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Langton Nyakwenda
AS businessmen and the rich were jostling for seats on a chartered Air Zimbabwe plane to Tunisia in January 2004, they were called to order by Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga.
Zimbabwe had just secured a maiden ticket to the AFCON finals in Tunisia, the country was abuzz and almost every supporter wanted to go to the North African country.
Thanks to Nyatanga’s co-ordination and facilitation, a chartered plane was arranged for fans to go and support the Warriors on this historic assignment.
As expected, there was commotion at the airport.
But Nyatanga intervened with his usual commanding voice.
“Mese imimi ma businessmen hamuimbe, ana Taribo (the late Stanford Nhau) nana Romario (Chris Musekiwa) are the cheerleaders and will be the first on this charter flight,” he thundered.
And, there was order.
Musekiwa, who is now a Warriors cheerleader, recalled this incident when news of Nyatanga’s death filtered across the country yesterday.
Nyatanga died at his house in Harare on Tuesday night, coincidentally, a few hours after his beloved Warriors had succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against South Africa, in a World Cup qualifier.
He was 63.
Regarded as the godfather of the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association (ZNSSA), Nyatanga was also a kingmaker in Zimbabwean football politics.
A larger than life character, Nyatanga was a founding member of the ZNSSA and a very key figure in coordinating activities for national team fans.
“He developed some clots in his lungs and this caused the suffocation,” his son Bruce told Zimpapers Sports yesterday.
“Mourners are gathered at the family house in Borrowdale Brooke.”
Nyatanga’s death has caused tremors across the football fraternity.
“We are indeed devastated by the sad news,” Musekiwa said.
“Nyatanga had unmatched passion for the beautiful game, he would call a spade a spade and he groomed us into leadership roles.
“Mboma was a man of the people and an advisor who also helped so many people to start their businesses.
“He was the one who advocated for supporters to travel with the national team when the Warriors made their maiden appearance at the 2004 AFCON finals.”
Nyatanga worked closely with the likes of Eddy “Styles” Masunda, who is now based in the United States.
“Football is an exciting game which can really be fun and entertaining, and together with Mboma we took supporting to another level,” said Masunda.
“It was because of Nyatanga that fans had the experience of boarding flights to watch games across the African continent.
“Nyatanga is a hero and I am at a loss for words, to say the least. He was the heartbeat of football supporting in this country.
“It’s sad he died at a time Zimbabwe are now losing to small nations like Lesotho.
“But, I am sure the good old days will be back, and we have to correct the wrongs in football in honour of people like Nyatanga.”
Beitbridge-based football benefactor, Biggie “Big Cle” Mabhidhi, was on his way from the Warriors’ game in Bloemfontein, when he heard about Nyatanga’s death.
“This is painful, we have lost a brother and a mentor,” said Mabhidhi.
“The nation has a lost a football man.”
Yadah FC owner, Walter Magaya, also paid tribute to Nyatanga.
Online Reporter