Chronicle Editor
Mukudzei Chingwere in GWERU
PREMIER Soccer League chairman Farai Jere yesterday visited injured Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino, who is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at a private hospital in Gweru, a few days after surviving a serious road accident.
Nyikadzino and his 22-year-old son, Nixon, were involved in a car crash on the Shurugwi-Gweru highway on their way to Ascot where his side were hosting Harare City in a league match on Wednesday.
Nichrut later dedicated their 3-0 triumph over Harare City to their injured coach who has been directing their battle against relegation.
Jere, who swept into office on September 9 after beating Triangle United’s Lovemore Matikinyidze in an election, felt obliged to visit the coach and lend his support to Nyikadzino and the club.
Nyikadzino felt humbled by the visit and remarked that, “Now football has proper leaders” while acknowledging the presence of the PSL chairman.
“I think now I will quickly heal and come back to work as early as next week. Thank you boss for coming to see me, I am very grateful.
“The doctors, nurses and everyone here are taking good care of me and I can tell you that I am out of danger.
“My club and the entire football fraternity have been amazing. They have been on my side from day one and I am really grateful.
“The injuries I sustained are not life threatening and hopefully I will be fine very soon… yes I am in pain but it is being managed by the medication I am receiving,” said Nyikadzino.
Jere said he was duty-bound to provide a shoulder of support when one of the PSL member clubs had a problem.
“It was quite important for me to come and see the coach after the accident which happened on his way to a league match.
“Coach John Nyikadzino and Nichrut fall under PSL and their problems are our problems. We are a big family and when things like this happen I have to be there.
“I really wanted to come the day the accident happened. I was in constant communication with his club but today I felt I should be there and I am happy his condition is promising.
“There is life, the guy is okay he just needs to nurse those injuries and I am quite glad he looked happy to see us as well.
“I just want to thank his club for what they have been doing for him you know it is not easy to individually fund a team the way Mr (Nicholas) Gara (Nichrut club president) is doing I really appreciate his efforts,” said Jere.
Nichrut president Gara thanked the PSL boss for showing concern.
“I am really grateful to Mr Jere for driving all the way from Harare to come and show support like he has done.
“The coach is recovering well. The support the football fraternity has shown to us is amazing and we are really grateful,” said Gara.
Chapungu players and officials have also been to visit their former coach.
derick.khumalo