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LIVE UPDATES | Zimbabwe mourns football star Brian Banda
Zimbabwe comes together today to bid a final farewell to one of its football icons, Brian “BB” Banda, who will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery. The 29-year-old FC Platinum midfielder and former Highlanders star died tragically in a car accident over the weekend.
A memorial service is taking place at the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo, this morning, with hundreds expected to gather and pay tribute to a player remembered not only for his flair and discipline on the pitch but also for his humility and commitment to the game.
Banda, who earned national caps and admiration across Zimbabwe, passed away just two weeks after the birth of his son—whom he never got the chance to meet. He leaves behind three children and a legacy that has left the football fraternity in deep mourning.
Stay with the Chronicle for live updates, images and tributes from our reporter Innocent Kurira and photographer Nkosizile Ndlovu as the Zimbabwe celebrates the life of Bibiza Ndazula.
Body of Brian Banda arrives for memorial service
THE body of the late Warriors midfielder Brian Banda has arrived at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre where hundreds are gathered for a moving memorial service in his honour.
The atmosphere is sombre as family, friends, football fans, and officials from clubs across Zimbabwe including Division One teams came together to pay their final respects.
Banda, 29, tragically lost his life in a car accident along the Masvingo-Zvishavane Highway on Sunday.
News of his passing sent shockwaves through the Zimbabwean and broader football community, with tributes pouring in from all corners.
Following the memorial service, Banda will be laid to rest at West Park Cemetery on Monday afternoon.
A talented and hard-working player, Banda was known for his passion on the field and humility off it.
His dedication to the game and gentle spirit made him a respected figure in local football circles and a role model to many young players.
Brian Banda’s biography
Brian Banda was born on September 9, 1995, at Luveve Clinic. He attended Rosecamp Primary School and later Milton High School and Entumbane High School. Brian began his football career at H.R.M. and Ajax Host Space Juniors.
Tragically, Brian passed away on June 29, 2025, after being involved in a road accident along the Zvishavane-Filabusi Road.
Brian Banda was a professional footballer known for his contributions to Highlanders and FC Plati-num in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. He made his debut for Highlanders on Matchday 5 of the 2016 season, stepping in as a second-half substitute for King Nadolo in a match against Cha-pungu United, which Highlanders won 1-0.
Throughout his time with Highlanders, Brian became notable for his performances, scoring a total of 8 league goals despite facing challenges. He scored his debut league goal in a losing effort against Triangle United (1-2 loss). His tenure at Highlanders was marked by significant achieve-ments, as he won three trophies with the team and amassed 117 caps in total, comprising 99 league appearances and 18 in cup competitions.
At the end of the 2020 season, Banda transferred to FC Platinum and made his debut on the first matchday of the 2021 season against Tenax CS, where he contributed to a commanding 6-1 victory, scoring his first league goal for the club in the process. He reached the milestone of 100 league caps with FC Platinum on Matchday 11 in a match against his former team, Highlanders, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Overall, Banda accumulated 114 caps at FC Platinum, scoring 6 career goals (5 in league matches and 1 in cup competitions), and helped the team secure one league championship alongside three total trophies. Additionally, he was recognized at the national level, earning 9 caps for the Zimbabwe senior national team throughout his career.
Scenes from the memorial service of Brian Banda
Former Highlanders executive member Morden Ngwenya gave opening remarks at the event, acknowledging key figures in attendance from the football community.
Among them are ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, his deputy Kenny Ndebele, and acting PSL CEO Rodwell Thabe, Football Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) president Desmond Maringwa amongst officials from various clubs in the country. Also present are government officials and local councillors.
WATCH: FC Platinum chairman Brian Banda
FC Platinum chairman Dumisani Sisale has described Brian Banda as a quiet leader whose exploits on and off the field will forever be cherished. The Banda memorial is taking place at Amphitheater before the midfielder’s burial in the afternoon
WATCH: ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi speaks highly of Brian Banda
The late Brian Banda teammate Prince Dube broke down as he paid his last condolences during the memorial service at Bulawayo Amphitheatre.
Brian Banda’s teammates inconsolable
The late Brian Banda’s body is being taken to its final resting place at West Park cemetery.
FINAL WHISTLE! Brian Banda laid to rest
THE football community in Zimbabwe came together in large numbers to bid farewell to Brian Banda, a beloved figure in the sport, who was laid to rest on Thursday, at West Park Cemetery.
Banda (29) who perished in a road accident on Sunday saw hundreds gather at the cemetery as well Amphitheatre where the funeral service was conducted before his burial. With emotional tributes pouring in from former teammates, coaches, supporters and officials, it showed the respect Banda had earned.
The turnout was a testament to the mark Banda had left on the game and those around him.
At the funeral, mourners dressed in club colours stood shoulder to shoulder, united in grief and respect.
Key figures in attendance were ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi, his deputy Kenny Ndebele, acting PSL CEO Rodwell Thabe, Football Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) president Desmond Maringwa amongst officials and football players from various clubs in the country.
Also present were government officials and local councillors.
