derick.khumalo
Fungai Muderere
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FORMER Highlanders and Chicken Inn goalkeeper Njabulo “Popo” Nyoni passed away at his family home in Cement Siding, Bulawayo, on Thursday, it has been learnt.
Nyoni, who was reportedly not been well, is one of Bulawayo football’s most colourful and eccentric goalkeepers who earned admiration for his fearless displays between the posts and his infectious personality. He enjoyed memorable spells with Highlanders and Chicken Inn, in the country’s topflight league.
During his career, Nyoni shared the dressing room with some of local football celebrated stars, including Innocent Mapuranga, Guide Goddard, Felix Chidungwe, Thabani Goredema, Danny “Deco” Phiri, Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu, the late Tendai Ndoro, Simon Njeleza,
Ntokozo Tshuma, Ariel Sibanda, Simon Munawa, Mthulisi Maphosa and Peter “Rio” Moyo among others forming part of a generation that thrilled football lovers across the country.
The sad news has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s football fraternity, with former teammates, supporters and administrators paying tribute on social media to a goalkeeper remembered not only for his agility and bravery but also for his larger-than-life character.
Online Reporter