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Gilbert Munetsi
FORMER Chapungu defender and Blue Swallows coach, Moreblessing Wachi, has died.
He was 53.
Wachi started his football career at Tangenhamo Primary School in Zengeza before enrolling at St Mary’s Secondary where he played alongside the likes of Alois Godzi, Peli Tsuro, Fungai Mukwawa and Patrick Daka.
After a stint with local outfit Hotspurs, he then moved to Dynamos Juniors, Fredrick Sage, Pronutro and the Francis Zimunya-owned Zimbabwe Crackers.
During the emergence of Darryn T in his hometown, “Wedu” joined the likes of Norman Mapeza, Edelbert Dinha and Ralph Kawondera.
It was also during this time that he was co-opted into the Under-23 national team for the Olympics and All-Africa Games.
He, however, could not make the final squad.
A job in the Airforce of Zimbabwe beckoned and ultimately compelled him to join Chapungu.
There, he featured in the squad which had the likes of Nkulumo Donga, Perkins Nyamutamba, Lameck Nyengera, Thomas Mudzengerere, Innocent Chogugudza, Gary Mkandawire, and the Muteji twins of Cain and Abel.
He featured for Chapungu for 11 consecutive seasons before hanging up his boots to take up a coach’ s role at Blue Swallows.
Wachi was a founding member of Chitungwiza Ambassadors, a legends’ social soccer team chaired by football legend Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa.
“We have lost a dedicated football administrator who served our team as treasurer since inception more than a decade ago.
“l remember him as a disciplined sportsman when he used to turn out for Chapungu and l was at Black Rhinos.
“We closely interacted when l was appointed assistant coach to Nesbert Saruchera in the Defence Forces select side.
“We will forever cherish the good sporting times we shared with him, may his soul rest in peace,” said Mutizwa.
According to his brother Martin, Wachi’s body will lie in state at Number 48 Gomarara Street, Zengeza 2, and he will be laid to rest at Glen Forest Cemetery tomorrow.
He is survived by a wife and a daughter, Sharon.
Online Reporter