Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A baby without a father. A football star gone too soon. A nation in mourning.
Today, Zimbabwe’s football community gathers to bid farewell to Brian “Ndazula” Banda — the former Warriors, FC Platinum, and Highlanders midfielder — who tragically lost his life in a car accident along the Zvishavane–Bulawayo road last Sunday. He was just 29.
Banda will be laid to rest at the Lady Stanley section of Bulawayo’s West Park Cemetery. A funeral service will be held earlier at the Amphitheatre, where fans, teammates, coaches, and members of the public are expected to attend in large numbers.
His untimely death came just two weeks after the birth of his son — a child he never got to meet, let alone name. Banda leaves behind three children: Bandile Primrose, Langelihle, and the new-born.
FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza, visibly emotional at the funeral wake in Bulawayo, described Banda not just as a player, but as family.
“I’ve lost a son,” said Mapeza. “I had never seen him angry. Whenever we came to Bulawayo, I always made time to see his mother. It’s heartbreaking that Ndazula is gone.”
He paused, visibly shaken, before adding: “It hasn’t been easy. It all came as a shock. We’ve lost a family man. I still can’t believe it. A son has gone.”
Born and raised in Entumbane, a high-density suburb of Bulawayo, Banda — affectionately known as “BB” by friends and teammates — rose through the local football ranks with deep roots in his community.
South Africa-based former Bantu Rovers, Hwange, and Black Mambas midfielder Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube, who helped nurture Banda’s early talent in Entumbane, said he was devastated.
“It really hurts to mourn such a great talent. I’m deeply pained. It’s touching, and my heart goes out to his family and the entire football fraternity,” said Ncube.
Banda was the only son in a family of four siblings. Mourners have filled his Cowdray Park home — a house he reportedly built for his mother — as a quiet testament to his devotion off the pitch.
His uncle, Themba Dube, confirmed the burial arrangements.
“We are going to bury him tomorrow at West Park Cemetery around 10am. It’s a big loss for us as a family,” said Dube.
Details of the accident suggest the vehicle Banda was travelling in attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre near the Fred Mine turn-off. The crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the football world.
FC Platinum released a statement: “Our club mourns the devastating loss of Brian Banda, an extraordinary talent whose passion for the game inspired everyone around him. His legacy will continue to motivate us.”
The Premier Soccer League described him as “a player who embodied the spirit of Zimbabwean football through his technical brilliance and relentless dedication.”
Banda played a pivotal role in FC Platinum’s 2022 title-winning campaign and had established himself as a leader in the team’s midfield.
Zifa also paid tribute: “Brian Banda served the national team with distinction. His passing is a massive blow to Zimbabwean football. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and loved him.”
Capped nine times for the national team, Banda’s boots may be gone — but his memory will continue to run the length of Zimbabwean football for years to come.
