adminRay Bande Senior Reporter
AN enthusiastic Eric Rosen, obsessively following proceedings, seated in Sakubva Stadium’s small VIP enclosure next to his trumpet-blowing wife, Liz, replayed after every fortnight when Motor Action is at home, is the image that now remains lingering in the minds of many among the football family in Manicaland.
No wonder the unison in mourning the Motor Action founder whom they described as a passionate follower of the game.
Rosen charmed Mutare soccer fans with his dedication to the game of football in general and in particular, his unconditional love for the project he personally bankrolled – Motor Action.
Rosen, who founded Motor Action Football Club from the ashes of Blackpool in 2000, died in Harare at Borrowdale Trauma Centre on Sunday morning.
He was 69.
Lovemore ‘Thula’ Mapuya, a player born and raised in the dusty streets of Gaza in Chipinge, but later turned out for Motor Action and Dynamos in Harare, spoke glowingly of Rosen’s love for football.
“I think he is one of the very few people I have had the opportunity to meet in my life who had great passion for the game of football. He was like a father figure to me during my days at Motor Action. That is when I realised his unconditional love for the game. Together with his wife, they treated us like their own children in terms of guidance, advice and care,” said Mapuya.
Well known Mutare self styled marshal, David ‘MJ’ Maramba, who was looking forward to attend Rosen’s burial in Harare, was at a loss of words in describing Rosen’s passion for football.
“I have had the privilege to come close with a number of people who sponsored football teams, but I can tell you Rosen was such a passionate follower of domestic Premiership. Even when things were tough, he would find resources for his team. Apart from being just a sponsor he was also a great motivator to his team given his attention and commitment to the project he had started,” said MJ.
Rosen is survived by Elizabeth and three children.
Burial arrangements were not clear yesterday at the time of going to Press, but Simeon Jamanda, who worked closely with Rosen at Motor Action told the media this week that Rosen was likely to be buried on Thursday (yesterday), as his mother, who lives in Zambia, had not yet arrived.
The family was also said to be waiting for the arrival of his sister from Italy.
The Premier Soccer League this week described Rosen as “one of the pillars of the development of the top-flight league since 2000”.
“The Premier Soccer League is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing away of Eric Rosen. We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Elizabeth Rosen and family. May the Lord be with you and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
Rosen was one of the pillars of the development of the Premier Soccer League since 2000. He was a dedicated and passionate football leader and a fearless administrator, who stood for what he believed was best for the game of football,” the PSL condolence message read.
Online Reporter