ZIFA mourns ‘football servant’ Kadengu

Sports Reporter

THE ZIFA Normalisation Committee has joined the domestic football fraternity in mourning the death of former Mhangura and Zimbabwe Saints player Andrew Kadengu.

The 1978 Soccer Star of the Year runner-up died at Chinhoyi Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 71 years.

He was based in Chinhoyi, where he coached several lower-division sides and was involved in the grooming of coaches as an instructor.

The national association said Kadengu, who also served on the executive committee of the ZIFA Mashonaland West Province, was a committed football servant.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Kadengu family following the passing on of football servant, Andrew Kadengu,” said ZIFA in their condolence message to the family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the departed’s family and friends during this difficult period of grieving.

“A dedicated player in pre-independent Zimbabwe mostly with Zimbabwe Saints and the national team, Kadengu maintained his commitment to the game by acquiring several coaching badges to leave a lasting legacy as a coach educator.

“In recent times, Kadengu also served in the executive committee of the ZIFA Mashonaland West Province. His departure has robbed local football of a man committed to the continued modernisation of local football.

“His relentless pursuit to develop himself for the benefit of others is an inspiration to the association and many others who were privileged to work with him. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said ZIFA in a statement.

Kadengu made his name at Zimbabwe Saints in the 1970s. He also played for Eastlands FC, Mhangura, Alaska and Mutare United.

In his first year at Saints in 1974, Chauya Chikwata won the Nyore Nyore Cup.

They also lifted the Chibuku Trophy, Castle Cup, League and the Southern Zone Championship between 1974 and 1979.

Kadengu, nicknamed Mai Maria by his teammates, was a devout Roman Catholic and was involved in football development in Mashonaland West.