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Fungai Muderere
IF there is one man who can safely claim he has knocked on Heavena��s door, it must be Ronald a�?Gidizaa�? Sibanda.
Following a traffic accident that involved his team Lobengula Stars in Nyamandlovu on Easter Monday, the football legend says he was ready to die.
The accident claimed the life of one Bigboy Dlodlo who was not in any way part of the teama��s delegation but a passenger who was offered a ride.
Gidiza says he initially refused to give Dlodlo a lift, of which his death has left him with more than a scar, but a deep spiritual connection.
The accident happened when Stars were travelling from Tsholotsho where they had played a friendly match against Premier Soccer League side Tsholotsho FC.
Tsholotsho FC is under the tutelage of Lizwe Sweswe and Bongani Mafu who is Gidizaa��s half brother.
Mafu happens to be part of the owners of Lobengula Stars.
Gidiza relates the ordeal as one that he will live to tell.
a�?To tell you the truth, our God is alive. I just closed my eyes. I waited for anything to happen . . . it was beyond my control,a�? said the former Warriors midfield maestro.
The driver of the T35 truck reportedly lost control of the vehicle after trying to avoid a pothole resulting in the vehicle veering off the road and overturning.
In the process Dlodlo died and eight others were injured in the accident with six still admitted to Mpilo Hospital.
Those recovering at the hospital are the owner of the truck, Justice Gumbo who offered the vehicle to the team for free, the driver Mduduzi Dube, who suffered severe injuries on one of his hands while players who are recovering include Pardon Harawa, Leon Kaunda, Ronald Chakafana and Innocent Mudamba.
About the late Dlodlo,A� Gidiza who turns 41 this year, said if only he had been listened to.
a�?It is not a case of finger pointing or blame game but the owner of the truck (Gumbo) and I were against the idea of giving the late Dlodlo a lift to Bulawayo. I openly told other guys in the team that it was not ideal for a football club to offer a lift to a person whom they just met. Anyway, it happened. It was an accident and such things do happen in life. I am also recovering well at home. Ia��m on three weeks medication. I went for X-Rays after I had complained of pains on my back and neck. I had minor knocks,a�? he added.
Meanwhile, Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda has urged football clubs to put playersa�� safety first when transporting players to and from games.
Online Reporter