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Gilbert Munetsi
IF eulogies and testimonies are anything to go by, the late Willard “Mawii” Khumalo earned his stripes as an inspiration, unifier, comedian and gifted football player and gaffer.
As his lifeless form lies interred at the Lady Stanley Cemetery in the City of Kings after a battle with diabetes, there is no doubt that his spirit and legend will surely live on, thanks to an eventful life lived during all the 49 years of his life.
Sports and Recreation Commission Director-General Charles Nhemachena, may have summed it perfectly when he said: “As mortals, we are all good in different races. While some do well in the short distances, others perform well in the ultra marathons. But when all has been said and done, we sit to acknowledge how the athlete has performed. Willard completed his race and he ran it extremely well.”
Khumalo leaves behind a legacy for the coming generations, his story is one they will desire to read on even after coming across the word end written in caps on the last page.
Pastor Marvin Muzanenhamo of the Seventh Day Adventist Church , who presided over a ceremony held in honour of the late soccer great under a tribute sermon: “Shine forever”, read from Isaiah 40 verse 7.
“Grass withers and flowers fade when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass,” says the Holy Book.
It is true, men are like stars that shine and fall but in football, we have players who shine forever, and Nduna naturally falls into this bracket.
Born at Mpilo Hospital on June 11 1966 to a father who was a musician (Danny) and Maud Ngwenya, Willard did not take much time to show his talent on the field of play.
He made the first teams at both Mzilikazi Primary and Secondary Schools and later during the years, the institution triumphed over other feared soccer giants such as Lobengula and St Patricks.
Best friend John Maseko grew up with Willard, attended the same school, came from the same hood and played for the same Highlanders team as the late legend.
“His was a future etched in football,” said the former Bosso goalkeeper.
“It was never a task for our juniors’ coaches (Stanley Sakupwanya and Sizwe Mhlanga) to recognise that what they had at their disposal was natural talent.
“After Mzilikazi Willard enrolled at Northlea High and through the Mzilikazi Youth Centre, we both made it into the Highlanders Juniors – U14, U16, U18 – and eventually the senior team like a roller coaster.”
Those who followed Amatsholanyama like a cult, flocking to Barbourfields in their droves and even Rufaro Stadium back in the years when Willard was at his prime would admit that here was a complete player.
Mawii had exceptional ball control, vision and passing that was second to none and could single-handedly win a match for his team.
You would hear the whole stadium reverberate to the chorus “Mawii” or “Hwihwi” when he had the ball at his feet, directing operations like a general.
National team coaches had to be blind not to draft Willard into the Warriors sides.
Khumalo was an integral member of the famed but under achieving Dream Team.
Those who played with him reveal that the late midfielder loved dancing and would even do it while standing on the plane’s seat while Bruce Grobelaar sang.
On the pitch Khumalo gave us memories to last a life time.
Who can dare forget that Highlanders squad of 1986 that swooped every piece of silverware on the domestic soccer arena – BAT Rosebowl Cup, Independence Cup, Chibuku Trophy and Rothmans Cup?
Even Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, another comparable midfielder during those days, salutes Willard as “a player who held no grudges, and was forever a jovial, outrageous, funny, and remained a gifted individual who was full of heart.”
It was due to a combination of these attributes that when his active playing days came to an end, Willard pursued a career as a coach who took with him his flame to Mwana Africa and led them to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup in 2007.
At Lancashire Steel, he ensured the Kwekwe outfit put a piece of silverware in their shelf (the Madison Trophy), but as they say, East or West, home is best.
Khumalo was to return home to Highlanders where he was assistant coach to Rahman Gumbo, head coach and welfare manager.
While there have been a lot of concern from the domestic soccer front pertaining to the treatment of former players, it is everyone’s hope that names like that of Willard Khumalo will be forever remain interred among the inductees of the Soccer Hall of Fame.
It’s the least we can do for such a loyal servant of the game.
Colonel Tshinga Dube (Rtd), MP for Makokoba and a sponsor of Highlanders Football Club, says he would love to see the day when Government policy speaks to the needs of former sportsmen.
As we laid Khumalo to his final resting place at the famous Lady Stanley Cemetery last Thursday, one could not help but turn to the Bible for refuge.
Job writes: “We are all born weak and helpless and lead the same short troubled life. We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows.
“There is hope for a tree that has been cut down; it can come back to life and sprout.
“Even though its roots grow old and its stump dies in the ground, with water it will sprout like a young plant.
“But people die, and that is the end of them. . .they will never stir from their sleep.”
Rest in peace Willard.
Online Reporter