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Blessed Katiyo in JOHANNESBURG
HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at the Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Kempton Park on Monday night to bid farewell to ex-Warriors ‘keeper‘ George Chigova who succumbed to a heart ailment last week.
The church, led by Zimbabwean Bishop Tendai Munemo, has become the farewell venue of choice for many fallen Zimbabwean greats.
It is at the same venue where Zimbabweans in South Africa bade farewell to other football greats such as Edzai Kasinauyo, Butler Masango and others, before they were taken home.
It is also at this religious assembly that former Warriors coach Ian “Dibango” Gorowa, honed his preaching skills, and is now an ordained pastor.
Former and current soccer stars were among the mourners.
They included Bright Mudimu, Khama Billiat, Tapuwa Kapini, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Paul Nyikadzino, Onismo Bhasera and Tendai Ndoro.
Musicians Nox Guni, Bongani Baloyi and Hwinza, who is touring South Africa, were also there.
Supersport United’s Thulani Hlatswayo and goalkeeper coach Andre Arendse led a group of players from the Pretoria side where Chigova had two stints.
The club’s CEO Stan Matthews showered praises to the late star.
“Humility was George’s greatest attribute. He had desire and a work ethic beyond belief.
“Some in the soccer fraternity say I am biased because of having more Zimbabwean players in my team than South Africans when they see the likes of George, (Onismo) Bhasera, (Terrence) Dzvukamanja, (Washington) Arubi and Ronald Pfumbidzai.
“It was George who pushed a young Ronwen Williams to be the best keeper he is now during the times they were together at SuperSport.
“It is unfortunate Ronwen is captaining the SA national team in Rwanda and could not be here,” said Matthews.
Chigova’s widow, Nokuthula, and her two daughters, Nicole and Tino, touched the hearts of the mourners.
“I wish my dad was here with us today, unfortunately God took him away,” said Nicole.
“I remember a few weeks ago my mum said if she had to choose between her family and my dad on who to give a kidney, it would be my dad because she didn’t want us to grow without our dad.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t a kidney problem but a heart problem. I know he will be watching over us.”
Three of the top funeral service providers played a part in ensuring a dignified send-off for Chigova —Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Zororo Phumlani and Moreboys Munetsi’s fast-growing Great Hope Funerals.
Online Reporter