Sidumisile Mabena
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zambia Volleyball Association has joined Zimbabweans in mourning the death of legend Vulindlela Jasper Moyo.
Moyo, 58 died at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo early Sunday morning after a long battle with illness.
In a statement on Monday morning, the Zambia volleyball controlling body chairman, Samuel Sinyinza, said Moyo’s contribution to the sport would never be forgotten.
He described Moyo as a true legend of the game.
“It is with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of coach Jasper Vulindlela Moyo, a true legend of volleyball. On behalf of the Zambia Volleyball Association, its Board of Administration, and the entire Zambian volleyball family, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the
Zimbabwe Volleyball Association and to the family, friends and colleagues of the late coach Jasper.
“Coach Jasper’s contributions to volleyball will never be forgotten. His dedication, passion and leadership inspired generations of athletes and left an indelible mark on the sport. May his legacy continue to inspire us all, and may his noble soul rest in eternal peace.”
The Bulawayo Metropolitan Volleyball Association chairman, Munyaradzi Chigudu, described Moyo’s death as a huge blow to volleyball and its development in the city and beyond.
“We are very heartbroken with the passing on of Vulindlela Jasper Moyo, an icon in our volleyball. I have known him since 2002 when I came to Bulawayo, he had a lot of passion which I hope can be taken and given to somebody else,” said Chigudu, who also played with and under Moyo at Bulawayo Raiders and ZRP Raiders.
Volleyball legend Clifford Makunike, whose generation inspired Moyo’s group, was at a loss for words.
“The last conversation I had with Moyo last year was that it was his wish that we meet as legends in a while and play together. I am shocked by his departure. I was not aware that health is failing him,” said Makunike, a former centreback and centre attacker for Sparrows Thabani and Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter