The Sunday News
Zenzo Moyo, Guest Writer
The day of the dark cloud (10/08/21)
AN unusual cold morning on 10 August greeted my sad to be day. I cannot say that I had lost hope, but the last time I checked on you and stood by your bedside at Mater Dei Hospital, I had felt some cold sweat mounting down my spine.
My fears were confirmed by a call from Roy (uncle) at 8 am telling me that you had heeded the call from the Almighty and I was wanted at the hospital immediately. With a heavy heart I picked up my car keys and drove to Mater Dei. I thank the Lord for I do not even know how I got there in the first place. I found umama umaNdlovu, Gugu, Roy, Morris and Ndlovu who hugged me in sorrow as Nyaradzo Funeral Services rolled you up and took you to their parlour. It confirmed that you were indeed gone. I had to gather the courage and strength for the sake of the women who needed much more comfort than me.
Condolence messages
As the news of your death slowly broke, my phone was abuzz with calls, some people consoling me and some seeking confirmation. After talking to a few close friends, I decided to switch off my phone as I needed time on my own. Each time I switched on the phone, I would find lots of messages.
This confirmed to that the status I always gave you of a great man was befitting. The weather on the day was a sign that a hero had fallen. Even on the day of your burial the chilly breeze could not spare us. Some elderly people compared this day to the day Father Joshua Nkomo, Umdala Wethu passed on. They said the weather was as significant. Condolence messages kept on pouring the whole week as we held several meetings in preparation of your burial.
My brothers, the Class of 1998
The unity that you preached in the dressing room, training and in life in general was evidenced by the guys’ attendance and commitment from day one at home in Njube until the last day when we carried your cascade to your final resting place. All the guys testified how you had touched their hearts and influenced their lives as a leader in football and a father in life. Some like Blessing Gumiso travelled from as far as South Africa while Joel Luphahla travelled from Harare.
All these guys were readily available during the whole process. Thank you my dear brothers for the unity of purpose. But to Maphepha, for the first time, you were evidently missing this time around. I do not remember any funeral of a footballer in Bulawayo where you were not involved either as chairman of the organising committee or as the director of ceremonies.
I remember the many occasions to bid farewell to former footballers, among them Willard Khumalo, Barry Daka and recently Richard Choruma, you played a key role. You were known for running around and organising even wedding ceremonies for friends and relatives.
The final send off
On your last day, the weather, as alluded to earlier, called for a gentleman’s wardrobe and that is what you were. Speaker after speaker described you as a man of great qualities in leadership and community activities. The city of Bulawayo gave you a Civic honour as they granted you a place at the Lady Stanley Cemetery. The people of Bulawayo came in large numbers to bid you farewell.
Your funeral proceedings went as per your wishes and plans as you always had time to reflect on this eventuality. You were honoured by the family and friends who adhered to your wishes. Your last lap at Barbourfields Stadium as signified by the bouncing of the ball by your son Bongani marked your final departure from football, (till death do us part).
Acknowledgments
As I pen off, it is befitting to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the following institutions and individuals that worked hand in glove with us and family in the whole process.
Zimbabwe National Army Commander One Brigade for providing the catering team and all the utensils used on the burial day.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province for providing security personnel and escort for the road show and funeral procession on the final day.
City of Bulawayo for providing the Amphitheatre for the service and the Civic Honour given to you.
St Pius Parish, Father Ngwenya who had been with you during your spiritual journey and even made the parish a home for all of us when we celebrated you up until you were laid to rest.
Bulawayo City Football Club chairman Jerry Sibanda who provided a full beast for feeding people at the funeral from his own farm.
I also acknowledge and appreciate the presence of senior political leaders led by the Bulawayo Metropolitan Minister Judith Ncube, Honourable Omega Sibanda, Honourable Gift Banda, Rtd Colonel Tshinga Dube and senior government and city council officials led by Mayor Solomon Mguni.
I would also like to thank Highlanders Football Club officials, chairman Johnfat Sibanda, treasurer Donald Ndebele and Committee member Mgcini Mafu who attended the funeral processes from day one until the end. And all players and former players, and coaches who took their time to bid you farewell. I also want to thank all groups and individuals that donated in cash and in kind towards the bereavement.
Special thanks to the following who appreciated that you had a life outside home and accommodated us to participate in laying you to rest. They were in the following committees which worked tirelessly the whole week; programme committee, security, finance, media, catering, transport and decoration.
Lessons learnt
The void that you have left will be difficult to fill, your shoes were just too big. Football will never be the same without you Pepex. You were readily available for football even in the deep dusty villages and never behaved or bragged about your successes. You never acted as if society owed you, instead you were humble and ready to assist.
You were not even shy to consult when you were in doubt. Bantu Rovers, Bulawayo City and rural tournaments can testify that you were ever ready to assist despite the fame and previous success. These are lessons to all of us who bothered to learn from you.
I will honour you by keeping all that you said to me, njengokuthi “leyi yimfa layo”, lami ngizakufa layo. Your favourite sentiments were “Those who know; You can not keep a good man down.”
We need to accept that the Lord has called you as per his will. Who are we to stand between you and your God? He knows your destiny. I will be part of the family as always as per your wishes.
Rest in peace, my hero, my mentor, my warrior. Tshindi Tshindi, Zibotoboto, Chief Mazibeka, Pepex, Maphepha.
The writer, Zenzo Moyo is a former Highlanders and national team player.
