tawandamusarurwa
Langton Nyakwenda
FOOTBALL personalities from across the country have united in mourning the death of Highlanders president, Ndumiso Gumede, the former ZIFA vice chairman who has been described as an icon and a great servant of the game.
Gumede died in Bulawayo on Wednesday, due to suspected hypertension problems.
He was 76.
Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) fixtures secretary, Mwandibhuya Mutepfa, credited Gumede for championing the FIFA Goal Project during his tenure as ZIFA vice president.
“My old man, brother and mentor. Football has lost a great administrator,” Mutepfa posted on Facebook.
“I will always miss you. You were a great administrator. You made a lot of good friends through football.
“Especially those who knew that sport had procedures, rules, and regulations to be followed.
“A handful did not befriend you, especially those who came into football for the wrong reasons.
“You did a lot for soccer. The FIFA goal project and, in particular, the schools of sporting excellence, a project I believe could have made Zimbabwe become a powerhouse in football and many more achievements both at Highlanders and ZIFA.
“Go well, my brother. Rest in Power.”
Herentals Football Club owner and player, Innocent Benza, is in deep shock.
“It is with a deep sense of shock and sadness that I learnt of the untimely death of one of our revered soccer legends Sir Ndumiso Gumede,” said Benza.
“On behalf of the Herentals College family, and on my own behalf. I wish to condole with the Highlanders FC and Gumede family upon Sir Gumede’s passing,” he added.
Chicken Inn Football Club also posted a message on Facebook.
“From all of us at Chicken Inn FC. Rest In Peace Legend.”
Former Highlanders striker, Mkhokheli Dube, also posted his condolence message.
“Farewell Mdala Gumede, you ran your race. May your soul Rest in Peace.”
Former Premier Soccer League chairman, Twine Phiri said: “Deepest condolences, May his soul rest in peace.”
Highlanders acting chief executive officer, Roland Moyo, described the late Gumede as a “passionate servant of the game.”
“A great leader, brave man, a passionate servant of the game, a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, above all, a very principled man. Rest in Peace. Yours Truly.”
Former referee, Tendai Bwanya, also conveyed his condolences.
“So shocking news Mdhara Gumz, yours truly. Fare thee well my mentor,”
Former Ziscosteel defender, Benedict “Grinder” Moyo, described Gumede’s death as a “sad day for the football family.”
Wellington Chando, a former CAPS United executive member, also paid tribute to Gumede.
“Ndumiso Gumede, one guy I used to rely on football matters and guidance. We will miss you. Go well Gumz,” he said.
ZIFA Central Region chairman, Patrick Hill, described Gumede as “a great football hero.”
“Sad indeed MHSRIEP langenhlupho. A great football hero, a fatherly figure, great leader and the only one. We will miss him.”
Former Southern Region chairman, Musa Mandaza, also sent his condolences.
“Oh no, Yours Truly, the one and only one. This world is not our home.”
Former ZIFA board member, Francis Zimunya, said: “This is so devastating. It’s a great shock and difficult to accept that the great icon is no more.
“You ran you race very well my brother Gumz.
“Football is poorer without you. It’s a great loss to the nation and the football community at large. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
Sadly, Gumede’s death came exactly seven days after Highlanders hosted a special function at the club house in Bulawayo to celebrate his life and contribution to football.
Gumede was also a former member of the CAF Appeals Committee.
Online Reporter