Vusumuzi Dube
Lovemore Dube
SOCIAL football powerhouse, Madodana “Horsepower” Tshabangu who died in Johannesburg, South Africa on 30 December will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery this morning.
He was 67 and left behind wife Angeline and four children, Maradona, Platini, Ronaldo and Serena. His funeral cortege reached Bulawayo at 5am yesterday driving past two of his favourite places, Heroes Garden where he used to imbibe and Chronicle offices where he frequented to meet journalists and catch up with current affairs.
At times he would be a news source to sportswriters or just the latest gossip in entertainment and football circles.
Upon arrival, Tshabangu’s body was taken to a local city parlour and later to his Njube home.
His son Maradona said the journey home was hassle-free and was grateful for the support from companies such as Mzansi Express and Kingdom Blue.
“Ubaba is now here to rest and as per his wishes, we have done everything he wished we would do. Good to see his friends he lived with around and we will not let his legacy down,” said Maradona.
Addington Tshabangu, Horsepower’s nephew described his uncle’s death as a terrible blow to the family.
Sipho Mhlanga a neighbour and residents association leader spoke highly of Horsepower.
“He was known for organising football events. He was like a son to us as a community. I had known him since 1991 when we came here, they were the ones who welcomed us and the relationship grew stronger,” said Mhlanga who heads the Bulawayo United Residents’ Association in the suburb.
Maradona said the funeral service would kick off at 6.30am at Desert Ground in Njube. Tshabangu, who originally came from Lower Gweru in the Midlands Province was a popular social soccer organiser who also had a stint as a referee. He also played football as a defender for clubs such as Gweru United and Contex.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter