Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A BABY boy who never got to meet his father. A football star taken too soon. A nation in mourning.
Today, the Zimbabwean football community gathers to bid farewell to Brian “Ndazula” Banda, the former Warriors, FC Platinum and Highlanders midfielder who died in a tragic car accident along the Zvishavane–Bulawayo road on Sunday.
He was 29.
Banda will be buried at Bulawayo’s Lady Stanley section of West Park Cemetery.
A funeral service will be held earlier at the Amphitheatre, with fans, teammates, and coaches expected to turn out in numbers.
His death came just two weeks after his new born son arrived, a child he never got to meet, much less name.
Banda leaves behind three children: Bandile Primrose, Langelihle, and the infant.
FC Platinum 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,” Mapeza said.
“I had never seen him angry. When we used to come to Bulawayo, I always met his mother. It’s unfortunate that Ndazula is gone.”
He paused before adding:
“It has not been easy. It all came as a shock. We’ve lost a family man. I still can’t believe it. A son has gone.”
Banda was born and raised in Entumbane.
Known affectionately as BB to his friends and teammates, his rise through the local football ranks was rooted in 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 heartbroken.
“It really pains to mourn such a great talent. I’m really pained. It’s touching and I feel for his family and the entire football fraternity,” said Ncube.
Banda was the only boy in a family of four siblings.
His uncle, Themba Dube, confirmed today’s burial plans.
“We are going to bury him at West Park Cemetery around 10am. It’s a big loss for us as a family,” said Dube.
Details of the accident suggest the car Banda was traveling in attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre near the Fred Mine turn-off.
