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Washington Chimhanda

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA Bulawayo provincial chairman Washington Chimanda collapsed and died while waiting to be served at a microfinance lending institution at Parkade Centre building in the city centre. He was 54. According to Zifa Southern Region board member Bryton Malandule, who arrived moments after the tragic incident, Chimanda, a senior teacher at Emakhandeni Primary School, initially complained that he was not feeling well while in the queue.

“I’m told seconds after complaining of dizziness, he collapsed and an ambulance was called but the crew certified him dead on the scene. Police were then called and they took the body to Bulawayo Central Police Station before calling his wife Susan,” said Malandule.

The wife, who could not believe her husband was dead, requested for a second opinion.

She was then accompanied to the United Bulawayo Hospitals by Malandule, Zifa administrator Augustine Ndlovu and the Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda. They were later joined by the Zifa Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza.

At the hospital, a second doctor further examined Chimanda and confirmed he was dead.

Chimanda came into football administration in the 1990s when he was a provincial treasurer. He became the Zifa Bulawayo province secretary in 2002, a post he held until 2014 when he defeated Horace Ndubiwa to take over the chairmanship.

Mandaza said he was still in a state of shock.

“For now you’ll forgive me really because I’m still trying to grasp what has befallen us, I’m shocked, very shocked indeed,” said Mandaza.

Commenting on behalf of the national association, Sibanda said football has once again lost a dedicated person.

“Its a tragedy, I happen to have been among the first people here and its just unbelievable. My condolences to the family,” said Sibanda.

According to Chimanda’s son Vusa, his father had been battling a heart problem for some time.

Chimanda is survived by wife Susan and two children, Tapiwa, 27 and Vusa, 20.

Mourners are gathered at 8998 Cowdray Park suburb.