Former Railstars striker buried

FORMER Railstars Striker Jahalamajaha Mzoe Khumalo who died in South Africa on February 28 was buried at Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Khumalo suffered a stroke attack on the day and passed on at the age of 39.

Gugu Vundla, an aunt to the former striker described him as a youngster who had grown up with a lot of promise.

“He was likeable from his early days and quite respectful. His death touched his family, friends and neighbours alike. We will miss him, he was quite helpful to the Nkulumane community and region at large with his courier services,” said Vundla.

A former Bangani and Railstars striker, Khumalo appeared to have a bright future ahead. After leaving Embakwe High School in Mangwe District, he was called up to the Zimbabwe Under-17 team which faced Malawi in 2004.

In 2004 at the Coca-Cola finals held in Gweru, Khumalo scored five goals to win the top goalscorer’s award.

His Embakwe High School finished second after being edged by Harare school Cranborne Boys High School.

He played for Railstars Under-16s under Ali Dube and at 17 he was promoted to the first team in 2005.

He was part of the Railstars team when they were demoted to Division One in 2006.
Khumalo top scored in Division One for the club under Dan Ndlovu in 2007.

A stocky, pacey and skilful forward, he was at home on the wing as well as leading the attack as top man, Khumalo saw his contract with the railwaymen run out in 2009.

After that he tried his luck at Chicken Inn.

Mandla Mpofu, who coached Khumalo at Railstars, described him as a striker with a lot of promise who any coach would be comfortable with.

“In one of the seasons we had the Unity Cup and as Railstars Under-19s, were drawn against Highlanders. We were beaten 5-2 and he scored our first goal. He had a lot of potential and retired early.

My condolences to his family and friends,” said Mpofu one of his coaches at Railstars.
When he retired after 2010, he became a courier ferrying goods from South Africa to Bulawayo.

His funeral and vigil was attended by big scores of people and former teammates who included Phillip Jambaya.

At Railstars he played with Master Masitara, Blessing Ngwenya, Kelvin Maseko, Jambaya, Innocent Mapuranga, Ndoro twins Tendai and Tafadzwa, Njabulo and Chenjerai Dube.