dyton mupawaenda
Blessed Katiyo in JOHANNESBURG
AS the Warriors make their way down the tunnel in tomorrow’s AFCON qualifier against Kenya at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, a young family will be going down memory lane to the life and times they shared with their father.
They are George Chigova’s family.
The late Warriors goalkeeper made his name at the same stadium.
Ironic as it may be, November 15, last year, was the day the big ex-Warriors ‘keeper died in his sleep in Kyalami, Midrand.
A year later, on the very day, the Warriors will carry the hopes of over 16 million Zimbabweans who will be backing them in this decisive encounter. It is also at this very stadium that on June 3, 2018, that Chigova touched the heavens during the COSAFA Cup quarterfinal match against Botswana.
He saved three consecutive penalties.
The Warriors progressed to the semis on a 3-1 scoreline in the penalty shootout and went on to win that year’s edition of the regional tournament.
Chigova passed away at a youthful age of 32 of suspected heart complications.
He left behind his wife Nokuthula and three daughters.
He spent a greater part of his playing career at Supersport United and Polokwane City.
This week we caught up with the widow of the late goalminder:
“It has been a rollercoaster of a year and all seems like it happened yesterday. It has been tough for the girls as they now realise their dad is not coming back,” said an emotional Noku.
“Every now and then Tanatswa (the youngest of the daughters) takes time to clean the accolades that George collected during his playing days.
“He got the most awards at Peter Mokaba Stadium and I have no doubt that Zimbabwe will be triumphant come Friday night.
“As the Warriors get onto the pitch on Friday may they do it for George,” she pleaded.
Unfortunately, she will not be able to watch the game as she has to be in Zimbabwe for a wreath laying ceremony with her family.
Noku and George’s romantic life was never a secret as they would post their blissful marriage on social media. George had a tattoo of himself and his wife on his body.
In his honour, Noku had a family portrait tattooed on her arm a fortnight after George’s death.
Thousands of Warriors fans are expected to descend on Polokwane as the venue is just 300km from Johannesburg and only 200km from the border town of Beitbridge.
A draw will be enough to take the Warriors to the finals in Morocco next year.
Online Reporter