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Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA have expressed their condolences following the passing on of one of the country’s longest football administrators, Austin Brian Chishanga.
Chishanga was former Midlands chairperson. He served in that role for 20 years.
ZIFA in a statement said Chishanga, fondly known as the “Archibishop of Football”, served with great distinction.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have learnt with great sadness about the passing on of the former ZIFA Midlands Province Chairperson.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Chishanga family, the football fraternity at large as well as the loved ones of the late Mr Chishanga.
“Fondly known as “Archbishop of Football” in the circles of football in the Midlands Province, Chishanga served the association with great distinction for over three decades.
“He was one of the longest serving ZIFA councillors, having begun his journey as a football administrator when he joined ZIFA as chairman for Mashonaland West Province in 1987.
“In 1998, he assumed the chairmanship of the Midlands Province after his elevation from the vice-chairman to the top office until September 2018.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the departed.
“May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” wrote ZIFA.
In 2018, Chishanga pulled out of the race for re-election as ZIFA Midlands chairman at the last minute after his former secretary, Pervious Mathe, had challenged him.
Chishanga flirtation with the game’s administration started at club level in 1981 after he joined ZIFA as the chairman of Mashonaland West in 1987.
His tenure at ZIFA was briefly halted for three years when he lost re-election for a second term as Mashonaland West chairman to former Zimpapers chief executive Justin Mutasa in the early 1990s.
He moved to Midlands and became vice-chairman in the mid-90s before being elevated to chairman in 1998, a post he held until 2018.
Chishanga travelled with national teams and clubs for international trips outside the country as the head of the delegation.
Meanwhile, the Shaya family was plunged into mourning following the passing of late George “Mastermind” Shaya’s younger brother Albert.
Exactly a year after the five-time Soccer Star of the Year passed on, his younger brother died on Sunday.
Albert was one of the six boys in George’s family. And George once said in an interview that Albert liked golf while the other brother Oliver only played football up to Zone Level 1. George’s son Stanley only played during his school days.
The late Dynamos legend was honoured posthumously by Sakunda Holdings when his wife Agness was presented with a fully furnished house in the gated community of Madokero Estates worth US$120 000.
Online Reporter