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He urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
“May I also appeal to the motoring public to exercise extreme caution on our roads at all times and even more so during this festive period in order to save life,” he said.
People from all walks of life yesterday said Ndlovu, who was affectionately called Adamski in soccer circles, should get a hero’s status for the role he played in the development of the most popular sporting discipline in the country.
Ndlovu (42) was killed in a car accident early on Sunday morning.
His younger brother, Peter, who is the Zimbabwe senior national team assistant coach, was injured in the accident when his BMW X5 crashed at the 417km peg near Lupinyu Business Centre close to Victoria Falls International Airport.
The Ndlovu brothers were on their way to the resort town to take part in a friendly soccer match pitting Highlanders Legends and the Victoria Falls Soccer League Select Team.
A security guard at Mater-Dei Hospital said dozens of fans on Sunday thronged Mater-Dei Hospital when news filtered through that Peter had been admitted to the Catholic-run institution.
“Doctors had to instruct security personnel to stop people from going through to the ward that he was admitted to. Scores of fans set up a night vigil at the car park, waiting for news on his condition. I have never seen anything like it. Some people wept openly,” said the security guard.
Peter, who sustained injuries on his forehead, ribs and legs, was said to be in a stable condition yesterday.
As the nation continued mourning Adam and wishing Peter a speedy recovery yesterday, Zanu-PF National Secretary for Education and the party’s political head for Bulawayo Province, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, said the province had forwarded a request to the Politburo, to have Adam declared a liberation hero.
“We have already started the process and await approval of the request. Adam has always carried the national flag high and has united the nation through soccer. He is among the people who have changed the negative perception of the country abroad and has been an excellent ambassador for the nation,” said Dr Ndlovu.
However, the chairperson of the Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura), Mr Winos Dube, said Adam deserved national hero status for his more than two decades of dominance and inspiration in soccer.
“I think, for flying the country’s flag high and bringing international recognition to the local game, Adam and his brothers deserve national hero status.
“If the Bulawayo city fathers have been following what these guys have been doing, they would not hesitate to give them the freedom of the city, which is the highest civic honour that can be conferred on individuals who have flown the city’s flag high,” said Mr Dube.
He said residents had already petitioned his organisation to push for civic recognition for Adam posthumously.
“In response to an overwhelming request by residents, we have already sent a request to the Town Clerk, Mr Middleton Nyoni, for the city to consider giving the highest civic award to Adam and his brothers,” said Mr Dube.
An ardent soccer lover from Bulawayo, Mr Vezigama Dlodlo, said the country had lost one of its greatest football icons.
He said he had never been so affected by a death that was outside his family.
“Adam and his brothers, Peter and Madinda are an institution. I think they were the first Zimbabweans to show youngsters that it is possible to make a living out of soccer.
“I remember vividly the countless moments of pure magic that drew sell-out crowds to every game that Adam and Peter played. Their explosion onto the soccer scene in the early 90s heralded a golden era of local football,” said Mr Dlodlo.
He said the Ndlovus literally took the game by the scruff of the neck and changed the local soccer scene into what it was today.
Mr Dlodlo said they shifted the balance of power from the then dominant northern region to the south.
“Even when Highlanders or the national team were losing, one always knew that they would produce moments of individual or collective brilliance to change the outcome of the game. I think their home in Makokoba should be made a national monument. Rest in peace Adamski, and a speedy recovery to Nsukuzonke,” said an emotional Mr Dlodlo.
Miss Nombeko Norma Ncube said Adam’s name should be immortalised by naming a street in the city after him.
Speaking from South Africa, a die-hard Highlanders supporter, Mr Mncedisi Round Ncube, said people in that country were also in mourning.
“It is hard to use words to describe the situation this side. I never thought a single person could have such influence. Everyone is greeting everyone else with the sad news. I still find it hard to believe Adamski is no more. After reviving the Amahlolanyama fever of the early 80s, he had just created another force to reckon with in Chicken Inn. It is sad that he died so young when he still had a lot to achieve,” said Mr Ncube.
Fans who inundated Chronicle with phone calls said they were privileged to witness the talents of the Ndlovu brothers during their lifetime.
Social media site, Facebook, was awash with condolence messages and reminisces of countless moments of greatness that Adam and Peter contributed to the “world’s most beautiful sport.”
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Thaba Moyo, said the city was aware of the immense contribution Adam and his brothers made to the city.
“Their positive influence is undeniable. They made personal fortunes in the game and went a step further to share their talent with everyone in the city. They sponsored junior soccer and selflessly donated their time and wealth to the growth of the sport in Zimbabwe,” said Clr Moyo.
He said the city would welcome suggestions about how they should be honoured.
If posthumously granted the freedom of the city accolade, Adam will be the fourth person after the then Prime Minister President Mugabe in 1986, the late Vice-President, Dr Joshua Nkomo in 1990 and the late Vice-President, Dr Joseph Msika in 2006.
Online Reporter