mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
YESTERDAY, the local community came together to pay their last respects to Madodana ‘Horsepower’ Tshabangu, a true football hero who passed away in South Africa on December 23.
He died at the age of 67 and left behind his widow Angeline, sons Maradona, Platini and Ronaldo and daughter Zinini Serena.
Tshabangu was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery, following a funeral service at Desert Ground in Njube.
The funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including active and former players, coaches and community leaders.
The service was a celebration of Tshabangu’s life, with stories, songs and tears shared by all who knew him.
Tshabangu was a dedicated mentor who spent his life promoting football and inspiring young people in the community.
For a decade, he was a fixture on local football pitches playing for various teams. His passion, expertise, and humility earned him the respect and admiration of everyone he met.
After retiring he became a junior league referee and organiser of some of the most talked about social soccer events dubbed, “The Horsepower Tournament.”
Tshabangu’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive playing and refereeing career. He was a true community champion who worked tirelessly to promote football as a source of recreation and employment.
He organised countless tournaments, always putting the needs of others before his own. Maradona pledged to continue his father’s legacy, saying, “His legacy will continue. I know his memory will continue to inspire me and others to make a positive difference in our community.”
Football legend Douglas Mloyi described Tshabangu’s death as a great loss, saying, “We are really saddened. We would like to encourage the family to be strong, and if there is anything we can help with, the door is always open for counsel.”
Patrick Zibusiso Changunda, who played against Tshabangu in the Rhodesia days, shared some of his memories of the late football hero.
“He had long legs and wouldn’t slide; he would just hook the ball away from the opponent with his long legs. He was a defender who loved overlapping a lot. Above all, he was a hard worker,” said Changunda.
Coaches and players who worked with Tshabangu also paid tribute to his legacy.
Joseph Nkomazana, the acting provincial chairman for the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association, said, “He was an inspiration to us all. He taught us not just about football, but about life, discipline and respect. We will miss him dearly.”
Xolani “Skweya” Nkundlande, a football coach, said, “I had the privilege of working alongside him on numerous occasions, and I can honestly say that he was one of the most passionate, dedicated and selfless individuals I have ever met.”
Morris Mukwiti, another coach, expressed his gratitude to Tshabangu.
“As a coach, I had the opportunity to learn from him, and I have seen first-hand the impact he’s had on countless young lives. His ability to inspire, motivate and nurture young talent was truly remarkable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Mukwiti.
A former Bulawayo Rockets, Contex, Meikles and Gweru United centreback came into recognition in 1997 when he convinced the late Nhamo Rusamo to sponsor the inaugural Horsepower tournament which featured teams from the Western Suburbs.
For years it was a popular end-of-season get-together for the Bulawayo football-loving community and many players including Benjani Mwaruwari got exposure from the tournament and were snapped up by clubs.
Tshabangu’s impact on the community will never be forgotten. He was a true legend of the game, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and community leaders.
Others who attended the funeral from the football family were former players Dumisani Nyoni, Sam Sibanda, Colsen Mabeza, Melusi Sibanda, Gift Lunga (Jnr), Andrew Sidambe, Goodson Gama, administrators Oscar Mazhambe, Highlanders board member Peter Dube and, aspiring Zifa board member candidate Sibekiwe Ndlovu.
Some of his social soccer league refereeing colleagues also attended the funeral.
-@innocentskizo
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
