Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE tombstone of the late iconic football administrator Ndumiso Gumede was unveiled yesterday morning at Inyathi Mission in Matabeleland North province, marking yet another chapter in celebrating his illustrious life.
Dozens of people from all walks of life − including football personalities, former Inyathi pupils, church members and villagers − gathered at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa for the memorial service. The event was both a moment of reflection and a celebration of a man who left an indelible mark on Zimbabwean football and society at large.
Gumede, who died on December 29, 2021, is remembered as a distinguished football administrator, teacher, actor, and socialite.
He was born on October 14, 1945.
His contributions to Highlanders FC and the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) remain legendary, with many crediting him for his integrity, sharp wit and unwavering passion for the beautiful game.
The tombstone, unveiled in the presence of family, friends and football greats, is as humble yet symbolic as the man himself. It bears striped markings resembling a Highlanders jersey, a football pitch, and a ball at its centre. The inscription, “Yours Truly”, is a fitting tribute to Gumede’s signature sign-off in both speech and correspondence.
In attendance were former Highlanders chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube, Bosso manager Vezigama Dlodlo, board member and ex-chairman Peter Dube, club board boss Luke Mnkandla, Bosso legend Lawrence Phiri, former Zifa and Zimbabwe Saints chairman Vincent Pamire and ex-Railstars chairman Ntando Gumede.
Gumede’s legacy extends beyond the football pitch. Through his education project, he paid school fees for underprivileged children — a gesture that continues to bear fruit. One of the beneficiaries, Seluleko Mathe, a Form Four pupil at Concepts Academy, was among those present to pay their respects.
As the crowd stood before the unveiled tombstone, memories of Gumede’s larger-than-life personality, his service to football, and his love for the community filled the air.
Born on 14 October 1945 in Bulawayo at the end of the Second World War, Gumede grew up in Mzilikazi’s R square 62. His now late parents were Sithelo Gumede and Elina Msimanga. Since his father was a teacher, he did his education at a number of schools in and around Bulawayo.
Gumede enrolled for teacher training at Gweru Teachers College, which is now Midlands State University. His first deployment took him to Harare where he taught at Highfields Secondary School. While he was training as a teacher, he also got skilled as a football referee.
He was at Highfields from 1969 until 1975 when he moved to Mzilikazi High School in Bulawayo.
Gumede’s involvement with Highlanders dates back to 1974 when he was the club’s representative in the then Salisbury. When he returned to Bulawayo, Gumede was part of the Bosso finance committee before he became the club’s chairman in 1978, a position he took over from Landcut Gumbo.
Having served as Highlanders chairman from 1978 to 1980, Gumede was at independence appointed by the then Minister of Sports, Youth and Recreation, Joyce Mujuru to the first ever Zimbabwe Football Association board as a committee member.
