THE family of Warriors’ legend Rahman Gumbo, who died on Friday night, awaits the repatriation of his body back to Zimbabwe before making any announcements on the way forward regarding funeral and burial arrangements.
Gumbo (59) was sacked a few days ago at Morupule Wanderers in Botswana before he succumbed to a yet-to-be disclosed ailment.
His uncle and family spokesperson Zeblon Mhlanga yesterday confirmed that Gumbo died on Friday night, but they were not yet aware of the cause of his death.
“For now there is not much that we can say. We are expecting to hear from the people who were with him when all this happened. He was with his wife and his first born son. Maybe later in the afternoon (yesterday) we might get some information. What I can confirm is that he has died and we are told that he collapsed at his home in Palapye and was taken to a hospital in Francistown where he later died around 9-10pm,” Mhlanga said.
Close associate and former Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda was at pains to speak on Gumbo’s death.
“It is really devastating. I can’t believe it. I did everything in football with Rahman and he just went like that. It’s sad that we have people who are breaking news about what killed Rahman yet they don’t know anything. Rahman’s family deserves respect. We need to respect the family. Let us give them space to mourn Rahman,” Sibanda said.
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Highlanders’ legend Cosmas Zulu said he was not ready to speak as he was in pain.
The local football governing body Zifa yesterday released a statement in moaning of the former Warriors player and coach.
"The Zimbabwe Football Association is deeply saddened by the passing on of former Warriors player and coach, Rahman Gumbo. We convey our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those whose lives have been left poorer by the departure of Gumbo," Zifa said.
"Zimbabwean football has lost a great servant who, from his days as a player, to the many years he was a coach, selflessly worked towards development of the game, both locally and in the region.
"In this moment of sorrow, we are consoled by the fond memories of his legacy in Zimbabwean football which will forever make him immortal.
"He may be gone, but his impact on Zimbabwean football lives forever."
Gumbo spent most of his playing career at Highlanders after moving from Eagles and was part of the Warriors’ Dream team, which was coached by the late Reinhard Fabisch and scored one of his best goals when the senior national team beat Bafana Bafana 4-1 in 1992.
As a coach, Gumbo won two titles with Highlanders and won championships in Botswana and Malawi.
A former Warriors’ coach in 2005, Gumbo also coached FC Platinum and Caps United, Chicken Inn and TelOne.
In Botswana he coached Gaborone United, Township Rollers, Sua Flamingoes and the latest Moropule Wandererers.
Mourners are gathered at Number 13 Lendy Road in North End, Bulawayo.