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Langton Nyakwenda
VETERAN football administrator and Highlanders president, Ndumiso “Yours Truly” Gumede, has described the death of the legendary Barry Daka as a sad chapter in Zimbabwean football.
Daka, a former Highlanders coach and a junior football development expert, died in Bulawayo Thursday morning at the age of 71.
He was still actively involved in football at Bulawayo City where he worked with the club’s juniors at the time of his death.
Condolences continued to pour from the football fraternity Thursday afternoon, with former ZIFA vice president, Gumede, describing Daka’s death as a huge loss.
“Sad indeed. He (Daka) played for Highlanders, coached Highlanders and also worked in Botswana where he coached a number of teams,” moaned Gumede.
Daka’s first stint as Bosso coach was back in 1986 when he took over from Bobby Clarke and went on to win the Independence Cup, Chibuku Trophy, Rothmans Shield and Natbrew Cup.
Former Dynamos captain, Memory “Mwendamberi” Mucherahowa, used FaceBook to moan Daka, who has also been described by some as a moving library.
“He was one of the top, top coaches in the history of Zimbabwe,” said Mucherahowa.
“Rest in peace Barry Daka. My condolences to the Daka family, Highlanders and the football fraternity,” he said.
Former Zimbabwe Saints player and goalkeepers’ coach, Albert Mafemba, thinks Daka should have written a book “because to me that gentleman was a moving football library.”
“Barry Daka was not only one of the best footballers and coaches to emerge from Bulawayo but a great leader who inspired most of us as young footballers.
“It is not only the Daka and Highlanders families that have lost a legend but the whole football fraternity has lost in a big way.”
A staunch Highlanders supporter, Clifford Moyo, said: “Daka made Highlanders to be a force to reckon with, winning a lot of accolades during his tenure at Bosso.”
The late Daka, who also coached Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Ecco City Greens and Nontwane in Botswana, has also been moaned in that country with many saying he was a great coach who produced great players.
Online Reporter