dyton mupawaenda
Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Warriors, Dynamos and Gunners striker Norman Maroto.
Maroto died at the Avenues Clinic in Harare early yesterday after a short illness.
He was 41.
His brother Doit told Zimpapers Sport that Maroto had been battling a flu bout for about a week.
“We are saddened as a family. Norman was complaining of some flu for about a week. On Wednesday, I took him to a doctor where he was attended to,” said Doit.
“But in the night, he was vomiting complaining that his condition was getting worse.
“He was stable though and everything looked fine until we noticed that he wasn’t eating well.
“We then took him to the Avenues yesterday afternoon (on Thursday).”
He said the ex-striker, who was the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe Communications Officer at the time of his death, watched the Warriors Cosafa opener against Comoros at the hospital reception before he was admitted.
“He was in his usual jovial mood though not well as he was not eating.
“We watched the match together and he was saying the Warriors would win the game even when it looked unlikely in the opening half.
“He was taking down some notes saying he wanted to use them for his analysis as he always did. Little did we know he was actually saying goodbye.’’
Zimbabwe eventually won the match 1-0 and Maroto is said to have celebrated before he was then admitted at the medical institution late on. He would reportedly pass away at around 1.30am yesterday.
And condolence messages poured from everywhere for the last man to score more than 20 goals in a single domestic Premiership season.
He achieved the feat in 2009 when hitting the back of the net 22 times to help Gunners win the league title.
The Premier Soccer League yesterday said clubs will this weekend pay tribute to Maroto by observing a minute of silence before kick off ,while wearing black armbands.
“This serves to advise that the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will be observing a moment of silence during Matchday 17 fixtures scheduled for 29 to 30 June 2024 in honour of the football legend, Norman Maroto.
“PSL clubs are requested to participate in this tribute by wearing black armbands during their weekend matches,” wrote PSL communications and media liaison manager officer, Kudzai Bare.
ZIFA led with the condolence messages and said Maroto had left a huge void in the local football landscape.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Norman Maroto, a cherished member of the Zimbabwe football family.
“Norman’s contribution to Zimbabwean football was immense and profound,” said ZIFA in a statement.
“As a player, he graced the pitch with exceptional talent, earning admiration and respect from fans and peers alike. His transition into a football administrator further showcased his dedication to the sport, and his work with the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) was marked by a steadfast commitment to the welfare of players and the growth of football in our nation.”
Maroto rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a member of the revered Dynamos Kidznet project under Moses Chunga.
Playing alongside equally talented players like Eddie Mashiri, Samson Choruwa, Nyasha Chazika, Andrew Chifamba and Tapfumanei Gweshe (both late), Trymore Mtisi as well as Cephas Chimedza among others, Maroto showed some huge promise and potential leading the attack for DeMbare.
And DeMbare expressed their shock in a statement.
“Dynamos Football Club is poorer this morning (yesterday) following the sudden passing on of former striker Norman Maroto.
“We join the Maroto family, the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe and the entire football fraternity in mourning the untimely departure of one of the rare and finest strikers from our midst,” read the statement.
“Norman was a phenomenal gunslinger who left an indelible footprint on the Zimbabwean football landscape.
“May the Maroto family be comforted during this difficult period.”
Premiership heavyweights Highlanders also passed their condolence message.
“We at Highlanders Football Club are profoundly saddened by the devastating news of the passing of the former Dynamos and Gunners Striker, Norman Maroto.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. Norman Maroto’s contributions to the game will always be remembered, and his absence will be deeply felt in the football community.
“Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his loved ones during this difficult and sorrowful time.”
Friends of the Warriors said Maroto’s selfless service to the game ought to inspire others.
“Maroto was taken in the prime of life at a time he was ploughing back to the game he served with passion through championing the cause of fellow footballers. His passion for football is unparalleled and his legacy will forever be cherished,” read the statement.
“A selfless sportsman, Maroto epitomised a real Warrior and his contributions at the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe where he served were a real testament of his undying passion for Zimbabwe football. It’s sad he leaves at a time the game of football in the country is going through turbulent times. During his playing days, Maroto charmed many supporters with his dribbling skills.
“As fans, we pray that those who worked with him will fight hard to fulfil his wishes, those of seeing Zimbabwe football progress forward.”
All football clubs in top-flight and lower divisions, men’s and women’s relayed their condolences as well.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 2360, Tynwald South in Harare.
Burial arrangements for Maroto who was the first born in a family of five (three boys and two girls) were yet to be finalised by late yesterday.
Online Reporter