Vusumuzi Dube
Zimpapapers Sports Hub
MADODANA “Horsepower” Tshabangu who died in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday evening will be buried in Bulawayo this week.
He was 67.
Tshabangu, a social soccer guru, had been unwell for a while and had to be taken to neighbouring South Africa for treatment.
His son, Maradona, confirmed this yesterday saying the Christmas Holidays had affected a quicker burial.
“Ubaba will be buried next week. The holidays mean we are unable to get all the paperwork done this week.
“We will either leave on Tuesday or Friday next week depending on how soon we finalise the paper-work,” said Maradona.
He said his family was in awe with pouring empathy and tributes that were flowing.
“We appreciate the messages and sympathies that have been pouring. He was many people’s friend and champion. He loved his family, football and community,” said Maradona.
Tshabangu, nicknamed “Horsepower” because of his long legs, was born in Bulawayo on April 9, 1957, where he attended Pelandaba Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and Helemu Primary School.
He then proceeded to Sobukazi (Mara) Secondary School.
Muruwan Ndlovu who was at Mtshede Primary School and Mpopoma High recalls the football rivalry between their schools.
Horsepower played for Bulawayo Division Two Contex alongside Ernest Sibanda, Simon Banda (original Maphepha) and Titus Majola.
He also played for Meikles alongside Zebron Magorimbo and Joseph Ndlovu and he would go on to play for Bata, Gweru United and Zimalloys before injury brought his career to an end in 1984.
Horsepower came into the spotlight in 1997 when he organised an off-season football games over the Christmas Holidays sponsored by Rutz Medicals, owned by Nhamo Rusamo.
The first one featured six-eight teams and Benjani Mwaruwari was one of the stars.
It became an annual event and he lost the plot when he increased teams from eight to over 24 and allowed the Horsepower Tournament to run for a month.
“I want the tournament to be as long as World Cup. People are bored in December and January, so am providing entertainment,” argued Horsepower.
After serving as Chris Mhlanga’s trusted lieutenant in the Bulawayo Social Soccer League, Horsepower poached some to establish the Bulawayo Companies Social Soccer League which had 78 teams.
Horsepower is a legend football will miss in Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
This being the festive season, he was due to have a gig as usual.
Online Reporter