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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS and Zimbabwe football legend Willard Mashinkila Khumalo will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Thursday if a family request is granted by the Bulawayo City Council.
Khumalo passed away at the United Bulawayo Hospitals on Sunday morning after a long battle with diabetes at the age of 49.
Family spokesman and former Highlanders chairman Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda said although the burial date would be finalised tomorrow after the arrival of Khumalo’s daughter, they had made representations to the council through the local councillor for the midfield genius to be interred at Lady Stanley Cemetery.
The criterion for someone to be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery is that the person must have made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of the community as a whole in one or more of the fields of social activities, civic matters, education, religious leadership, business leadership, sport, charity, journalism, outstanding donations (in kind or cash) outstanding trade unionism leadership, invention which benefited the community as a whole and any other outstanding contribution as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
The family believes Khumalo, who was born and bred in Mzilikazi, meets that criterion and it would only be proper for him to be allowed to rest alongside his former Bosso and Dream Team mates Benjamin Nkonjera, Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda and Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu, who are buried at the respected civic shrine.
“We are trying to get Khumalo to be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery. We have informed our councillor and I hope the city will agree to our request,” said Sibanda.
Cosmos “Tsano” Zulu, one of the coaches who introduced Khumalo to the Highlanders’ first team in 1983, said the former national team midfield general and assistant coach deserved to be buried at the shrine.
“The boy has to be buried at Lady Stanley, no doubt about that. Barbourfields Stadium would fill to capacity (whenever Bosso were playing) and I’m sure the majority of those people went specifically to watch Willard in action. He really did a lot to put Bulawayo on the map,” said Zulu.
Meanwhile, condolence messages continued pouring in for Khumalo from football administrators, former players and ordinary fans.
Zifa president Cuthbert Dube expressed shock and grief at the passing away of the former star.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Willard, a true legend who was impressive for the Warriors and Highlanders whenever he was called to duty,” said Dube.
“Zifa is in mourning with his family, friends and the local football family as everyone grapples with this shocking loss. “Lala ngokuthula Nduna, qhawe lenguqu. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Khumalo family in this time of grief and we encourage them to seek comfort and solace in the Almighty,” said Dube.
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