Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
STANFORD Nhunhama, one of the most underrated players in local football while turning out for CAPS United in the early and mid-80s, has died at the age of 69 due to a heart ailment.
Nhunhama’s brother, Sydney, told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that Stanford died in the early hours of yesterday morning at Sally Mugabe Hospital.
He is survived by six children (five boys and one girl).
Mourners are gathered at No. 27 Hombasha Street in Mbare.
“It is with a sad and heavy heart that I announce the untimely death of my elder brother Stanford Nhunhama.
“He had been sick for quite some time and was recently admitted at Sally Mugabe Hospital where he passed away this morning (yesterday).
“Stanford used to play for CAPS United in the early 1980s up to the mid-80s. He joined CAPS United from the now-defunct Division One side ProNutro,” Sydney said.
Stanford played for the Green Machine during their “Cup Kings” era.
He was brought to the club by his uncle, the late legendary coach Obediah “Wasu” Sarupinda.
He rubbed shoulders with the club’s legends such as the late Shacky “Mr Goals” Tauro, Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa, Friday “Breakdown” Phiri (late), William Chikauro, Joel “Jubilee” Shambo (late), Charles “Raw Meat” Sibanda (late) and Stanley “Sinyo” Ndunduma (late).
His younger brother, Owen, also played in the local Premiership football in the 1990s where he featured for the now-defunct side Rufaro Rovers under the late John Nyamasoka.
Legendary sportscaster and football commentator, Charles “CNN” Mabika, said Stanford Nhunhama “was criminally underrated as a player”.
“I had the pleasure of watching Stanford Nhunhama while he was turning out for CAPS United in the early 1980s.
“He was a gifted midfielder who fought for a place in CAPS United’s midfield department with fellow supremely talented players Stanford ‘Stix’ Mutizwa, Joel ‘Jubilee’ Shambo and Dickson Ngwanya.
“He was a hard working defensive midfielder who loved to join in the attack, especially from set-pieces and he scored a couple of goals from that.”
