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THE Zimbabwe Football Association has joined the rest of football family in mourning former Highlanders and national team player Tymon Mabaleka.The association said it learned with great shock and sorrow of the death of one of the country’s rare breed of talented footballers.
“Zifa and the entire football family join the Mabaleka family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may the family also find comfort in the Lord Almighty,” said the Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela in a statement.
Zifa, Gwesela said, learnt with great shock and sorrow of the passing on of Mabaleka, one of the best players during his time. “He was undeniably a true legend,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mabaleka’s body arrives in Bulawayo today ahead of burial at Lady Stanley Cemetery tomorrow.
Innocent Mabaleka, brother of the late Tymon, confirmed that his body would arrive today at the Nyaradzo Funeral parlour where it will lie in state.
Mourners are gathered at 4218 Lobengula West.
Tymon was the second born in a family of nine – six boys and three girls and was 64 at the time of his death.
Tymon began his illustrious career at Eastlands before moving to Highlanders in 1973.
That season is considered as the turning point for the once docile giant in semi-professional football.
Bosso, who had been promoted back to the elite league after topping the lower division in 1972 following their demotion in 1971 when they finished with a paltry seven points, relied on the brilliance of players like Tymon to assert themselves as one of Zimbabwe’s top sides.
With Tymon in the thick of things alongside Cavin Duberly, Lawrence Phiri, Billy Sibanda, Edward Dzowa, Kenny Luphahla, Mike Mpofu, Peter Bhebhe, Ananias Dube, Josiah Nxumalo and Boet Van Ays, Highlanders won their first major title – the 1973 Chibuku Trophy and regional title.
He was a key figure of the South Zone Select when Highlanders opted to form the South Zone Soccer League. Tymon was called up to the national team several times and finally hung up his boots in 1982 when he transferred to Harare.
He is one of the country’s most revered music producers having done works for Oliver M’tukudzi, James Chimombe, Lovemore Majaivana and Solomon S’kuza and the Fallen Heroes under Gallo later known as Zimbabwe Music Corporation’s Kudzanayi label.
derick.khumalo