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FORMER Bulawayo Wanderers and Highlanders dribbling wizard, Majuta Mpofu, has died. He was 63. His young brother Morris confirmed last night that the football legend passed away at around 5pm at his Entumbane home. “He had been unwell for some time. He finally passed on this afternoon around 5pm at home,” said Morris last night.
The football legend, whose dribbling wizardry bewildered many defenders in the 1970s and 1980s, was born at Old Memorial Hospital in Bulawayo.
He grew up at Njube’s ‘O’ Square and attended Nsukamini Primary School between Njube and Mabutweni.
His football star shone at an early age in Njube and Mabutweni suburbs where he played street soccer.
According to Morris, Majuta worked at Heany Junction as a gardener before his talent was spotted at the formation of Bulawayo Wanderers.
The move to the club, one of the most exciting football projects to emerge from Bulawayo, earned him a job with the Fire Brigade.
By the mid 1970s, Majuta’s profile had risen so much that he joined a star-studded and chart topping Highlanders team that featured the likes of Barry Daka, Billy Sibanda, Stanley Nyika, Isaac Mafaro, Lawrence Phiri, Jeffrey Mpofu, Ananias Dube, Josiah Nxumalo and Itai Chieza.
It was his ability to subtract defenders with some sublime dribbling skills and then let off a defence splitting pass that earned him the adoration of millions.
He came close to getting a trial in Brazil in the 1970s but an injury, which many believed was feigned, saw Brazilian great Jairzinho, who had a brief spell with Kaizer Chiefs, go back empty-handed to South America.
The Latin American had been bowled out by the striker’s elegance on the pitch, match something the World Cup winner believed would suit clubs like Santos back home.
Majuta was to defend himself in an interview a decade ago citing injury as the cause.
On his failure to move to Kaizer Chiefs he said he made many considerations before deciding that keeping his Fire Brigade job was the best way for him and family.
Majuta moved back to Wanderers after Independence having won the Chibuku Trophy, 4-0 against Rio Tinto in 1980.
He later coached the club and had a stint in the 1990s as Young Warriors mentor.
Majuta is credited with inspiring a generation of brilliant dribblers which included Boy Ndlovu and the late Francis Paketh.
Many will remember him for his passion for boxing and sparring sessions at Iminyela Hall.
He once was involved in an exhibition fight with the late Proud ‘Kilimanjaro’ Chinembiri who was the heavyweight champion of Africa and Zimbabwe. Morris described his brother’s death as a loss to the family.
Zifa vice-president Ndumiso Gumede said Majuta was one of the best entertainers local football had seen.
“He was a very good player. It is sad to lose such a great footballer,” said Gumede.
Mourners are gathered at his Entumbane home, 32670 C Section.
He is survived by his wife Otilia, daughter Nontokozo (39), Maclean (34), Makhosonke (27), Macjuta (Jnr) (21) and Macman (16).
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Online Reporter