Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
TRIBUTES continue to pour in following the tragic death of former Ngezi Platinum Stars, Dynamos and Simba Bhora midfielder Barnabus Mushunje in a car crash.
Mushunje (24) died on Tuesday night at Parirenyatwa Hospital where he had been taken to after the accident, which occurred while he was travelling from a funeral in Mutare to Shamva where his club Simba Bhora are based.
The Football Union of Zimbabwe led with tributes for the player.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have learnt of the death of (the) Simba Bhora midfielder. Our thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe are with his family and friends,” FUZ wrote in a statement.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League also passed its condolence message to the Mushunje family.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Mushunje family, friends and the entire football family following the untimely passing of former Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars player Barnabus Mushunje,” said the PSL.
The Zifa Northern Region chairman Martin Kweza said it had learnt with deep shock about the tragic passing away of Mushunje.
“Mushunje’s death has not only robbed Simba Bhora of one of their star players, as his tragic passing has also left the league in particular and the Zimbabwean game in general poorer.
What makes it even more painful is that Mushunje met his cruel fate while returning to Shamva after attending the burial of a late relative in Mutare,” said Kweza.
“He had up to the time of his death been one of the stand-out players in the first-half of the 2021/22 season.
He had won two Man of the Match awards during the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup and with as many goals and assists both in league matches and the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup.
“This attests to the dream season that Barnabas was having.
On behalf of the NRSL leadership, the league and the entire NRSL fraternity, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Mushunje family on the tragic loss of a son, brother, father, uncle and nephew.
May you draw comfort from the Almighty in this sad moment,” he said.
As a result of the tragic death of Mushunje, Kweza said they had postponed the big Division One clash between Simba Bhora and Golden Eagles which was scheduled for Saturday and a minute of silence will be observed in their weekend matches. – @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter