Sharara pays tribute to Mandigora

Sport
DYNAMOS legend July Sharara has described the late David “Yogi” Mandigora  as the most steady, selfless and passionate player among the Glamour Boys crop of players of the early 80s.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

DYNAMOS legend July Sharara has described the late David “Yogi” Mandigora  as the most steady, selfless and passionate player among the Glamour Boys crop of players of the early 80s.

Sharara played alongside Mandigora starting 1980 at the Harare giants then under the stewardship of Shepherd Murape.

From then, the two became close friends until the time of Yogi’s death on Saturday after a long illness.

“When I joined Dynamos from Blacks Aces in 1980, David was one of the players that welcomed me very well into the team alongside his friend Oliver Kateya. We were good buddies,” Sharara said.

“He was such a good and selfless person who was always eager to help other players settle in the team and most of all his soft nature and calmness helped us all be one group.

“His closest friend was the late Oliver Kateya at the club, the two had an amazing bond, but when we went for national duty, I used to be his roommate.

“I have a lot of memories together, but I particularly remember in 1980, the year he helped me settle at such a big institution and how he used to be a pillar in the team during our matches against Caps United.

“What touched my heart is his selflessness and composure which helped us to feel comfortable.”

Before his death, the DeMbare icon had been battling ill-health since 2017 when his right leg was amputated.

The amputation of his right leg was the turning point of his active involvement in the local game.

His efforts in recent times were mainly aimed at helping other yesteryear players uplift themselves from the jaws of poverty.

“It’s sad that his mission is now impossible to complete because he is no more. He wanted all other legends to be uplifted and helped. We will have to carry it on for his sake.

“What he wanted was a programme for yesteryear players to be involved in active player identification at rural and grassroot levels.

“But at the time of his death, nothing really had been achieved except for the efforts that have been made to help George Shaya and his family,” Sharara added.

Mandigora will be remembered for his impressive exploits in the 2008 Champions League when he helped DeMbare to reach the semifinals.

Mandingora helped Dynamos end a 10-year wait for a league title, leading them to the championship in 2007.

He also served at national level as the Warriors assistant coach to Ammando Ferreira, Charles Mhlauri and Rahman Gumbo.

  • Follow Terry on Twitter @madyautatpm

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