adminMabhonzo died at Parirenyatwa Hospital in the early hours yesterday after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday.
According to his son, Ridley, Mabhonzo, who suffered from high blood pressure, was rushed to the hospital after collapsing three days ago.
“My father had high blood pressure. He was doing some transactions in a bank when he had a heart attack and we took him to the hospital.
“He could not speak and was only using his right hand to give signs,” said Ridley.
FASL director for development and training, Frank Farakezi, said the death of Mabhonzo was a big blow to the football family.
“He had passion for sport and I first met him when he came with the Warren Park five-aside team in 1998. From there we developed a strong friendship.
“He took over as chairman from Lisbon Marufu in 2006 and revived five-a-side. He sponsored the game in terms of finance and material.
“He was a kind and nice person to work with. We never quarreled and he was someone very open.
“Most of the FASL programmes we did always had his blessings because he knew we were doing it for the benefit of the game.
“His death is a big blow to FASL and very unfortunate especially when you have worked with someone for so many years,” said Farakezi.
Mabhonzo has been the president for FASL since 2006, having previously held the position of vice-chairman.
Zifa chief executive, Jonathan Mashingaidze said they learnt with great shock the death of Mabhonzo.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association has learnt with great shock of the untimely passing on of the chairman of Five-a-side, Mr Joseph Mabhonzo, on the 15th of May 2013.
“On behalf of the board, the assembly, staff and the family of football in its entirety, and indeed the nation, I convey deep condolences to the Mabhonzo family on the tragic loss of a veteran football administrator of repute and a patriotic Zimbabwean.
“Our thoughts are with Amai Mabhonzo and the whole family, and pray that the Lord grants them strength during this difficult moment. Football has been left poorer,” said Mashingaidze.
Mabhonzo is survived with his wife Petronella and several children.
Mourners are gathered at number 6152 Westlea in Harare. He will be buried in Mt Darwin this weekend.
Meanwhile Zifa has sent a message of condolence to the Moyo family following the death of honorary board member, Vela Moyo on Wednesday.
Moyo will be buried today at Glen Forest.
Online Reporter