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Sisa Sihwa, Sports Reporter
A dark cloud engulfed the football fraternity on 16 December 2012 when a tragic accident cut short the life of legendary striker and one of Zimbabwe footballing icons Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu.
Born on 26 June in 1970, Ndlovu affectionately known as Adamski, to the hearts and souls of Highlanders team and supporters, he was taken away too soon. However, his legacy lives on as one of the greats to have been produced by Zimbabwean football.
This time of the year marks the remembrance of Adamski by his family, the football fraternity and the nation at large.
Unlike most players Ndlovu earned his legendary status for his performances in the green and gold national jersey when he was known to deliver when goals were desperately needed.
Adamski, who was key member of the Dream Team that was coached by the late German, Reinhard Fabisch, the tall striker used to bear the burden of the team on his shoulders and do the unexpected — scoring the most beautiful and significant goals in national colours.
At both Bosso and the national team he played alongside his brothers, Madinda “Khathazile” and Peter “Nsukuzonke who are also legends of the game.
Adamski began his career at the Bulawayo giants Highlanders at the age of 17 after being signed from Mhlangeni United, a junior team in 1987.
He played for the Bulawayo giants for six years before making the biggest break of his career in 1994 when he rambled to Northern Europe to ply his trade in the Switzerland top tier sides SC Kriens, FC Delemont and FC Zurich.
At FC Zurich he was part of the side that played in the first round Uefa Champions League where he combined with Shaun Bartlett of neighbouring South Africa.
The year 2000 at FC Zurich was to be Ndlovu’s most accomplished year at the club as he scooped the Best Player of the Year award and was also crowned the league’s top goal scorer with 38 goals.
After completing a nine-year stint in Switzerland, Ndlovu returned back home to a hero’s welcome to have another dance with Bulawayo giants, Highlanders, for a year before crossing the border to play in the Absa premiership South Africa in 2002.
His illustrious career was ended in 2005 in the neighbouring country at Free State Stars after having played for several clubs across the Limpopo River including Dynamos, Moroka Swallows and Polokwane City.
Upon his retirement Ndlovu began his coaching career at Chicken Inn. He was assistant coach at the Gamecocks in 2011 before being elevated the following season.
Former Highlanders player and coach, Amini Soma-Phiri described Adamski as a rare calibre of a player.
“I cannot begin to describe how Adam Ndlovu was, he was just wonderful, simply wonderful and was one of the youngsters who had a rare talent as far a football was concerned. He was a person who wanted results, a winner and young courageous man,’’ Soma-Phiri added:
“Adam was a great man who would bring people together and he worked well with others, he was never afraid of a challenge. I had a wonderful relationship with him by the time he was promoted to the first team in 1989 together with Makwinji and Gift Lunga Senior. It was very sad that his passing away was very sudden after he had begun his coaching career at Chicken Inn, Zimbabwean football lost a valuable asset,’’ he added.
Another former Bosso player, Gift Lunga Junior described the late Adam as a leader.
“He was a leader who knew how to treat youngsters in the team and he would advise us well in issues concerning football. We looked to him to cheer us with jokes during camp as he was a jovial character but became serious when it was time to work. He was truly a leader and a special guy who will always be remembered,’’ he said.
Online Reporter