admindeath of three soccer fans who died in a car accident on their way to Zvishavane to watch the top-of-the-table clash against FC Platinum at Mandava on Sunday.
Dynamos are on the brink of a league double but the camp has been hit by grief this week following the accident that also left 11 others injured.
Shamu, who is the club patron, said they were left “shell-shocked” after receiving news of the accident, which occurred at the 15km peg along the Mbalabala-Zvishavane road.
The deceased, who were travelling from Bulawayo, were identified as Tarupuwa Shenjere (40), Tinofa Mashava (36) and Tinashe Masunda (26).
“On behalf of the Dynamos Football Club and my own behalf, I convey our deepest sympathies to the Shenjere, Mashava and Masunda families on this devastating tragedy and wish all the injured soccer fans speedy recovery,” said Shamu.
Dynamos won the match 1-0 to go top of the table and position themselves as odds-on favourites for the league title ahead of their last game against Kiglon at Rufaro on Sunday.
DeMbare are also in the running for the Mbada Diamonds Cup after eliminating FC Platinum to book a date against Motor Action on November 27.
“It is very painful that this tragedy has struck when morale in the Dynamos Football Club family was high as all our sights and energies were focused on winning the 2011 Premiership championship and the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
“These avid and devoted soccer fans have been vital to the success of the team this season as they were part of the 12th man that turned on the indomitable winning spirit of the club. As Dynamos, we owe it to our departed comrades and those injured to win the league championship and the Mbada Diamonds Cup. In order to accomplish that mission and bestow them that honour, we all have to redouble our efforts and uphold the virtues of dedication, self-confidence, discipline and responsibility,” said Shamu.
The accident occurred when the kombi burst its left rear tyre before it overturned twice and landed on its side. The vehicle was a write off.
Shenjere, of 15567 Nkulumane, died on the spot and is expected to be buried at his home in Gutu today.
He survived by his wife Zvinei and two children.
Mashava of 41 Upton Road Queens Park East, died on admission at United Bulawayo Hospitals and his body will be ferried to Mwenezi for the burial set for tomorrow. He left behind his wife Bebbito Nyoni and four children aged between one and nine years.
Masunda of Tshabalala Township in Bulawayo will be buried today in Zvishavane. Five of the injured supporters — Vivias Moyo, Bmias Chiwawa, Thandanani Muchaimwa, Christopher Musafare and the kombi driver Obby Sibanda – were still admitted at UBH by yesterday.
But Vivias Mago, Vimbai Sibanda, Isaac Mpofu, Trust Ncube, Hero Dzakonda and Raymond Jiri have been discharged.
The Glamour Boys secretary-general Nyika Chifamba on Monday said they were badly affected by the news of the accident.
He said the Dynamos executive was expected to pay their homage to the families of the deceased and will visit the injured fans.
“We were all saddened by the news. It’s disturbing to us because these people are part of the Dynamos family. They were coming all the way from Bulawayo to watch their team playing, which was a huge demonstration of their commitment. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the departed and may they draw solace in the fact that Dynamos and the entire football fraternity is with them in this difficult period. We also want to wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” said Chifamba.
Condolence messages from fellow Dynamos fans and the football community continued to pour in on Facebook.
Fixtures
Saturday:
Zimbabwe Saints v CAPS United (White City Stadium), Blue Ribbon v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura), Black Mambas v Motor Action (Morris Depot), Shabanie v Highlanders (Maglas), Gunners v Hwange (Lafarge), Monomotapa v Masvingo (Rufaro)
Sunday:
Shooting Stars v FC Platinum (Gwanzura), Dynamos v Kiglon (Rufaro).
Online Reporter