CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU – Former Warriors defender Tapiwa “Zheveti” Khumbuyani who died at his home in Ascot was buried on Wednesday at Mtapa Cemetery with hundreds in attendance.
Speaker after speaker who included former players, fans and administrators described Kumbuyani as a disciplined footballer who left an indelible mark where ever he played.
His father Haisa Khumbuyani said his family had lost a breadwinner they relied on for almost everything.
Haisa Khumbuyani thanked the football community for the support given Tapiwa during the time he was not well.
Footballers Union of Zimbabwe president Desmond Maringwa said Khumbuyani was a legend he knew from his youthful days.
“I knew him when he was young from my discussions with Maxwell Dube, who told me how talented he was.
“His death is sad and came as a shock. I never thought we would bury him as he was a major part of the revolution in terms of his way of playing and leadership qualities he exhibited on and off the pitch,” he said.
Maringwa said the fact that Khumbuyani was at one time captain of Caps United, How Mine and Monomotapa showed his character as a leader.
Caps United Gweru supporters association chairperson Norest Dzivakwe said they were saddened by the passing away of their former captain.
“We will always remember the times he was at Caps United between 2012 and 2013, where he also became captain.
“He was a dedicated, disciplined and talented player and that is why it was easy for him to become captain for a club based in Harare when he was originally from Gweru.
“He is our legend who managed to carry the armband with distinction, being able to respect the club’s leadership and worked towards the development of the game,” Dzivakwe said.
Former teammate at Caps United Blessing Zabula said Khumbuyani treated him as a brother when he arrived at Caps United.
“He is the person who welcomed me when I moved to Caps United and even
The Premier Soccer League also expressed sorrow over Kumbuyani’s untimely passing. It said in a statement:
“Kumbuyani was not just a player, he was an embodiment of talent, passion, and sportsmanship. His contributions to the sport and our league will forever be cherished.”
Air Force of Zimbabwe side Chapungu, where Tapiwa started his illustrious career as a professional footballer said they will always cherish his outstanding contribution as a player, captain, and ambassador par excellence who raised the Chapungu FC flag high at national team level.
Khumbuyani who retired from playing football in 2019 was capped seven times by the senior national team the Warriors.
Khumbuyani, who played for several Castle Lager Premier Soccer League sides that include Caps United, Chapungu FC, Masvingo United, How Mine and Bantu Rovers among others died of liver complications.
