Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
INYATHI Mission was alive with emotion this morning as the football family, community members and those whose lives he touched gathered for the memorial and tombstone unveiling of the late Ndumiso Gumede, the colourful football administrator who passed away in 2021.
At the heart of the crowd was Seluleko Mathe, a Form Four pupil at Concepts Academy, who is one of many underprivileged children whose school fees were paid through Gumede’s education project, launched years before his death.
“I am here to honour a man who gave me hope and a future,” she said.
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa was filled with football heavyweights, former Inyathi pupils, and locals celebrating Gumede’s legacy as an administrator, teacher, actor and socialite.
From Highlanders came former CEO Nhlanhla Dube, team manager Vezigama Dlodlo, board member Peter Dube, chairman Luke Mnkandla and club legend Lawrence Phiri. Also present were former Zifa and Zimbabwe Saints boss Vincent Pamire and ex-Railstars chairman Ntando Gumede.
Gumede is remembered for his wit, flamboyance and bold leadership, credited with driving progress at both Highlanders and Zifa.
“He was larger than life. Football was in his blood,” said one mourner.
