Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER athletics coach Themba Mhlophe was given a hero’s send off by dozens of Bulawayo citizens on Wednesday.
Mhlophe who died on Sunday, was 55 at the time of his death.
He was buried at Luveve Cemetery.
Mhlophe died after a long battle with ill-health leaving a big void in athletics and Pumula community.
Speaker after speaker including the ZRP commandant for Pumula commended him for his selflessness to sport, community cohesion and development.
Roy Phiri a long time athletics colleague commended those that came to pay their last respects.
“That he was able to draw mourners from a diverse cross section of society speaks volumes of his investment into community goodwill. Athletics has lost a committed cadre and Bulawayo will never be the same,” said Phiri.
It was an emotional send off with several police officers in attendance, saluting at his coffin and even shovelling at the graveside.
He was a member of the Pumula Neighbourhood Watch Committee.
Mhlophe was also a lay preacher.
As an athletics coach, Mhlophe groomed several runners like Prodigal Khumalo and US based Faith Nyathi.
https://youtu.be/7pOfSjJKJyA?si=E9Hsdx9gH2O7Hf2X
His US based brother Mlungisi thanked everyone involved in giving Mhlophe a deserved send off.
He however was disturbed by a hoax WhatsApp message that was circulating that Themba had no family and people should assist by Ecocashing funds.
“We would like to thank the Bulawayo community, athletics family and Highlanders supporters who came to bid farewell to my brother, sithi lakusasa,” said Mlungisi.
Sam Dzvimbu of the Sport and Recreation Commission, said Themba had done a lot for the development of sport.
“He did so much of voluntary work for the sport. When tasked he gave his best,” said Dzvimbu.
Maxian Nkompilo a former Bulawayo Province Sports Commission officer described how committed Mhlophe was to sport.
“Themba would walk from Tshabalala to Khumalo Hockey Stadium just to ensure things happen. He delivered assignments to the word when it came to athletics. A great servant of the sport and citizen of this country,” said Nkompilo.Mhlophe left behind a wife and three children.
