Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Football Association on Thursday described the late Wieslaw Grabowski as a man who contributed much to the development of the game.
Grabowski died in his native Poland on Wednesday evening after a period of illness.
He was 70.
Grabowski arrived in Zimbabwe under a government exchange programme in 1985 and established himself as one of the country’s leading football development coaches.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association joins the entire football family in mourning the passing of legendary coach and football educator Wieslaw Grabowski, whose immense contribution to the development of Zimbabwean football will be remembered for generations,” said ZIFA.
Grabowski guided the Zimbabwe Under-23 side to a silver medal at the 1995 All-Africa Games in Harare before briefly taking charge of the Warriors in 2002.
His greatest impact was in talent identification and development through Darryn T, where he nurtured players such as Norman Mapeza, Lloyd Chitembwe, Edelbert Dinha, Gift Muzadzi, Alois Bunjira and Stewart Murisa.
Grabowski also guided Darryn T to the 1992 Castle Cup following a 4-0 victory over CAPS United in the final.
He later facilitated European moves for several Zimbabwean players, including Shingi Kawondera, Dickson Choto, Costa Nhamoinesu, Takesure Chinyama and Musareka Jenitala.
“His passion for identifying and developing young players, coupled with his dedication to advancing coaching standards, left an indelible mark on the game,” said ZIFA.
“Zimbabwean football has lost a true pioneer, mentor and servant of the game. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches and football administrators.”
