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The late Denver Chidhindi

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
FORMER Zimbabwe Sevens Under-20 flyhalf Denver Chidhindi has died.

He was 25.

Chidhindi, who also turned out for Inter–City Rugby League side Gweru Sports Club, passed away in South Africa on Monday after suffering epileptic seizures.

He was based in the neighbouring country where he was studying for a diploma in sports management at the University of Pretoria and turning out for the university’s rugby outfit, Tuks.

Denver’s uncle and family spokesperson Dr Joseph Chidhindi expressed shock at the death of his nephew, saying the family had lost a unifier.

“We are at a loss for words following the untimely passing away of Denver who, despite his young age, was a unifier in the family. At the moment we are finalising burial arrangements and hope all will be sorted out by Thursday. We hope burial will be in Masvingo or in Gweru where he grew up,” said Dr Chidhindi.

Gweru Sports Club chairman Charles Gwanzura said rugby had lost a young talent who had so much to give to the game and the sports movement in general.

“It is a big loss to rugby and sport in Zimbabwe as a whole. Here was a young man, who was passionate about his game. I played alongside him when he broke into the Gweru Sports Club side. He managed to command a first team jersey despite his age,” said Gwanzura.

“It is no surprise that he was constantly called to the Spar Invitational Tour Sevens Developmental side where he acquitted himself well. We had hoped that he would use sports management skills he would have acquired from South Africa to develop the game back home.”

Denver did his primary schooling at Cecil John Rhodes School in Gweru before enrolling at Churchill High School in Harare for his secondary education where he was a vital cog in the renowned Churchill Bulldogs’ rugby side.

He then left the capital after completing high school and returned home where he joined Gweru Sports Club before leaving for South Africa.

@lavuzigara1