FORMER Warriors and Dynamos striker Norman Maroto, who died last week, was buried at his rural homestead in Mugugu village, Guruve, yesterday.
He received a big send-off from former players, current administrators, coaches and fans.
Mourners included, among others, former Zifa normalisation committee executive member Rose Mugadza, Dynamos club chairperson Moses Maunganidze, Footballers Union of Zimbabwe president and friend Desmond Maringwa as well as the organisation’s vice-president Hebert Dick.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe, Simba Bhora mentor Tonderai Ndiraya and former ZPC Kariba coach Newsome Mutema were also present.
The Premier Soccer League was represented by Elisha Mandirewa and Rodwell Thabe.
Top cheer leaders, including Chris "Romario" Musekiwa, also travelled for the burial from Harare.
Maunganidze expressed sadness at Maroto’s death and chronicled how the former striker had planned for a future after football.
“Before I came to Dynamos, when we were just sponsors during his playing time, Norman had already looked to the future and enrolled for a computers course,” Maunganidze said.
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“He came to my organisation and I gave him an attachment place. He said after his playing time is over, he would want to go into administration.”
Maroto won the league title with Gunners in a season, where he breached the 20 goal mark.
No player has managed the feat since then.
Maunganidze said Maroto would be remembered for his contribution at Dynamos.
“He had a bright future ahead of him, but unfortunately, he has left us. I have my team from Dynamos with me here, we have lost one of our own,” Maunganidze said.
“If you play for Dynamos, you will always be talked about whether you are good or not. If you are good and even if you play for other teams, you will always be linked with Dynamos.
“On my way here, as I was looking for directions, I met a guy who accompanied us here and in a short space of time, he told me a lot about Norman. Norman used to sponsor football here in his rural home and help players to go and play in Guruve.”
Musekiwa also paid tribute to Maroto for helping bring joy to DeMbare in his playing days.
Maroto died in a private hospital after a short illness having complained of flue like symptoms.
His condition rapidly deteriorated before he sadly passed on.
