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Former Highlanders players led by Zenzo Moyo (right), Sydney Zimunya (left) carry Willard Khumalo’s coffin from the funeral parlour to the hearse last night

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
SCORES of mourners from across Zimbabwe are expected to throng McDonald Hall in Mzilikazi this morning to pay their final respects to midfield maestro Willard Mashinkila Khumalo.Khumalo, who died of diabetic complications at the United Bulawayo Hospitals last Sunday, will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery today. Family spokesman Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda said the service at McDonald Hall will start at 8AM, after which the body will be taken to Barbourfields Stadium, the venue that propelled the legendary midfielder into a Bosso cult hero. The Highlanders’ Victoria Falls Supporters’ Association led by Morgan Dube arrived in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon for the burial, while members of the South African Supporters’ Chapter were expected to arrive last night.

Some of Khumalo’s Dream Team and the now defunct Lancashire Steel and Ziscosteel teammates are also expected to bid him farewell.The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa, ministers and other senior government officials are also expected to be among the thousands expected to give Khumalo a hero’s send-off.

A memorial service for Mawii will also be held at Raylton Sports Club in Harare at 10AM today for those that won’t make the trip Bulawayo.“Zimbabwe soccer legend Willard Mashinkila Khumalo will be buried tomorrow (today) in Bulawayo. For those in Harare who won’t make it for the burial, there will be a memorial service for him tomorrow (today) at 10AM at Raylton Sports Club in Harare to say their final goodbyes to the Zimbabwean soccer hero. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” wrote former Warriors’ player Alois Bunjira on his Facebook wall.

Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) yesterday sent its condolence message to the Khumalo family and the nation on the passing away of the football icon.PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele, who is a former Highlanders secretary and chairman, described Khumalo as a valuable, lovable and charismatic football player, coach and friend.“The PSL board of governors, clubs, players and staff have learnt with sadness the passing away of a football legend Willard Mashinkila Khumalo.

The PSL would like to express its most sincere sympathies to the Khumalo family during this difficult time. Willard was a highly valuable, lovable and charismatic football player, coach and friend,” read Ndebele’s statement. “He was a wonderful man, who understood the meaning of the word ‘team’ and was always focused on the good of football than personal benefit. Nduna, as Willard was affectionately known, contributed immensely to the development of football in Zimbabwe. His top-level displays and leadership will forever be remembered. May his dear soul rest in peace.”