adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Highlanders, Masvingo United and Njube Sundowns midfielder Maphias Webb, died on Sunday due to suffocation caused by overgrown lungs, his brother Milton revealed yesterday.
Webb collapsed and died after playing in a social soccer match in Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb.
Milton said according to an autopsy report, his brother choked to death after pushing himself too much during the 40 minutes he played for his side.
“The post-mortem report shows that my brother succumbed to asphyxiation. His lungs were overgrown and he worked himself too much in that game leading to him failing to breathe. From my understanding, he arrived at the ground in the second half and found his team losing 2-0. He went on to score four goals in 40 minutes and after that he passed away,” said Milton.
A city medical practitioner said asphyxiation is not common among athletes.
He challenged sportspersons to regularly undergo medical examinations so that they detect anomalies early.
“What’s common among athletes is cardiac arrest, which is associated with heart dysfunctions. Overgrown lungs might be a result of a cancer in a case where one smokes. The safe way to detect some of these things is to go for X-rays at least twice a year,” he said.
The doctor said had proper first aid been administered quickly on Webb, he could have been saved.
“I believe it’s high time people playing social soccer to take first aid lessons. We might have rare cases but if people know how to administer first aid, lives can be saved.”
Webb is survived by wife Sichelesile Moyo and two children Melisa, 16, and two-year-old Maphias Junior.
He will be buried tomorrow at West Park Cemetery.
Mourners are gathered at 50217 EmaNdebele Flats, Mpopoma.
Webb was an active sportsman, who played soccer and rugby during his school days at Mpopoma High School.
He gave up rugby and directed his efforts to soccer after school.
The ever-joyful Webb played for Mthala Juniors, Phinda Mzala, East Rovers, Wanderers and Masvingo United in the early stages of his career.
At the age of 19, he was invited to Highlanders by then coaches Madinda Ndlovu and Rahman Gumbo to fill the gap left by Jones Mulenga.
During his short stint with Highlanders, Webb played alongside Amon Chimbalanga (now late), Johannes Tshuma, Lenny Gwata (also now late), Kelvin Kaindu, Gift Lunga (senior), the late Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda and Lovemore Ncube.
At the time of his death, the former midfield genius was assistant coach to Philani “Beefy” Ncube at ambitious Southern region Soccer League side Bulawayo City FC.
Former Warriors and Highlanders manager Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda, who bankrolled Mthala Juniors, spoke highly of Webb.
“He was a born leader and even at a tender age he showed lots of potential. He captained the likes of Bekithemba Ndlovu and Richard Choruma at Mthala. I believe it was at Njube Sundowns where he showed his true leadership qualities. I believe he would have gone far as a coach because at Bulawayo City he would have learnt a lot,” Sibanda said.
Sibanda challenged Bulawayo City players to win the league in honour of Webb.
Zifa also joined the football fraternity in mourning the former player and coach.
“We’re deeply grieved by the untimely death of Maphias Webb, a dedicated football worker who etched his name in the history of local football both as a player and a coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased in this difficult time of bereavement. May they find solace in the Almighty. May the soul of our dear departed brother rest in eternal peace,” Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said.
Online Reporter