Mparutsa in moving tribute for Shaya

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

FORMER Dynamos and national team goalkeeper Japhet Mparutsa says the late football icon, George Shaya’s name, should be immortalised in memory of the immense contribution he made to the country’s football heritage.

The UK-based former goalie suggested yesterday that authorities should consider naming a street or a stadium stand after Shaya, who died in Harare yesterday.

His former club Dynamos and other football stakeholders have already begun the push for him to be honoured with a hero status.

Mparutsa, who shared the dressing room with the late football icon in the twilight of his career, said Shaya was the greatest footballer Zimbabwe has produced.

“I was 18 when I moved from Harare Hospital Football Club to join Dynamos in 1981. By that time Mudhara George as we called him was very close to retirement. His replacements had already been recruited, the late Steve Kwashi and to a greater extent July ‘Jujuju’ Sharara.

“The two had big shoes to fill. They tried their best but to be honest there was only one George Shaya. The man was special, irreplaceable so to speak. No one could play like him,” said Mparutsa.

Mparutsa said it was a privilege to have played in the same team with Zimbabwe’s record five-times Soccer Star of the Year award winner. He recalled that Shaya was a humble man despite his fame.

“I was privileged to train and play with the great man, briefly in 1981. He was a man of few words. When we travelled to Kadoma to play Rio Tinto, I sat next to him. ‘Hallo sonny!’ is all he said before he pulled out his novel and started reading. All the way to Kadoma he said nothing else.

“At Kadoma Ranch Hotel, again we shared the same room. ‘Good night sonny!’ he said tucking himself in his bed. His novel next to him. He loved reading!

“I can safely say we played together for not more than four matches. I arrived as he departed but what an honour to have been in the same team with him.

“He tried his hand at coaching but I think the level that he expected of his players was too high. He expected them to be as good as he was and to make better decisions on the pitch.

“I remember one day at training, one player dribbled past everyone but his cross hit the side netting. Mudhara George shook his head in frustration. ‘Why? You have done all the good work and you do that. Why?’ He just could not understand the poor decisions that some players made.

“Because himself was the ‘Mastermind’, he expected everyone to be just as smart. But the levels of talent were different. No one could reach his level. So he soon gave up coaching.

“Zimbabwe Football has lost an icon, a man who deserves to be honoured with even a statue, a football (stadium) stand named after or even a street name.

“Under normal circumstances, this should have happened a long time ago but it did not. It is sad! I want to extend my gratitude to those who helped the icon when his health deteriorated.

“Dairibord provided a vehicle for him and other forms of support, others chipped in with groceries. This should be applauded. Shaya is a national treasure and his legacy should be protected,” said Mparutsa.

Mourners are gathered at his family home in Glen Norah. Indications are that the late football icon could be buried in Harare on Friday.

But while the football stakeholders are still waiting for the outcome of the request for hero’s status, Harare City Council have offered burial space at Warren Hills.

“City of Harare has offered burial space for the legendary football icon George Shaya at Warren Hills Cemetery. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” said the Council in a brief statement.

Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Tino Machakaire also sent his condolence messages to the Shaya family.

“My deepest condolences to the Shaya family and the entire football fraternity on the untimely passing on of the legend George Shaya. We have been robbed as a nation and we cherish the legacy and the memories that he leaves behind. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Machakaire.

Shaya has been mourned across the globe with French side Olympique Lyon, where Zimbabwean Tino Kadewere plies his trade, also joining the local football fraternity in mourning former soccer star by posting on their social media pages.

The Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association said: “As supporters of the beautiful game we are deeply saddened on the loss of a true legend of the game. The legendary George Shaya contributed immensely to Zimbabwe football development as a distinguished player and administrator. He earned the nickname “Mastermind” as a result of his versatility, outstanding dribbling wizardry, ball control, speed combined with marvelous skill.

“He was Dynamos Chairman when the club reached the CAF Champions League final in 1998. The great George Shaya also inspired the Warriors to some memorable victories on the international scene.

“The Mastermind inspired generations and was the only Zimbabwean player to be crowned a record five times Soccer Star of the year and sealed his place as Zimbabwe’s greatest player of all time.

“To honour and celebrate his life and a successful football career we implore ZIFA to create George Mastermind Shaya football award or establish a national football academy to be named after him as a way of preserving his legacy. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the entire football fraternity,” said ZNSSA organising secretary, Chris ” Romario” Musekiwa.