Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
Metros Editor
WIESLAW Grabowski, the coach credited with identifying and nurturing a generation of some of Zimbabwe’s best footballers, has been laid to rest in Katowice, Poland.
Marshall Gore, a UK-based football administrator, flew from his base to represent the Zimbabwean football family at the burial ceremony today.
He addressed the mourners and conveyed condolences from Zimbabweans, in general, and the country’s football community, in particular.
Kudakwashe Kanhutu, a former player at Grabowski’s club Darryn T, also attended the burial ceremony.
Yolanda Karichi, the daughter of former Herald Sports Correspondent Richard Karichi, was also at the burial ceremony.
Paweł Juchniewicz, a football manager and coach who worked with Grabowski, said the game had lost a unique character.
“How do you sum up a life like this? A life that connected Zabrze with Harare, Polish football grounds with African stadiums, young dreams with professional football.
“Wiesław Grabowski was a coach, a national team manager, a teacher, a talent scout and a mentor. Above all, he was an extraordinary human being.
“Wherever he went, he had the remarkable ability to make people feel at ease.
“He knew Presidents, FIFA and UEFA officials, leading coaches and journalists, yet he always found time for the young player whom everyone else overlooked.
“He had charisma, a sharp mind, a wonderful sense of humour and the rare gift of turning strangers into friends within minutes.
“His journey led from Zabrze, through Warsaw, the coaching staff of Jacek Gmoch and the renowned Sports University in Cologne, all the way to Africa.
“He never waited for opportunities—he created them through hard work, knowledge and determination.”
