win the League Championship in 2010 and Jamanda was part of the club.
“During the Cuthbert Dube era when I formed Friends of Warriors he became the protocol officer, which saw our friendship grow. We went on to make the Bob Festival commemorations for schools and Jamanda was my ally.
“He was part and parcel of all the activities which happened in the national team and local clubs,” said Zhakata.
Veteran coach Joey “Mafero” Antipas, who worked with Jamanda for several years, said the football fraternity has lost a dedicated member of administration.
“He was an astute administrator whom I worked with at Motor Action and we travelled a lot together.
“I was privileged to work with Jamanda and we went along well throughout our working relationship. Until the time of his demise, we would contact each other which showed we had a good working relationship.
“Jamanda was a brave man who fought his battle and I am saddened and touched by his death,” said Antipas.
Former Dynamos secretary Brian Kashangura also sent his condolences.
“I have known Simeon “Buju” Jamanda for over two decades when he was at Action Motor. I was Head of security Dynamos before becoming its Secretary General.
“Jamanda was a jovial and very strict person in terms of following football rules. We worked together in the ZIFA Protocol Committee during the Rafiq Khan era when I was his vice in that committee.
“His love for football was immeasurable. We did many football activities in the Chikomba area, together with the late David George. What pains most is that the first to leave this earth was Eric Rosen, the late senator Shepherd Chengeta, then Rahman Gumbo, David George and now Buju, all Motor Action Football Club members.
“May all the Souls Rest in Peace. My last interaction with Buju was when he participated in our Zanu PF primary elections for Sunningdale. He loved his football and Zanu PF party. Go well Buju till we meet again,” said Kashangura.
Jamanda is survived by wife Keresia Chazika, five children and several grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at house Number 15704 Sunningdale 2 Harare.
Online Reporter