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Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
FOOTBALL legend, Gibson Homela, said Andrew ‘Mai Maria’ Kadengu, who was laid to rest here on Saturday, was one of the finest footballers to emerge in this country.
Kadengu died at the Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital after suffering a stroke last week.
He was buried at Chemagamba Cemetery in Chinhoyi on Saturday.
Homela said he knew Kadengu from their days in the Zimbabwe Saints Under-17 team.
“He was nicknamed Mai Maria, I don’t where that name came from,’ said Homela.
“His death is a huge blow to the soccer fraternity and his family.
“What pains me the most is the fact that we were supposed to have used his expertise for the growth and development of football, but sadly he is gone with it.”
Another football legend, July Sharara, said he was deeply affected by Kadengu’s death.
“His football journey began at Alaska Mine and Mhangura before going to play for Zimbabwe Saints,” said Sharara.
“During that time, I was playing for Metal Box, together with Sunday Chidzambwa.
“Looking at Kadengu, he was a humble man and always a ‘Smiling Assassin’ wherever he was.
“We have truly lost a football legend.”
Sharara said they used to attend soccer coaching courses together with the late Kadengu.
Douglas ‘British’ Mloyi, a former Highlanders star, travelled all the way from Bulawayo with Homela, to be part of those who said goodbye to Kadengu.
“To be honest, he was my personal friend although we were rivals when playing soccer, hence my coming for his burial.
“Surely the football fraternity has lost a football legend.
“He played for Zimbabwe Saints while I was at Highlanders,” said Mloyi.
Chinhoyi Member of Parliament, Engineer Leslie Mhangwa, said they had lost a father.
“He gave his time to entertain people.
“Football is very important, especially at this time where the youth are being destroyed by drugs which has become a menace to society.”
Online Reporter