ZRP Morris player Chakanyuka dies

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZRP MORRIS left-back Nyasha Chakanyuka collapsed and died during yesterday’s morning training session of the Northern Region Division One soccer side at Morris Depot grounds.

The player was part of the team for the past four years and had become a regular in the John “Toto” Ncube-coached side.

Chakanyuka was part of the team that travelled to Kariba where they faced Lake Harvest last weekend where he showed no signs of being sick and played the full 90 minutes.

The player had no history of any medical complications according to sources within the team and looked well but he just collapsed during the morning work-out.

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba yesterday confirmed the tragedy and said it was a sad loss to both the force and the soccer team.

“I can confirm that Chakanyuka, aged 28 and a member of the Police Force, died today (yesterday) at around 9am during a football training session.

“Chakanyuka is reported to have arrived at the training ground as usual and had five rounds of practice before he complained that he was not fit and was feeling tired. It was soon after that he collapsed and was rushed to the camp hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“He is survived by wife and three children and we are awaiting for his post mortem as it is a sudden death,” said Charamba.

Chakanyuka was attested into the police force on September 17, 2012 and burial arrangements are yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Division One soccer league will begin this weekend with several matches lined up while the Northern, Central and Southern Regions play their week three and two fixtures respectively.