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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
TRIANGLE United coach Taurai Mangwiro is struggling to deal with the death of his vice-captain and goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu after being informed of the tragic news on Sunday evening.

Mudimu (33) reportedly died at around 8PM on Sunday, a few hours after his Lowveld side had registered an impressive 1-0 win over Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gibbo Stadium.

Mudimu had been bed-ridden after suffering a cerebral stroke a month ago.

A cerebral stroke is an interruption or reduction in the supply of blood to the brain.

This lack of supply results in lack of oxygen or nutrients to the brain and leads to dying of brain cells. Blood flow could also be affected as a result of a ruptured artery to the brain or blockage.

Before stroking, Mudimu had contracted Covid-19, which he recovered from.
Mangwiro has been left devastated by the death of one of his trusted players.

“He was one of the team’s longest serving players after joining in 2013. We have lost one of the most talented, focused and dedicated players at Triangle FC. I cannot recall any day that he missed a training session,” said Mangwiro.

“Since joining Triangle in 2017, I had always turned to him when the chips were down and he delivered. His departure is a great loss to the team. He had been unwell for a long time and eventually lost his battle on Sunday, we will not forget his contributions to the success of this team.

During our Caf Confederation Cup run in 2019, he was our man in all the six games and he did us proud.”

Condolence messages have been pouring in on social media from friends, colleagues and acquaintances following the sad news.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Mudimu and Triangle United FC family following the untimely passing of seasoned player Ronald Mudimu. We pray for comfort and strength during this difficult time,” said the PSL in a statement.

“RIP Ronald Mudimu, our vice-captain, our goalkeeper, one of our senior players. With you we won a lot, NetOne One Wallet Cup and Chibuku Super Cup. We played in the Caf Confederation Cup; we enjoyed the African Safari.

Instead of celebrating our victory over Dynamos, we are now in tears,” tweeted Triangle United.

The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (Fuz) said: “A dark cloud has covered the football family. It is with great sadness that we learn of the sad passing of Triangle FC goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu.

We convey our sincere sympathy to the family, Fuz members, friends and the nation at large. We hope our words of solidarity will bring strength and peace to the Mudimus in this time of bereavement.”

Before joining Triangle, Mudimu also played for Caps United and was part of the Motor Action championship-winning squad in 2010. He also featured for the national Under-17 and Under-20 teams in the mid-2000s. — @innocentskizoe