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Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
FORMER Dynamos chairman, Partson Moyo, has described ex-Dynamos administrator Nyika Chifamba, who died in Harare yesterday, as one of the country’s “best” team managers.
Chifamba died after a long battle with a kidney ailment.
He was 63.
Chifamba was DeMbare’s team manager when the Harare giants defied the odds to reach the 2008 CAF Champions League semi-finals.
In that year when Dynamos scaled the heights, Moyo was the club chairman.
The Glamour Boys were just a hurdle away from reaching their second Champions League final when they were stopped in their tracks by CotonSport Garoua of Cameroon.
DeMbare had reached the final 10 years earlier, which they lost to ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire.
In mourning Chifamba, Moyo recalled how they had worked together for Dynamos’ success.
Moyo and Chifamba worked hand in glove largely on the administrative aspect to ensure the players’ welfare was catered for.
The players on their part accounted for African club football powerhouses ASEC Mimosas and Zamalek on their way to the semis.
“I have learnt with great shock and sadness of the passing on of one of the country’s best football administrators Nyika Chifamba.
“He served with distinction as the Dynamos team manager during my chairmanship, resulting in that historical achievement when the team reached the semi-finals of the 2008 Champions League,” recalled Moyo.
That Dynamos side included players like goalkeepers Willard Manyatera and Zondai Nyaungwa, Carrington Gomba, Philip Marufu, Edward Sadomba, David Shoko, Rueben Mhlanga, Lovemore Mapuya, Brighton Tuwaya, Justice Majabvi, Desmond Maringwa, Murape Murape and Benjamin Marere.
“As a testimony to his great leadership skills, Chifamba was elevated to the executive as the secretary-general of Dynamos.
“Let me pass my condolences to the Chifamba family, the football fraternity, and all friends and relatives on this sad loss.”
Chifamba, also briefly served as national team manager during the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“His death is a great loss not only to the Dynamos family but to the whole nation,” former Dynamos chairman, Simon Makaza told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“We worked together at Dynamos from the days when he was still a supporters’ leader before he became a team manager.
“He was a very friendly and humble person. I am sure his soul will rest in peace because he was a peacemaker.
“You know Dynamos had perennial squabbles but Chifamba would not get involved,” added Makaza.
Former Dynamos skipper, Murape, recounted the club’s 2008 Champions League journey.
“We feel and share the loss of this incredible man who was instrumental in harnessing a close collaborative working relationship between the class of 2007 and 2008, when we won our league title and also got to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League respectively.
“We achieved great things together and now prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed manager,” said Murape, who won the 2007 Soccer Star of the Year award.
“I wish to express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the Chifamba family, Dynamos family, and Zimbabwe football community, we share this moment of grief and mourning following the untimely passing of our beloved former team manager, brother, husband, and father.”
Added Murape: “Nyika Chifamba my manager I say to you, a man may die, but his legacy will continue through his deeds. Go well my brother till we meet again.”
Murape’s teammate in 2008, Majabvi, described Chifamba as a “cool gentleman.”
“We won the championship with him in 2007 and also went all the way to the Champions League semi-final.
“A great brother he was and very quiet. I never saw him angry.
“My Condolences to his family and the football fraternity,” said Majabvi, who joined Dynamos from Lancashire Steel.
Sadomba the star of the DeMbare Champions League show, 16 years ago also expressed sadness at the news of Chifamba’s death.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of Nyika Chifamba, we worked very well during my times at the Glamour Boys, and a very passionate man who loved Dynamos so much. May the family find strength in these difficult moments,’ he said.
Several Dynamos luminaries including the legendary George Shaya, Biggie Zuze, Misheck Chidzambwa, David Mandigora, David George, and Norman Maroto have died in recent years.
And DeMbare are mourning again following Chifamba’s death.
“It’s so sad that football is poorer today after losing a tireless cadre of football,” said Dynamos chief executive officer, Jonathan Mashingaidze.
“He served the game with distinction.”
Sadly, Chifamba’s death comes at a time when Dynamos are on the verge of reaching the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup mini-league stage.
They just need at least a draw against Orapa United of Botswana on Sunday to book a place in the group stage.
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