Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Reporter
TRIBUTES poured in for the late Rahman Gumbo, one of the most eminent characters in Zimbabwean football over the past four decades.
Gumbo died on Friday night in Botswana at Francistown Academic Hospital where he was admitted after falling sick at his Palapye home. He was 59.
As news of his demise filtered, the football fraternity expressed shock, with as many fans, players and administrators taking to social media to pour their broken hearts out. Across all popular sites X, Facebook and Threads, news of Gumbo’s death was viral even in Malawi and Botswana where he also made an impact as a coach. Gumbo was affectionately known as “Rush” in football circles. In his career in football, he passed as a player, coach and mentor.
Many described him as a man of character whose influence in football was unmatched. The country has been plunged into mourning. The club that knows him the most and has the right to claim Gumbo as its son, Highlanders, called him a legend.
“We are saddened by the passing on of a former Highlanders player, coach and a football legend Rahman Gumbo,” posted Bosso on X.
Chicken Inn FC, a club that he coached in 2016, was one of the first local clubs to send condolences on X.
“Gone to soon king. Rest easy.”
Dynamos FC also sent a tribute on the same platform.
“Dynamos FC would like to convey their condolences to the Gumbo family on the passing of Rahman Gumbo. Fly high Rush,” read the message.
Castle Lager Premiership champions Ngezi Platinum, also took to X to convey their condolences.
“Ngezi Platinum Stars FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Highlanders and Zimbabwe football legend Rahman Gumbo. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Gumbo was more than a coach, he was a father figure, according to former Highlanders’ strongman Blessing Gumiso.
“I owe my life in football to great stars like Rahman Gumbo. May his dear soul rest in peace. He is the coach who introduced me to Bosso. I had a lot of respect for him. It’s very sad to lose him, I still wanted to tap more from him,” said Gumiso who is now a coach at Northern Blues Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Broadcaster Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda who also had a “brotherly” relationship with the late Gumbo was distraught.
“Coach Rah but why, why, why my brother? I am devastated and still can’t believe it. I’m heartbroken. How can you just go like that my legend? You will always be a hero!”
Fellow coach, Mandla Mpofu, who works in Botswana said he was shocked as he had just been with Gumbo a few days ago. He described Gumbo as a jovial person.
“This is sad, I was with him a few days ago. You know how he was. He was cracking jokes with me. I’m shocked,” said Mpofu on his Facebook wall.
Football administrator Siphambaniso Dube, who founded local development side Ajax Hotspurs was left asking.
“What? How can this be? Sad news. May Your Dearest Soul Rest in Peace Rush.”
A Botswana national, Morapedi Rawcode Phuthego had praises for Gumbo on Facebook, saying he was a pillar in the growth of that country’s football.
Phuthego said: “His name was indeed a household name in the football fraternity and anything along the line. He immensely contributed to BW football. Your contributions shall forever be remembered, rest well coach.”
The list of tributes is inexhaustible, it is expected that more football clubs, leaders and stakeholders will continue to share their emotions on Gumbo’s passing on.
Gumbo’s last team, Morupule Wanderers (Botswana) yesterday issued a condolence message following the passing on of the celebrated Gumbo.
“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing on of Coach Rahman Gumbo. He passed on yesterday evening at Francistown Academic Hospital after a short illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr Gumbo, his loved ones, and the entire football family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” read the condolence message sent by the club’s head of publicity Thabo Rapula.
Online Reporter