admin
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
ZIFA have joined the nation in mourning Bosso legend, Ernest Sibanda, who also had a stint as Warriors team manager, following his death in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Affectionately known as “Maphepha,” Sibanda won four league titles, as Highlanders team manager.
He also won the championship, in his final stint, as the club chairman.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association has learnt with great consternation of the passing of legend and administrator-par-excellence, Enerst “Maphepha’ Sibanda,’’ ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, said in a statement.
“Sibanda was a colourful player who starred for both Highlanders and CAPS United.
“He was always a cheerful, great, and hardworking leader, who executed his managerial duties with distinction.
“Winning four consecutive championships as a team manager, and one as an executive chairman of a big institution like Highlanders Football Club, is clear testimony of his great abilities, as a football leader.
“He was a great team manager of the Warriors who qualified for the 2006 CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals hosted by Egypt.
“Sibanda had a soft spot for young talent, hence many young players found it easy to work with him, both at the national team and at Highlanders.
“He was a darling of fans, from across the Battle of Zimbabwe divide, because he believed in sportsmanship and that foes on the pitch must celebrate together after the match.
“It is saddening that we continue to lose legends at a time that Zimbabwean football needs all its legends to join hands, and contribute to the growth and development, of the beautiful game.’’
The National Darts Association of Zimbabwe have also passed their condolences to the Sibanda family.
Sibanda succumbed to diabetes at Mater Dei Hospital.
He was also a very good darts player.
“Perplex, as we used to call him, was a great administrator in sport, including darts.
“He was a committee member for the Bulawayo Metropolitan province Darts Association in the current executive.
“He was a darts player, and club chairman of Archers Darts Club, which has been representing Bulawayo in the annual club Champions of Champions darts tournament.’’
Sibanda leaves behind seven children, five girls and two boys.
Online Reporter