Chronicle Editor
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE late prominent Bulawayo businessman and swimming coach, Edmore Cyprianos’ death has been described as a big loss to the Bulawayo community.
Speaking on the sidelines of a funeral service held at his Kumalo home yesterday, ahead of his burial this morning at Umvutsha Park Cemetery, several speakers across the sporting and business divide described him as an astute leader who brought out the best in those he came across.
Cyprianos (49) was found hanging on a tree in a bushy area at Lucydale Farm in Matobo on 8 December.
Simbisa Brands managing director Warren Meares described Cyprianos as a man of excellence, who exuded professionalism in his work, and always delivered at the highest level.
Cyprianos’ Cypriano Electrical firm is a contractor with Simbisa Brands and Meares said their relationship with the entity endured because of Cyprianos’ superb work ethic.
“He was always focused and ensured that whatever work he delivered was up to the highest standard. If there was any fault or mistake he would be quick to rectify it.
“Cyprianos was a true leader whose professional standards were admirable and he always did things above the book. It is a loss not only to the Bulawayo community but the whole of Zimbabwe,” he said adding his daughter was part of Stingrays Swimming Academy, where she managed to start winning trophies in a short time after registering with the club.
Former Highlanders player, Boy Ndlovu, who is Cyprianos’ brother-in-law, said his passion for swimming was outstanding and his recent efforts to buy gym equipment for his home gym, housed next to the heated swimming where the club trains, is a testimony of his love for the sport.
“He invested so much and recently sent us funds for gym equipment which we bought and is already in the country.
“He was a principled, family man who was an inspiration to many,” said Ndlovu.
Work colleague Stephen Ncube said they met in 1992 at Eletroreps, where they worked together and before the company went under Cyprinaos had already opened his firm.
“We were both electricians but he started his own firm and when the company closed, I later moved to work with him and we were supposed to travel together to Beitbridge on the day the incident happened,” said Ncube.
Past Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce president, Obert Sibanda described Cyprianos as aggressive and professional in business, well organised and someone who was willing to take the long road in business.
In 2016, he was adjudged the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Matabeleland region Businessman of the Year.
Stingrays swimmers also paid moving tributes to their coach saying he managed to inspire them and bring out the best in them.
Online Reporter