ZIMBABWE Women Football boss Mavis Gumbo says they will dedicate the Mighty Warriors’ encounter against Botswana at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow to the late Warriors striker Adam Ndlovu describing him as “warm and approachable character”. SPORTS REPORTERS
Ndlovu, who died in an accident that also seriously injured his younger brother Peter and killed 24-year-old Nomqhele Tshili, will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo tomorrow, the same day the Mighty Warriors will take on Botswana in a Unity Day Challenge match.
Tshili was laid to rest in Esiphezini, Esigodini, yesterday morning.
Gumbo said: “We have leant with sadness and shock about the death of Adam Ndlovu, one of the country’s football legends.
“Adam, who was popularly called Adamski, was a warm and approachable character who always took time to share his vast football knowledge and experience at any opportunity.
“He will be missed, not only by his family, friends and his club Chicken Inn FC, but by all who came into contact with him and all who watched him play for Highlanders and the Dream Team. We remember him as a giant of Zimbabwean sport who served as a football role model for many players, both male and female.”
Peter underwent surgery on both his legs on Wednesday and is recovering at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo.
“We wish Peter a speedy recovery. Zimbabwe Women Football appreciates Peter’s input towards the development of sport in Zimbabwe,” said Gumbo.
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Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza added: “We have to win this game for our dear brother and friend Adam Ndlovu. He was like a brother to me because we grew up together in Bulawayo and I was very close to his sister Evelyn.
“Adam was a very good person, one person who would always wear a smile on his face. He had a great sense of humour and was a very good listener. I was very devastated by his death. I also wish my brother Peter a speedy recovery. I promise that we will win this match for Adam. Preparations for the match have gone well so far and all the players and the other technical team members want to do it for Adam and Peter.”
Meanwhile, the Female Zebras arrived in the country yesterday, passing through Bulawayo on their way to Harare.
Speaking in an interview with NewsDay Sport, Female Zebras head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang said they were ready for the match.
“We came here prepared for the game and I have brought a strong squad that I will be using even in the future. I brought a young side of girls playing in the under-17s and 20s, but they will be playing under the guidance of a few seniors that are part of the squad,” added the coach.
The prolific Female Zebras striker Thutho Ramafifi, goalkeeper Maitomelo Basija and skipper Bonang Otlhagile are the senior team players that were included in the Young Zebras side to bring some stability to the team.
Nkutlwisang said: “We are playing against a strong opponent and it is going to be a tough game for us, but I believe that this is a game of football and with hard work we can make it. If we play as a unit, then we will win.”
