‘HE WAS MY BIG BROTHER’

Blessing Malinganiza in BUTARE, Rwanda

ZIMBABWE vice captain Marshall Munetsi has paid tribute to former Warriors keeper George Chigova, whom he described as a big brother.

Chigova collapsed and died in South Africa yesterday and news of his sudden death reached the Warriors camp a few minutes before their game against Rwanda.

The Warriors remain in Rwanda for the second qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the second game on Sunday.

“We want to pass our condolences to the Chigova family, the football fraternity, the friends, his brothers and sisters,” Munetsi told Zimpapers Sport.

“It was something that shocked us because we heard about it just before the game and it affected us. For some of us, who played with him, it is difficult to comprehend.

“He was a big brother to us, we share some good memories, so it’s tough but we have to take it.

“We just pray for him and his family and friends.”

Chigova died at the age of 32, having featured for Dynamos and Polokwane City.

“We were pained by Chigova’s death which came at a time we are returning to the international fold after the FIFA suspension.”

“I think, as a collective, this is our first competitive match together and yet we didn’t have much time to prepare.

“Some of us came a day before, some came two days ago.

“I have played in qualifiers before and any point away is gold and I will take it with both hands.”