Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Lawrence Maphosa
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HE wore the number 8 with quiet pride and commanded the midfield with calm authority. A natural leader, a symbol of humility. On June 29, the curtain fell far too soon on the life of Brian Banda, just 29 years old, who died in a horrific car crash along the Zvishavane-Bulawayo Road.
Banda’s death has plunged Zimbabwean football into mourning.
He wasn’t just a player; he was the heartbeat of every team he wore the badge for, Highlanders, FC Platinum and the Warriors.
As the country grapples with the tragedy, it has emerged that Banda died just two weeks after the birth of his son, a baby boy he never got to meet.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Banda’s older sister, Beauty Dube. “He had said he would name his son when he finally held him. We had only christened him Junior for now. Sadly, that meeting will never happen. He leaves behind three children, two daughters and the newborn son.” The accident occurred at around 2.30am, near the Fred Mine turn-off, as the Toyota Corolla he was travelling in veered off the road while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The car, owned by Proton Bakeries, overturned. Banda and another passenger died instantly.
A day earlier, he’d been at Mandava Stadium watching FC Platinum’s 1-1 draw against Simba Bhora, sidelined with injury. Banda’s passing has left an emotional crater in local football. At his family home in Cowdray Park, the house he built for his mother, mourners have gathered in shock and sorrow.
Former teammates like Divine Mhindirira wept openly, while Highlanders legends such as Gift Lunga Sr and Charles Sibanda came to pay their respects. Born on September 9, 1995, in Entumbane, Banda’s story began in the humble Christian League, where coach Fortune Ncube spotted his potential early. Banda made his Premier Soccer League debut for Highlanders in 2016, coming off the bench in a 1-0 win over Chapungu. He would go on to become a pillar of Bosso’s midfield, making 117 appearances and winning three trophies in five seasons. In 2021, he joined FC Platinum and scored on debut in a 6-1 drubbing of Tenax. By the time of his death, he’d played 114 matches for Pure Platinum Play, helping them secure the 2022 league title and three more trophies.
He also earned nine caps for the Warriors, and each call-up was worn with pride. “Brian’s presence in the national squad was always felt, not just through his talent, but through his discipline and respect for the badge,” said Warriors coach Michael Nees. “It’s a painful loss for all of us who had the honour of working with him.”
The tributes have poured in.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi called him “a humble leader and one of Zimbabwe’s finest,” while the Premier Soccer League said, “Brian Banda graced our league with passion and commitment. His impact will be remembered forever.”
FC Platinum’s tribute captured the deep loss: “We have lost not just a talented athlete but a beloved teammate and friend. His dedication, his enthusiasm, and the joy he brought to the game will never be forgotten.” Highlanders echoed that sentiment:
“He was one of our own. Brian Banda proudly wore the black and white jersey before continuing his journey with FC Platinum.
Banda’s influence went beyond numbers. To fans, he was a beacon of consistency. To teammates, a leader. To his family, a gentle soul. And to his new born son, he was supposed to be a father just beginning a new chapter.
Instead, the story ends here, far too soon. Rest easy, Bibiza Ndazula. The game will never forget you.
