ZIFA and the Premier Soccer League have paid tribute to the former Warriors legend Rahman Gumbo who died on Friday night after a short illness.
Gumbo was a key member of the famous Dream Team under the late German coach Reinhard Fabisch in the 90s.
"I'm deeply saddened by the passing on of Rahman 'Rush' Gumbo,” said the Zifa normalisation committee chairperson, Lincoln Mutasa. “Honestly, as a country we have lost a legend.”
“My condolences go to his family, friends, the football family and the many clubs he served in both capacities as a player and coach. The nation has lost a legend who wore the national team colours and represented Zimbabwe with distinction. After his playing career he became a coach and won many trophies with the different teams he coached, both in the country and in the region. I pray that the Lord comforts the Gumbo family during this difficult period and consoles them in the knowledge that he was a gift to the nation who contributed immensely to football and left so many happy memories in all of us. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
PSL chairman Farai Jere said Gumbo was a football ambassador.
“A dark cloud hovers over Zimbabwe following the death of football legend Rahman Gumbo,” Jere said.
“As humble as he was talented, Gumbo left it all on the pitch, in defence of the national flag, during his days in the engine room of the famous Dream Team and later from the Warriors technical bench. He also imparted football nuggets at club level as coach at his boyhood club Highlanders as well as at clubs such as FC Platinum, Chicken Inn and Caps United among others.
“Rush, as Gumbo was fondly known, also had successful stints beyond Zimbabwean borders. He always put football first, spread the gospel of the game wherever he went and served the game well until his untimely death. It won’t be misplaced to describe him as a football envoy, an ambassador of the beautiful game and above all a very good man. Well played Rahman Gumbo. Our game is poorer without you.”
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The last club he coached in Botswana Morupule Wanderers also paid their respects to Gumbo’s family.
“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing on of coach Mr Rahman Gumbo. He passed on yesterday (Friday) evening at Francistown Academic Hospital after a short illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr Gumbo, his loved ones and the entire football family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said club spokesperson Thabo Rapula.
Mourners are gathered at Number 13 Lendy Road in North End, Bulawayo as the family awaits Gumbo’s body to be repatriated from Botswana.
He won the league title with Highlanders and went on to coach Caps United.
Gumbo also coached the national team having been an assistant to Sunday Chidzambga.
