adminShamu, who is also the patron of Premier Soccer League champions Dynamos, said he was taken aback by Adam’s untimely death and said the football family’s prayers are with the family during this time of bereavement.
Shamu also wished Adam’s brother Peter, who escaped with severe injuries from the same accident, a speedy recovery. He said Adam was a beacon of excellence and a shining example to several youths because of his sense of commitment and patriotism as a football player.
“May I, on behalf of Dynamos Football Club, my family and on my own behalf convey our deepest condolences to the Ndlovu family following the tragic road accident and untimely death of Adam Ndlovu.
“His death has taken from us a man who inspired a lot of people among the youth, not only at club, but also at national level to take soccer as a career and a tool for the development of discipline and a sense of patriotism.
“As we join the Ndlovu family and the entire football fraternity in mourning, we want to add our voice to the call that may the Almighty help in the speedy recovery of Peter Ndlovu and giving strength to the family in coping with the bereavement,” said Shamu.
The Premier Soccer League also extended their condolences to the Ndlovu family.
PSL chairman Twine Phiri said the football fraternity was robbed of a promising coach.
He saluted Ndlovu’s contributions as a player and hailed his fledgling coaching career after leading Chicken Inn to a third-place finish in the just-ended season.
Phiri said Adam’s death was a huge setback and urged the nation to join hands in prayer for the Ndlovu family.
“We have lost a brilliant young coach, full of promise, who had left a mark on the domestic football fraternity in such a short period. He led Chicken Inn to a commendable third place virtually coming from nowhere in his coaching career.
“That alone spoke volumes of how much promise was in him as a good coach and it’s sad that he has been taken away before he had reached his maximum potential.
“We join the Ndlovu family and Chicken Inn Football Club in mourning because their loss is ours too. At the same time we wish a speedy recovery to Peter. As PSL we would like to urge all football loving Zimbabweans to join hands in prayer. It is our hope that he will be able to get through this painful period and come back to contribute to the game he loves most,” said Phiri.
Phiri said the league’s bosses were arranging a bus to ferry mourners to Bulawayo for the funeral. He also said they are planning to visit Peter who is reported to be in a stable condition after suffering multiple injuries in the accident.
Former Zimbabwe captain Ephraim Chawanda and teammate Bruce Grobbelaar said they were saddened by the news of Adam’s death. The former Warriors greats said it was saddening to learn of their colleagues’ misfortune.
“A sad farewell to a brother, teammate and legend. Rest in peace Adamski. Peter you have to fight on. Our prayers are with you and your family and the whole football family,” said Chawanda.
Former Warriors first-choice goalkeeper Grobbelaar also wrote a touching message on his Facebook page.
The “Jungleman”, who made his name at English Premiership soccer giants Liverpool, is now based in Canada.
“My heart goes out to the family of Adam Ndlovu who was killed in a traffic accident near Victoria Falls. Rest in peace Adam and to Peter, a speedy recovery. The Zimbabwe Warriors still need you,” said Grobbelaar.
Player agent and a close friend to the late Adam Ndlovu, George Deda, was at a loss for words.
Deda developed a strong bond with the deceased during his days in Switzerland where they used to meet and share ideas.
“I have known Adam for long time. He was a down to earth man and even when I was in Switzerland he used to take good care of me. I have lost a dear friend. It’s painful how fate would have it because last Friday at the Soccer Stars of the Year awards function he insisted that we pose forgroup photos together with Max Karombo (of Delta Beverages),Alois Bunjira and Peter Ndlovu, not knowing that it was the last time that we would get that close,” said Deda.
The Sports Commission director-general, Charles Nhemachena, said he received the news of the untimely death of Ndlovu “with shock and sadness”.
“Adamski as he was affectionately known had distinguished himself as a great football player and an astute coach. It is disheartening to note that Adam died in a car accident whilst on his way to play football which was his passion.
“To this end the Sports Commission would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the Ndlovu family, more importantly to his wife and children for they have lost a father and breadwinner and to the football fraternity we share with them the loss of one of the greatest footballers ever to be produced in this country. May His dear departed soul rest and anchor in peace!”
Online Reporter